It had been two weeks since Eomer's guests had left Edoras, and each day
seemed to pass achingly slowly as the young king awaited news of their safe
return, and hopefully, the arrival of his letter to the princess and news
of her friend's health. In no time at all, he had gotten word of his
sister's arrival at her new home in Ithilien, and her extreme contentment
with her new house.
Each morning he would wake, and with much reluctance, drag himself to morning counsel. His friends had provided a welcome distraction from the responsibilities of kingship, but now they were gone, and he had no excuse not to make it to his meetings and appearances. Eomer did not know if he could live the rest of his life as a king, and be subject to all of this blundering formality and boring counsel.
Part of him was still recovering from the deaths of his cousin and uncle, and being a veteran of The War of the Ring. His sudden rise to power had forced him to be away from his friends, now only commoners and subjects to him. Truly, having Aragorn encouraging him had helped. But now he was gone, back to his own kingdom and his own worries and commitments. It wouldn't look right for the king of Rohan to have the king of Gondor's assurance on every decision he made.
Eomer was glad to have his advisors, but they were getting old, and one day he would have to give orders himself. He just didn't know if he was up to it. There had to be something to give him inspiration and make him want to be king, even if he was still a rider at heart.
Finally, after council one morning, Eomer's guards alerted him the arrival of a Gondorian squire. He rushed down to the gates to meet the young man, eager to hear news-any news-from Dol Amroth.
"Good day, Eomer King. May I have permission to enter your fair city?" The squire asked.
"Yes, of course. You have, no doubt, been riding hard and long and I would ask you to take a day or two of rest here in Edoras for your journey back. Tell me, squire, have you tidings from Dol Amroth?" The squire got off his horse and handed the reigns to a waiting stable boy, before reaching into his pack and handing Eomer a stack of scrolls and envelopes.
"These were all addressed to you. As for tidings from the city by the sea, there is only one letter in there from Dol Amroth, from the Princess Lothiriel. The scrolls, are all from his majesty, King Elessar of Gondor. They are new maps for your study, since he believes yours to be out of date. I am told there is also an invitation for your highness from Queen Arwen. I was not told of the nature of that invitation."
"Thank you. There was no word from Ithilien?" Eomer asked. The young squire, who couldn't be more than seventeen, thought for a moment.
"I was not given anything from Ithilien, nor was I asked to stop there. I am sorry, your highness. Were you expecting something?"
"No, no I wasn't. I suppose Eowyn is a very busy wife, and that no news from her is good news. One of my men will show you to a room, and I will have a few things for you to take back with you." The squire bowed and Eomer nodded his thanks and watched as the young man was led to the barracks. He looked around several times before sprinting back to his study in the palace, more than eager to open his letters.
Laying all of the new deliveries on his bed, Eomer closed his eyes and randomly picked one. It was the invitation from Arwen, quite obviously as it bore her seal and elegant Elvish handwriting. He cut open the seal and smirked as he read the invitation's contents.
Her Highness, Queen Arwen of Gondor and her husband, His Royal Highness King Aragorn Elessar Telcontar have learned that they are to welcome their first child in the spring, and request your presence at a special celebration in honor of this wonderful news.
Eomer made a note of the day and time and laughed out loud. "Aragorn sure didn't waste any time. Though I can't imagine he would, considering how much time he spent away from Arwen. But to be with child on the first try? Not bad indeed. I wonder if I will be made an honorary uncle."
Moving on, Eomer opened the series of maps from Aragorn. They were all brand new, and showed more than just Gondor and Rohan and the west, but all of Middle Earth, both in detail and as large pictures. Eomer stacked them carefully and made a mental note to put them on the walls of his study the following morning. He then turned his attention to Lothiriel's letter, and sat back on his bed to read it.
Dear Eomer,
Wonferful news, Yanniel was saved. The king and my father caught up with me just past Dunharrow, and when I told the king what happened, he came with us to Dol Amroth and he healed my friend. I did, however, receive a frightful tongue-lashing from my father about making rash decisions. I do admit that I was not thinking cautiously that night, and will do so, or try to, in the future.
And how are things in Rohan? I do not think that I have ever seen my city so at ease in my lifetime. We lost men, but things are beginning to change as the roads become safer. My father is a much happier man, and I can see some of the worry being lifted off my brothers' shoulders. I just wish that my mother, Valar protect her, were here to see it.
So you find me attractive as well? I am flattered, but hardly surprised. I tried very hard to keep up my best appearance while I was there to catch your attention, and I suppose it worked. I wonder if you will still think me beautiful when I am red-eyed with messy hair and pale skin in the morning. You, on the other hand, must be that good looking at all hours of the day-and you don't even try! It simply is not fair.
Have you been invited to Arwen and Aragorn's party? What am I saying? Of course you were invited. The question is, will you go? You must. I will be there, and I am looking forward to seeing you again. My brothers say hello, and if you decide to attend, you will be able to meet their families as well. Maybe you can help me find a wife for Amrothos.
My father has asked me to say hello to you for him. Its so strange that he rarely allows me to even be in the same room with men unless they are close friends of his or my brothers or family, but he has embraced our friendship immediately and he knows you less than I do.
Ai, Valar, what am I thinking? You are a king, and it is quite rude of me to send you such a long-winded letter when there is business that must be taken care of in Rohan. Please don't make it a priority to write back to me very quickly, since there are other things you must be putting off. I hope to see you next month at Elessar's party. Until then, stay safe and rest well.
Lothiriel
Eomer set the letter down on his desk and cleared his bed for sleep. There would be time enough for a reply later. He must have read Lothiriel's letter a hundred times before the idea of sleep even entered his head. He woke early enough the next morning to write a letter for Lothiriel before his morning council. The young Gondorian squire was eager to be on his way, and Eomer would not keep him waiting. After a hot breakfast of porridge and venison, Eomer pulled out a sheet of parchment and began to write.
Dear Lothiriel,
Forgive me if you take this as an insult, but your name is rather long and though I do not get tired of saying it or hearing it, I do get tired of writing it. Is there a shorter version I might use?
I am overjoyed to hear that you returned safely to your city and that your friend was saved. Aragorn is a good man, king or not, and I knew that he would help your friend. Gondor will thrive now that the true King of Men has returned to Minas Tirith. Indeed, I was invited to his party and I will attend. If I did not, I would be insulting her majesty Queen Arwen, and I do not think I want to offend an elf. And if you will be there, that is another reason for me to go as well, for I would not miss out on seeing you for all the ale in my storeroom. As for finding a wife for your brother, I am not sure I can help. Amrothos is very much like Faramir, and it took the near-ending of this world for him to meet and fall in love with my sister. It may take some grand occurrence for Amrothos to meet someone as well, but I will try my best to get him to loosen up and not be so shy. I have been known to be very good at helping my friends shed their inhibitions, especially when ale or wine is involved.
Please send your father my greetings. I am happy to hear that your city is beginning to mend, as is Rohan. Many families are without sons and fathers, but that loss is only bringing people closer together. There is more good news everyday it seems, and I am hearing less in the way of enemy sightings. My riders have rendered the Dunlending armies useless and the remnants of the wild men are being driven out of my lands and into Fangorn. They do not survive long in there.
Trust me, Princess, not everything I do is attractive and exciting, nor am I handsome at all hours of the day. Why, you would not even want to be within a league of me when I have been in the Westfold for a week and smell of mud and horse. Unless that is what you consider to be attractive, of course. The only way I would be able to tell whether you are still gorgeous when you wake up in the morning is if your highness would invite me into your bed, which is most improper for a young lady of your age and status. But if you want to ask me, I will not tell anyone.
A letter from you is never a hindrance, it is a blessing. Never be concerned about distracting me from my duties, because no matter what happens or what sort of torture my advisors plan for me, I will never be too busy to make time for you. I look forward to seeing you in the seventh circle of Minas Tirith in twenty-six days. Until then, may your days be pleasant and your dreams sweet.
With love, Eomer
Eomer sealed the letter and marched down to the gates where the young squire of Gondor was getting ready to depart.
"If you have need of anything else before you leave, don't hesitate to ask. Please tell her majesty the queen that I will be attending her party." Eomer slid the letter into the boy's gloved hands and a look of seriousness came over him. "Please see that this letter reaches Princess Lothiriel in Dol Amroth as soon as possible. It is very important."
The squire nodded and carefully tucked the letter into his saddlebag. "I will see that a fresh rider takes it to Dol Amroth within an hour of my arrival in Gondor. Because your highness has been so generous to a poor squire like myself, I will see that there is no delay. If I may be so bold to ask if your highness is infatuated with the Princess?" The squire mounted his horse and shifted in the saddle.
Had Eomer been a stuffy, conservative royal, he would have scoffed at the boy's question and had him thrown from Edoras without a horse. Instead, he answered the boy honestly.
"The princess and I have recently been acquainted with each other, and in truth we are no more than friends at the moment. But I feel that the situation may escalate quickly, and before I know it, I may find myself courting her." The squire gave him a sympathetic smile and began to ride off.
"I wish you well then. Love is no easy battle to fight, my lord. I will see that your letter reaches her as soon as possible. Good day."
In no time, the young man and his horse were out of sight, and the sun was creeping higher in the sky. Eomer looked to the south, towards Gondor one last time before walking back inside to his council meeting. Although he dreaded what awaited him, he approached the doors confidently, with a lot more bounce in his step than usual. It was at that instant that Eomer, son of Eomund, King of Rohan discovered that he was falling in love.
Each morning he would wake, and with much reluctance, drag himself to morning counsel. His friends had provided a welcome distraction from the responsibilities of kingship, but now they were gone, and he had no excuse not to make it to his meetings and appearances. Eomer did not know if he could live the rest of his life as a king, and be subject to all of this blundering formality and boring counsel.
Part of him was still recovering from the deaths of his cousin and uncle, and being a veteran of The War of the Ring. His sudden rise to power had forced him to be away from his friends, now only commoners and subjects to him. Truly, having Aragorn encouraging him had helped. But now he was gone, back to his own kingdom and his own worries and commitments. It wouldn't look right for the king of Rohan to have the king of Gondor's assurance on every decision he made.
Eomer was glad to have his advisors, but they were getting old, and one day he would have to give orders himself. He just didn't know if he was up to it. There had to be something to give him inspiration and make him want to be king, even if he was still a rider at heart.
Finally, after council one morning, Eomer's guards alerted him the arrival of a Gondorian squire. He rushed down to the gates to meet the young man, eager to hear news-any news-from Dol Amroth.
"Good day, Eomer King. May I have permission to enter your fair city?" The squire asked.
"Yes, of course. You have, no doubt, been riding hard and long and I would ask you to take a day or two of rest here in Edoras for your journey back. Tell me, squire, have you tidings from Dol Amroth?" The squire got off his horse and handed the reigns to a waiting stable boy, before reaching into his pack and handing Eomer a stack of scrolls and envelopes.
"These were all addressed to you. As for tidings from the city by the sea, there is only one letter in there from Dol Amroth, from the Princess Lothiriel. The scrolls, are all from his majesty, King Elessar of Gondor. They are new maps for your study, since he believes yours to be out of date. I am told there is also an invitation for your highness from Queen Arwen. I was not told of the nature of that invitation."
"Thank you. There was no word from Ithilien?" Eomer asked. The young squire, who couldn't be more than seventeen, thought for a moment.
"I was not given anything from Ithilien, nor was I asked to stop there. I am sorry, your highness. Were you expecting something?"
"No, no I wasn't. I suppose Eowyn is a very busy wife, and that no news from her is good news. One of my men will show you to a room, and I will have a few things for you to take back with you." The squire bowed and Eomer nodded his thanks and watched as the young man was led to the barracks. He looked around several times before sprinting back to his study in the palace, more than eager to open his letters.
Laying all of the new deliveries on his bed, Eomer closed his eyes and randomly picked one. It was the invitation from Arwen, quite obviously as it bore her seal and elegant Elvish handwriting. He cut open the seal and smirked as he read the invitation's contents.
Her Highness, Queen Arwen of Gondor and her husband, His Royal Highness King Aragorn Elessar Telcontar have learned that they are to welcome their first child in the spring, and request your presence at a special celebration in honor of this wonderful news.
Eomer made a note of the day and time and laughed out loud. "Aragorn sure didn't waste any time. Though I can't imagine he would, considering how much time he spent away from Arwen. But to be with child on the first try? Not bad indeed. I wonder if I will be made an honorary uncle."
Moving on, Eomer opened the series of maps from Aragorn. They were all brand new, and showed more than just Gondor and Rohan and the west, but all of Middle Earth, both in detail and as large pictures. Eomer stacked them carefully and made a mental note to put them on the walls of his study the following morning. He then turned his attention to Lothiriel's letter, and sat back on his bed to read it.
Dear Eomer,
Wonferful news, Yanniel was saved. The king and my father caught up with me just past Dunharrow, and when I told the king what happened, he came with us to Dol Amroth and he healed my friend. I did, however, receive a frightful tongue-lashing from my father about making rash decisions. I do admit that I was not thinking cautiously that night, and will do so, or try to, in the future.
And how are things in Rohan? I do not think that I have ever seen my city so at ease in my lifetime. We lost men, but things are beginning to change as the roads become safer. My father is a much happier man, and I can see some of the worry being lifted off my brothers' shoulders. I just wish that my mother, Valar protect her, were here to see it.
So you find me attractive as well? I am flattered, but hardly surprised. I tried very hard to keep up my best appearance while I was there to catch your attention, and I suppose it worked. I wonder if you will still think me beautiful when I am red-eyed with messy hair and pale skin in the morning. You, on the other hand, must be that good looking at all hours of the day-and you don't even try! It simply is not fair.
Have you been invited to Arwen and Aragorn's party? What am I saying? Of course you were invited. The question is, will you go? You must. I will be there, and I am looking forward to seeing you again. My brothers say hello, and if you decide to attend, you will be able to meet their families as well. Maybe you can help me find a wife for Amrothos.
My father has asked me to say hello to you for him. Its so strange that he rarely allows me to even be in the same room with men unless they are close friends of his or my brothers or family, but he has embraced our friendship immediately and he knows you less than I do.
Ai, Valar, what am I thinking? You are a king, and it is quite rude of me to send you such a long-winded letter when there is business that must be taken care of in Rohan. Please don't make it a priority to write back to me very quickly, since there are other things you must be putting off. I hope to see you next month at Elessar's party. Until then, stay safe and rest well.
Lothiriel
Eomer set the letter down on his desk and cleared his bed for sleep. There would be time enough for a reply later. He must have read Lothiriel's letter a hundred times before the idea of sleep even entered his head. He woke early enough the next morning to write a letter for Lothiriel before his morning council. The young Gondorian squire was eager to be on his way, and Eomer would not keep him waiting. After a hot breakfast of porridge and venison, Eomer pulled out a sheet of parchment and began to write.
Dear Lothiriel,
Forgive me if you take this as an insult, but your name is rather long and though I do not get tired of saying it or hearing it, I do get tired of writing it. Is there a shorter version I might use?
I am overjoyed to hear that you returned safely to your city and that your friend was saved. Aragorn is a good man, king or not, and I knew that he would help your friend. Gondor will thrive now that the true King of Men has returned to Minas Tirith. Indeed, I was invited to his party and I will attend. If I did not, I would be insulting her majesty Queen Arwen, and I do not think I want to offend an elf. And if you will be there, that is another reason for me to go as well, for I would not miss out on seeing you for all the ale in my storeroom. As for finding a wife for your brother, I am not sure I can help. Amrothos is very much like Faramir, and it took the near-ending of this world for him to meet and fall in love with my sister. It may take some grand occurrence for Amrothos to meet someone as well, but I will try my best to get him to loosen up and not be so shy. I have been known to be very good at helping my friends shed their inhibitions, especially when ale or wine is involved.
Please send your father my greetings. I am happy to hear that your city is beginning to mend, as is Rohan. Many families are without sons and fathers, but that loss is only bringing people closer together. There is more good news everyday it seems, and I am hearing less in the way of enemy sightings. My riders have rendered the Dunlending armies useless and the remnants of the wild men are being driven out of my lands and into Fangorn. They do not survive long in there.
Trust me, Princess, not everything I do is attractive and exciting, nor am I handsome at all hours of the day. Why, you would not even want to be within a league of me when I have been in the Westfold for a week and smell of mud and horse. Unless that is what you consider to be attractive, of course. The only way I would be able to tell whether you are still gorgeous when you wake up in the morning is if your highness would invite me into your bed, which is most improper for a young lady of your age and status. But if you want to ask me, I will not tell anyone.
A letter from you is never a hindrance, it is a blessing. Never be concerned about distracting me from my duties, because no matter what happens or what sort of torture my advisors plan for me, I will never be too busy to make time for you. I look forward to seeing you in the seventh circle of Minas Tirith in twenty-six days. Until then, may your days be pleasant and your dreams sweet.
With love, Eomer
Eomer sealed the letter and marched down to the gates where the young squire of Gondor was getting ready to depart.
"If you have need of anything else before you leave, don't hesitate to ask. Please tell her majesty the queen that I will be attending her party." Eomer slid the letter into the boy's gloved hands and a look of seriousness came over him. "Please see that this letter reaches Princess Lothiriel in Dol Amroth as soon as possible. It is very important."
The squire nodded and carefully tucked the letter into his saddlebag. "I will see that a fresh rider takes it to Dol Amroth within an hour of my arrival in Gondor. Because your highness has been so generous to a poor squire like myself, I will see that there is no delay. If I may be so bold to ask if your highness is infatuated with the Princess?" The squire mounted his horse and shifted in the saddle.
Had Eomer been a stuffy, conservative royal, he would have scoffed at the boy's question and had him thrown from Edoras without a horse. Instead, he answered the boy honestly.
"The princess and I have recently been acquainted with each other, and in truth we are no more than friends at the moment. But I feel that the situation may escalate quickly, and before I know it, I may find myself courting her." The squire gave him a sympathetic smile and began to ride off.
"I wish you well then. Love is no easy battle to fight, my lord. I will see that your letter reaches her as soon as possible. Good day."
In no time, the young man and his horse were out of sight, and the sun was creeping higher in the sky. Eomer looked to the south, towards Gondor one last time before walking back inside to his council meeting. Although he dreaded what awaited him, he approached the doors confidently, with a lot more bounce in his step than usual. It was at that instant that Eomer, son of Eomund, King of Rohan discovered that he was falling in love.