Disclaimer: I do not own LOTR, Eomer, Eowyn, Faramir, Aragorn, Arwen, Lothiriel, or anyone in this story that you recognize. I do own an Eomer action figure, but somehow I don't think that counts.
A/N. Thanks for the reviews! If you like this story, please check out "What the Future Holds" by Shel Bel1983. It is one of the greatest stories I have ever read.
Keyza – Thank you and please keep reading!
Evening Nightshade – Thank you so much! You're so kind in your reviews. Go Eomer and Haldir! We should start a "Add Eomer and Haldir" petition.
Shel Bel1983 – Thank you so much for all the encouragement and help that you have so freely given me with this story!
His arrival in the White City could only be described as grand. By the time he finally reached the palace, Eomer had a large collection of flowers, had said countless greeting, and in one case, been asked to kiss a newborn babe. As he ascended the steps of the palace, he wondered if the reason for celebration was because he was King of Rohan, or because he was considered a hero of the war.
Coming into the Great Hall, he immediately saw his sister, although he almost didn't recognize her with her swollen belly. Abruptly breaking away from her conversation with the Queen, Eowyn flew across the Great Hall and launched herself at her brother. Eomer laughed and clutched his sister before releasing her and holding her at arm's length. Forcing a stern look on his face, he spoke directly to his sister for the first time in nearly a year.
"Now Eowyn," he started, "you shouldn't be running in your condition. It's not ladylike."
Eowyn's face fell for the briefest second and then he saw the familiar fire flame in her eyes.
"Ladylike?" she scoffed. "Why would I want to start that now?"
At that statement, Eomer threw his head back and laughed so hard that he didn't hear his brother in law approach.
"Eomer," Faramir began with a look of mock hurt upon his face, "are you laughing at my wife or my unborn child?"
"Neither my brother," Eomer said, "just the slight waddle that seems to haunt my sister's steps."
At that, Faramir laughed and hugged Eomer hard. As Eomer spoke, there was obvious joy in his voice. "It's good to see you my brother."
Together the three of them made their way through the hall, with Faramir assisting Eowyn so her "waddle" was not so obvious.
The King and Queen stood waiting at the end of the hall. Upon seeing King Elessar, Eomer dropped to his knees a few feet away and said, "My lord, I thank you for your utmost hospitality for not only myself but for my kinsmen. While I am present in the White City, I remain your most loyal and devoted subject."
When his speech was finished, Eomer lifted his head and looked at Aragorn. The King was standing in front of him with the most bewildered look on his face. The Queen was standing a few feet behind him, and was smiling gently down at Eomer. Beside Eomer, Eowyn and Faramir were shaking with barely contained laughter.
"Why Eomer, that has to be one of the most noble things you've ever said to me," Aragorn said. He hauled Eomer up to his feet, embraced him strongly, and laughed. "It also has to be one of the most unbelievable. How fare you and your people, my fellow King?"
"It pleases me to say that Rohan is thriving," Eomer said. He then turned his attention to the Queen, and dropped his gaze.
"My lady," he said, " the light of your happiness sets the entire room aglow."
"Eomer," Arwen said, "welcome back to Gondor, and to our home. I trust you stay will be an eventful one."
At this, Eomer straightened up, and shot a glance at his sister. For her part, Eowyn was trying to look innocent, but her brother could see right through it.
"At the end of this week," Arwen continued, "Gondor will throw a ball in honor of your visit to our country. We've been planning it for quite some time, and we are hoping everyone will be here." Arwen began to list names. "Legolas, Gimli, Merry and Pippin, Sam can't make it, Prince Imrahil has sent word that he will be attending with his daughter Lothiriel…."
At Lothiriel's name, Eomer heard what suspiciously sounded like a stifle giggle at his side. When the Queen finished, Eomer turned to face Eowyn.
"All right, dear sister," he said carefully, "I am neither deaf nor blind. I can tell by your present behavior and your past letters that you are up to something. So, please, for your travel worn brother, tell me what humors you so."
Eowyn tried her best to look innocent, and it was not her face, but her own husband that gave her away.
"Oh, Eomer," Faramir sighed, " I know not whether she is losing her wits, or it is because she is so late with child, but I fear my wife is trying to play a bit of matchmaker between you and my cousin."
Eomer's expression was one of stunned bewilderment. "Eowyn, what has possessed you to do something like that? I don't even know Imrahil's daughter!"
Eowyn was quick to defend herself. "Oh, Eomer, she is a perfect match for you! She's beautiful and intelligent. She loves horses and is incredibly sweet and charming, but independent. She's just such a lovely girl…"
As Faramir, Eomer, and Eowyn left the hall, Eowyn placed on hand on her bulging stomach and chattered away. Faramir and Eomer shared a look over her head, and Eomer sighed inwardly. At least his sister's scheme was out in the open, but she still sounded determined to make it work. What she did count on was the fact that Eomer wasn't as opposed to it as she might have originally thought.