Disclaimer: I don't own anyone you recognize in this story. Heck, I don't even own the characters you don't recognize as they have kind of written themselves.

Violet in a Mist-Thank you for such a nice compliment!

Nienna-I'm sorry it's going so slow. Eomer does need his own category!

daw-Thank you so much! I thought the baby kissing was funny.

Evening Nightshade-You are so kind! It' people like you who make me want to continue. I'm glad you like the relationships that I've formed. I was a little worried about how they would turn out. Thank you!

Isa-Thank you for reviewing! Hey, I want to petition for Eomer (and Haldir) so it would be easier for you.

ali-Thanks so much! That is truly one of the best things anyone has ever told me!

Shel Bel1983-Thanks for the lovely reviews and incredible help. Without you (and your great idea of the LOTR buffet) I would not have the courage to write.

A/N. Hey everyone! If you are in the mood for more Eomer, go check out Shel Bel1983's story called "What the Future Holds." It's so great!

The party from Dol Amroth did not arrive until late in the evening. A storm was raging outside blocking the sunset that Lothiriel had hoped to see in Minas Tirith. By the time Imrahil and Lothiriel made their way to the Great Hall, the sky was completely black, save for the lightening that would streak across it.

After greeting the King and Queen, Imrahil stayed with Aragorn to discuss a recent political matter. Arwen ushered Lothiriel off to the kitchens for a small meal.

As soon as Lothiriel's food was set in front of her, the Queen began to pepper her with questions.

"So," Arwen began, "are you excited about the ball?"

Lothiriel didn't even hesitate before answering, "Nay, my Queen, I am not. I'm afraid I do not care much about it."

Arwen was a bit put off by her quick answer, but still she pressed on.

"Well, I am sure that your father is looking forward to it. I know that he is a great friend of the King of the Mark."

"That he is," Lothiriel stated. "It was really his main reason for coming, to sit with the visiting King, you and your husband, and my cousin and his wife."

"Well, I'm sure that you will enjoy the ball," Arwen said with a slight smile. "Maybe you can even steal a dance with Eomer King. He really is a fine man."

"So I've heard," Lothiriel said, grinning wryly. "The whole way from Dol Amroth."

~

When she was finally alone in her rooms that night, Lothiriel felt the all too familiar fear creep over her. As she changed for bed, she felt her mind drift to the morning she told Damrod that she was leaving. The look on his face had destroyed her. He had looked utterly devastated. He had wanted to know when she would return, and why she was leaving in the first place. With tears falling down her face, she explained to him about her father's friendship with the King of Rohan.

"Well, curse the King of Rohan," Damrod had jokingly said as he held her. "I would rather keep you here with me forever."

Lothiriel had kissed him then, and shared in his sorrow.

Back in her room in Minas Tirith, Lothiriel felt that sorrow hit her full force and quietly cried herself to sleep.

~

Lothiriel was awakened by her handmaid, Aerilyn.

"My lady," Aerilyn said quickly, "you must arise. We have been informed that the King will escort you to the morning meal."

Her mind groggy from sleep, Lothiriel wondered why Aragorn would escort her to breakfast. That thought was soon forgotten as she allowed herself to be pulled from the bed. Aerilyn was quick as she set up a washing area for Lothiriel, dressed her, and fixed her hair. Lothiriel was slipping her feet into her shoes when she heard the knock at the door.

"That will be the King, my lady," Aerilyn said as she departed. "Have a lovely breakfast."

Lothiriel only had a brief moment to wonder at what Aerilyn meant before opening the door. Upon seeing who was on the other side, though, she gasped and almost shut the door. This was not Aragorn.

The man standing before her was tall and broad. His blond hair hung past his shoulders and was pulled back from his face. His clothing was not of Gondor. He stood proud and tall, and it was then that Lothiriel realized that this man was the King she was told to wait for. She was about to ask him exactly what this was, but he spoke first.

"My lady," he said, bowing low. "I am Eomer, son of Eomund, King of Rohan. I have come to escort you to the breakfast table."

It was all Lothiriel could do not to let her jaw drop. This was the King of Rohan? Well, he was absolutely nothing like she had expected. She'd heard stories of his brutal strength, broad stature, and fierce temper, but none telling of his gentlemanly nature, and polite speech. And she was most definitely sure certain that she had never heard one about how beautiful his eyes were…

Lothiriel shook herself mentally and chastised herself. But, Valar, how was she ever going to make it downstairs with this man? 'Think of Damrod,' she told herself. 'Think of your loyal Damrod pining away for you in Dol Amroth.'

Lothiriel noticed then that the King was staring at her rather curiously, and she regained the composure that she had been taught at her father's court. She curtsied deeply and spoke to him for the first time.

"My lord," she said, "you honor me with your presence. I am Lothiriel, daughter of Imrahil, of Dol Amroth. I extend my gratitude at your offer."

She looked up at him, and was surprised to see him smiling down at her as he offered her his arm. She took it, and they began to make their way downstairs. They did not realize they were being watched.

.