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Lotr_junkie - Thanks for reviewing!
Evening Nightshade - The campaign for Eomer begins! (Come on, people even Treebeard has one.) The surprises continue for Lothiriel!
Bean02 - Thanks for the review! I read your Eomer story and loved it. There are definitely not enough Eomer stories!
Isa - I wouldn't complain about hearing about Eomer either! Thanks for the reviews!
Shel Bel1983- Good luck writing your "scene!" Thank you for all your help, encouragement, and reviews!
As Lothiriel and Eomer made their way downstairs, Eomer began to marvel at his luck. Lothiriel had asked him politely how his trip to Gondor was, and he was answering, but his mind was elsewhere. As he spoke, he began to steal glances at her, and thoroughly examined her beauty.
When she had opened the door, Eomer immediately sensed that he was not who she had expected. So he had spoken quickly, knowing that his words would extract some of the familiarity of her father's court, and put her in a situation that she was comfortable in.
Instead, it was almost as if his words had momentarily shocked her, but was only fort he briefest moment. She introduced herself then, and Eomer knew from the moment she said "My lord" that he was hooked.
He also knew that his sister might have been right. Lothiriel just might be perfect for him.
~
Lothiriel just could not believe this. What was this man doing to her?
She had decided to be cordial, and ask him about his ride. He had responded politely, but she could tell his thoughts were elsewhere. Lothiriel wanted to know exactly what he was thinking of, and she hoped it was she who was in this man's thoughts.
~
Faramir, Eowyn, and Imrahil sat down to their morning meal, and waited. All were anticipating the arrival of Eomer and Lothiriel.
Eowyn sat close to her husband and fidgeted nervously. What if they hated each other? She knew her brother well, but sometimes he could be completely unpredictable. He had a fiery temper that had only cooled a little since his coronation. And Faramir ha d told her that Lothiriel had a nasty temper as well. This thought only made her more nervous. She began to savagely bit at her thumbnail.
Faramir reached over and grabbed her wife's hand and held it between his own. All of her fidgeting was making him nervous. He knew that her plan relied on one major factor - if Lothiriel and Eomer even liked each other. Last night, they had discussed the entire situation, and Faramir was in the opinion that they had as much of a chance hating each other as they did loving each other.
Imrahil glanced over at his nephew and his wife and thought about what a lovely pair they made. He had been informed of Eowyn's small scheme involving his daughter, and agreed to it immediately. Politically, it had its strong points. It would make the bond between the two lands even stronger if the King of Rohan were to take a Gondorrian wife. Personally, though, it meant even more.
Eomer was a great friend of his, and it pained Imrahil to see his friend lonely. And that's what Eomer was. When Imrahil had visited Edoras the year before, he's heard whispers from the guards and servants about how the King had immersed himself in his work and refused to talk about his personal life. They'd said even his rides along the plain had lessened, and this worried Imrahil greatly. Eomer regarded Firefoot as one of his family.
And then there was his daughter, his only daughter. As much as Lothiriel loved Dol Amroth, he knew she was unhappy there. But something was keeping there, and Imrahil had a strong suspicion that it was a sneaky stable hand. There was just something about that boy that Imrahil didn't like. Every night, when he read to Lothiriel the list of her suitors, he could tell that she was plainly not interested. If Eomer and Lothiriel could possibly find happiness in each other, two of Imrahil's greatest worries would be solved.
~
Breakfast was surprisingly quiet. Lothiriel and Imrahil talked of their trip. Faramir and Eomer talked of a young colt Faramir wished to purchase. And Eomer teased Eowyn when she sent her plate back for more food.
"Goodness," he joked, "no wonder you're so fat, eating the bacon and sausage."
"I'm eating for two," she retorted. "The future Prince of Ithilien…"
"Or Princess," Faramir cut in.
"Or Princess," Eowyn smiled at her husband, "shall have to be strong."
At this Eomer made what strongly sounded like a snicker, but Eowyn and Faramir did not catch it as they were engrossed in each other by then.
~
When breakfast was over, Eomer, Faramir, and Imrahil stood to leave for the King expected them.
Eomer checked to make sure his sister was occupied as she and Faramir said good bye and then he leaned over Lothiriel to talk to Imrahil.
"Prince Imrahil," he said softly, "I was wondering if after dinner, I may escort your daughter out to the gardens to watch the sunset." He glanced at Lothiriel. "If that is well with you my Princess."
Imrahil smiled. Eowyn had done a good job.
"Of course my friend," he said and stood to leave. "I will see you in the King's conference." He kissed the top of Lothiriel's head. "Please try to keep out of trouble my dear."
"I will," Lothiriel laughed. She then turned to Eomer as he stood to leave. "I will see you this evening then."
"I will look forward to it all day," he said, kissing her hand. "Good day Lothiriel."
"Good day Eomer."