DISCLAIMER: The names, places, things are Tolkien's. I think we can all figure out what is who's.
AN: thanks so much again for the reviews. I'm not sure I can say how much they mean to me.
Well, I just had one minor, or major, depending on how you see it I guess, author's note. I'm not sure whether it's my computer, or the site, or whatever, but these weird box thingys pop up in replace of everything that has an accent. So I won't be putting the accents in any of the names or such any time soon. I tried to fix it, and at one point I thought I did, but I was wrong and it went back to the way it was. Not sure what it is, but to be on the safe side, I won't bother with it. I'm a huge perfectionist, and the boxes are bugging me. I figure I just won't use the accents at all instead of going back and having to change everything over and over again. So, I took out the accents in everything, and to stay consistent I'll be taking out the accents in the previous chapters as well. But don't get me wrong, I know they're there, ;]. Not that big of a deal I suppose, but I pay attention to detail in that way, maybe a little too much, hehe. I liked having the accents there in the names though. But other than that, I hope you all enjoy! =]
Chapter 4: Quite the Night
'Ugh, my head...' Lothiriel awoke, slowly, to what sounded like drums. She opened her eyes to realize that no one was in the room. 'It must be the sound of the pounding in my head,' she thought to herself, and saw that Daerien had already prepared her garments for the morning. Faramir and Eowyn's wedding would be later that day, and Lothiriel felt like staying in bed the rest of the morning until then. Hugging her pillow close to her, she suddenly remembered the events of the pervious evening. Well, the events in the beginning of the evening anyway. She sat up and tried to remember what had happened after taking her last drink. Hard as she tried, she could not remember what had happened. Lothiriel began to panic.
'What if my father had caught me? It would explain why I woke up in my own room. No, but he must not have, for he would have been waiting for me to awake so that he would be the first person I talked to. Who could have brought me back? Daerien? No, she retired early. Amrothos? Or Erchirion? No, it could not have been. Erchirion would have told father by now, and Amrothos would be here to bring me something for my head.' She was now pacing her room, worrying terribly and wondering who could have possibly brought her up to her room without having alarmed anyone. Lothiriel abruptly stopped where she was, and gasped as she thought to herself, 'EOMER! It must have been him! He would not of wanted to get caught any more than I would.' Deciding that it would be best to speak with Eomer, she quickly got dressed and rushed to find him.
She passed by servants, who took no notice of her as they were busying transporting endless arrays of dishes, food, barrels of ale, flowers, banners, streamers, chairs, tables, anything and everything to prepare for the wedding ceremony and feast that would immediately follow. 'It is a good sign, there is no gossip,' she thought to herself, as she continued her search.
"Lothiriel!" Lothiriel stopped and turned to an entrance of a grand hall. The light shining through the tall glass windows was certainly a site to see, as were the servants who attempted to hang banners from them. She looked to see Eowyn approaching her, with a warm grin across her face.
"My Lady," Lothiriel addressed, bowing her head as she did so.
"Lothiriel, please, call me Eowyn," she replied, taking Lothiriel's hand within her own.
"As you wish, Eowyn," Lothiriel said smiling. "I am so happy for you both. My cousin loves you dearly, and I could not imagine anyone else for him."
Eowyn chuckled lightly, and Lothiriel did not think that the Lady could have had a bigger smile on her face. "Your approval of me means a great deal, Lothiriel. Faramir has few kin left, and you being his first cousin, I sought your approval, as well as the approval of your father and brothers, first. I only regret that I could not meet your brother Elphir, or his family."
"Ah, yes. Someone had to stay and care for the city, and Alphros is quite young to travel. But it only gives you reason to come to Dol Amroth. Yes, I must insist it, after you and Faramir are settled. I would much enjoy your company and our family would see it an honor to have you as our guests."
"With such an offer I cannot refuse. Thank you, Princess, you are quite the charmer." Eowyn gave Lothiriel a rather mischievous smirk.
Lothiriel's eyebrows furrowed, and she wondered what Eowyn had meant. 'Does she know of last night? I should not doubt it, Eomer is her brother after all, and they are rather close.' Before Lothiriel could question Eowyn further, she heard footsteps from behind.
"Eomer!" Eowyn called to her brother, as Eomer approached the two women, bowing his head to Lothiriel. "Good morning brother," Eowyn said to him, smirking at him just as she had to Lothiriel. Lothiriel hadn't noticed however, for she hadn't taken her eyes off of Eomer since the moment he first entered the hall. 'He is rather handsome in the morning' she thought to herself, but immediately dismissed the idea.
"Aye, good morning sister; Good morning Lothiriel," Eomer replied, as Lothiriel nodded to acknowledge his greeting. There was an awkward silence between them. Eowyn sensed this, and was rather amused.
"Well, now that we are all awake, shall we join our loved ones for breakfast? I will take my leave and walk ahead of you, for I imagine you both have much to talk about," Lothiriel and Eomer both looked to Eowyn who smiled grandly at the two. Eomer raised his eyebrow at her, as she gently patted her brother's shoulder, making her way to the dining hall. When they found that they were alone, save the few servants preparing for later that evening, Eomer spoke.
"What happened last night?" he asked Lothiriel in a bit of a whisper.
"You mean you do not know? I assumed you brought me to my quarters. I cannot remember anything past the bottom of a mug!"
"No, no I did no such thing. Tis strange, I woke up in my own room as well, remembering nothing." Both were silent for a moment, each trying to remember any detail from the night before.
"Who could have brought us both to our own separate quarters?" Lothiriel asked, puzzled.
"It was I, my Lady." Eomer and Lothiriel turned to the owner of the voice who had revealed himself to be their savior of reputation. "Well, my accomplice and I," he said smiling at them. Lothiriel was in complete shock, but Eomer laughed merrily.
"Aragorn. And who was the accomplice?" Eomer asked, his laughter softening as Lothiriel was still in shock and embarrassment in front of the King.
"Faramir, of course. Who else could I have gone to? Imrahil was certainly not an option," he replied as he clasped Eomer's shoulder, winking at Lothiriel. Lothiriel curtseyed in complete silence.
"I am so sorry, majesty. I did not mean to cause you any trouble."
"Princess, no apologies are needed. I was young once, just as you are. Though, I cannot make excuses for a fellow King," he said, laughing as he looked to Eomer. Eomer chuckled in reply, and Lothiriel only gawked at Eomer's informal interaction with the King.
"I thank you, King. I'm afraid I owe you much more than a political alliance," Eomer told him, laughing as he did so.
"Yes, my Lord, I do not know how to thank you enough," Lothiriel added, sheepishly.
"Lothiriel, do not be afraid. Your father is a dear friend to me, as are your brothers. You needed feel uncomfortable here. However, I must warn you that repeating such behavior may not end in such luck, as they had the night before, but I trust your judgment, Lothiriel. You have a strong head on those shoulders, as your father tells me." Aragorn smiled warmly to her, and it put her nerves at ease.
"Tell us, Aragorn. What exactly happened last night? We both cannot remember," Eomer asked his friend. Aragorn grinned to at the both of them, as they listened intently.
"Well..."
THE NIGHT BEFORE...
The hall was gradually beginning to empty, and Arwen whispered to Aragorn that she would retire for the night. He offered to accompany her to their room, but she insisted he stay and reminisce with his friends. The four hobbits were there to celebrate in Faramir, and Eowyn's joy, as was Gandalf, Legolas and Gimli. He watched as they sat together at a table, with Faramir, Eowyn, Imrahil and his sons listening to the stories they had to tell, remembering the events that had intertwined their lives. At that moment, he wondered where Eomer was. He realized the King of the Riddermark was missing, which was odd because Eomer surely would not miss out on such a gathering of friends.
Elessar exited the hall to go in search of the young King, when a servant lightly tapped his shoulder.
"My King, I am sorry to bother you so," he said humbly, bowing.
"It is alright, really. What is it?" Aragorn asked gently.
"There is something I think you should see, my King." Aragorn, puzzled, nodded for the servant to lead him to whatever it was he wanted Aragorn to see. He followed the servant down the steps to the room given to the help for leisure, and was surprised at what he saw. He watched as Eomer slowly tilted his head further and further back, clearing the mug of ale to the last drop. The servants cheered wildly. They were too focused on Eomer, and who Aragorn now realized to be Imrahil's daughter, Lothiriel, to notice the King's presence.
"Shall I announce your presence, your majesty?" the servant asked humbly.
"No, no, do not. Here, give me your cloak." The servant quickly complied, and Aragorn covered himself so as not to be noticed, placing the hood of the cloak on his head. He walked to the table and pushed through the crowd to see, up close, what was going on, and he heard Eomer speak.
"There, Princess. Dare I say it is a tie? Or must we continue!!!" Eomer's voice boomed. Aragorn chuckled, as the King of the Mark swayed from side to side, obviously intoxicated. Curious, the King turned to one of the servants who had been watching the spectacle for some time now, and whispered to him.
"How long has this been going on?" the King asked.
"Why, if they proceed, it would be their sixth round!" the servant replied.
"Five full rounds!! Is that possible?"
"Ha! I assure you, friend, it has been quite a night!"
Aragorn then looked at Lothiriel, whose eyelids were drooping as she was swaying from side to side as well. Before she could answer Eomer, her eyelids fell and she passed out, her head banging on the table. The crowd laughed and cheered passionately, congratulating Eomer. Eomer, however, did not respond, but only fell forward, head banging on the table as Lothiriel's just had, passing out as well. All laughed, and the servants were becoming rowdy. Aragorn turned to the servant, who had followed him into the crowd.
"Call them all to bed, now!" He commanded. The servant nodded, and stood on the table between where Lothiriel's head lie, and where Eomer's head lie.
"Let us call it a night, men! Everyone, to his own quarters!" the men grumbled and groaned, and the servant grew impatient in the presence of the King. "NOW!" he shouted, and the servants gradually made their exits. When they had all gone, Aragorn revealed himself, and quickly checked both Eomer and Lothiriel to see if anything serious was threatening their health.
"What shall we do, your majesty?"
"Go upstairs, and retrieve the Lord Faramir. Whisper in his ear that it is urgent, that I call for him immediately."
The servant nodded and ran upstairs. Moments later Faramir arrived to the sight of Eomer and Lothiriel passed out atop a small table, mugs scattered all over the place.
"My word," he breathed, looking at Aragorn.
"I gave them water; they have passed out completely, still breathing, thank Eru. We must get them to their rooms, in secrecy, Faramir."
Faramir looked at Aragorn, chuckling. "Quite a scandal they have weaved, if word got out," Faramir replied, looking at his cousin and future brother.
"But quite an experience also. It would have amused you to see Eomer." Both began to laugh, as Faramir swept Lothiriel into his arms. Aragorn, however, had a more difficult time with Eomer, who was larger than he. He was finally able to lift Eomer from the chair, placing himself under Eomer's arm and using his shoulder to lift him. "We will never be able to quietly pass the halls without someone seeing us. Come, I know a hidden passage to the living quarters." Aragorn motioned for Faramir to follow, as Faramir did, carrying his cousin.
Moments later...
Aragorn watched as Faramir entered Lothiriel's room to place her into bed. He waited for Faramir, as the weight of the King of Rohan began to tire Aragorn, and he knew very well he could not make it to Eomer's room without some help. Faramir emerged from the room, quietly shutting the door behind him. He then placed himself under Eomer's other arm, and helped carry the King of the Rohirrim to his room. Once in Eomer's room, the two men placed him gently into bed, Aragorn placing a blanket over the King. Faramir and Aragorn stood in silence for a moment, standing at the end of Eomer's bed, staring at him. Both were just trying to catch their breaths before they returned to their guests.
"What shall we tell everyone?" Faramir asked, turning to Aragorn.
"Imrahil knows, or thinks, that Lothiriel has retired early for the night. Let us say the same for Eomer. As for what happened tonight, let us keep it shrouded in secrecy," Aragorn replied, looking at Faramir. "Well, in the secrecy of my wife and your future wife," he said smiling. Faramir chuckled, and both turned to leave Eomer to sleep in peace, when they heard him speak out.
"Lothiriel... ever so beautiful..." Faramir and Aragorn looked to each other, then to Eomer.
"Keep it in secrecy, Faramir. A man is entitled to the privacy of his dreams," Aragorn whispered, looking to Eomer. Faramir nodded, as they exited the room.
my longest chapter yet. thanks again for the great reviews!! I'm glad you guys like. and feel free to let me know what you don't like. gives me ideas on how to develop the story. thanks again, and keep reviewing =]