DISCLAIMER: The names, places, things are Tolkien's. I think we can all figure out what is who's.

AN: well, once again I'm overwhelmed with the reviews. I'm so happy that this story is well liked. I said it once, and I'll say it again, the reviews rock. thanks so much!! oh, hehe, and yes, I meant "previous" rather than "pervious". hehe, thanks for keeping me on my toes! hope you enjoy!=]

Chapter 5: Breaking Barriers

The sun was beginning to set on the White City, and the amber light the sun projected shined beautifully on the white colored walls of the city. Just as beautiful was the scene of sunlight shining through the rows of tall, glass windows that lined the hall where a congregation of friends and family gathered to witness the union of Eowyn and Faramir. The couple stood before the crowd, pledging their infinite love and allegiance to one other, each drinking from the same cup and lighting a single candle to represent the joining together of lives. Eomer stood in the front row, watching his sister as she agreed to love Faramir with all she had. His mind wandered to the day he had first announced Faramir and Eowyn's engagement, in Rohan. In the beginning, Eomer was a bit doubtful of the union. They had found each other so quickly, and Eowyn was young. However, he realized just how great a love Faramir had for his sister, and Eomer could feel in his heart that blessing his sister's choice was the right decision. Eomer could not think of a time when she looked so happy.

His mind flashed back to the Pelennor Fields, as he remembered having found her unconscious lying next to his uncle's body. Eomer could never forget what he felt that day on the Fields after having found his sister the way he did. He vividly remembered having fallen to his knees, his whole body numb. Eomer thought he had lost Eowyn forever; his companion, his sister, his friend. He thought he would die that day, in battle, his heart mortally wounded from the despair. However, he hadn't lost his sister, not to death. He was overjoyed, but now, at her wedding months later, he could not help but admit that his heart sank, for now it was certain that he had lost her.

When the marriage ceremony was complete, the crowd clapped with joy as Faramir and Eowyn parted from a tender kiss they shared to seal their union. They turned, facing the congregation, and made their way down the aisle, where they would eventually make their way to the celebration hall. Before the newly married couple walked any further, however, Eowyn stopped to greet her brother, who smiled warmly at her, kissing her on the forehead. She smiled, and bowed her head before continuing down the aisle alongside her new husband.

In the Hall...

After the grand feast, the tables were cleared and pushed to the sides as music began to play and people started to gather in the center of the hall to dance. Eomer stood in conversation with Erchirion, speaking of politics and the well fare of their individual homes. Erchirion had excused himself to get another glass of wine, when Eomer noticed Aragorn approaching him, and he greeted the King.

"Quite the ceremony," Eomer said as Aragorn stood beside him.

"Yes, well, it is my first time conducting a marriage. I was quite nervous," Aragorn replied, clasping his hands behind his back as he watched the four Hobbits engage themselves in conversation with Gimli and Legolas.

"I noticed no anxiety. I pay you my compliments, Elessar. If you fail miserably as a king, there is hope for you yet as a conductor of marriages." Both men laughed in harmony.

"I admit, I do hope to conduct another marriage soon," Aragorn replied, turning to Eomer.

"Oh no, not you as well Aragorn? Trust me, my friend; you are not alone in your hope of marriage. It seems that all of Rohan is hoping to attend my own marriage soon, or so my counselors in Meduseld tell me."

"It is only fitting that they anticipate an heir for the Riddermark."

"Yes, I know. I just, I would have wished to marry for love. But the days pass quickly, and I do not become any younger in age. If it comes to it, I will marry for duty." Aragorn could sense the strain in Eomer's tone. Why shouldn't the man marry for love? His sister has, his parents had, and his friends have. But maybe Eomer needed a bit of push in a certain direction to realize that love was not too far off.

"What of Lothiriel, Eomer. How do you perceive the woman?"

"She is my dear friend's daughter. I am not sure I have any more to say about it. I admit, our first meeting was not very pleasant."

Aragorn chuckled. "Indeed. But she is beautiful, however, is she not?"

Eomer paused at this. He very well knew the answer, but he was not sure whether or not to respond to Aragorn. He did not want the King to jump to conclusions. "I suppose," he replied, nonchalantly.

Aragorn knew Eomer restrained to reveal his true emotions, for whatever reasons. The King knew the truth, however. He had heard it with his own ears the night before. Aragorn fell silent for a moment, and turned to face Eomer. "You needn't hide anything from me, Eomer, I see how you look at her. Her beauty captures your senses."

Eomer raised an eyebrow at his friend, wondering just how much he really knew. "Do you persuade me to her, Elessar?"

Aragorn sighed. "I do not, for it is your decision. I only suggest, Eomer King. Twas just a suggestion," he said smiling, as he turned to face the dance floor once again. It seemed that Merry and Pippin had found their way to the center of the dance floor, as did Arwen with Faramir, and Eowyn with Gimli, all laughing merrily as people danced around them. Aragorn noticed Lothiriel watching the same site, as she stood alone away from her father's dear friends. "Look, she stands alone. Offer a hand to her, if she'd like some company."

Eomer turned to where Aragorn was motioning, and saw that Lothiriel looked miserable amongst the crowd of strangers she gathered to. 'I suppose I could not allow her to seclude herself' he thought, and turned to Aragorn who smiled at him. "What do you smile at?" Eomer asked amused.

"Nothing. I assure you I meant no jest. I will take my leave," Aragorn replied, and went to find Legolas. Eomer sighed, as he made his way through the hall to greet Lothiriel.

ELSEWHERE...

Lothiriel was once again watching as people danced merrily to the lively music playing. It amused her to see the Hobbits enjoying their stay in Gondor. Two were dancing joyously next to the Master Dwarf Gimli, who danced with the Lady Eowyn, and her husband Faramir who danced with the Queen. The other two watched cheerfully alongside Gandalf. Her brothers were not far away, engaged in conversation with the Master Elf Legolas and King Elessar. Lothiriel hesitated to join them, for she was afraid to be in such noble company, though she admitted to having a part of her long to share what they all had shared. Just then she heard a familiar voice call to her.

"Lothiriel," Lothiriel turned to see her father approach. "Come, I'd like you to meet a company of dear friends."

Lothiriel looked at her father in silence. Imrahil only gave her a puzzling look.

"Lothiriel? Will you not join us?"

"I am afraid," she said softly.

"Afraid? Of the Hobbits??" Imrahil asked, half joking, half questioning had it been the truth.

"Father! I do not fear the company, rather, I fear having an audience with the company. I would not know what to say."

"Just be yourself, daughter. You needn't be afraid; I've placed you in high regards. You will not encounter sharp words with these people."

Lothiriel only sighed in frustration. Her heart ached at the fact that her Father wished her to feel comfortable amongst his friends, but she could not. Imrahil could not understand, 'He will never understand it' she decided. She crossed her arms and furrowed her eyebrows, and Imrahil knew that she had put her foot down, and refused to join them.

Imrahil let out a heavy sigh. "Suite yourself then, Lothiriel. If you wish to retire for the night, I will come see you in the morning," Imrahil said to her, his eyes pleading with the girl once last time. Lothiriel only kept her arms crossed, and turned away. But instantly her arms loosened, as her hard expression did, and she turned to apologize to her father, but he was out of sight amidst the crowds of people. However, in standing on her toes to try and catch a glimpse of where her father might have been, she noticed Eomer making his way towards her.

When he approached, Lothiriel bowed her head to greet him, and he nodded in acknowledgement, bowing his head as well.

"Do you not wish to be with your friends?" Lothiriel questioned, looking up at the King.

"Well, I most certainly could not let you stand here alone," he said, a small smile creeping across his face.

Lothiriel was surprised, and looked to Eomer, who was watching Merry and Pippin dance. "No my Lord, really I insist that you join them. I would feel awful to keep you from your friends."

"Nonsense. There will be time for me to reminisce with them. But I refuse to let you wander this hall alone. Besides, let your brothers and father enjoy themselves. I am glad to keep you company if it means that they needn't worry." There was, yet again, an awkward silence between them, as Lothiriel could not persuade Eomer to change his mind.

Suddenly, a lively song began to play, and a group began to gather to dance a traditional step to the familiar song.

Lothiriel's gloomy face quickly turned to an expression of excitement, as she turned to Eomer. "Dance with me then, my Lord Eomer."

Eomer looked down at Lothiriel, who had a wide smile across her face. "Unfortunately, Princess, I must decline. I am afraid I am not familiar with the dance."

"Tis alright, really. I too, know it not."

Eomer laughed and questioned her further. "How do you intend to dance along with the masses if you, nor I, know the steps?"

Lothiriel shrugged. "We can follow along as the song progresses. It does not look too difficult."

"You mean to make a mockery of us both, Princess," Eomer said, smiling.

Lothiriel giggled in response. "I mean to do no such thing. Think of it this way, if we look like fools, we will look like fools together. Come now, have I yet to give you a reason to distrust my lead?"

Eomer mocked pondering, raising an eyebrow at her. "Do you forget so easily, Princess, the previous night?"

Lothiriel laughed, rolling her eyes as she did so. "Come!" she said, pulling him onto the dance floor. They stood across from each other; Lothiriel lifting the skirt of her lavender gown a bit to dance easier. She watched the couple next to her, attempting to imitate their steps, as Eomer did the same.

Each awkward movement and little mistake had them lightly tripping over their own, as well as each other's, feet, and Lothiriel laughed jovially with each step. Eomer could not help but laugh with her, knowing very well that he was making a fool of himself. The congregation who refrained from dancing watched the Princess and the King, ladies of the court gossiping as the couple danced, and men making jokes of how a swan of Dol Amroth would survive in the dry plains of Rohan. Eomer was aware of the stares and whispers, as was Lothiriel. However, where Eomer became conscious, Lothiriel did not. She could care less about what they had to say about her, she only knew that this sad excuse for a dance with the King of Rohan was enjoyable beyond her expectation, and this confidence seemed to please Eomer.

Not only was the congregation watching, but friends and family of the odd pairing were watching intently as well. Eowyn smiled to Faramir, who guessed at to what his new wife was thinking. Aragorn turned to Arwen, and whispered in her ear, causing Arwen to laugh lightly. Gimli announced that there may be another marriage to prepare for, as the Hobbits, Gandalf, and Legolas all agreed, smiling at Imrahil. Imrahil only chuckled in response, as they all turned to watch the Princess and King. It was clear that the two were beginning to enjoy each other's company.

hehe, long again. hope you liked. thanks again, SOOOOOO much for the reviews. I appreciate each and every one!! and keep reviewing =]