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

AN: again, the reviews are loved! thanks so much guys. alright, well, I think I'll take the time out to address some reviews I got for the last chapter, since there were a lot of questions and I think them all justified.

freelance beatnik: with the whole kidnapping thing, I probably should have used a better word to describe it. It was really just a way for Caladon to help Lothiriel, because it was obvious that Eomer wouldn't let either of them go so easily. So it was like, they would not come freely so he had to use force, type of thing. thanks for the review!!!

lady scribe of avandell: yeah, I agree it was moving at a quick pace. I guess I made the mistake of trying to pack too many things into one chapter. so sorry though, but thanks so much for the review!!

LOTR-nutcase: I totally agree. again, I should have used a better word than "kidnapping", maybe capturing or holding hostage. and the other thing, again, I totally agree that a lot of the things that go on are blamed on Eomer, but in future chapters Lothiriel will try to make up for that, or so I'll write. and I realize that her emotions are quite violent, but in a way that's what I was hoping for. she's sort of young and spontaneous but passionate and extreme at times also. but I see what you mean, and I agree that I should probably tone down her extremes. thanks so much for the advice, I love that you like the story, and your opinion did help!! thanks again!!

Eokat, kati58, milissas, Rana Ningue, and Angel of the Night Watchers: thanks so much for your reviews!! I'm glad that you liked it!!!

hope you enjoy! =]

Chapter 9: The Simplicities That Mean the World

Dawn approached as Eomer and Lothiriel entered the palace, a cool breeze blowing through before passing the main doors. Upon returning that morning, Eomer and Lothiriel we're met with angry words and worried eyes. They were immediately called to Imrahil's study, and Imrahil, who was beside himself, scolded the couple quite passionately. Had it not been at the request of Eowyn to give her brother but a day to return, Imrahil would have sent every guard he had in Dol Amroth out searching for them. In truth, he trusted Eomer. It was Lothiriel he worried about, and what made matters worse was the fact that Lothiriel had been so careless with her health, and did not bother to take into consideration that she was hurt.

As Imrahil stood before the couple, pacing and muttering words of disappointment and relief, Eomer let a smile creep across his face, reaching his hand over to Lothiriel's and taking it gently, his thumb rubbing against her own as he held her hand. Imrahil paused from his pacing, and turned to the couple, watching as they gazed into each other's eyes with much admiration, hands clasped together. They had not noticed that Imrahil had stopped talking, or that he watched as they smiled to one another, which led him to believe that they had not been listening at all. He knew then that Eomer wished to court Lothiriel, though in his heart he doubted the union. It was not because Eomer was not a worthy man, nor was it that Lothiriel was unworthy of Eomer, but it was the fact that Lothiriel seemed so unable to act sensibly. Her reckless behavior, more so in the past few weeks, are what truly clouded Imrahil's mind when it came to the idea of her being courted by a King.

"Ahem," Imrahil coughed, wanting to have their attention. They both looked at Imrahil who stood silent with his arms crossed, letting go of each other's hand, each giving a humbled look. "Do not think that you will go unpunished," he said sternly, They both looked down humbly, waiting to hear what punishment Imrahil would speak of. "It is quite clear that the two of you have found favor in one another, and are growing fond of each other. Though I do not condemn any ideas of courting, I do not fully approve of them either. If you wish to court my daughter, Eomer, then I give you my consent, for I cannot control your decisions or actions."

"My Lord," Eomer said softly, nodding in agreement. He had quite a bit of respect for Imrahil, and though he really did not have to heed his words, Eomer did so with every bit of reverence he would have had he been talking to his own father.

"However," Imrahil said as he turned to Lothiriel, "Lothiriel, you are still my daughter, and though you are a grown woman I very well can control your actions, whether it be under the command of a Father or Prince of higher power. Thus said, your punishment for your actions upon yester eve will be complete and total restriction from any sort of contact with the Lord Eomer, for the remainder of this day." Lothiriel's, as well as Eomer's eyes widened, Eomer only nodding in compliance, and Lothiriel protesting immediately.

"But father, surely not the entire day? Maybe until supper, or until the sun sets upon the sea?" she pleaded. Lothiriel felt as if her Father should have just called complete and total restriction from Eomer forever, the feeling for Lothiriel being one in the same. Eomer having professed his favor in Lothiriel just hours before, and she would have to spend the rest of the day without him.

"The COMPLETE day, Lothiriel. You may continue your courtship come tomorrow morn, but for this day, I would ask that you both respect my wishes, and try your best to avoid crossing each other's paths," Imrahil replied sternly. "Now, no doubt you both need a change of clothes. Eomer, when you finish cleaning up, return here to my study, and we shall have breakfast on the study terrace. Lothiriel you may have breakfast in the dining hall as usual." Lothiriel and Eomer both nodded in acknowledge, and took their leave of Imrahil, exiting his study.

Once outside the room, Lothiriel turned to Eomer and pulled him to her, placing a quite passionate kiss upon his lips, leaning forward upon his chest as he held her close. Just then, however, the door to the study opened, and Imrahil stood in the doorway watching as the two were already breaking his rule.

"Lothiriel!" he called, arms crossed as Lothiriel and Eomer quickly broke apart and looked to him. "The restriction starts now, Lothiriel."

Lothiriel nodded in compliance. "Yes, of course Father," she replied shakily, the passion of the kiss stunning her for a moment, as she turned to make her way towards her quarters.

Eomer watched as she walked away, then looked to Imrahil, arms crossed and an eyebrow raised at him.

"I am sorry my Lord," he mumbled, as he walked away in the opposite direction, deciding to take the long way to his quarters.

An Hour or so Later...

Lothiriel watched from her bedroom window as the sun slowly rose higher and higher above the seaside city. She felt it breathtaking; wishing that she could of shared it with Eomer. She sighed heavily, 'I suppose one day would not hurt, and it is the least I could do for my father,' she thought to herself, making her way to her dresser. The pale yellow dress she chose for the day beautifully complimented her long, dark hair and rose cheeks. Finding her thin leather strap for her hair, she parted two strands on either side of her head, twisted them, then clasped the ends together in the center of the back of her head. After finding her boots, putting them on and tying them she exited her room to make her way to the dining hall. After only taking a few steps down the hall, however, she looked to see Idhren running to her.

"Sister! Ah it is good to see you are safe," Idhren said, pulling her into an embrace. "That is quite a cut upon your forehead," she commented as they pulled apart.

Lothiriel lightly ran her fingers over the cut, almost having forgotten about it altogether. "Oh, yes, well, it was much worse yesterday. I have much to tell you, Idhren," she started, but Idhren cut her short.

"Well, you must tell me later on in the day, sister, for I am just now going to my quarters to change, and I will be off for the morning with your brother," she told, excited.

"Off for the morning? Where ever to?"

"Your brother and I are going to have a picnic upon the beach over looking the bay. Oh, Lothiriel I admit I am quite enthused. Ever since the birth of Alphros, Elphir and I have had little time to spend with each other to just relax and enjoy each other's company."

"Well, I am happy for you then, sister."

Idhren smiled in response, and began to continue making her way to her quarters, when she stopped and quickly turned to Lothiriel. "Oh, I almost forgot. Alphros is in the nursery, and for the day you need only to remember to give him snacks in between meals, for he grows grumpy if you do not."

Lothiriel looked at her puzzled. "What I need to remember for the day? What would that bit of information have to do with me, Idhren?"

Idhren in return gave Lothiriel a puzzled look as well. "Are you not to watch Alphros for the day?"

Lothiriel's eyes widened. "Watch Alphros for the day!" she replied, shocked.

"Yes, your Father only told me moments ago that you volunteered. In truth, it was he who persuaded Elphir and I to take the day off."

"What of Alphros's nurse, Idhren? Will she not be here to watch over him?" Lothiriel asked, hoping she would be relieved of the task.

"She is only dressing Alphros and she will be on her way out. Your father insisted she take the day off as well; odd is it not?"

"Quite," Lothiriel replied sarcastically. Idhren smiled, realizing that her sister really had no desire to care for her nephew for the day.

"Have a good day then, sister. Thank you for your troubles," Idhren said gently, and took her leave of Lothiriel.

"No trouble at all," Lothiriel mumbled, sighing, as she made her way to Alphros' nursery.

Moments Later...

As Lothiriel entered the nursery, she saw her nephew sitting at a small table fiddling with a few wooden block toys, his nurse being the first to notice Lothiriel' presence. The nurse then whispered in Alphros's ear, obviously telling him that his aunt had arrived, for Alphros turned and smiled brightly, running to Lothiriel and hugging her legs. Lothiriel smiled and hugged him back, nodding to the nurse that she may take her leave. The nurse nodded and left the two alone.

"Well Alphros, I suppose today will be your day," Lothiriel said gently, kneeling down to look into her little nephew's deep brown eyes, just like his father's. "What do you wish to do today?" she asked, knowing very well that the child had yet to speak words. It had been a secret desire for Lothiriel to have her be the first that Alphros speaks to, as it was a desire for each of his uncles, his parents and his grandfather. It was like a contest amongst their family, all hope riding on a single word for Alphros to speak. Naturally, however, Alphros kept quiet, and Lothiriel continued. "Hmm, what to do. Well, I suppose we must have breakfast first, but what after? Oh, I know, how about we spend the day at the grotto? Yes, we can spend the day swimming in the small pool, and I will ask Cook to pack us a hearty lunch, dinner as well perhaps, just in case, and of course a good portion of snacks. I imagine the water to be warm; it seems to always be warm in temperature."

Alphros nodded happily, smiling to his aunt as he twisted his body from side to side. Lothiriel laughed in amusement, admitting that her nephew was too cute to grumble over. She then began to gather extra clothes for the boy, and placed them in a small sack that lay on his dresser. She decided she would ask Daerien at breakfast to gather extra clothes for herself, and taking her nephew's little hand within her own, they exited the room and made their way to breakfast.

Later that Day...

Eomer nearly nodded off to sleep, as he sat in the chair he had been sitting in for most of the day, listening to Imrahil speak with his counselors. He determined that Imrahil was keeping him in council for longer than necessary, keeping in mind the rule that had been established earlier that day. Faramir was allowed to leave some three or four hours earlier, saying that he wished to spend some time with Eowyn. Elphir had not been in council all day, and Amrothos and Erchirion took their leave only an hour or so ago, each having individual business they needed to attend to. Truly, Imrahil did not need Eomer's presence, for the discussions of Rohan subsided after Faramir left. It seems all Eomer heard now was reports of ship inventory and food exports and imports of Dol Amroth.

'And this must be my punishment...' he thought to himself, not wanting to take leave of Imrahil for fear of disrespect or suspicion. He looked towards the window in Imrahil's study, and watched as the sun began to set, remembering that he had been with Lothiriel when the sun began to rise, and wondered where she was and how she fared for the day.

Imrahil noticed that the King of Rohan was growing weary, and his heart sympathized with Eomer. "Eomer," he called from behind his desk. Eomer quickly turned to Imrahil, sitting up attentively.

"My Lord?"

"You may take your leave for the day," Imrahil said compassionately.

Eomer smiled and nodded, "Many thanks, my Lord," he said simply, and exited the room.

Eomer did not think twice as to where he would go. He immediately made his way to Lothiriel's room. Once at her door, he knocked softly, knowing that he would be breaking Imrahil's rule, his conscious pushing for him to do the right thing, but he only wanted to see Lothiriel, even if for just a moment. The entire day he sat in council only thinking of her. Even when the men asked of how his own country fared, he stumbled with his words, thoughts of Lothiriel crossing his mind with every word he wished to speak. 'I only want to see her, if only for a moment even. I will not say a word...' he thought to himself in attempts to justify his defiance. "Lothiriel?" he called softly, as there was no answer to his frequent knocks.

He decided to just open the door and enter, having already broken enough rules, he did not think one more would hurt. As he slowly entered, and called her name, he realized that she was not there, that she had not returned from wherever she went. Eomer sighed heavily, feeling like he had not seen or spoken with her for years on end, and yearned to reach her somehow. However, he could not wait in her room for her to return, as he needed to wash up for dinner, which was in a half hour or so. Somehow, he knew that since Lothiriel was not back in her room a half hour or so before dinner, she would not be present at dinner at all, and it would be quite suspicious if both he and Lothiriel were absent from the dinner table, if he decided to wait for her. So, he walked around the room, looking for something he could do to let Lothiriel know that he had searched for her and had not forgotten about her.

An Hour or Two Later...

Lothiriel arrived at her room, exhausted. Despite her fatigue, she thoroughly enjoyed the day she shared with her nephew, teaching him to swim and laughing merrily as often as possible during the day, as it proved to keep her distracted from missing Eomer. After swimming at the grotto, Alphros wished to look at the stars, the various snacks she fed him earlier being the source of his energy, thus being her reasoning for skipping dinner.

She had just put Alphros to bed, and stopped by her Father's study to check in with him, and found him asleep in his chair, as was often the case. Upon entering her room and closing her door, she spread out her arms and fell backwards onto her bed, letting out a deep and heavy sigh. As her arms were extended across her bed, however, she felt a piece of paper that lay atop her pillows. Puzzled, she quickly got up and picked up the folded paper that had "Lothiriel" written across the outer side.

'Where did this come from?' she thought to herself, looking around her room to make sure no one was there. She unfolded the note, and as she read it she smiled widely, a huff of laughter escaping her lips.

"My thoughts were only of you this day..." it said simply, as Lothiriel held the note over her heart.

hope you liked, a bit of a fluffed chapter, hehe. thanks again so much for the reviews!! you guys rock, and don't forget to keep reviewing!! hehe =]