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

AN: so sorry it took me the longest time for this chapter, but I am so happy for all the reviews I got!! the pictures I took turned out great, and I'm glad I got a bit of rest, but now I'm fully recovered and ready to take up my usual pace. anyways, thanks again for the reviews!! hope you enjoy!! =]

Chapter 13: Three Little Words

Eomer sat up in his small cot, light beginning to creep through the shutters that covered his window. His hand gently caressed Lothiriel's hair as she slept, her head rested on her arms, slumped over the side of his makeshift bed. 'She must have waited all night' Eomer thought to himself, smiling at the site of her. His healer had told him that she remained in the room after all had left, quiet as ever and exhausted. Eomer worried a bit, for the healer also told him that the Princess refused any nourishment, and that it had been a long night.

Lothiriel shivered slightly, the cool morning air sneaking into the room. Eomer noticed, and grabbed an extra blanket that lay at his feet. Unfolding it, he draped it over her shoulders, wrapping it snuggly around her. Lothiriel moaned softly, shifting her shoulders and shaking her head lightly. She sat up and slowly opened her eyes to see Eomer smiling back at her. Lothiriel smiled groggily, but happy nonetheless.

"Eomer..." she breathed, leaning to him, Eomer meeting her half way, as she placed a gentle kiss upon his lips. Lothiriel held the blanket upon her shoulders as she parted from Eomer, catching his gaze. They smiled to one another, Lothiriel reaching for Eomer's hand, holding it tightly within her own. "You gave me quite the scare," she said softly, looking down as she did to avoid his stare, not wanting him to see the worry in her eyes.

Eomer chuckled lightly. "I truly apologize. 'Tis only a cut on the forehead..."

"And a gash on the shoulder," she finished for him, her brown eyes widening in distress. "I was afraid you would fail to wake at all," she whispered, leaning to him once more to taste his lips upon hers. As they parted, Eomer pulled her to him, and she had no choice but to get up from where she sat and reposition herself upon the cot next to Eomer. Lothiriel felt at ease in his grasp, draping her arm over his bare chest, the bandage on his right shoulder tainted with blood. He shifted a bit to be comfortable, his left arm around Lothiriel's shoulder, holding her close to him.

"Yes, I agree that would have been quite the tragedy," Eomer said in mock arrogance. Lothiriel only giggled, resting her cheek against his flesh, holding him tight.

"I am not sure what I would have done, had I lost you. The thought made my blood run cold, and still to this time, I do not know why. Is it safe to say that I am enamored by you, Eomer?" she asked playfully. Eomer could hear her smile as she spoke the words.

"What would your heart say on the matter?"

"I am not quite sure. I do not know what to think."

"But I did not ask what you think, I asked what you felt. There is a great difference."

"Yes, I suppose."

"So, Lothiriel, what then do you feel?"

Lothiriel paused for a moment. In her heart, she could feel her connection to Eomer. Something about him confused her pleasantly, and though they butted heads at times, he was gentle towards her. The soft touch of his hand on her cheek, the way he kissed her so fervently yet his lips were tender against her own, the way he spoke with command yet his whispers sent chills through her body. It did not hurt either that Eomer was ruggedly handsome; his piercing eyes intriguing with depth. But truly, Lothiriel was not sure if it was love. What if she mistook it for some childish infatuation?

"I...I feel quite, confused by you, honestly," she finally replied, stammering a bit.

"Confused?"

"Yes, confused. I care for you greatly, of that I am certain, and yet, I am not sure to say if I love you or not. I do not know really, and so I am confused. But I know that when you hold me in your arms, when I am in your company, when I feel your presence, it seems as if nothing else matters to me."

"Very confusing indeed. Well, Lothiriel, I would not rush you if only to hear you say three little words. I would rather wait until you know for certain, but of my own heart I cannot deny that I am beginning to fall... I think am beginning to fall in love with you, Lothiriel."

Lothiriel was quiet for moments, eyebrows furrowed in surprise, keeping her hold around the Rohirrim King. She held him tightly, not sure of what to say. What could she say really? Here he was, falling in love with her, and all she had in return was confusion.

"How do you know, Eomer? How can you be so sure?" she asked, tears beginning to well up. There was something she withheld from Eomer, as she was becoming quite sensitive to the subject of love, but for what reason? Eomer pushed aside the thoughts, and replied.

"Truly, how can any person be sure of love? I do not know, but I do know that what I feel in my heart is real. The day you kissed my nose before we left the city, it was rather your display of strength that took me aback. I did not think you would see me off that day, thinking you would let your emotional pride keep you away. But you did come that day, and now here you are on this day. I cannot explain it, but having you with me, knowing you care, it brings a peace to my heart."

Lothiriel sat up from where she lay, looking to Eomer. He gave her a puzzled look, wondering what it was he had said that seemed to upset her. "Is that love then? Bringing a calm to the heart? Now I am afraid, because here we are, in all our fondness of each other, and we are unsure whether or not we love each other!" Lothiriel buried her face in her hands, emotionally exhausted. In truth, it had been the events of the previous night that tired her out, the talk of love only increasing her fatigue.

Eomer laughed softly, placing his arm around her shoulder and leaning her to him as he rested his head atop her own. "If it causes such distress, then why should we worry about it? Simply for technicalities and three little words? No, it is of no importance. What is important to me is being with you, speaking with you, holding you, embracing you, you and only you, Lothiriel. You do not need to tell me that you love me, for I can feel that you do," he breathed gently in her ear, causing her to lift her head from hands and smile at him.

"I agree. We need not say we are in love, for fear of being mistaken, but in our hearts, we can already feel it, can we not? But no, I fear to say it, as if the moment I say it I would awake from a dream. To say I am in love would be complicating situations, making it more like a responsibility rather than a gift. I dare not say it then. But I will say this; you have my heart, Eomer," she breathed softly, laying her head on his chest and hugging him close. Eomer held her in return.

"And you have mine," he replied softly, as they lay silently in each other's arms.

Imrahil watched wordlessly from the doorway of Eomer's room, the door slightly ajar. He had heard everything between the two, and sighed heavily. Just then he felt a gentle hand placed on his shoulder, and he turned to see his eldest son stand behind him, peering into the room as Imrahil did.

"Quite the night she has had, think you not? She must be exhausted from emotion," Elphir whispered, eyeing the two.

"Yes, quite. But you know your sister; she is a very passionate person. Is it no wonder then that her love would be passionate as well?" Imrahil replied. Elphir looked to his father, who kept his gaze on his daughter.

"You think it is love then, Father?"

"I fear that I know it is love, on Eomer's part at least. I see the way he looks at her; I only know that look all too well. But Lothiriel, I am afraid I will never be able to fully trust what her heart tells her. She is young, impulsive, and like I said before, passionate. I must test her heart to see if it is truly love, before their relationship goes any further."

"How do you propose to do that, Father?"

"I would ask that they keep away from each other for at least six months time."

Elphir laughed lightly, thinking his Father was joking, but when he saw the look on Imrahil's face, he knew it was no joke. "Are you serious, Father? Lothiriel would never agree to it, and I highly doubt Eomer would, lest you fall on your knees and beg the man," Elphir said absent mindedly, not thinking such an act would be plausible.

"Lothiriel has no say in the matter, for she will not know. Eomer is a reasonable man, a good man. He would understand my concern for my only daughter, and if I request this of him, I know he will concede. It is rather brilliant actually, for it would test the strength of Eomer's heart as well. I take my leave then, Son. I am tired, and I wish to check in on Amrothos before I return home." Imrahil turned to leave, clasping his son's shoulder before he did so. Elphir kept his gaze on his sister, patting his father's hand as it lay on his shoulder.

Imrahil noticed Elphir was distracted, and felt he should address what occupied his son's mind. "She will get over it soon enough, Elphir," Imrahil said gently. Elphir turned to his father and gave him a confused look.

"Father?"

"What she said to you yester eve, of your mother and your 'ways'. Lothiriel is young, the youngest of you four. Even I sometimes forget that she has lived without your mother the longest out of us all. She cannot let go of things so easily. But do not fear my son, she loves you just the same as Erchirion and Amrothos."

"I do not mean to be such a thorn in her side. It is difficult, being the oldest. I feel as if I must help the three discern between right and wrong."

"It is a noble task, but do not let it cloud your judgment. Your siblings are grown, Elphir. Trust them."

With that Imrahil left Elphir with his thoughts. Elphir sighed deeply, taking one last glance at his sister, sound asleep in Eomer's arms, and turned to take his leave.
eh, a bit analytical, but basically a gap filler. hope you enjoyed anyhow, and please keep reviewing. I've gotten the greatest reviews, and I'm always happy to receive more. thanks so much!!! =]