A/N-Well, thanks everyone who reviewed my first chapter. It has encouraged
me to continue. Keep up the reviews as the story goes along, and let me
know how you'd like to see it develop. FYI-the appendices never really say
E&L had only one child, Elfwine. It just says he was the son who ruled
after E died. So I think I might give them more kids...does anyone have
proof Elfwine was their only child?
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_
Eomer and Lothiriel stood outside her chamber door for a few minutes before they said goodnight. This was Lothiriel's favorite part of her day simply because Eomer tended to be extremely affectionate during goodbyes. It was one of his most endearing qualities, she noted to herself.
They turned to face each other, and he placed her right hand in both of his. "Another adventurous day in the books," Eomer said and moved closer to the princess. He placed her hand on his chest over his heart. "I hope you father isn't too cross with us."
Lothiriel sighed and then said, "Oh, he'll be fine, but I guess we better cease with the evening rides to Osgiliath until after we are at Edoras and wed."
Eomer smiled at her and moved another step closer so that they were leaning into each other. "I wish we didn't have to wait so long," he said. "You know, if we were following Rohirric tradition, we would be wed a month already. One month today, in fact." He had a twinkle in his eye and a playful smile on his face.
"How does that figure?" Lothiriel asked, her head tilted slightly and a questioning look on her face.
"A month ago today I sought permission from your father to wed you, and he consented," Eomer stated. "It is tradition that a Rohirrim couple is wed as soon as the woman's father or guardian agrees to the marriage. Technically, the pair is already married at their own wedding ceremony."
"Really!" Lothiriel said in surprise. "I didn't know that! That's rather interesting. So can the couple...um...does the couple..." Lothiriel said with fumbled words as she started to blush.
Eomer laughed loudly and said, "Do they consummate the marriage before the actual wedding celebration?"
"Yes," replied Lothiriel a little embarrassed at her question.
"Indeed they do," he answered still laughing. He placed his arms around her waist, and he pulled her into a gentle embrace.
"Oh my," Lothiriel said with a sigh as she looked up into Eomer's dark eyes.
"So, I was thinking, today being our Rohirric one month wedding anniversary," he replied and returned her gaze, "you deserve a present."
Lothiriel's face lit up, and her body started to vibrate with excitement. "A present! You know how I love presents! Do I get it now?" she said with a huge smile on her face.
"Yes, you get them now," Eomer said with a chuckle as he tried to hold the bouncing princess still. "They are in your chambers as we speak."
"I get 'them' now...'they' are in my chambers?" Lothiriel said quizzing him. "Does that mean there is more than one?"
"She's quick with the content clues, isn't she?" Eomer said jokingly. "Hold on a minute!" he said with a laugh, catching and holding her tightly as she quickly tried to enter her chambers in search of presents.
He placed one of his hands on her back; the other he cupped against her cheek. She stopped her attempts to enter her chambers, and she greeted his attention with a loving smile. They stood silently together for a minute and looked into each other's eyes. He noticed that her lovely almond-shaped blue eyes seemed to brim with happiness; he pulled her face to his and kissed her deeply.
Lothiriel melted against him and rose up on the tips of her toes so she could wrap her arms over his shoulders and around his neck. Eomer's fingers intertwined with her long, dark tresses, which she had pulled back from her face for their evening ride. The clip holding her hair in place came loose in his hand, and her hair tumbled down her back.
After a few moments they separated from their embrace. "But I have no present for you," she said with a purr in her voice.
"One more kiss like that will be present enough, my dear," he replied, his voice thick with desire.
Lothiriel pulled him into another kiss and when they finally separated she was out of breath. "Well, happy anniversary to you," she said giggling a little as she twirled a lock of his blond hair around her index finger.
"Most definitely," he replied. "But, I better say goodnight, for if your father comes around the corner and catches us lingering in the hallway outside your chambers he will certainly get very cross."
Lothiriel sighed dramatically and said, "You are probably right. Until tomorrow then." She quickly pulled him into another embrace and solid kiss. She caught his lower lip between her lips and slowly tugged at it with her mouth as she leisurely released him from the kiss. She laughed full heartedly when she saw Eomer's eyes go wide, and with a swirl of fabric, she escaped into her quarters before he could catch her in another embrace. She heard him growl in frustration outside her door.
"I have your hair clip out here," he said with a tease to her through the door. "Open the door so I can give it back to you."
"Keep it as a remembrance of our one month anniversary," she said with a chuckle, not taking the bait. "And quit loitering outside my chamber door before my father catches you!"
"Alright, Princess," Eomer said with a touch of defeat in his voice. "Enjoy your presents and sleep well." He turned and walked away from her chamber door headed in the direction of his larger lodgings, two corridors away. He exhaled deeply and rubbed the back of his head with his hand. Thinking back to Lothiriel's playful last kiss, he shook his head, and smiled broadly. His betrothed was full of surprises. - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - --
Inside her chambers Lothiriel turned and leaned with her back against the door for a moment while she caught her breath. She took a minute to settle herself, and then she walked into the main room of her chambers. Immediately, she saw the first of Eomer's anniversary gifts.
Hanging against the wall next to her dressing table was an elegant gown. Lothiriel quickly crossed the room and reached out to touch the fabric that made the full skirt of the dress. It was rich, soft velvet. The gown itself was a dark green, the green of Rohan, and on each shoulder a flowing silk cape that matched the dress in color was held in place by brooches of emerald stones set in gold.
An envelope with her name on it, and the words "Read First," sat on her dressing table; it caught her attention. She tore her gaze away from the gown and picked up the envelope. Under it was a small, wooden box. Intricately carved into the box's lid was the white horse of Rohan's flag. She quickly opened the envelope and read the letter contained within, written by Eomer.
Lothiriel,
Though we have only been betrothed for a short month, and have known
each other for only a few more, I feel as if I have shared my whole
life with you. Your presence has lifted my spirits, made me a better
King to my people, made me a better man...the love you give to me so
freely resides in a part of my soul I thought would always be void,
but now know can never totally fill for I love you more everyday we
are together.
Tomorrow night, as you know, begins the harvest celebration. It will
be the first celebration we will attend together as a betrothed
couple. It would do me honor for you to wear the gown I have given
you in the color of your future kingdom. Eowyn helped me pick it out,
and she assures me you will like it and it will fit you correctly. I
hope she is not mistaken.
In the box is a gift I had made by a skilled craftsman here in Minas
Tirith, for you, shortly after the first time we met in Edoras during
my coronation. It was just completed a week ago. I hope you like it,
and that you will wear it at the celebration tomorrow.
For now you have my heart, and once we are wed you will have me in
entirety. Go ahead and open the box...I know the suspense is killing
you.
Your Beloved Husband-To-Be,
Eomer
As tears flowed freely from her eyes, Lothiriel laughed at the last line of his note and used the back of her hand to wipe her face before she reached for the box. She placed the letter on her dressing table for safekeeping, and she carefully opened the delicate lid of the box; her hands shook slightly with emotion. Inside was a golden charm, about the size of her palm, matching the horse carved in the lid of the box. It was strung on a delicate chain that looked to be made of mithril.
She lifted the necklace from the box and stared at it closely. The mithril chain glowed in the light provided by the fire from the hearth adjacent to her dressing table. Her gaze turned across the room when she heard a soft knock on her chamber door. She quickly wiped her face again and pushed her loose hair back from her face and shoulders. "Who is it?" she asked as she crossed the room to open the door.
"Your father," Imrahil said cheerfully to her through the door, "here to wish you a good night as promised." His pleasant expression turned troubled when he met the tear stained face of his daughter as she opened her chamber door. "Lothiriel, what's the matter?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
"Nothing!" Lothiriel said as she jumped into his arms. "I am the happiest I have ever been in my whole life!"
Imrahil stumbled into her chambers, his daughter still hanging about his neck. "I see," he said with a surprised chuckle at her impromptu hug, "then why do you look as if you have been crying?" He untangled her arms from around his neck and placed his hands on her shoulders so he could see her face.
"Because I was, I mean I am!" she said. Her eyes still wept big, happy tears. "Eomer gave me the most beautiful gifts for our one month anniversary."
Imrahil looked at her with a slight frown on his face and said, "One month anniversary?"
"It's a long story Father," Lothiriel replied as a shy smile graced her lips, "and a little personal."
"Oh, I see." Imrahil said. "Well then, it is probably better that I not hear it." He winked at her slyly and looked across her chambers at the gown hanging on her wall. "He presented you with a gown for the harvest celebration tomorrow, I presume."
"Yes," Lothiriel said, her voice hurried and excited, "and he also gave me this!" She lifted the necklace she still held in her hand for her father to see.
Imrahil inspected the necklace and said, "An exquisite gift appropriate for a future queen." He smiled at his daughter and crossed the room to where the gown was hanging. "He wishes for you to wear the color of Rohan tomorrow," he said in a quiet voice, almost to himself, as he fingered the green fabric of the dress.
"Are you alright, Father?" Lothiriel said noticing the pensive look on his face. She moved to stand next to him and said, "It is appropriate now that we are to be wed, is it not?"
He turned to face her and took both her hands in his. "Yes, of course." he said and smiled at her gently. "I just realized I will not see you in the blue of Dol Amroth anymore."
Lothiriel looked at her father, her face etched with love and a little sadness. She said, "You will see me in it one more time. My wedding day."
Imrahil stared at his daughter as she stood in front of him, and he admired the woman she had grown into seemingly to him within the last year. He pulled her into a tight embrace and said in her ear, "I am proud of you, Lothiriel. You will make a fine queen, wife and mother."
"Thank you," she said back to him in a whisper.
They held their embrace for several moments, and then Imrahil leaned back from Lothiriel and said, "I will let you rest now. Tomorrow will be an eventful day." He turned, walked toward her door, and Lothiriel followed closely behind. "Goodnight," he said simply as he stepped out into the corridor.
"Goodnight, Father." she replied quietly.
Imrahil started to close her chamber door, but stopped suddenly and said, "Oh, and Lothiriel, I hope you aren't too disappointed I didn't let you and Eomer wed in the Rohirric tradition." He winked mischievously at her, and he quickly shut the door before she had a chance to respond. The last thing he saw was his daughter's mouth fly open and her cheeks start to burn a bright shade of red. ____________________________________________________________________________ _
A/N-The next chapter will be Eomer POV.
Eomer and Lothiriel stood outside her chamber door for a few minutes before they said goodnight. This was Lothiriel's favorite part of her day simply because Eomer tended to be extremely affectionate during goodbyes. It was one of his most endearing qualities, she noted to herself.
They turned to face each other, and he placed her right hand in both of his. "Another adventurous day in the books," Eomer said and moved closer to the princess. He placed her hand on his chest over his heart. "I hope you father isn't too cross with us."
Lothiriel sighed and then said, "Oh, he'll be fine, but I guess we better cease with the evening rides to Osgiliath until after we are at Edoras and wed."
Eomer smiled at her and moved another step closer so that they were leaning into each other. "I wish we didn't have to wait so long," he said. "You know, if we were following Rohirric tradition, we would be wed a month already. One month today, in fact." He had a twinkle in his eye and a playful smile on his face.
"How does that figure?" Lothiriel asked, her head tilted slightly and a questioning look on her face.
"A month ago today I sought permission from your father to wed you, and he consented," Eomer stated. "It is tradition that a Rohirrim couple is wed as soon as the woman's father or guardian agrees to the marriage. Technically, the pair is already married at their own wedding ceremony."
"Really!" Lothiriel said in surprise. "I didn't know that! That's rather interesting. So can the couple...um...does the couple..." Lothiriel said with fumbled words as she started to blush.
Eomer laughed loudly and said, "Do they consummate the marriage before the actual wedding celebration?"
"Yes," replied Lothiriel a little embarrassed at her question.
"Indeed they do," he answered still laughing. He placed his arms around her waist, and he pulled her into a gentle embrace.
"Oh my," Lothiriel said with a sigh as she looked up into Eomer's dark eyes.
"So, I was thinking, today being our Rohirric one month wedding anniversary," he replied and returned her gaze, "you deserve a present."
Lothiriel's face lit up, and her body started to vibrate with excitement. "A present! You know how I love presents! Do I get it now?" she said with a huge smile on her face.
"Yes, you get them now," Eomer said with a chuckle as he tried to hold the bouncing princess still. "They are in your chambers as we speak."
"I get 'them' now...'they' are in my chambers?" Lothiriel said quizzing him. "Does that mean there is more than one?"
"She's quick with the content clues, isn't she?" Eomer said jokingly. "Hold on a minute!" he said with a laugh, catching and holding her tightly as she quickly tried to enter her chambers in search of presents.
He placed one of his hands on her back; the other he cupped against her cheek. She stopped her attempts to enter her chambers, and she greeted his attention with a loving smile. They stood silently together for a minute and looked into each other's eyes. He noticed that her lovely almond-shaped blue eyes seemed to brim with happiness; he pulled her face to his and kissed her deeply.
Lothiriel melted against him and rose up on the tips of her toes so she could wrap her arms over his shoulders and around his neck. Eomer's fingers intertwined with her long, dark tresses, which she had pulled back from her face for their evening ride. The clip holding her hair in place came loose in his hand, and her hair tumbled down her back.
After a few moments they separated from their embrace. "But I have no present for you," she said with a purr in her voice.
"One more kiss like that will be present enough, my dear," he replied, his voice thick with desire.
Lothiriel pulled him into another kiss and when they finally separated she was out of breath. "Well, happy anniversary to you," she said giggling a little as she twirled a lock of his blond hair around her index finger.
"Most definitely," he replied. "But, I better say goodnight, for if your father comes around the corner and catches us lingering in the hallway outside your chambers he will certainly get very cross."
Lothiriel sighed dramatically and said, "You are probably right. Until tomorrow then." She quickly pulled him into another embrace and solid kiss. She caught his lower lip between her lips and slowly tugged at it with her mouth as she leisurely released him from the kiss. She laughed full heartedly when she saw Eomer's eyes go wide, and with a swirl of fabric, she escaped into her quarters before he could catch her in another embrace. She heard him growl in frustration outside her door.
"I have your hair clip out here," he said with a tease to her through the door. "Open the door so I can give it back to you."
"Keep it as a remembrance of our one month anniversary," she said with a chuckle, not taking the bait. "And quit loitering outside my chamber door before my father catches you!"
"Alright, Princess," Eomer said with a touch of defeat in his voice. "Enjoy your presents and sleep well." He turned and walked away from her chamber door headed in the direction of his larger lodgings, two corridors away. He exhaled deeply and rubbed the back of his head with his hand. Thinking back to Lothiriel's playful last kiss, he shook his head, and smiled broadly. His betrothed was full of surprises. - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - --
Inside her chambers Lothiriel turned and leaned with her back against the door for a moment while she caught her breath. She took a minute to settle herself, and then she walked into the main room of her chambers. Immediately, she saw the first of Eomer's anniversary gifts.
Hanging against the wall next to her dressing table was an elegant gown. Lothiriel quickly crossed the room and reached out to touch the fabric that made the full skirt of the dress. It was rich, soft velvet. The gown itself was a dark green, the green of Rohan, and on each shoulder a flowing silk cape that matched the dress in color was held in place by brooches of emerald stones set in gold.
An envelope with her name on it, and the words "Read First," sat on her dressing table; it caught her attention. She tore her gaze away from the gown and picked up the envelope. Under it was a small, wooden box. Intricately carved into the box's lid was the white horse of Rohan's flag. She quickly opened the envelope and read the letter contained within, written by Eomer.
Lothiriel,
Though we have only been betrothed for a short month, and have known
each other for only a few more, I feel as if I have shared my whole
life with you. Your presence has lifted my spirits, made me a better
King to my people, made me a better man...the love you give to me so
freely resides in a part of my soul I thought would always be void,
but now know can never totally fill for I love you more everyday we
are together.
Tomorrow night, as you know, begins the harvest celebration. It will
be the first celebration we will attend together as a betrothed
couple. It would do me honor for you to wear the gown I have given
you in the color of your future kingdom. Eowyn helped me pick it out,
and she assures me you will like it and it will fit you correctly. I
hope she is not mistaken.
In the box is a gift I had made by a skilled craftsman here in Minas
Tirith, for you, shortly after the first time we met in Edoras during
my coronation. It was just completed a week ago. I hope you like it,
and that you will wear it at the celebration tomorrow.
For now you have my heart, and once we are wed you will have me in
entirety. Go ahead and open the box...I know the suspense is killing
you.
Your Beloved Husband-To-Be,
Eomer
As tears flowed freely from her eyes, Lothiriel laughed at the last line of his note and used the back of her hand to wipe her face before she reached for the box. She placed the letter on her dressing table for safekeeping, and she carefully opened the delicate lid of the box; her hands shook slightly with emotion. Inside was a golden charm, about the size of her palm, matching the horse carved in the lid of the box. It was strung on a delicate chain that looked to be made of mithril.
She lifted the necklace from the box and stared at it closely. The mithril chain glowed in the light provided by the fire from the hearth adjacent to her dressing table. Her gaze turned across the room when she heard a soft knock on her chamber door. She quickly wiped her face again and pushed her loose hair back from her face and shoulders. "Who is it?" she asked as she crossed the room to open the door.
"Your father," Imrahil said cheerfully to her through the door, "here to wish you a good night as promised." His pleasant expression turned troubled when he met the tear stained face of his daughter as she opened her chamber door. "Lothiriel, what's the matter?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
"Nothing!" Lothiriel said as she jumped into his arms. "I am the happiest I have ever been in my whole life!"
Imrahil stumbled into her chambers, his daughter still hanging about his neck. "I see," he said with a surprised chuckle at her impromptu hug, "then why do you look as if you have been crying?" He untangled her arms from around his neck and placed his hands on her shoulders so he could see her face.
"Because I was, I mean I am!" she said. Her eyes still wept big, happy tears. "Eomer gave me the most beautiful gifts for our one month anniversary."
Imrahil looked at her with a slight frown on his face and said, "One month anniversary?"
"It's a long story Father," Lothiriel replied as a shy smile graced her lips, "and a little personal."
"Oh, I see." Imrahil said. "Well then, it is probably better that I not hear it." He winked at her slyly and looked across her chambers at the gown hanging on her wall. "He presented you with a gown for the harvest celebration tomorrow, I presume."
"Yes," Lothiriel said, her voice hurried and excited, "and he also gave me this!" She lifted the necklace she still held in her hand for her father to see.
Imrahil inspected the necklace and said, "An exquisite gift appropriate for a future queen." He smiled at his daughter and crossed the room to where the gown was hanging. "He wishes for you to wear the color of Rohan tomorrow," he said in a quiet voice, almost to himself, as he fingered the green fabric of the dress.
"Are you alright, Father?" Lothiriel said noticing the pensive look on his face. She moved to stand next to him and said, "It is appropriate now that we are to be wed, is it not?"
He turned to face her and took both her hands in his. "Yes, of course." he said and smiled at her gently. "I just realized I will not see you in the blue of Dol Amroth anymore."
Lothiriel looked at her father, her face etched with love and a little sadness. She said, "You will see me in it one more time. My wedding day."
Imrahil stared at his daughter as she stood in front of him, and he admired the woman she had grown into seemingly to him within the last year. He pulled her into a tight embrace and said in her ear, "I am proud of you, Lothiriel. You will make a fine queen, wife and mother."
"Thank you," she said back to him in a whisper.
They held their embrace for several moments, and then Imrahil leaned back from Lothiriel and said, "I will let you rest now. Tomorrow will be an eventful day." He turned, walked toward her door, and Lothiriel followed closely behind. "Goodnight," he said simply as he stepped out into the corridor.
"Goodnight, Father." she replied quietly.
Imrahil started to close her chamber door, but stopped suddenly and said, "Oh, and Lothiriel, I hope you aren't too disappointed I didn't let you and Eomer wed in the Rohirric tradition." He winked mischievously at her, and he quickly shut the door before she had a chance to respond. The last thing he saw was his daughter's mouth fly open and her cheeks start to burn a bright shade of red. ____________________________________________________________________________ _
A/N-The next chapter will be Eomer POV.
