A/N—Okay, Gimli and Legolas are going to be with us for a while, simply
because they are just too much fun not to have around...especially the dwarf.
Thanks for all the reviews. You guys were exceptionally nice regarding
the last chapter. I hope this one doesn't disappoint! It's just a short
little transition chapter.
Soccer—Thanks again. Sorry for the slow update...I took a weeklong trip out of Middle Earth and to NYC. You know what they say, "All work and no play..."
Haldir—Frisky indeed, my friend. Frisky indeed. (
Eokat—Good. I'm glad you got that she wasn't smashed...just a little buzzed. Still a proper princess, but capable of loosening up a little in private. Laugh! FYI—I'm glad you are continuing your story "Orcs and Babes." I am really enjoying it!
Diamond—"The Adorable One." I like it. That is what we shall refer to him as from now on. And thank you so much for your comment. I am really trying to make this a good story. Elvish vs. elfish...my gut tells me it is elvish (or elven), but my word processor says it is elfish. I think they are all correct, but I hate those squiggly red lines, so I'm going with elfish.
Mercury Gray—I had to go with personal experience, and beards do it for me. ( My goodness, what a nice compliment you've given me. Thank you. Also, I hope you've been able to find good inspiration for a Rohirric wedding.
LOTR-nutcase—Good. I'm glad you felt it was in character. FYI—I am really enjoying "Courage." Keep it up!
Bluegandalf—Hee hee hee! Your review made me sing the entire chorus of "Natural Woman." Thanks for your kind words.
LSOA—Oh good! I'm glad my version of the dwarf and elf translated well for you...they are a trip to write. And please don't die. You have to finish your story, on which I am officially hooked.
Iluvien—Thanks for your confirmation and kind words. I agree that she shouldn't be just the proper princess. She needs depth. And thanks for the reviews of the past chapters...you commented on all my favorite parts of the story.
Lauren—Thanks! I will probably finish this one first and then move on to others...unless I get writer's block, which (thank goodness) I haven't hit yet on this particular tale.
Natters—You're right, frisky is fun. Thanks for all your reviews of the past chapters. I'm glad you're enjoying the story.
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Lothiriel rolled over in her bed and slowly opened her eyes. The bright morning sun pierced her eyes like daggers, and she quickly shut them tight again and flipped one of her pillows over her face to block the light out even more. She felt a foggy pressure across her forehead and behind her eyes. "Ugh," she groaned to herself, and she gently stretched her arms and legs. What felt like every muscle in her body ached in response to her movement.
"That's what I get for dancing until the wee hours of the night," she murmured to herself from under the pillow.
"And probably drinking too much wine as well," said a male voice from the other side of her chamber.
The princess bolted upright in her bed at the sound of the familiar voice, her head instantly clearing in the process. Sitting across from her in a chair, his leg casually flopped over its arm, was her brother Amrothos. He twirled a white rose in his hand and stared at his disheveled sister, quite amused at her condition. "Oh my," he said, "aren't you a vision this morning. Looks like I missed a first-rate party last night. What a pity."
"Amrothos, what are you doing here?" Lothiriel exclaimed.
"Father sent me to fetch you for the morning meal."
"No," she said a little flustered, "what are you doing here?" She held her arms out wide as if to indicate the whole of Minas Tirith.
"Why? Aren't you happy to see me?" he asked his sister. When she didn't reply and instead stared at him a little bleary-eyed, he continued, "Echirion and I arrived this morning. We plan to be part of your escort to Edoras, little sister. Now hurry up and make yourself presentable. I rode all night to get here, and I'm famished." He tossed her robe on her lap and handed her the rose he still held. "I'll wait for you outside," he said to her over his shoulder as he exited the room.
As she looked at the closed door of her chamber where her brother once stood, a wave of excitement rose within Lothiriel. She had missed her brothers terribly the last few weeks, and her heart fluttered at the thought of seeing Echirion and Amrothos again. She longed to tell them all about her betrothal to Eomer and the other exciting events that had transpired in her life since she saw them last in Dol Amroth. She hopped out of bed as fast as her sore muscles would allow and quickly readied herself for the day ahead.
After she tamed her tousled hair and put on a cheerful, yellow dress, she stepped out into the corridor before her chambers, in search of Amrothos. He waited in the passageway with his back to her, and he looked out the window across from her door, into the courtyard below. The sound of her door opening caused him to turn and greet her. His handsome face held a soft, loving smile, and Lothiriel was reminded instantly of her father, for of all her siblings, Amrothos resembled him the most with his black hair, wide-set, blue eyes and strong, square jaw line.
"Excellent choice, Lothiriel," Amrothos said referring to his sister's attire. "That particular dress gives the perfect impression you aren't still suffering the sour effects of last night." He winked and offered his arm to escort her.
"Thank you," she replied in a haughty voice, "that's exactly what I was trying to accomplish." Breaking into a broad grin, she looped her arm through his and placed a kiss on his cheek. "I can't believe you're here! I have so much to tell you!"
Amrothos smiled back at her and led her down the corridor toward the hall where their friends and family were gathering to have breakfast. "Well, we considered staying home and leaving for Edoras with Elphir, just before the wedding, but that wouldn't have given us much time to embarrass you in front of your future husband. So we left a week ago, and now we have a whole month to wreak havoc before you can officially order us beheaded as Queen of Rohan."
Lothiriel beamed a radiant smile and said, "And don't think I won't, my dear brother. I've been waiting to outrank you my whole life. I believe I will spend my first month as queen coming up with underhanded ways to inflict my newfound superiority upon my siblings...you and Echirion particularly."
Amrothos chuckled quietly and said, "I would be surprised if that is how Eomer King allows you to spend your first month of wedded life." He snapped his head toward his sister and mimicked her shocked face, his mouth open wide and eyes bulging. "Just jesting, of course," he said playfully, and he watched as Lothiriel's face changed from shock to chagrin. "I have no doubts you will lead the charge in that particular arena, sister dear." He flinched as she gasped a second time and slapped his arm with a quick and powerful blow.
"What would our father do if he heard you say such things?" Lothiriel said.
He sighed deeply and said, "Something we will never know, for I am not that foolish to say such things in his presence."
The pair rounded a corner, which led to the entrance of a small banquet hall positioned off the palace's main kitchen. The hall was where the king and queen took their informal meals with guests, family and various palace residents. It was banked with windows on three sides, which provided bright and ample light that morning. As they entered, Lothiriel spotted a table across the hall that hosted her other brother, Echirion, as well as Eomer, Faramir and Gimli.
Without hesitation, Amrothos proceeded to the table and said, "Gentlemen, I have brought my sister, and might I add, she fairs significantly better than any of you on this fine morning." Amrothos cast a pointed look at the far end of the table where Faramir, Eomer and Gimli sat. Lothiriel noticed they all looked a little worse for wear. Though they were dressed in appropriate garb, their hair was slightly unkempt and their eyes were red and swollen. She giggled lightly and took her seat between Eomer and Amrothos.
Echirion rose from his seat and rounded the table to greet her. "Hello, Lothiriel," he said and took her hand in his. "You look pretty enough to catch a king, this morning." He shot a sideways look at Eomer as he placed a light kiss on his sister's hand.
Eomer groaned loudly and put his face in his hands, rubbed his aching temples, and said dejectedly, "They are here for no more than a few hours, and already they start with the mocking remarks."
Smiling brilliantly at the King of Rohan, Echirion said, "Actually we started with the mocking remarks around three o'clock this morning. Isn't that right, Amrothos?"
"Yes," Amrothos said, picking up where his brother left off, "we were passing through Lossarnach when we started in on you, my Lord Eomer, as I recall."
Trying to deflect her brother's keen quips at her intended, Lothiriel asked, "Where is Father?"
"He has graciously volunteered to take my place beside Elessar this morning for the official judging of the harvest celebration's artisan contest," answered Faramir. "I think he realized I was in no condition to make any sort of critical choice this morning, even if it only regards a bunch of pretty pictures."
"And sculptures," added Echirion. Faramir rolled his eyes at his cousin, and Gimli, seemingly oblivious to the conversation and intent on a large bowl of stew in front of him, belched loudly. Offering no apology, the dwarf paused from spooning the hearty meal into his mouth for a long pull on a tankard of ale.
"Your constitution amazes me, Gimli," said Faramir.
"Ale in the morning is the fastest way to cure the hurt from too much ale the night before, Lad," Gimli said gruffly. "The key is to quit before the sun hits mid-day." He paused for a moment of contemplation and then added, "A lively scuffle with orcs also clears the head in a pinch."
Eomer snorted a laugh at the dwarf's interesting advice and said, "Where's my sister on this overly bright morning?"
"Eowyn was wise enough to linger in bed," said Faramir. "And she claims it was my duty as her husband to retrieve her morning meal. Something I should to attend to presently, lest I face the wrath of a Shieldmaiden of Rohan."
"Breakfast in bed," said Lothiriel with a sigh. "I don't think there is a greater luxury in this world." Eomer silently regarded the princess with an arched eyebrow. "What?" she asked, noticing his skeptical glance.
"I hate eating in bed. The crumbs get all in the linens."
The entire table stared incredulously at Eomer for a moment, until Amrothos broke the silence and said, "Eomer, I'm going to let that pass without remark out of respect for my sister...and the fact we will be brothers soon."
"Agreed," said Echirion in a feigned solemn voice.
Lothiriel let loose a shower of laughter and affectionately wrapped an arm around Eomer's shoulders while she placed a kiss on his cheek. "What is important to remember, my love, is that they only taunt those they greatly respect...or so they say," said the princess. The two princes from Dol Amroth smiled broadly at their sister's attempt at peace.
"No doubt," said Eomer with a scowl.
"Listen to our sister, Eomer King," said Echirion with a chuckle, "for she speaks from much experience."
Finished with his judging duties, Imrahil entered the banquet hall in search of his sons. As he approached the table they shared with his daughter and Eomer, he noticed the gleeful smiles of his offspring and the decidedly irritated expression on the blond king's face. He cast a doubtful look at the two princes and said, "I fear I have missed something that's going to require an apology of some sort."
"Imrahil, I was familiar with your sons' formidable talents on the battlefield, but I can now firsthand attest to their remarkable quick- wittedness and skill of tongue. From which, I have no doubts, resulted in the need for their before mentioned strength of arms," said Eomer, his voice thick with sarcasm.
Lothiriel grimaced at Eomer's words. He was soon to find out that tattling on her brothers did nothing but encourage them to be more ruthless with their teasing. Although she felt for his plight, she had to admit that she was more than a little relieved Eomer was the object of their jibes, and for once, not herself.
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A/N—I think we will be traveling to Edoras for the wedding next.
Soccer—Thanks again. Sorry for the slow update...I took a weeklong trip out of Middle Earth and to NYC. You know what they say, "All work and no play..."
Haldir—Frisky indeed, my friend. Frisky indeed. (
Eokat—Good. I'm glad you got that she wasn't smashed...just a little buzzed. Still a proper princess, but capable of loosening up a little in private. Laugh! FYI—I'm glad you are continuing your story "Orcs and Babes." I am really enjoying it!
Diamond—"The Adorable One." I like it. That is what we shall refer to him as from now on. And thank you so much for your comment. I am really trying to make this a good story. Elvish vs. elfish...my gut tells me it is elvish (or elven), but my word processor says it is elfish. I think they are all correct, but I hate those squiggly red lines, so I'm going with elfish.
Mercury Gray—I had to go with personal experience, and beards do it for me. ( My goodness, what a nice compliment you've given me. Thank you. Also, I hope you've been able to find good inspiration for a Rohirric wedding.
LOTR-nutcase—Good. I'm glad you felt it was in character. FYI—I am really enjoying "Courage." Keep it up!
Bluegandalf—Hee hee hee! Your review made me sing the entire chorus of "Natural Woman." Thanks for your kind words.
LSOA—Oh good! I'm glad my version of the dwarf and elf translated well for you...they are a trip to write. And please don't die. You have to finish your story, on which I am officially hooked.
Iluvien—Thanks for your confirmation and kind words. I agree that she shouldn't be just the proper princess. She needs depth. And thanks for the reviews of the past chapters...you commented on all my favorite parts of the story.
Lauren—Thanks! I will probably finish this one first and then move on to others...unless I get writer's block, which (thank goodness) I haven't hit yet on this particular tale.
Natters—You're right, frisky is fun. Thanks for all your reviews of the past chapters. I'm glad you're enjoying the story.
____-___-_-____-_______---__-_
Lothiriel rolled over in her bed and slowly opened her eyes. The bright morning sun pierced her eyes like daggers, and she quickly shut them tight again and flipped one of her pillows over her face to block the light out even more. She felt a foggy pressure across her forehead and behind her eyes. "Ugh," she groaned to herself, and she gently stretched her arms and legs. What felt like every muscle in her body ached in response to her movement.
"That's what I get for dancing until the wee hours of the night," she murmured to herself from under the pillow.
"And probably drinking too much wine as well," said a male voice from the other side of her chamber.
The princess bolted upright in her bed at the sound of the familiar voice, her head instantly clearing in the process. Sitting across from her in a chair, his leg casually flopped over its arm, was her brother Amrothos. He twirled a white rose in his hand and stared at his disheveled sister, quite amused at her condition. "Oh my," he said, "aren't you a vision this morning. Looks like I missed a first-rate party last night. What a pity."
"Amrothos, what are you doing here?" Lothiriel exclaimed.
"Father sent me to fetch you for the morning meal."
"No," she said a little flustered, "what are you doing here?" She held her arms out wide as if to indicate the whole of Minas Tirith.
"Why? Aren't you happy to see me?" he asked his sister. When she didn't reply and instead stared at him a little bleary-eyed, he continued, "Echirion and I arrived this morning. We plan to be part of your escort to Edoras, little sister. Now hurry up and make yourself presentable. I rode all night to get here, and I'm famished." He tossed her robe on her lap and handed her the rose he still held. "I'll wait for you outside," he said to her over his shoulder as he exited the room.
As she looked at the closed door of her chamber where her brother once stood, a wave of excitement rose within Lothiriel. She had missed her brothers terribly the last few weeks, and her heart fluttered at the thought of seeing Echirion and Amrothos again. She longed to tell them all about her betrothal to Eomer and the other exciting events that had transpired in her life since she saw them last in Dol Amroth. She hopped out of bed as fast as her sore muscles would allow and quickly readied herself for the day ahead.
After she tamed her tousled hair and put on a cheerful, yellow dress, she stepped out into the corridor before her chambers, in search of Amrothos. He waited in the passageway with his back to her, and he looked out the window across from her door, into the courtyard below. The sound of her door opening caused him to turn and greet her. His handsome face held a soft, loving smile, and Lothiriel was reminded instantly of her father, for of all her siblings, Amrothos resembled him the most with his black hair, wide-set, blue eyes and strong, square jaw line.
"Excellent choice, Lothiriel," Amrothos said referring to his sister's attire. "That particular dress gives the perfect impression you aren't still suffering the sour effects of last night." He winked and offered his arm to escort her.
"Thank you," she replied in a haughty voice, "that's exactly what I was trying to accomplish." Breaking into a broad grin, she looped her arm through his and placed a kiss on his cheek. "I can't believe you're here! I have so much to tell you!"
Amrothos smiled back at her and led her down the corridor toward the hall where their friends and family were gathering to have breakfast. "Well, we considered staying home and leaving for Edoras with Elphir, just before the wedding, but that wouldn't have given us much time to embarrass you in front of your future husband. So we left a week ago, and now we have a whole month to wreak havoc before you can officially order us beheaded as Queen of Rohan."
Lothiriel beamed a radiant smile and said, "And don't think I won't, my dear brother. I've been waiting to outrank you my whole life. I believe I will spend my first month as queen coming up with underhanded ways to inflict my newfound superiority upon my siblings...you and Echirion particularly."
Amrothos chuckled quietly and said, "I would be surprised if that is how Eomer King allows you to spend your first month of wedded life." He snapped his head toward his sister and mimicked her shocked face, his mouth open wide and eyes bulging. "Just jesting, of course," he said playfully, and he watched as Lothiriel's face changed from shock to chagrin. "I have no doubts you will lead the charge in that particular arena, sister dear." He flinched as she gasped a second time and slapped his arm with a quick and powerful blow.
"What would our father do if he heard you say such things?" Lothiriel said.
He sighed deeply and said, "Something we will never know, for I am not that foolish to say such things in his presence."
The pair rounded a corner, which led to the entrance of a small banquet hall positioned off the palace's main kitchen. The hall was where the king and queen took their informal meals with guests, family and various palace residents. It was banked with windows on three sides, which provided bright and ample light that morning. As they entered, Lothiriel spotted a table across the hall that hosted her other brother, Echirion, as well as Eomer, Faramir and Gimli.
Without hesitation, Amrothos proceeded to the table and said, "Gentlemen, I have brought my sister, and might I add, she fairs significantly better than any of you on this fine morning." Amrothos cast a pointed look at the far end of the table where Faramir, Eomer and Gimli sat. Lothiriel noticed they all looked a little worse for wear. Though they were dressed in appropriate garb, their hair was slightly unkempt and their eyes were red and swollen. She giggled lightly and took her seat between Eomer and Amrothos.
Echirion rose from his seat and rounded the table to greet her. "Hello, Lothiriel," he said and took her hand in his. "You look pretty enough to catch a king, this morning." He shot a sideways look at Eomer as he placed a light kiss on his sister's hand.
Eomer groaned loudly and put his face in his hands, rubbed his aching temples, and said dejectedly, "They are here for no more than a few hours, and already they start with the mocking remarks."
Smiling brilliantly at the King of Rohan, Echirion said, "Actually we started with the mocking remarks around three o'clock this morning. Isn't that right, Amrothos?"
"Yes," Amrothos said, picking up where his brother left off, "we were passing through Lossarnach when we started in on you, my Lord Eomer, as I recall."
Trying to deflect her brother's keen quips at her intended, Lothiriel asked, "Where is Father?"
"He has graciously volunteered to take my place beside Elessar this morning for the official judging of the harvest celebration's artisan contest," answered Faramir. "I think he realized I was in no condition to make any sort of critical choice this morning, even if it only regards a bunch of pretty pictures."
"And sculptures," added Echirion. Faramir rolled his eyes at his cousin, and Gimli, seemingly oblivious to the conversation and intent on a large bowl of stew in front of him, belched loudly. Offering no apology, the dwarf paused from spooning the hearty meal into his mouth for a long pull on a tankard of ale.
"Your constitution amazes me, Gimli," said Faramir.
"Ale in the morning is the fastest way to cure the hurt from too much ale the night before, Lad," Gimli said gruffly. "The key is to quit before the sun hits mid-day." He paused for a moment of contemplation and then added, "A lively scuffle with orcs also clears the head in a pinch."
Eomer snorted a laugh at the dwarf's interesting advice and said, "Where's my sister on this overly bright morning?"
"Eowyn was wise enough to linger in bed," said Faramir. "And she claims it was my duty as her husband to retrieve her morning meal. Something I should to attend to presently, lest I face the wrath of a Shieldmaiden of Rohan."
"Breakfast in bed," said Lothiriel with a sigh. "I don't think there is a greater luxury in this world." Eomer silently regarded the princess with an arched eyebrow. "What?" she asked, noticing his skeptical glance.
"I hate eating in bed. The crumbs get all in the linens."
The entire table stared incredulously at Eomer for a moment, until Amrothos broke the silence and said, "Eomer, I'm going to let that pass without remark out of respect for my sister...and the fact we will be brothers soon."
"Agreed," said Echirion in a feigned solemn voice.
Lothiriel let loose a shower of laughter and affectionately wrapped an arm around Eomer's shoulders while she placed a kiss on his cheek. "What is important to remember, my love, is that they only taunt those they greatly respect...or so they say," said the princess. The two princes from Dol Amroth smiled broadly at their sister's attempt at peace.
"No doubt," said Eomer with a scowl.
"Listen to our sister, Eomer King," said Echirion with a chuckle, "for she speaks from much experience."
Finished with his judging duties, Imrahil entered the banquet hall in search of his sons. As he approached the table they shared with his daughter and Eomer, he noticed the gleeful smiles of his offspring and the decidedly irritated expression on the blond king's face. He cast a doubtful look at the two princes and said, "I fear I have missed something that's going to require an apology of some sort."
"Imrahil, I was familiar with your sons' formidable talents on the battlefield, but I can now firsthand attest to their remarkable quick- wittedness and skill of tongue. From which, I have no doubts, resulted in the need for their before mentioned strength of arms," said Eomer, his voice thick with sarcasm.
Lothiriel grimaced at Eomer's words. He was soon to find out that tattling on her brothers did nothing but encourage them to be more ruthless with their teasing. Although she felt for his plight, she had to admit that she was more than a little relieved Eomer was the object of their jibes, and for once, not herself.
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A/N—I think we will be traveling to Edoras for the wedding next.
