Disclaimer: Ok, I actually don't own anything you recognize. Are you shocked? So am I. I only own Calaer. Yep, that's it.
A/N: First off, I didn't really "write" this, that honor belongs to my lovely sis, Dimyavie, but I did add some of my ideas into it. I experience nearly a year of writer's block and for that I am deeply sorry and hope I haven't lost any of my readers. Also, you may have noticed that this story is now on a different name. Sinny, my dear friend, has been kind enough to post my stories for me on her name for a while, but now I have a new name and you need to look for this story under that name. Well, I'm sure you're bored now, so I'll just get to the reviews!
Eokat: What can I say? You've been very helpful andare a very good writer yourself. Well, here's your chapter where they are finally wed!
Beling: Thank you for the tips, I will keep them in mind!
SilentBanshee: Thank you also for the tips, I will try to explain a little bit more in later chapters!
Magsluvsaragorn: I hope you enjoy this chapter too, sorry about the wait, though. And I agree with your outlook on Éomer, very easy on the eyes indeed, hehehe.
Natters: Thank you for reviewing, it is much appreciated.
dimyavie: Once more I cannot thank you enough! And as some kind of chance to "repay" you…
Dedication: …this chapter is dedicated to you! For putting up with me for so long (including the 5 Mountain Dews) and writing a fanfic on a time period in Middle-earth that you don't really know about. It's great, I assure you so don't doubt yourself anymore!
Lothiriel struggled to stay still as Calaer and other maids went about her, fixing her hair, fluffing her dress. It had been that way since the morning, when she had awoken and gone to get breakfast. She had barely had time to eat before she was whisked off to her room. She hadn't even been able say a quick "Good morning," to her love. Upon saying this to Calaer she had received a quick if not shocked response. "No, of course not my Lady, 'tis bad luck to see the groom before a wedding!" After which she had been told to stand still. Thus here she was in her current state, bordering on the edge of agitation. To try and counteract her negative feelings Lothiriel began do daydream. In just a few hours she would be married. And she wanted to look beautiful for him. For that, she could stand still for another few minutes, but only just a few.
Meanwhile, Eomer was pacing in the hall. Some servants were busily putting up last minute decorations and rushing back and forth from the kitchens, he watched as they carried out their tasks, momentarily wishing that he had such a task. Currently, he had nothing to do and that just made him nervous. His pacing was interrupted however, when a messenger came up to him and announced that he King and Queen were just about to arrive at the Golden Hall. "Finally," Eomer thought, "something to do." With that, the ruler of Rohan left his hall and headed for the gate.
The sound of horse's hooves upon the ground announced the arrival of Aragorn and Arwen, the King and Queen of Gondor. With them was another guest, one Eomer had never met. Upon seeing the look of bewilderment on the King's face, Aragorn spoke, "Eomer, my friend, meet Radagast the Brown. Normally you would find him with the birds and animals, but with Gandalf unable to attend this ceremony," Aragorn broke for a moment to glance at his wife before continuing, "I took the liberty of asking him to perform the deed, and he graciously accepted."
"My Lord," Radagast spoke, "When I head the King's request I could not say no. It would be an honor and gift to wed you to your love."
"A gift which I am most happy to accept." Eomer replied. "Come, let us go, I will show you to your rooms." The horse-lord led his guests into Edoras, and into the Hall once their horses had been entrusted to a young stable boy. Aragorn and Arwen had looked around the hall taking in the sight of the decorations. A few servants still bustled about here and there, but for the most part the hall was fully decorated. Stunning banners hung from the ceiling, and a wonderful array of candles stood waiting to be lit.
"It is beautiful," Aragorn said to Eomer, "although I doubt that you will remember it, for all I remember is the look of my bride." Arwen smiled and blushed a bit at this, but did not protest.
A servant approached the company then, "My Lord, may I show the guests to their rooms? They must be tired after their long journey and if I may be so bold sir, you still have a wedding to prepare for!"
"Indeed he does," Aragorn laughed. "We leave you to the servants now my friend!" And with a chuckle he departed with his wife, Radagast following.
At once a cluster of servants surrounded the horse-lord, "My Lord, it is almost time! Come," and forcefully dragged the King off to his chambers.
Meanwhile, Lothiriel was quickly becoming impatient; not one who cared for the more "lady-like" things to begin with being treated like a pincushion was not on her list of favorite feelings. "Just a few more minutes, My Lady," said Calaer seeming to pick up on the future queen's distress, "then all that will be left is your hair!" Yet for some reason, that was not an uplifting thought to Lothirie.
The servants that had dragged Eomer into his chambers had finished their task, so the King wandered aimlessly around his vast home. "Lord Eomer!" Came a voice, disrupting him, "What is this, a party! Your wedding, and I was not invited?!" Eomer looked toward the voice, and saw Gimli, his Dwarven friend.
He was about to say something but another voice broke in, "Gimli, I told you to calm down, I am sure that our friend simply couldn't find us to give us our invitations." Legolas had entered the room and worked to calm his friend. The Dwarf tried to remain stern but could not keep his smile hidden.
"Congratulations! Does this mean that I have finally won? For now you have your own beauty and can not argue with me over the Evenstar, though Galadriel is still the more beautiful."
Eomer smiled, remembering the old feud. "Aye Master Dwarf, I no longer will argue the beauty of the Evenstar or the Lady Galadriel, yet do not tell Aragorn I said so. Yet we may quarrel still, for now my eyes see only my Lothiriel."
The Dwarf-lord pondered for a moment before responding, "Nay, I will not hold you to that, for love changes men, so I've been told. Now…about this wedding, as a guest of honor I expect only the finest food and ale…" Gimli left off with a twinkle in his eye.
"What's this about food?" Two pairs of eyes turned to see two small figures silhouetted in the doorway. "We heard there was to be a wedding, imagine my surprise when I had to learn this second-hand! Me, an esquire of Rohan hearing of the wedding of his Lord second-hand! I expect at least a pint of ale to cover my distress!" Upon hearing this Eomer's eyes widened. There stood the two hobbits, Pippin with a dreamy look on his face as always and Merry trying to look distressed so that he could have his ale.
"My friends," Eomer struggled for a response, "it appears that my messengers had the same trouble with you as they did with Gimli and Legolas! They could not find you."
The two hobbits looked at the King for a moment before bursting into laughter. Once they had reclaimed so sense of peace, and slaps on the back and hugs had been exchanged Merry looked over at Eomer. "Now, about that ale."
It was finally time. The last guests had taken their seats, the hobbits beside the King and Queen of Gondor with Legolas and Gimli all seated as guests of honor. Eomer stood at the front of the hall, the best of his Rohirrim and his brother-in-law beside him, and feeling more nervous than he was on the day of the last battle. Faramir seemed to sense the King's worries and placed a calming hand on his shoulder.
"Do not worry my brother. Once the bride enters all else will vanish like the wind."
At that moment, a fiddler began to play a slow, melodic tune and three women began to enter; slowly walking through the hall until they reached their desired posts opposite of the King. Eowyn then entered the hall, her robust figure still beautiful, and practically glowing. Her calm eyes tried to soothe her brother's worries, before moving to her husband bringing a soft smile to her face. Then the moment that Eomer had waited for arrived. Lothiriel gracefully entered the hall, respectfully trailed by her father. All eyes turned to her and there were many gasps throughout the crowd. They could not have imagined a finer bride. Her eloquent dress was made of the finest white satin with the deep green velvet highlights and rustled quietly as she walked down the hall; her black hair veiled, but still visible. She took Eomer's breath away. Not even the fair Evenstar matched her at that moment, as he had told Gimli earlier. By now she had reached him and Imrahil placed her hand in Éomer's.
Radagast began the traditional vows, the words formed by the first Rohirrim that announced a couple as man and wife. Eomer tuned him out however, and simple stared at his beautiful bride. He jolted out of his reverie by the yells of the Rohirrim at his side: "KISS HER!" Realizing that Radagast was finished and that he finally could kiss his bride, Eomer quickly heeded the advice.
The party had begun! Lothiriel sat with her husband. Her husband! She couldn't believe it. The day had finally come! Laughter split the air like a resounding bell and there was happiness all around. Glancing at her guests she saw a slightly drunk hobbit making his way toward the table. "I propose a toast!" slurred Pippin, "to the King and Queen of Rohan!"
His proclamation was met with applause and cheers, only to be broken by a Dwarven voice, "Now Master Hobbit, toasts are always well and good, but traditionally the same toast is only made once, not four times!"
The hobbit replied with a laugh, "But then what is the reason to drink?!"
Lothiriel laughed along with the rest of the honored guests at the table. Then, feeling a touch to her hand she looks over into the mesmerizing eyes of her beloved. "May I have this dance my Lady?" In answer she placed her hand in his and followed him out to the empty space set aside for dancing. Lothiriel lost herself in the moment, closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation of being held. She laid her head on Eomer's chest, welcoming the beat of his heart; knowing that it belonged to her. What was minutes later but actually seemed like hours, her dance was interrupted. Seeing who it was, she stepped aside and allowed her husband a dance with his sister.
Faramir appeared right after Eowyn interrupted the dance. "It seems that my wife has borrowed your husband. Do you think he would mind if I borrowed you?"
"Not at all, I am glad to accept your invitation." Faramir smiled and led Lothiriel into another dance. "I do not know you nearly as well as I would like, but I hope to remedy that in the future."
"As do I, "Lothiriel replied, "I wish to know you further, and not just from the tales of the war." Faramir blushed at this.
"Ah, Lothi, do not believe in all tales. I am not nearly as fine a man as I am told to be. The honor and courage of your husband though, never doubt that."
"I will never even think of it," responded Lothiriel, "though you should think more of yourself, brother." Faramir grinned.
The dancing continued on, but the two people that the celebration was for were beginning to feel restless. They had enjoyed the company and were deliriously happy, but they were now beginning to wish to be alone. They had not really gotten a chance to speak to each other, as they longed to do. A thought then struck Eomer, and he leaned down to his wife's ear while they were enjoying one of their many dances that night. "Do you think they would notice if we made a hasty retreat? The party is not over my love, but I wish to be with you." Lothiriel nodded. Carefully, the pair threaded themselves through the hall and left. Once out, they practically ran to their private chambers. And finally Éomer was able to have his new wife all to himself. The King carried the Queen over the threshold and kicked the door shut.