A/N: This is so typical of me, I get all excited about my story and I post like crazy. See, I have or… I should say had the story finished when everything in my life started going crazy… Birthdays, Christmas, it just sort of seemed like everything hit at once, but that is truly no excuse! I apologize to any of you readers who thought I had given up, no… Just back burner-ed it for awhile! Please accept my deepest apologies, and know that I won't wait so long next time! Roz
Chapter 6- The Party Type
After Eomer had finished being authoritative, he let me go. I tried my best to be steady, but I could tell it was affecting him as well. Enofall cleared his throat behind us, I swung around to see a small smile building in the back of his eyes, it was not secret to me now that there was more to this whole thing than either had bothered to mention. It reeked of planning.
"What have you two been contriving?" I said shooting them both dangerous looks. I was not one to be put on, and I knew unfortunately at this moment I had been.
"Now, don't get your feathers all in a fuss like an angry old hen, Lord Eomer just thought that your services would be better utilized in entertaining and socializing than mucking and shinning tack." Enofall said, assuring me in his rather grandfather like tone that he would hear none of my arguments.
"Fine, I'll go along. Not for either of you two either. I am doing it because, because…Wait, why in the name of Eru should I?" I said as I began to feel my temper in my finger tips.
"Because, you have an order from your king and a request from an old friend; you've had no time off, and I know regardless of whether you would admit it or not that it is starting to wear on you." Eomer said raising a bit to assume is full height.
I looked at the ground in defeat. Even if I didn't spend my time in the hall, it was more than apparent that my services weren't needed in the stables. Did Eomer really think I couldn't handle this? Shouldn't he say something to me first.
"Fine, I shall take time off. But, what use am I in the hall of the king, other than a lady friend to occupy the time of a elfish queen?" There was an intentional lilt in my voice. I was offended, but there was no way that I was just going to come out and tell either of those morons that.
"Anda, you are practically a member of the royal family, please don't make this so hard." Eomer said finally, exasperated.
I turned on my heel and went outside, allowing the warmth and the sunlight to wash over me and warm me from my head to my toes. People were milling about, many members of the party from Gondor were saying their hellos to old-friends recounting many a joke and story. I rather wished that I could go home at that moment, curl up between my blankets and have a long lovely nap.
There was no real reason by which what Eomer had done should have offended me, but it had none the less. I felt rather deeply offended in fact. Of all the people who thought I couldn't handle one small visit from a neighboring country, he was the last that I would have expected.
I made to go speak to my brother, and share with him my feelings when a large set of hands clasp me from behind swinging me into a tight friendly hug. I jumped at first, then turned to find myself in the capable hands of young Captain Faramir. I squealed (most regrettably) in delight! I hadn't seen him in what seemed forever. The last time I had seen him, he had come to escort our dead back as a steward and ambassador from Gondor. We had spent much of that time together; it seemed so easy to instantly become his friend.
"Anda! Bless the skies above how are you?" He said swinging me back to my feet gently.
"Much better now that I see you! How was your journey…Full of peril and danger?" I asked, apparently a bit too curiously for some members of the party.
"No, it was a bore. The only thing that gave me hope was knowing that I would see you soon. Tell me, what news of the other Shield-Maidens?" He asked too involved with our conversation to note the prying eyes now pointed in our direction, one set including that of a moderately angry looking king.
"They are well, excited to see you! Ewilyn I know for a fact has been counting the days since your last visit, hoping to make the time pass faster!" I said shooting him a tempting look, there was no secret that he had fancied Ewilyn on his last visit, however I had no real way of knowing how they had left things when he had left before.
"Well, I am here aren't I! However, in a few days time we shall have to due with the company of my brother as he wasn't able to join us when we left Gondor, he made plans to join us for the upcoming celebration of the end of the war." Faramir said, his countenance falling slightly at the thought of having to share all his regular attentions with his brother.
"Well, he will be most welcomed. However, we shall make the most of the few days that we have before our attentions are divided, perhaps we could arrange for a picnic lunch and sparing session some afternoon before you leave?" I said walking with him back to the rest of his party.
My stomach lurched as I realized how out of place I really was. My father may have been a very good friend of Theodin, and Eowyn and I may have spent volumes of time together in our youth, but I wasn't comfortable amongst all the pomp and circumstance of court. The maids looked at me repugnantly, apparently it wasn't appropriate to show so much affections toward Faramir. This point puzzled me greatly, I had no other attachment, why should it be wrong to greet a friend as such? Men were more than welcome to come and go as they pleased, saying whatever they wanted to whomever they wanted.
"Shall I make introductions?" Frarmir asked as we drew nearer to the party. I was about to graciously accept his offer when I was rather suddenly removed from Faramir's arm by another strong set of hands.
I looked up into Eomer's eyes, they were more foreboding that usual. He was angry with me as well; now what had I done wrong?
"That's quite all right captain, I shall see that lady Anda is properly introduced to all of your party." He said rather un-ceremoniously. Now he was simply making me angry.
"Ah, well. Whatever your majesty wishes. Anda, save a dance for me tonight would you?" Faramir asked as he stepped back. I nodded, frustration apparent on my face.
Eomer strode on following the rest of that party up the hill. I couldn't believe he hadn't left me and moved forward to speak with lord Aragorn. However, he wasn't budging he was stubbornly affixed to my arm, for the life of me, I couldn't understand why.
"Nice show back there Anda." I looked up at him flabbergasted. What was he talking about? What right did he have to decide whom I talked to and whom I didn't.
"What exactly is that supposed to mean?" I said, stopping dead in my tracks. I had had enough of his overly bossy streak and it was going to stop now.
Apparently we were making a scene, or I was making a scene at least because Eomer scanned about for a more private spot. I knew what he was doing, he was going to take me to a nice quiet spot where we could both yell at each other, and still save his reputation. However I wasn't in the mood today. He made to take my hand to pull me into a long abandoned barn around the corner, but I held my footing. I wasn't a large woman by any stretch of the imagination, but I was strong, and hard-willed. When I didn't want to be moved, I wouldn't be moved and that's all there was to it.
He let go of my hand, and started to stride on, expecting me to follow. He was a powerful man, strong and very well built, but when he was angry, he was one of the scariest things I had ever seen. I started to walk on towards the hall, hoping that would be the end of it, but I should have known better. Lost in my thoughts, I didn't see Eomer returning in my direction. Before I could protest, I was scooped into his arms and carted like a sack of grain towards the barn.
I knew at this point it was fruitless to protest, he was going to have it out with me whether or not I wanted to have it out with him. Eomer I should mention at this point had never hurt me, although I am sure it might have been tempting a few times. I knew I was in no immanent danger, but his tongue lashings were often times worse than if he had just swung a punch or two.
I noticed a few eyes turn in our direction, but with all the other rumors currently in circulation, I decided they were the least of my concerns. Besides much of Rohan was now focused on the impending party, and feast this evening, the King disappearing for awhile was the last thing on any of their minds.
Eomer slammed the door of the stable behind him, and dropped me in a pile of hay. Apparently it wasn't as abandoned as I thought it was. I did enjoy this part of his anger. It was always interesting to see him pace, I can't quite explain why, more than likely it was because he always shut himself off in a small room before he did so. I watched him pace, counting his steps,1…2…3…4…5… Just as I expected, no more than five paces and he was to the other wall. He looked rather like a caged animal scouring the walls for a hole big enough for escape.
"What is with you today Anda? Do you just enjoy causing problems, or does following instruction make you ill?" Eomer said as he paced. I knew he was angry, anyone with half a brain could look at him and tell you that.
"What exactly are you talking about ?" I asked primly from my seat upon the hay.
"Don't play ignorant with me, I know you're not. I asked you a question; but since you are too pleased with yourself to listen, I shall say it again. What joy do you get from causing problems and bringing me pain?" He asked he voice lilting and dropping in exact even increments to insinuate my stupidity.
I shot to my feet, "What in the name of Eru has gotten into you?" I asked looking at Eomer, my arms crossed defiantly across my chest.
"I could ask you the same question." He said stopping his pace to examine me.
"Eomer, how am I causing problems? What have I done to cause you pain, you're the one who single handedly decided I was an incompetent wretch incapable of handling a few more horses in the stall. Or do we forget, that you placed me in charge of the stables, almost immediately after you became king, now all of the sudden I am incapable of tending them, you have loads of room to talk about injuring someone." I said, turning to face the wall as a single angry tear streaked it's way down my face.
Eomer stopped for a second in contemplation, "Is all of this to get back at me then for giving you a few cursed days off?" I turned on my heal.
"All of what?" I said in total exasperation.
Eomer thought for a second or two then replied, "Nothing, never mind. Next time, I'll just expect you to work until you fall over." He said making to grab for the leather thong that served as the handle of the door.
"Oh no you don't!" I said standing between him and the door. "You don't get to leave when you get angry if I don't. We've been friends for far to long to just walk out on one and other when the other is angry." My chest was heaving in anger, I wanted to curse at him, and I probably would have if he hadn't looked so miserable.
Eomer looked away, but even in the dull light of the room I could see an unmistakable amount of frustration burning at him. He made as if to step around me and then caught me about the waist and drew me tightly to him. My breath caught in chest, he didn't look angry-frustrated, he looked, he looked; well suffice to say it was a look I had never seen on Eomer's face before.
The hand that had clamped me to his waist now trailed up my back coming to rest at the nape of my neck. He lowered his mouth to mine, my emotions were pulsing, and I knew I should stop him, but my body wouldn't let me. His mouth closed around mine hot and hard. It was as if the look of frustration that had been on his face had transferred to his lips. His hands swiftly traveled up the distance of my back, the one that had been on the nape of my neck now knotted itself in my hair; he was pulling me tighter to him. My arms wrapped about his neck coming to rest themselves in his hair.
When he finally pulled back, I gasped for oxygen. I had never felt the things Eomer incited in me so easily. Every bit of my skin felt alive and tingled where it was close to his; unfortunately, whatever this new found thing was, it apparently wasn't as much to him as it was to me. He strode past me and out the door, leaving me to soak in the confusion that he now surrounded me with.
A few hours later I found myself trudging up the steps to the great hall, I had rather intended to skip the party and stay home to get my mind off of things before the competition tomorrow, but at my brother's urgings, I decided that staying home wasn't going to help keep my mind off of things as much as I would have liked it to. Especially when the only thing idiotic brother could or would talk about was our simpering whelp of a king.
"Eomer seems to think that I have a fair chance in the competition tomorrow." He said as he sat in front of the fire sharpening his sword in the same place he sharpened only moments before.
I did my best to act uninterested when Eolas spoke of Eomer, I had no desire to hear about him or think about him, because my mind seemed to be doing that well enough on its own. I could still taste the faint hint of ale that had been on his lips when he had kissed me. I was growing to rather hate the man, I was confused and to be honest slightly scared of the emotions he was bringing to light in me.
"Anda, are you listening to me?" I faintly heard my brother say as I was mentally reliving the kiss for about the thousandth time since it happened.
"I'm sorry Eolas, my head is just some place else." I said to him, hoping that would be enough to get him to leave me alone, but no the ramblings of my brother continued. I was struck by how much he sounded like me when I was his age, but my hero worship had always focused on talk of Theodin or my father. Eomer had always been a little less than number one on my list of people to speak highly of, and given the circumstances I was beginning to find it more and more annoying!
"Eolas, can't you speak of something else, possibly something more interesting?" I asked repugnantly from my chair, I couldn't stand any more talk of that arrogant, pig that seated himself upon our throne.
"What have you done to him?" Eolas said.
"To him?" I said repeating my brother's question, hoping for some sign of what exactly he was talking about.
"Yes, to him! He's been in this exact same mood all day, one mention of your name by anyone else and he goes about growling and cursing under his breath as if you've done something to make him angry. Honestly Anda, if you want any hope of participating in the contest tomorrow, I would suggest changing your behavior a bit." That was the last straw; my poor brother hadn't realized what he had unleashed! I was going to tell the king how I felt, and I was going to do it in front of a large crowd of people in hopes that if I did the stupid rumors of our supposed "love affair" would cease.
Two hours later…
Much to my dismay, the King had been far too busy all night to allow an interview with someone as low and common as I. There was great talk that evening of a maid from Dol Amroth that the council had suggested sending for as a possible wedding match between the two countries.
It was also becoming more apparent that this had been part of the plan when Gondor was invited for the wars end celebration. Dol Amroth was part of the countries belonging to Gondor, and from all appearances Lord Aragorn was more than enthusiastic about a joining of the two kingdoms.
I'll admit it, I was feeling rather sulky. I was adult enough to realize that I did have feelings for Eomer, and in actuality I more than likely always had but they had never been allowed to show.
I barely touched my dinner, and sat meekly in the corner when everyone began to dance, unfortunately it was unbearably obvious that I had fallen for Eomer, king of Rohan and now suffered the most girlish affliction, melancholy.
I found some joy in watching my brother flirt with one of the stable-hands daughters; she was a very pretty maid. Reddish-golden hair fell in thick curls down her back, and it was more than obvious that my brother was quite enamored. I watched them dance a few reels, and found myself unconsciously following along with the beat.
I felt someone settle themselves on the bench beside me. I glanced over, half hoping that I would find it to be Eomer, but it wasn't. I know my face fell, for which I felt sorry as I did not mean to offend Faramir he was a good friend, however I couldn't help wishing it had been Eomer.
"Why the long face love?" Faramir asked me, brushing a rebel curl out of my eyes.
"Nothing" I said trying very unsuccessfully to sound nonchalant.
"I don't believe you, I would contrive this has something to do with a certain king and a brief interlude this afternoon." He said looking anywhere in the room but into my eyes.
"Faramir, how do you know about my time with the king this afternoon?" I asked skeptically, surely he couldn't mean the time for which I was upset.
"Anda, the whole of Rohan knows about your little meeting with Eomer in the stable this afternoon. Apparently he wasn't too selective about who saw you go in there, and well with the way that he came out, people have been talking. Which, I am sure that you understand upset the council, so much so that they held an urgent meeting with him this afternoon to discuss the appropriateness of his behavior given what they are trying to accomplish with Dol Amroth. I happen to agree, but I'd rather see a king marry that which he loves instead of that which he doesn't know. But I'm partial, the maid happens to be my first cousin on my mother's side." He said finally seeking to make eye contact with me.
"Damn it!" I said, clutching my face in my hands, now I was crying and there was little that could prevent that. "I hate living here, everyone knows everything about everyone else, the true as well as the false, and then there is the fact that what did happen this afternoon apparently holds no meaning for that over-grown oaf that I call my king because he brushed past me after he started it as if nothing had happened. And finally, I respect you greatly Faramir, but please do not insinuate what you don't know. Eomer no more loves and cares for me than I do for him, marrying the maid from Dol Amroth will be best for our country in the long run." I said, looking to the floor for most of what I said, as most of it was a lie, well all of it really except for the part about Eomer, regardless of how much I cared for him, he was never going to be able to care for me in the same fashion.
"I am sorry, I feel as though I should have given you some warning about the councils idea. At least then you would have known what you were up against." Faramir said looking positively sullen. "After all, that is why Boromir did not join us; he is making the journey to Dol Amroth to retrieve Lotheriel. She and the king are to meet, no one is recommending a marriage at this time, but they are hoping for a strong sign of courtship." He said. I knew what he was saying was hurting him almost as much as it was hurting me, but I couldn't help feeling sick.
I stood to my feet, knowing they would be a bit wobbly beneath me. "Anda, I am truly sorry." Faramir said as he offered a hand to steady me.
"I shall be alright, I'm just not the party type and the air seems a bit close in here. I am going to go enjoy the stars in the courtyard." I said, making to break away from him.
"Let me go with you, you look as though you could use some company." Faramir said making to follow.
"NO!" I said, perhaps a bit more forceful than I had originally intended. "I'll be fine, besides I'd hate to think that I caused you to miss this opportunity to have fun. Please don't be worried Faramir," I said as I touched his cheek. "I'll be alright, have fun; eat, drink, and by all means dance. I just need some fresh air." I said as I stepped back.
I walked through the main doors of the hall, waiting until they closed behind me, then I broke into a brisk run. Weaving my way through the corridors to come out in the courtyard above the city, I stopped just short of the edge. My heart sank as I thought about all that had transpired within the last day, all that I had discovered and all that I had lost.
Without my knowledge or permission tears fell from my eyes, I knew that I cared very deeply for Eomer, and that I was now going to have to invest those feelings elsewhere; he was to marry the maid of Dol Amroth, and I, well I wasn't sure exactly where I was headed at that moment in time.
In the depths of my thoughts I didn't hear other foot steps out onto the terrace. I felt a strong hand close around my shoulder and spin me ever so gently around to them. I turned to find myself staring into Eomer's deep golden brown eyes. My heart stopped for a second while I considered my options, should I run or stay, or do I confess all or lie?
"Anda" Eomer said raising the pad of his thumb to wipe away one of the tear trails on my cheek. I moved to resist him; I couldn't stand the thought of him touching me like that.
"Eomer, please." I said the words sticking slightly at the back of my throat. His countenance fell, and his hand with it.
"I didn't want you to know." He said at last when he had created a safe distance between the two of us.
"Why?" I asked, could this get any worse I wondered internally.
"Isn't that obvious?" He asked looking at me through his eyelashes, I'd never noticed until that moment exactly how long they were.
"Apparently not, or I wouldn't have asked you!" I said, feeling my temper ebb due solely to my embarrassment.
"There is no need to be like that." Eomer said looking at me with a mildly disdainful look.
"Really, well forgive me my lord if I don't understand. Why would you kiss that which you do not desire? Why would you cause these feelings within me if you didn't want them returned?" I spat at him, allowing all the feelings from the days events catch up with me.
"Anda it isn't like that." He shot back his temper sneaking into his voice.
"Oh it's not is it? Then what is it? I have a hard time understanding what it is when you've succeeded in nothing more than tearing me apart today. First you do nothing to try and curtail the rumors being spread about me and my honor. Then you supplant me at the stables, the one thing you should know above all else I love. Your explanation consists of little more than the common knowledge that I need a vacation and that there is a prissy overly spoiled royal who needs company that you think I would be perfect for." Eomer started to make argument but I held my hand up to silence him and said, "let us not forget the worst of all offences my lord, when I was having a conversation with a dear friend whom I hardly see, you became filled with jealousy for what reason no man knows and all but made an idiot out of yourself by interrupting us and pulling me away. Then when I didn't behave in the exact manor in which YOU expected you carted me off to some deserted stable and barked at me like you would a common recruit, then as if I hadn't endured enough today, you have the nerve to kiss me."
Eomer's eyes were fierce, exactly what I expected, and to be honest what I was going for, he and I always related better when we were in a rage with one and other than when we were both speaking.
"The nerve to kiss you; if you didn't enjoy it milady and felt that it impugned your honor beyond recognition; why did you kiss me back?" Eomer spat viciously.
"I kissed you back because I have feelings for you, you over grown idiotic simplistic dolt!" I said rage and hurt over-running my voice.
Eomer looked back dumbfounded. "Yes, I have feelings for you!" I reiterated slower, trying to be as patronizing as I could.
"But you always acted like you hated me." He said, still trying to get his mind around what I had said.
"Well it doesn't matter now does it? Not since you've decided to marry the maid from Dol Amroth, Speaking of which, when were you planning on sharing this little decision with me; after you bed me?" I knew the last remark was way out of line, not matter what I thought of Eomer currently he would never done something as heartless as that, but I had to be honest I didn't really care at the moment.
Shock spread across Eomer's face like white hot fury. "How dare you suggest something like that?" He spat back at me. I shrugged my shoulders, I wasn't interested in the how's and the why's as far as my behavior I was more interested in the how's and why's of his.
"Anda, I've know you for as long as I can remember I would no more bed you than…Than…Well, it just won't happen." My stomach turned, we were now engrossed the nasty process of throwing insults at each other; neither of us played fair and I knew if I stuck around much longer I would be sick by the time I left.
"Well, now that I know how repulsive you find me, I shan't worry ever again about how you feel about me. If you'll excuse me," I said as I passed him, streaking down the outer stairs of the terrace to the streets below.
I knew my words hadn't been well chosen and at that moment, I didn't really care about it. I would feel it later when I was alone rehashing everything in my mind. For right now, the only thing I wanted and needed to feel was the rush of the night wind through my hair and the sound to thundering hooves beneath my feet.