A/N: Thanks to all who reviewed. I'm glad you are liking this. It is more intense than what I normally write, but it seemed to be a story for this pair. Will Eomer walk again – can't tell you that! You'll just have to wait and see.
fandun – the title? Hmmm, not sure if I can explain exactly what I meant by it. I toyed with several different titles but this seemed most appropriate. In Eye we sort of examined external vs. internal beauty; this one sort of explores what love is really all about – not always hearts and flowers and sunshine. Is Lothiriel seeing Eomer with her eyes or with her heart after his accident?
shie1dmaidenofrohan – "is this and the prequel at all connected to the Elfwine Chronicles, or is that a separate storyline?" – For whatever reason, I always picture the E/L from No Mistake/By The Book as being the two in the Elfwine Chronicles; so for me, no, there is no connection to this story. Others may see it differently, though they then have to come up with an explanation for Eomer's story in Fairy Tales (in No Mistake he DID save her from 3 orcs, but not from 50!).
Glad you liked the line about courage. Usually it is thought of in more "heroic" terms, such as in battle (especially in ME), so I thought it was an interesting issue to raise that there were other kinds of courage.
The Heart of the Beholder
Chapter 3
Over the next few days, Lothiriel and Eomer talked much and developed something of a routine in how to take care of his daily needs. When he seemed somewhat comfortable with the situation, she moved to the next matter on the agenda – his kingship.
They had been talking about something inconsequential when at last she attempted the conversation. "Eomer, what do you intend to do about Rohan? You have not met with the council since this happened and, at the moment, this ship is rudderless. If you do not intend to remain king under the present circumstances, then a solution must be found soon. But I want you to know that I see no reason for you not to continue as king. Your condition will hamper your mobility somewhat, but your heart and mind are what Rohan needs most."
She ended her speech and gave Eomer a nervous glance. He was looking down at his hands as she spoke, a frown on his face. At her final comment, he looked up and stared deep into her eyes. "Do you truly believe I can still function as a king like this?" he asked softly.
"Yes, I do. And I think you can be a very effective king. You have excellent men at your command in your army. Though you may not be able to lead them to battle, hopefully there will be little need for it anyway. If it turns out that you are not able to produce an heir, then Eowyn's children will be next in line at your passing. We can make this work."
He sighed and closed his eyes, not appearing entirely convinced. "And what if they do not want me to remain their king?"
"Then that will be their loss, and we will deal with it IF it happens," she answered calmly.
His eyes came open and he shook his head. "How can you be so certain about everything? Does not any of this worry you?"
She reached for his hand, and chose her words carefully. "I have confidence in us, Eomer. I know we can do much good for Rohan, if she will let us. But if she will not, we will make a life for ourselves anyway. I will not let us fail."
He pulled her over to him and she lay against his chest, wrapped in his arms. He tried to hold back the tears that wanted to form as he told her, "How can I fail with you beside me?"
After a few minutes, she asked, "Will you meet with the council tomorrow and discuss the situation?"
With a heavy sigh, he answered, "Yes. But I want you with me – and I want you to speak freely, as if you were already my queen. I trust your judgement in these matters."
"As you wish, my lord." She snuggled deeper into his embrace, pleased with his capitulation.
xxxxx
Elfhelm and Eothain transferred Eomer to his throne before the council arrived the next day, and then stood to the side to await the meeting's conclusion. The queen's chair had been set beside the throne, and Lothiriel occupied it, her hand resting on Eomer's arm when the council began to file in.
There were apprehensive glances at the king, though they tried not to stare, and it was clear they were trying to assess the situation since they had been given little information prior to this. Once everyone was seated, Eomer spoke, "My lords, I am sure you have many questions and we will answer what we can. For the most part, I have asked the Lady Lothiriel to speak on my behalf."
He gestured to Lothiriel, who rose and moved forward to stand beside him, her hand remaining on his arm. "My lords, our apologies that we have not previously kept you abreast of the situation. Suffice it to say, there has been much turmoil that you have not witnessed, and many things had to be decided before this moment. You are no doubt aware that the king recently suffered an injury. It has left him unable to move his legs. The healers do not know if this is a permanent injury or only temporary. Only time will determine that. Beyond that, the king is in excellent health and anxious to serve the people of Rohan, and I do not see any reason why he should not do so. If any of you do, please speak now."
Eomer barely restrained a grin. Her phrasing made it rather difficult for anyone to argue with her, though he knew there were some on the council who might attempt it. Her cool gaze was raking the assembly for any dissent, and finally one man ventured to raise his hand.
"My lord Bronow," Eomer said, to identify him for Lothiriel.
The man looked about at the others, seeking support for his question. "Eomer King, this is a delicate matter, but...what of heirs?"
Lothiriel did not hesitate. "That matter has already been considered. If in due course I fail to become with child then Elboron, son of Eowyn and Faramir, the king's nephew, would become the rightful heir to the throne of Rohan."
Eomer did not fail to note her choice of words – she put the blame for any failure to produce an heir on herself. Lord Bronow did not seem to have a rejoinder to her words and subsided. After several moments, when no other questions were produced, Lothiriel said, "Since you all appear satisfied that the situation is under control, I suggest a vote of confidence in Eomer King with a show of hands. All who will unfailingly support him in his kingship, please indicate with an upraised hand."
This was more than they had been expecting but, after a brief hesitation, the hands slowly began to rise until all were in the air. Undoubtedly some had only followed the lead of the others, and without real conviction, but it was a victory nonetheless.
"Excellent!" Lothiriel said, smiling. "Now that we have put that matter to rest, I understand it has been some time since the council has been able to meet, so there are likely pressing issues that need addressing. I will yield to the king for this as I am not familiar with your procedures."
And so the usual council meeting began. Elfhelm and Eothain shared a pleased look with each other. This had been the biggest hurdle. If Lothiriel could bully the council members into backing the king, likely no one else would challenge his remaining as monarch.
xxxxx
A few days after Lothiriel had been at Edoras for a week, Amrothos finally arrived. His father had given him what little information they had, but he did not really know what to expect upon making his appearance. He was relieved that his sister seemed in better spirits than he had anticipated and, surprisingly, so did Eomer. Apparently Lothiriel's presence had been beneficial after all.
Eomer had not been seen in public, other than to meet with the council, prior to Amrothos' coming, and he was persuaded that perhaps it was time to resume his office in view of the people of Rohan. A feast was planned to welcome the two visitors from Dol Amroth. Lothiriel and Gamling had their hands full trying to consider all the possibilities, and make it as easy as they could on the king.
At last the evening arrived, and Eomer met it with more than a little trepidation. He was very much afraid he would be the object of stares and whispers or, even worse, revulsion. But he needed to know how the people would react to him, and he might as well know now whether or not they could accept his condition.
It had been decided to go against protocol and have the king already in his place before the people were allowed into the hall. This prevented Eomer the embarrassment of being carried in, something he still found degrading. Once the feast began, he started to relax a bit, and many came forward to wish him well and say they were glad to see him improved.
As usual, the tables were pushed back for dancing, and Lothiriel spent a considerable amount of time dancing with anyone who asked her. She made it a point to visit with Eomer often, but did not make much time for sitting with him, and he gradually became agitated by her behavior. He had expected that at least she would keep him company so he did not feel so out of place, but instead he was left to chat with the occasional nobleman or Rider.
Lothiriel could not fail to notice his deteriorating mood and signaled Gamling with a nod of her head. They had known they might need to bring the evening to an early end, though usually Rohirric celebrations lasted until the ale ran out or everyone ventured home on their own. Gamling saw to it that the drink became short in supply and was not replenished, and more and more drifted away as they were cut off.
Even so, some still lingered doggedly on, so Lothiriel dealt with the situation head on. Rising, she moved to face the assemblage and Gamling called for their attention. When the room had quieted, she told them, "My friends, you do honor us with this feast, but I fear it has been a long day for my brother and I. We are quite weary and find we must withdraw from your good company, but we very much thank you for coming."
With the guests of honor departing their midst, the group finally took the hint to say their goodnights, and the hall was soon emptied. Lothiriel followed Elfhelm and Eothain as they carried Eomer back to his bedchamber and helped him into his night clothes. When they were gone, she turned to him, her concern showing plainly on her face.
She moved slowly over and seated herself on the side of his bed, but found he avoided looking at her. "My love, what is the matter? Have I angered you in some way?"
Eomer's jaw clenched and he asked tightly, "Why would I be angry that you avoided me the entire evening? For someone who eschews dancing, you readily danced with every able-bodied man in the room!"
Lothiriel fought the tears pricking her eyes. She was suddenly very tired of everything, but she struggled to push down her annoyance with Eomer. If this was difficult for her, it was even more so for him, and she really did not want to lose her temper with him if she could avoid it. Softly she told him, "I am sorry if I upset you, beloved. I thought it best that I dance as much as possible to draw attention away from you. I feared if I sat too long talking with you it would draw unwanted notice, and engender feelings of pity for us, especially you. I should much have preferred sitting with you than dancing with anyone else."
Eomer's jaw twitched as her words sank in, and he realized how selfish and petulant he was being. But how could it be true that she preferred him, a helpless cripple? When he looked at her, his eyes reflected his torment, and she must have suspected the cause. She slid forward and eased her arms around him, pulling him into a kiss.
"I have only ever loved one man," she whispered against his lips, then peppered his face with tiny kisses, and nuzzled at his ear. "And he is still the only one that I love; nothing has changed that. Though sometimes I am not sure he wants me to love him..."
His emotions surging within him, Eomer pulled her closer to claim her mouth. As they broke apart, breathing raggedly, he answered, "He very much wants your love, though he is not entirely sure why he has it. But it would kill him if he lost it." He held her tightly, her arms around his waist and her head laid on his chest. He realized he was almost afraid to let her go, as if she had become a lifeline he needed to even draw breath each day.
They lay there together for some time, then reluctantly she pulled away. Brushing his cheek with her fingers, she said, "You will not lose my love. You may depend on that. But, now, I think it is best if we both get some sleep. It has been a long and difficult day."
He nodded, but caught her hand and kissed her fingers before letting her move away. She put out the candles on her way to the door. "Good night, my love," she said before exiting, and heard his soft response as she closed the door behind her.
She had not gone far toward her room before she was joined by Amrothos, seemingly from nowhere. He caught her elbow and hissed, "We need to talk, sister!"
Despite his tone, she allowed him to steer her into her bedchamber and close the door, before turning to him expectantly for an explanation.
"What exactly do you think you are doing, Lothiriel?" he demanded.
In confusion, she pointed out, "If I knew what you were speaking of, I might be able to give you an answer. What is the matter, Amrothos?"
"I am speaking of Eomer. Of your being alone with him in his bedchamber at night – for quite a while, I might add!"
Involuntarily, her hand began to move and gave him a resounding slap in the face. "I might have expected such accusations from a stranger, brother, but not from you! I have done nothing inappropriate with Eomer, and I resent that you would even suggest such a thing!"
She turned away from him, her anger blown out in her words and actions. Rubbing her forehead wearily, she turned back and tried to speak more calmly, "I am sorry I struck you, Amrothos. Someone needs to care for Eomer, and under the circumstances it is less embarrassing for him if I am the one to do it. The servants would stare and gossip, and make this whole misfortune even more taxing on him. Put yourself in his place and try to understand. But whether you do or not, it will not change my actions. Eomer needs me beside him, and that is where I will be."
Amrothos continued to run a hand over his cheek, still pink from her slap, and gave a sigh. "Thiri, I do not think Father would approve of you..."
"I will do what I think best, Amrothos," she interrupted firmly. "I do not care if Father, or anyone else, approves or not. If you were lying in that bed, unable to walk, would you want me to turn away from you – for propriety's sake?"
She moved to him and touched his arm. "Gamling, Elfhelm and Eothain are not making known the extent of my direct involvement in his care. I would hope no one would think ill of me if they learned of it, but as I said before, I do not care. The only thing important to me is seeing Eomer through this difficulty."
Amrothos shook his head, lost in thought, then rubbed the back of his neck. "Would you at least consent to letting me ask Father to move up the date of your wedding? No one could find fault in what you are doing if you were his wife."
She closed her eyes and gave a weary sigh. "I have no objection to being married sooner, but you would have to discuss it with Eomer and see whether that is possible and desirable from his standpoint. A king cannot just marry on the spur of the moment. I will abide by his decision."
Amrothos nodded. "I will speak to him tomorrow." He reached out and pulled her into a hug. "I am sorry for what I suggested by my comments. I do trust you. I was just alarmed at what I seemed to be seeing."
By the time he left and she was in bed, Lothiriel was exhausted both emotionally and physically. She desperately hoped she would be equal to the days ahead. She had only been in Rohan a fortnight and already she was worn out by the stress of it all. She did not think her troubled mind was going to let her sleep, but at last her body dictated that slumber would come.
