Lothiriel's Unwanted Pity
The next day at mid time meal Lothiriel sat by Eomer's side much to the delight of all amongst them .No one knew of the events of yesterday but could see the drastic change between them. Eomer let his mind wander to the frequent arguments he and Lothiriel had and the many times he had been called an Orc.
/Flashback\
Lothiriel and Eomer allowed their plates to be taken and chatter was spread amongst the table when Lothiriel sighed very audible.
"Is there a problem" Eomer hissed at her getting annoyed at her immature behaviour.
"What is it to you my lord? I do remember you saying yesterday that my well being has nothing to do with you".
Eomer mentally groaned. He only said that in the heat of the moment because Lothiriel kept following him around and her answer to that was 'anything could happen when she was unaccompanied'.
"Do you always have to dwell on the past Lothiriel?". Eomer said uneasily.
"You are the one who taught me to do that! Remember? she cleared her throat and did a crude impression of Eomer's broad shoulders and deep voice. "Why do you want to see where something leads if you do not even know where it comes from". She broke out with a cute giggle and if it weren't for that Eomer would have been angry with her.
"I am glad for once you toke interest in something that has nothing to do with you". Eomer retorted. "What surprises me is that you would have a name as beautiful as Lothiriel and a face and body to match an elf but you have the heart of a Balrog". Eomer finished with a beaming smile and began drinking his ale while waiting for her answer .
"What surprises me is you would fight along side men to kill your very beings you Morgal rat".
He chocked in his cup and regarded her for a moment. "That one was not bad for your standards my lady". He answered winking.
Lothiriel took his hand in which someone else was looking would be a loving gesture but if you looked at her face you would see it in contortion from trying to grasp it with all her might.
Eomer who hardly felt a thing and feigned pain.
"You!". she hissed quietly "I can not stand you- your face, your voice, your dim-witted retorts and your senseless blabbering. I do not want to be in your company again unless MY life is on the line".
"And in the end it all comes down to you". Eomer muttered.
"What-Did-you-say!". Lothiriel said loudly.
Eomer shushed her quietly.
"It seems you say that often my lady. you did not have to sit beside me, there were many other seats for you to sit. You had a choice in the matter and you chose to sit here beside me, So do not be surprised if I do not take that last comment seriously." Eomer finished victoriously.
"My hate for you seeps deep down into my heart-
"The lady and I wish to go for a walk" Eomer announced loudly leaving a sputtering Lothiriel who only nodded not wanting to make a scene right now.
Eomer led her down many passageways until they reached a door.
"Where are we Eomer? Take me back I do not know the way" Lothiriel said nervously.
An evil smile crossed his face.
He rubbed her cheek with the back of his hand.
"You are a very beautiful women Lothiriel one of the most striking I have ever come across". he paused smiling at her shocked face before continuing "But you speak to much and for that I am turned off". He opened the door stepped through it and closed it right in her face.
/End of Flash back/
"What is so funny". Lothiriel nudged him wondering what tickled the king. "What were you thinking of?"
Eomer turned to her and took her hand under the table.
"I was thinking of the time I left you in the west wing blindfolded from your way back" Eomer joked.
A sneer came to her face. "I have yet to get you back for that" Lothiriel said grumpily.
"Oh do not tell me you did not deserve that" Eomer said in disbelief.
"I did not deserve such a thing if that is what you are saying". She remarked.
Eomer shock his head "What am I going to do with you women?" he sighed.
Lothiriel blushed and Eomer caught it.
"Oh I see the young princess has some ideas". Eomer nudged her gently "Why do you not share them with me?" He urged her.
"You have yet to teach me how to ride those perilous creatures" She answered huskily. "You know I will not announce our engagement until you do and if our month runs out which my father said is the time we will be staying here then you can kiss your prize goodbye" She sipped some wine waiting. Eomer merely gapped at her.
"I must get started then" Eomer muttered. "I have some documents that need signing and some war tactics to go over-
"War tactics?" Lothiriel rolled her eyes Eomer what war is there to fight?" She smiled.
"War will never end". Eomer said suddenly becoming serious "We must never let our guard down ".
Lothiriel noticed the panic in his eyes and felt guilty Eomer must have been scarred deep down from the bloodshed he had seen during the great war.
"Women like you will never understand". Eomer muttered almost in audibly. He got up and told all the others who stood out of respect to remain sitting he kissed her hand. "Meet me in the stable in two hours do not be late". It was a command not a request. Excusing himself he exited.
What does he mean by that ! Women like me… Do people not see it in me? What do they think I am?.
Two hours later Lothiriel was still updating Mary on the happenings with her relationship with the king they talked long about Eomer's sad life.
Lothiriel whose new riding dress was now finished and was lain out on the bed waiting for her to get dressed in.
"I am not sure if I want to go". Lothiriel said quietly "I hated that look in his eyes it was so unexplainable". She shuddered.
"Go Lothiriel. He needs you" Mary urged her.
"If you insist". Lothiriel smiled weakly stepping into the tub filled with lavender oil and hot water.
Eomer made to leave the stable but when he got through the door the sweet scent of lavender reached his nose and Lothiriel was standing there.
"You are late". Eomer stated.
Lothiriel nodded and Eomer opened the stable door for her. She walked into the familiar scent that she seemed to enjoy now then when she first got there.
"Eomer…Her voice trailed off as she looked into his puzzled face the look in his eyes that he possessed did not linger.
Lothiriel slowly put her shaking hand to touch his chest standing on her tippy toes she pressed her face into his shoulder .
Baffled and astounded Eomer wrapped his arms around her. He bent his head down and inhaled her lavender scented hair.
"What ails you Lothiriel?". Eomer said now completely taken aback.
"You have me all wrong Eomer king… So very wrong". she shock her head and gazed up into his eyes.
"Do not speak in such riddles Lothiriel speak your mind!" Eomer grasped her tightly.
"I am sorry Eomer". Lothiriel began tearfully. "I am sorry for what you saw, I am sorry for what your people went through and I am sorry for what you've been through in your life.
Eomer now let go of her and held out her at arms length looking at her what is she getting? at why is she saying this? are those tears for me?…
"Maybe you are right. Women like me will never understand things like war and suffering but we do endure in the pain Eomer we do pity those around us who are brought down by such toils we-
"Pity!" Eomer interrupted her his face now turning from confusion to realization tinged with anger. "Why do you pity us Lothiriel?". Eomer said through clenched teeth his anger now apparent.
Lothiriel gapped at him. "You are angry" She said guiltily.
Eomer turned away from her.
"Who said we want your pity". Eomer said in a low cold voice. "Who says we need it". He walked a few steps away from her his hands clenched at his sides.
Eomer did not know why he was so angry with her. Here was this beautiful women here crying tears for him and now he was throwing it back in her face. But I do not want her pity the spoiled brats like her get to stay above them and shower them with the only thing they can afford to give. Pity.
"Eomer" Lothiriel said nervously from behind him slowly drawing closer to him.
Eomer did not turn to look at her.
"Save your tears Lothiriel. He finished with fire foot and turned to look at her coldly "Save them for your wedding day". He walked to Firefoots stall.
Lothiriel did not know what to say she didn't even know what she did wrong.
Save them for my wedding day does he not mean OUR wedding day .so does this mean. No Lothiriel that can NOT be what he means it just can't!
He grabbed firefoot's reigns and led him outside walking right by her.
When he went through the stable doors without a glance back at her.
"Eomer!". Lothiriel yelled making to go after him but stopped falling to the ground and crying.
She would usually just get up and go brush her hair to sort out her feelings or just shrug it off but this was truly bothering her.
If there is one time I am going to wait on someone Eomer it will be now and it will be for you.
And that's what she did falling asleep right there on the hay. Few people like the stable boy and such walked in and out but Lothiriel told them to ignore her and carry on with what they have to do.
Hours went by and finally she heard Firefoot grunt and Eomer talking to him about things Lothiriel couldn't really comprehend.
She sat there and he didn't notice her as he walked to the royal stall for Firefoot.
He brushed out his mane and shined his coat patting him on the side every now and then.
He turned to get a smaller brush and saw Lothiriel standing behind him he jumped slightly before regaining composure.
"Why are you still out here this late" Eomer said concern coming to his face she had goose bumps on her chest and Eomer swallowed hard.
"I was waiting for you Eomer". She replied.
Eomer looked down at her after riding and spending time with his horse he came to a conclusion. He was embarrassed of Lothiriel's feelings for him and jealous of Lothiriel's still childhood innocence. He hated that she saw his weakness and was jealous she did not have to live with a gnawing pain and a never ending fear that haunted her dreams every night. She was free ever since she was a child bearing no real pain.
"Eomer" She began.
Eomer didn't answer.
"If your so mad just come out and say it!". She yelled now.
Eomer opened his mouth to speak but closed it again.
"What is it Eomer!". Lothiriel pleaded with him. "Just tell me"
"I can not". Eomer said turning away. "You will not understand".
"What am I some impenetrable worthless women?" she asked fuming "Is this how it is seen in Rohan? Women are brainless, worthless house runners ?Nay Eomer at least not in Gondor. I will understand but you must give me a chance!"
"I have never told anyone about this". Eomer said tautly.
Lothiriel crossed her arms across her chest now shivering a bit she declined when he offered his cloak to her.
"I am sorry for getting mad at you today Lothiriel". Eomer said sincerely "You didn't deserve it you only voiced concern for the suffering". A small smile played on his lips. "Something I didn't expect from you"
Lothiriel made to protest but he stopped her.
"I will open up to you in time but for now let us just be in peace during our courting.
Eomer wasn't sure if he was ever going to tell her he would wait until after they were wed. He didn't know how she would take it. She would surly stop loving him he didn't put that way past her.
Lothiriel nodded and wrapped her arms around him tightly. he returned the gesture kissing the top of her head.
"I will wait Eomer". Lothiriel said seriously. Letting the warmth of his embrace engulf her.
This is how it should be. Eomer thought. Me embracing you forever in comfort.
