::disclaimer:: i can't come up with a good disclaimer, so sue me (or rather, don't)!
Chapter XVII
Éomer didn't see Lothíriel very much the second night of the festivities: Elphir had managed to separate them more than he had the first night. Lothíriel sat between him and their father, Éomer was at the end of the table, next to Amrothos. Tonight, they had tables for the guests instead of the blankets and pillows; Amrothos explained that few of the artisans of the Quarter danced in public. "They have their own ways," he said, "and Adar respects them. They'll be dancing among the hills tomorrow night." The guests were all very mystifying, each in their own way. The night had a very dream-like quality; it was foggy, almost as if someone had planned it to add to the detached aura of the festival.
Each of the guests had brought a gift for Prince Imrahil's family. There were fine woven tapestries, statues, woodcarvings. A few of the artisans wore flamboyant costumes and performed miniature plays throughout the evening. At last the festivities began to wind down, and Amrothos leaned over to speak with Éomer again. "Saberman's, at three," he whispered. Éomer nodded and excused himself.
"Master Éomer." Imrahil beckoned him over.
"Yes, milord?"
"I was wondering if you would take Mistress Caladiel back to her home in the Quarter? She said she did not want to go alone and could not find anyone who is headed back her way."
Éomer inclined his head. "It would be my honor, milord." He spoke to Imrahil, but his eyes found Lothíriel's, who quickly looked away. "Where is the lovely lady?"
"She is right here." Imrahil indicated a girl with blonde hair who stood behind him.
She wore a flowing midnight blue dress that accented her pale face and blue eyes. She smiled in what was supposed to be a warm smile, but to Éomer it looked cold and false. "I thank you, milord, for going out of your way to keep me safe."
"It is nothing, milady."
She giggled. "Please, call me Caladiel. I hate formalities."
"Shall we go, then, Caladiel?" Éomer extended his arm to her and she took it.
As they walked past, Amrothos stood. "Éomer," he said, "might I come with you? I was wanting to go into the city tonight anyway."
"Certainly, Amrothos," he replied, relieved that he would not have to go into the Quarter with the maid alone. Something in her manner bothered Éomer. Besides, he'd never been to the Quarter, and even though he knew how to get around the city, he did not want to try to make his way back to the palace alone.
Caladiel, however, stiffened slightly and then smiled sweetly. "It would be an honor for you to join us, your highness." Amrothos nodded and took her other arm.
Despite Éomer's trepidation, the journey into the Quarter was uneventful. Caladiel had made small talk as the three walked through the ill-lit streets. Éomer decided that he would have to make a foray into the Quarter during the day sometime: the few lamps that lined the roads revealed magnificent architecture as well as a few curious shops. They finally arrived at Caladiel's residence; she invited them in for a drink, but Amrothos declined for both of them, saying that they would venture into Dockside to meet some friends. Caladiel seemed slightly put out but nodded and went inside.
"I hoped Adar wouldn't resort to it, but I'm glad that was dealt with," stated Amrothos as they headed toward Dockside.
"What is that?" asked Éomer turning to look at him.
"The only reason Adar asked you to escort Caladiel home was to distract you from Lothíriel. Caladiel's a pretty lass, but she's shallower than a tidal pool."
"Oh," Éomer said, nodding, though he didn't quite understand what a "tidal pool" was supposed to be. "Well, thank you for rescuing me."
Amrothos laughed. "My pleasure. Let's go to Saberman's, shall we?"
After walking in silence for a while, Éomer spoke again. "Why are you helping Lothíriel?" he asked. "I mean, your brothers and father are all trying to keep us apart, but you and Faramir are doing all that you can to bring us together."
Amrothos sighed. "Let's get some ale first, alright?" He pushed open the door to Saberman's and allowed Éomer in. They were greeted by a raucous "hallo" from everyone inside.
Aela came up to them, all smiles. "Good evening, gents, can I interest you in some fine dining?"
"Just ale, please," answered Amrothos.
"Two 'just ales' coming right up," she laughed.
Amrothos and Éomer found themselves a corner table. Aela brought their drinks and wandered back into the crowd. "Now, why I'm helping Lothíriel." He took a long draught. "It's really quite simple: Lothíriel told you about me wanting to join the navy?"
Éomer nodded his assent. "She said your father has you in the cavalry for a year; said you don't like horses, though I don't understand why—everyone likes horses."
"Oh aye," he laughed, "if they're from Rohan."
"Your sister likes horses; she's one of the best riders I've seen outside of my own people."
"My sister is an entity unto herself."
Éomer had to laugh. "That's true. But she's not the only rider in Dol Amroth."
"Well then, let's just say I had a bad experience with horses once."
Éomer raised an eyebrow. "What sort of a bad experience?"
Amrothos laughed. "A bad experience. We'll leave it at that."
"No, no, you have to tell me now."
"No, no, I don't." Amrothos shook his head. "I knew I shouldn't have brought it up."
"Oh fine, then, but you have to finish your story."
"Yes, of course, well, you no doubt know the conditions under which I am in the cavalry." Éomer nodded. "Lothíriel was the one who negotiated those terms with Adar. If it were not for my sister's diplomacy, I would be in the cavalry for most of the rest of my life."
"There are worse fates."
Amrothos let out a barking laugh. "Maybe for a Rohirrim. In any case, I was indebted to my sister. She does not know it—and you are not to tell her—but it is because of me that her punishment is so light. Adar wasn't going to allow her to attend the festival, but I convinced him otherwise."
"But that doesn't fully explain—"
"Surely you know my sister well enough by now to know that she is hard to refuse."
Éomer blushed into his mug. "Aye, that she is."
"She went to Faramir first," he continued, "and begged him to help her. He refused at first, but folded before too long. They came at me together." He snorted. "It is harder to escape two earnest campaigners than it is one. I agreed; after all, she would have escaped me sooner or later and run off with you. And now you know why I aid my sister in her self-matchmaking." He grinned up at Éomer. "Besides, I like you. You're far better than Lord Aermaethor."
"Who?"
"Lord Aermaethor. He's Elphir's age and has had his eye on Lothíriel since she was old enough to be courted. She's flirted with him, but she does that with nearly every man she meets. He means nothing to her, but he has become convinced that she is in love with him." He let out a deep sigh. "Elphir encourages him, but Erchirion and I have both tried to dissuade him. Lothíriel deserves better. No woman deserves someone like Aermaethor."
"What do you mean by that?"
Amrothos looked at him evenly. "He hunts the streets of Dockside for libertines."
"Oh." They sat for a while, listening to the music and celebrations from both the pub's other patrons and the people in the streets outside. The same musicians who had been in the pub the first time Éomer had been there were playing their song about the maiden who loved a sailor again. He sighed and took a draught of his ale, draining his mug.
He was halfway through with swallowing it, when the door burst open and Lothíriel twirled in in a flurry of skirts and laughter with Faramir not far behind. Éomer choked on his ale as she plopped down in the seat next to him. "I see you survived Mistress Caladiel," she said, grinning.
Éomer coughed. "Aye, but I could not have done it without the help of your marvelous brother. He saved me from her passions, I do believe."
"Yes, but not before she pinched me," Amrothos laughed as he made room for Faramir on his side of the booth.
All three of his companions raised their eyebrows at him. "Pinched you?" Lothíriel exclaimed. "Well then, we shall have to have Adar banish her to...." She trailed off as she thought of an appropriate punishment. She put a finger to her mouth, as if considering, and then brightened. "I know! We'll send her to Harad, where the sun always shines and gives one a most awful tan!" She grinned wickedly, satisfied with her ingenuity.
"And you know how terrible tans are," said a voice from behind them. They turned to see Erulehton leaning against the booth. He cracked a grin. "Good morning, my friends. I am sorry I could not join you sooner," he said, sliding in next to Faramir. "How do the celebrations go?"
"Wonderfully!" exclaimed Amrothos, holding his tankard up. "And I must say, Erulehton, this is some of the finest ale you've had in a good while."
"Only the best for Ethuil Meren." It was Aela who spoke this time, bringing a chair for herself. "I am sorry I could not join you as well. The guests have finally quieted enough to give me a moment's peace." She guestured behind her where many of the patrons of the pub were slumped in their chairs, sleeping off the effects of the ale.
"Here, Aela," Erulehton said, standing up, "you take the booth seat. You're smaller than I am and you need more rest. You've been working all week." They exchanged seats, and Éomer couldn't help but notice that Aela quickly settled into Faramir's arms.
Lothíriel did likewise, obviously not caring that she was in the presence of both relatives and a former lover. "Erulehton, before you get comfortable, I believe Faramir said he brought you some wine for the celebrations, but it appears you have not offered it to your guests yet."
"Ah, give me but a moment." He stood and went into the kitchens. "I was saving it for a special occasion," he said as he returned, "but this is as fine a time as any. For what is more special than a drink with good company? Here you are, milady." He presented the wine to Lothíriel, who took it and inspected it.
"Melmësuhto?" she gasped. "Faramir, you did not tell me it was this!"
Faramir grinned and shrugged. "I wanted to surprise you."
"You surprised everyone, my friend," answered Erulehton for her. "I certainly did not expect it."
"Well," Lothíriel said, "we'll just have to make sure that this is as good as they say it is. Goblets, everyone?" She unwrapped the cork and handed the bottle to Amrothos. "You open it; I might drop it."
"Buion na ell!" Amrothos plied it open and poured everyone a glass. "Ma merilyë yulma míruvórë?."
"Á quanta yulmanya!" the other Amrothians exclaimed.
"What did you just say?" Éomer asked.
"Amrothos said, 'Do you want a cup of wine?'" Lothíriel informed him, "and we replied, 'Fill my cup!' It is a common exchange when sharing good wine."
"Well then, Á quanta yulmanya!" said Éomer.
The rest of the night passed quickly, the six friends enjoying good wine and good conversation. At last, they decided it was time to retire, for several of them had to be up early. Lothíriel and Éomer were the last to go. Erulehton and Aela were sending the less-inebriated patrons home and taking the rest upstairs.
"I mean to tell you—I am sorry that you had to put up with Mistress Caladiel," Lothíriel told Éomer dreamily. "I fear Adar wanted you to be distracted."
Éomer patted her head absent-mindedly. "Mistress Caladiel is a twit," he answered.
"Aye, that she is," she whispered, and soon she had drifted off to sleep.
Éomer sighed heavily. What do I do with her now? he thought. Luckily, Aela came down the steps and saw what had happened.
"Take her upstairs," she whispered, "there's an empty room on the left at the top of the stairs. She'll be fine in there." Éomer nodded and lifted the sleeping princess into his arms.
He entered the small bedroom and lay her on the bed. She looked angelic and peaceful, lying there asleep. A lock of hair had fallen over her face, and he brushed it away. She shifted slightly, rubbing her head against Éomer's hand. She murmured something and rolled over. Éomer sighed and walked out the door.
A/N: ack. i got sappy there at the end. hope you guys liked it, though. sorry this took so long. i hit a block on exactly what to do between the last chapter and lothiriel's top secret plan. plus, last week was very busy and a bit depressing (two words: election day). oh well, i'm sort of over it now.
Replies:
hotdogfish: lol..me too.
lady hades: i cannot tell you how much of my plans you guessed, but you have caused me to reconsider part of them. and yes, always be afraid of those three older brothers...never know how many are watching you.
dancin' over the edge: which part made you think of protector of the small? it's been a while since i read those, so i hope i didn't accidentally plagiarise or something....
gypsyswordgoddess: no hitches? well, we must do something to remedy that...glad you're enjoying it!
soccer-bitch: thanks for the review, as always..lol.
lometari: when you drop out of school and just write fanfiction, can i join you? school's killing me.
lariren-shadow: if missing an update or two means long reviews, by all means, do your homework! lol..yes, lothiriel is a bad little munchkin (of course, i don't think that anyone in her family really knows that she's not so innocent...except maybe amrothos). and you will eventually find out what's going on with aela and faramir, but i have dropped hints in a couple chapters (there's one in this one). it really helps if you know your oldies. i hope i answered your questions about why lothiriel wasn't punished as well as why amrothos and faramir are helping her.
charlotte1: i have something special? go me! i'm glad you're liking my lothiriel...she's a nice change from my other portrayals of her (she's always the innocent one, so i decided to pull a switcheroo).
as always, please review!