Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings, never have, never will. Don't earn money from this, never have, never will.
Bottle of Gin: well, my summaries suck anyway. I guess I should really change it. But the thing is that that's really what the story is, and I don't know what to say to attract readers. I'll work something out. Anyway, thanks for letting me know you like it, but I wanted to know which part of the story made you change your initial impression. I just need to know what you like and work on it. Thanks!
Starnat: yeah, lothiriel is supposed to be a strong character. And about the Imrahil liking Eomer thing, it's just that those men that he considered for lothiriel have approached him to court her, and in this story, Eomer hasn't approached him for Lothiriel yet. Because, he hasn't met her yet. And she's having dinner with LL. I hope that clears things up a bit.
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The Swan princess and the Horse Lord
Lothiriel POV
"Riel, we should not stall to long, Ada would get suspicious." Amrothos said, before offering me his other arm and then leading me to the dining hall.
I took it and we entered. Ada approached me with a tall man in tow.
I stared at him. He was a fairly tall, coming to just above my father. Very deep set eyes, and high cheek bones, he had. His eyes were sparkling, the same sparkle Erchirion had when he met with young ladies. I did not take to that look. I did not trust it. Almost as if he saw me just as an object to find his pleasure.
"Lord Lanus, this is my daughter, Lothiriel, Princess of Dol Amroth, and Swan of our people." My father gestured to me, beaming, "and Lothiriel, this is Lord Lanus of Lebenin."
I lifted my hand, and he took it, to kiss. Lingering slightly, but not long enough to appear noticeable. I fix my eyes on him, hiding all my emotions. I sensed something in him that did not feel right with me. Was it the look in his eyes? Yes, something like that. There was a flicker in his eyes I did not like, it did not bode well. Was it greed? No, I had seen greed in the eyes of many men, this was not greed. This was something intense, something that did not seem right at all. Unfortunately, the flicker was gone in a moment, and this made me uneasy. This meant that he had something to hide, and I planned to find out.
He led me to the table, seating me on his left. The meal started, and I did not take the initiative to talk to him. I wanted to appear cold and unpleasant. I sipped my wine, and wondered if he would start the conversation first. He did not. Fortunately for me, Elphir was seated on my left and Amrothos opposite me. I could talk to them without having to converse with Lord Lanus. I started to eat my meal. Then turned to Elphir to comment on how excellent the food was. It tasted exceptionally fine today, the seasoning was just right. He nodded his head but did not comment further. He was probably having one of his moods again. I turned to Amrothos, raising an eyebrow. Amrothos shrugged, and said that it did taste better today.
I continued talking to Amrothos throughout the whole dinner, while Ada and Lord Lanus were discussing about the port business, and the increase of security due to a recent smuggling band. I knew he was playing my game, seeing who was to take the first move, to initiate a conversation. I did not like this. It was almost as if he saw through my intentions of judging his character, and purposely did not allow himself to be assessed. I was annoyed. It showed that he had probably been in this situation before and knew how to handle it. This did not bode well for me; it meant that I had to be more careful with my prying of his secret. But I had set my mind to do it, and I will find his secret out no matter what.
Soon, the meal ended, with none of us having spoken to each other yet.
"Lord Imrahil, I think I would like the a bit of fresh air, may I be excused to have a walk in your reputable gardens?" He asked politely. Then he surprised us all by continuing, "Perhaps Princess Lothiriel would join me?" at this point, I stared at my father, willing him to refuse, but he ignored me.
"Yes, I'm sure Lothiriel would like that." My father replied. I held back my anger and answered politely instead, "Actually, I was thinking of turning in early, seeing how tired I am from this afternoon." I said firmly, before giving Lord Lanus a reluctant smile. I took that as an excuse to leave, and was about to stand from my position when my father cut in.
"Lothiriel, I think it would be better if you get to know Lord Lanus better." My father insisted. I blinked. Usually, my father would not insist that I do something unless it was important, and I usually obeyed him. This was one of the few times that he insisted, but, unfortunately for me, this was not one of the few times I would disobey him. I gave a little nod and took Lord Lanus' hand. Schooling my face into a blank expression.
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Lord Lanus POV
She was different. She had more spirit, and more strength of mind. She would take longer to break. I also guessed that she was more perceptive, the whole reason why she wanted me to start a conversation with her first. But I knew how to play a woman's game. In fact, I've played it many times, getting better at each. I haven't lost yet, and I did not plan to start now.
I led her to the gardens, and I led us to walk down a path which did not veer too far from the building. I had to get her to trust me first.
The silence between us stretched, as if it were a thread, about to break anyime, but still holding together, just as the silence was still lingering. She couldn't take it any longer and stopped abruptly in her steps.
"Is there anything wrong, Princess?" I asked, feigning ignorance. There was a flash of impatience in her eyes, but it was gone in a moment as she composed herself.
"I would like to know why you wish to court me." She stated. I tried to read her expression, but it was blank. Neither angry nor pleased. She was making this harder for me to be comfortable. I had a lot of experience reading women. They were so emotional and they hardly ever hid their feelings, making it easier for me to charm them with the right words. I felt so much secure knowing how they felt, and predicting their reactions, but she was like a puzzle. I relished this challenge. I collected my thoughts, and worked how to answer this without causing any distress to her.
"I have approached your father for permission to court you as I believe you will make a very suitable wife for me. You seem generally level headed and calm. Thinking before your actions. Also, you are exceptionally beautiful, with your long dark hair and clear eyes. Dancing so gracefully that night, no man would not deny having a wife like you, Lothiriel."
I decided to charm her with the empty words women so treasured. I gave her my most charming smile, and even addressed her by her name. However, she seemed unruffled by my compliments. In fact, there was a hint of annoyance in her manner as she clenched her jaw. I had to be wary of what I said, exceptionally cautious.
"Why do you ask Princess?" I asked her, addressing her as princess again. I hoped this question would throw her off, so that I could catch her natural intentions, instead of her carefully worded sentences. However, she appeared very calm, as if she had planned and manipulated me into asking her this question. Of course she had! We were playing a game of wit, I thought, and I had to watch the meaning of every word. To my surprise, she did not resort to that, by blatantly stating her reasons.
"This is because I have no intention of being courted by you. You must understand that when my father agreed to your courtship of me, I was unaware of this decision. I do not agree to being courted by you and I hope you understand this. Do you?" She stared into my eyes, as if showing me she had meant every single word of it, the last statement more of a command than a wish. I drew in a breath, and my mind raced to come up with a suitable reply. She had seen my reluctance to reply her statement, and she allowed herself to a tiny smirk. I got a little irritated myself for allowing her to put me in this position. I had to reply her quickly, so I just said the most cliché thing I had.
"Lothiriel, I'm sure that if you would just get to know me, you will come to accept me." I said in a pleading tone.
I hoped she would react like all the other women would, but she had a look of exasperation in her eyes, and had just stopped herself in time from sighing. It was as if she had been in this situation before and knew exactly how to approach it. She was obviously not going to budge from her decision of me not courting her, and I knew that. So I decided that it was either continue pursuing the issue, only to have her set against me even more, or to take her hint and leave off this issue for a while. I chose the latter.
"Princess, perhaps you would like to sleep on it, and tomorrow, we can continue this discussion if you wish." I offered. By the clenching of her jaw again, I knew she would not raise this discussion again.
She nodded stiffly. I offered her my arm, and we headed back.
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Lothiriel POV
The nerve of that man, being so sure of himself. I'm sure he has had experience with women before. He seemed calm and collected, except for the point when I asked him why he had wanted to court me, but other then that, he knew what to say to avoid a woman's wrath and ire.
I learned many things about this man. He was level headed, and considered all his options before making a decision and last but definitely not the least, he was arrogant. By the way he carried himself, his gait, and his posture; I knew he was a proud man. This pride and arrogance might just reveal his character and secret.
We made our way back to our rooms. Outside my corridor, he took my hand to kiss it, lingering far too long, before smiling what he probably thought was his most charming and dashing smile. I pulled my hand back as he was still holding on to it, and glared at him.
"Goodnight," I said icily, my eyes blazing and my tone low. I gave him a smile which was humorless, but icy instead, before spinning on my heels and walking back to my room. I could feel his eyes blazing into my back, and could also picture the kind of smug smile he would have on his face. The nerve of that man! Being so bold as to hold onto my hand for so long. I was not one who cared for propriety, but with a man such as him, I was grateful for such court behavior. I could not stand him being so arrogant. He treated me as if he thought he would have me whenever he wanted, and probably expected so, but never would I allow him to do so.
I had to get rid of this man. Sooner rather than later.
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Okay, I know that's a pretty short chapter, but I've got homework and tests coming in the next week or so, so please try to be understanding!
I was trying to show how manipulative Lothiriel and Lord Lanus could be, so I hope I succeeded, also tell me if I haven't described Elphir or Erchirion too little.
I also see a lot of hits for this story, but I have so little reviews, so I don't know if my writing has slacked over the chapters or the storyline sucks so you just one look at it, and don't continue reading enough to give a review. But whatever the case, I hope you guys will give me review now
Constructive comments, ideas, questions, one-word-which-describes-the-whole-chap, or even flames. Just speak your mind, and I'll change to be a better writer. I mean, that's what all these about right? Reviews:D :P
Shadows of moonlight……..