A/N: In honor of my being bounced from jury duty (yes, it's true – I'm free!), here's the next chapter. It's the shortest chapter, but it is an important transitional…
Replies to reviewers at end.
Chapter 9
Despite the snows of December and much of January, by February the worst weather was largely over with, and though the days were often bleak and glowering, they suffered only a chill wind, grey skies and rain at least once a week.
As March arrived, the shrubs and trees in the garden began to bud, and eventually some of the flowers nudged through the soil. Lothiriel enjoyed watching her hard work come to fruition, and she kept the garden neatly tended, with the help of the newly assigned gardener. The sight of the flowering plants and organization inspired him, and soon he was as enthusiastic about it as Lothiriel was. It pleased her that the plot of land would be cared for when she returned home, and her efforts would not come to naught.
Home. They had not set a date for her departure, and though she was anxious to see her family again, she knew it would be difficult to say goodbye to her friends here. And it would be especially hard to leave Eomer. Even if her feelings were not returned, she could not help caring about him, and some part of her was convinced he needed her help. Still, she knew her father would never agree to lengthening her stay any more than she already had. She would go back to Dol Amroth and Eomer would be a fond memory. They would visit occasionally, and eventually each would likely marry someone and raise a family. And that would be the end of it.
At the midday dinner three weeks later, Lothiriel was surprised to find Eomer tense and on edge. "What is wrong, Eomer? Has something happened?" she asked.
With a sigh, he explained, "The orcs had a difficult time of it during the winter. They are hungry and have begun attacking the more outlying villages that are still occupied, taking whatever food they can find and killing the livestock."
More than a little afraid of his answer, she queried, "What will you do?"
His eyes came up to meet hers. "I will ride out with Eothain's eored tomorrow. We will drive them back sufficiently or kill them, until they are no longer a threat."
Lothiriel had never liked warfare of any kind. Too many were wounded or killed, even when merely defending themselves, but she also understood that sometimes it could not be avoided. The thought of both Eomer and Eothain riding into battle filled her with almost as much dread as she had felt when her brothers and father had gone to fight. But there was nothing she could do other than sit and wait, hoping they came safely home. She had hoped the defeat of Sauron had signaled the end of such things, but she knew it was mostly just wishful thinking on her part. She would do what she had always done – wait and watch and ask the Valar to protect them.
Despite their pre-dawn departure, Lothiriel made it a point to rise and see them off. Both seemed pleased by her effort, and tried to reassure her they would return quickly and that this was a minor thing.
For the next few days, she went about her activities in a fog, unable to really concentrate on anything. The tension and worry took a toll, and each evening she fell wearily into bed. But this night proved different than those that had preceded it. She had been sleeping several hours when, just before dawn, a loud knocking came at her door.
Sitting up, she called out, "Who is it?"
"My lady," came the voice of a servant, "Gamling has asked me to wake you. The men have returned and your presence is requested."
Lothiriel rose quickly and threw on a robe and slippers, then hurried to the door. The girl, Blidhe, had often sat and sewed with Lothiriel and she tried to give the lady a reassuring smile. "This way, my lady." She gestured to her right and led the way down the hall, to an open door around the corner.
Lothiriel knew it was one of the guestrooms and there was much bustle and excitement from within. After a moment, she realized the healer was there. That could only mean someone was injured, and she felt her throat tighten with fear. Edging into the room, she worked herself around people until she could see the man lying on the bed. Eothain!
Tears sprang to her eyes as she pushed through to kneel at his side and clasp his hand. At the touch, his eyes flickered open and he gave her his usual lopsided grin. "Sorry to wake you so early!" he teased.
She tried to smile in return, but didn't quite succeed. "What has happened?" she asked softly.
"Orc arrow got me in the leg. Must have had poison on it." His eyes slipped closed, and she noticed the sheen of sweat on his face and neck.
Someone came up behind Lothiriel and caught her by the shoulders, pulling her to her feet. When she turned, it was to find Eomer studying her. For a moment, she let herself believe that he was going to tell her everything would be fine and Eothain was in no danger, but she could not mistake the look in his eyes.
Frantically her mind searched for something, anything, that could help him. Suddenly she gasped out, "Athelas!"
"What?" Eomer asked, surprised at her first choice of words.
"Athelas! We must find some – perhaps it will help draw the poison!" she explained.
Eomer glanced at the healers, but shook his head. "I know Aragorn used it to help my sister, but we do not know that remedy here. And we have none to try, even if we knew how to use it."
"I know how!" she exclaimed. "Faramir told me about it last summer when I visited for the King's wedding. He knew I would want to take the knowledge to the healers in Dol Amroth. I learned about it in the Houses of Healing – how to use it and where to find it. Please, Eomer!"
Eomer sighed and rubbed his face wearily, then nodded. "Go and get dressed. We can try."
They were soon on their way with a small group. Knowing the plant was most frequently found in forested areas, she instructed Eomer to lead them to the nearest such place. By the time they reached it, the pale light of dawn made torches unnecessary. Even so, by midday their search had proven fruitless.
They ate a hasty meal, but when Lothiriel stood to resume the search, Eomer rose and caught her elbow, drawing her away from the men. "Lothiriel, I want to help Eothain as much as you do, but this is useless. You do not even know if this plant is to be found in Rohan. We would do better to go and be at Eothain's side," he gently petitioned her.
"And do what? Watch him lose his leg? Watch him die?" she snapped angrily, overcome with emotion, and jerking her arm out of his grasp.
The look on Eomer's face made her regret her outburst; Eothain was probably his dearest friend. This was no easier for him than for Lothiriel.
Drawing a ragged breath, she said, "Please, let us look longer. I feel certain it grows here. We just have to find it." Before he could argue, she added softly, "Would you want me to give up so easily if it was your leg? Your life?"
Eomer let out a long sigh, then cupped her neck with his hand and pressed his forehead to hers. They stood that way in silence for several seconds and then he murmured, "Keep looking. If you find nothing by sundown, we will return to Edoras."
She reached up and gratefully touched his cheek. "Thank you!"
And the search continued. As the day began to draw to a close, Lothiriel's efforts became more frenzied, and Eomer felt as bad as she did that she had failed. It would not be easy to see the repercussions to his friend. The other men with them, who had held out some hope in the morning, looked as dejected as Eomer felt. None wanted to see a good man lose his leg or his life. By the slant of Lothiriel's shoulders, Eomer knew she was discouraged also, though she continued to ride slowly along with her eyes sweeping the ground carefully for the longed-for plant. He knew she was exhausted, and wished there was something he could do to help her, but he was certain she would not yield to reason until darkness made further searching impossible.
He was startled from his reverie by a squeal, and his head jerked up in surprise, uncertain for a moment what the sound meant. An instant later, Lothiriel almost fell off Bugan's back in her haste to dismount. Laughing almost hysterically, she exclaimed, "This is it! I found it!" It took a moment to register her meaning, but when it hit, Eomer broke into a wide grin. Quickly he joined her, and they cut a large quantity of the plant, stuffing it into a sack Eomer held.
The ride back to Edoras was mostly a blur. All were focused on reaching their destination as quickly as possible, forgetting their weariness in the elation of the moment. Now all they could do was hope they were not too late.
The instant they arrived, some of the men took Eomer and Lothiriel's horses, and the two rushed inside and hurried to Eothain's room. The healer was there and looked up as they entered. Silently Lothiriel held out the sack questioningly, and a reassuring nod told her there was still time.
Immediately she began to make a poultice, as she directed them to uncover the wound and explained how she was preparing the plant. Within minutes, a new bandage had affixed the poultice in place, and all they could do was wait.
Lothiriel still wore her cloak, and Eomer stepped to her side. "Will you rest now? There is nothing more you can do here. Someone will get you if there is any change."
She wavered a moment, then shook her head and plunked down in a chair she drew near the bed. "If there is any change, I want to be here."
Realizing argument was futile, Eomer just nodded and turned to go. At the door, he instructed a servant to find a more comfortable chair for her and bring it there, and to prepare a supper tray for her as well.
It took nearly an entire day, but gradually Eothain's fever broke and the healer declared the treatment a success. Eothain was weak, but alive, and he would keep his leg. Attending him became a part of Lothiriel's daily routine, and she was so wrapped up in it that she was startled when Eomer appeared one day, bearing a letter from her father.
Her pleasure at receiving it was quickly dampened by the news it bore. Amrothos would lead a party of Swan Knights to Edoras at the first of May to escort her home. When she glanced up at Eomer, though he couldn't know the letter's contents, it was clear he had guessed the message.
"I am to go home around the first of May. Father is sending my brother to escort me."
Neither knew what to say at that point, and an awkward silence ensued. Eothain watched them a moment, then offered, "Well, it is not the end of the world. We can still visit there and Lothiriel can visit here. We will still see each other after this."
Lothiriel nodded lethargically. "You are right." She raised her eyes and looked at each of them in turn. "But I will miss you both."
Replies to reviewers: (Thanks to everyone for their comments. Glad you are enjoying this.)
Blue Eyes At Night – Would you give the "babymaking" a rest, already! They aren't even married yet! Although…oh, nevermind… "I was WONDERING when someone was going to bring up the fact that a country on the corder of salt water probably doesn't experience that much lasting heavy snow." – well, I live in Los Angeles so I'm well aware of it! (And I LOVE Pinky and the Brain!)
Ziroana – "I thought I was going to melt when their eyes met outside in the snow... So romantic!" – That was one of my favorite parts, too!
Tracey1 – "I'm sure this chapter and the one I'm about to mention came about completely independent of one another (as her's was only posted days ago and yours came out at roughly the same time), but have you read/been reading Sache8's E/L story? She recently posted the final chapter (possible Epilogue pending) of "Love Comes Softly" on her livejournal under the same username. It involved snow and some light-hearted childishness as well." – NO! She hasn't posted it to ffn yet (at least I haven't gotten an alert on it). I'll have to go look for it on the livejournal. So you can rest assured there is no connection between the two. I haven't seen hers, and since I just posted this chapter I know she hadn't seen mine (unless she hacked my computer or LothirielofRohan is a fanfic spy…)
Tracey2 – "The first section reminds me greatly of something my mom told me concerning my granddad, a WWII veteran. He used to (and maybe still does) have nightmares" – I based that on someone I know who has had similar problems. He served in Vietnam, and kept re-upping so his brothers wouldn't have to go, but it did a number on his head for quite a while.
Tracey3 –"I knew she could cook if she put her mind (heart) to it! Take that Peter Jackson! ;)" – I keep meaning to check and see if that is in the book or just movie-verse. You make it sound like the latter…
thayzel – "if Lothíriel thinks Éomer doesn't answer her feelings, won't she try to go back to Dol Amroth as fast as she can, given her obligations/promises? Éomer will have to hurry." – you would think so…
shie1dmaidenofrohan – "Though I'd love to see Eomer's thoughts on all this next, hint hint.) ;)" – eventually…
Jazzcat – "This IS Middle-earth, not 13th century England; and while Middle-earth is strongly patterned off of medieval lifestyles, it's not entirely rigid about the traditions, either." – after I posted my comments, that thought occurred to me also. Though there are strong similarities, we know that despite the usual arranged marriages that took place for "advantage" in Medieval times, at least two couples chose to marry for love and no one had any objections. So clearly Tolkien didn't strictly follow the rules of that time period either. Still, I want to try and avoid getting "too modern", so a reality check now and then is a good thing.