Oh, alright! You lot are pitiful! I decided I'd better get this posted and put you out of your misery!

A/N: Okay, okay - everyone can quit banging their heads against the wall in frustration - Eomer finally "wakes up"! Sorry for the cliffie, but that was the natural breakpoint. From here on, there should be enough fluff to soothe ruffled romance feathers...

More below.

Chapter 11

A peaceful sleep was not to be had this night. Once in his chambers, Eomer paced like a caged animal. He mulled over all that had transpired and could not identify any reason to dislike Lord Dorlion or be acting in this disagreeable manner, but neither could he shake it off. He forced himself to change into his nightclothes and lie down on the bed, but it was immediately clear that slumber was far from him. He tossed and turned for many hours, until in the wee hours of the morning fatigue granted him a light, dreaming sleep. But that, too, proved unsettling, for several disjointed dreams presented themselves, all of which had Lothiriel in them and all of which had her marrying another man.

The last one was so real, he woke with a gasp and sat breathing heavily, with his heart pounding. As he calmed, he let out a moan and rubbed his face, wondering what was wrong with him, and then, almost as if he heard a voice in the room, came the words 'you're in love with her'.

A mental image came forcibly back to him of their playing in the snow, and he vividly recalled sitting on top of her and staring down into her eyes. He had felt something then, but pushed it aside when it occurred to him how wrong it was to be sitting on top of Imrahil's daughter, and battling an almost overwhelming desire to kiss her. He had used reason to avoid considering the implications of that brief lapse, but now it was clear that occasion had not been a fluke.

Sitting there in the dark, the longer he considered this the more he was forced to acknowledge that it was true. When or where it had happened, he did not know, but Lothiriel had crept into his heart so completely he felt as though he would suffocate if she were to be with anyone else.

Realizing that truth, however, was not reassuring or calming. She had never given indication of any particular favor towards him. True, they were good friends, and had shared much that was quite personal, but that did not denote love. The same could be said of his sister. One thing was clear to him, though. He had to make his feelings known to Lothiriel before she accepted Dorlion's offer. If he kept silent and she accepted the other man's proposal, Eomer would lose her forever. She was much too honorable to back out once she had promised, even if she was so inclined.

Laying back against the pillows, he tried to relax and get a little rest before dawn. There was no time to lose. He would have to speak with Lothiriel first thing in the morning.

xxxxx

Eomer's annoyance was boundless. He hadn't slept all night, so naturally he fell asleep as dawn approached even though he had wanted to rise early. When he was still asleep, Imrahil had graciously instructed the servants not to disturb him, thinking it exhaustion from the travel, and now he found it was already mid-morning. The servants were attempting to get him to take a leisurely bath and eat in his room, since the household had finished their meal in his absence, but he wanted to waste no more time in getting to Lothiriel and speaking with her.

Hurrying down the stairs, still tying the laces on his tunic, he almost ran into the very person he sought when she came out of the library just as he was passing. He skidded to a halt, giving her a relieved smile.

Teasingly, she told him, "You need not hurry, Eomer. We will still feed you, even this late in the morning!"

He laughed lightly and admitted, "I was looking for you. I was afraid I might have missed you, that you might have gone out already." He left unsaid that he was afraid she was with Dorlion.

She just smiled up at him and answered, "Of course not. You are just arrived and you have not seen my city. I thought perhaps you might like me to show you around. Or, if you prefer, since I might be too busy, I could try to find some pleasant girl to show you around, one who could be trusted not to behave in an unseemly fashion with a king..."

She winked at him, and he suddenly recognized the jest she was making and blushed. "In all fairness, I was not trying to get out of spending time with you. I truly was afraid my duties would keep me too busy for you to have an enjoyable time if you had to wait on me."

"I know," she assured him. Clasping her hands in front of her, she asked, "So, would you like me as your guide?"

"Of course! I could not hope for better!" he quickly affirmed, thinking how conveniently she was playing into his plans.

"Have you eaten anything, or shall we sneak something from the kitchen for you?" she asked.

His stomach growled at that moment and he grinned ruefully. "Does that answer your question?"

With a laugh, she caught his arm and steered him in the right direction. "Yes, that is a rather plain answer!"

They were soon on their way to walk about the city, while Eomer quickly ate the bread, cheese and fruit they had procured. She seemed to realize the shops would hold little of his interest, and focused instead on the battlements, and ways in which Dol Amroth differed from his own city. He expressed his interest in seeing the sea more closely, so she began with a visit to the wharfs and let him see the commerce side of the coast first. Then she led him off down the strand and onto the beach.

They had removed their shoes and were strolling in silence, and Eomer tried to think of a way to bring up the troubling subject niggling at his mind. Finally, he observed, "Lord Dorlion seems fond of you. Your father indicated he may offer for your hand, and he thought you might accept." He held his breath, awaiting her response.

She did not look at him, but fixed her eyes on the path before her. She did not want to have this conversation with him. It was too painful to receive his congratulations instead of his love. Reluctantly, she answered, "Yes, I believe he will offer. He is a good man and would treat me well. I think I would accept if he does offer."

Eomer's heart stopped. "Do you love him?" he asked fearfully.

They walked several yards before she answered. Why must he torment her with these questions? She had looked forward to his visit, but now she wanted to be very far away from him. Stiffly she responded, "No, but I could tolerate him reasonably well, and he has much to recommend him. I am unlikely to receive a better offer from anyone more agreeable."

"Lothiriel...do not do this! You deserve better than to settle for a good man, but without love. You deserve someone to love you passionately! Can you not–"

"Eomer," she interrupted firmly, unwilling to hear his pity for her, "I know what I said in Edoras. I even meant it, about wanting to marry for love, but life does not always go as we hope it will. I grow weary of a life that has no purpose or meaning. At least as the wife of a nobleman, I could have children to care for and rear. That could fill my heart with the love I might be missing in my union. I am tired of waiting for something that may never happen. There are no suitors for my hand who have expressed a love for me, passionate or otherwise. It would be foolish of me to refuse Lord Dorlion in hopes that such might eventually come along."

She tried not to let him see her brush away a tear, attempting to disguise it by pushing a few strands of hair from her face. But he was not fooled and caught her elbow, pulling her to a stop and turning her to face him. Where was Faramir when he needed him to provide the flowery, romantic words to speak that would win her heart? At last he blurted out, more bluntly than he intended, "There would be such a suitor, if you will allow it!"

It took a moment for his words to register but, when they did, she could not repress a lurching sensation in her stomach. Dare she hope… For the first time, she raised her eyes to his, questioningly. "What?"

He stared at her, overcome with emotion and trepidation. What if she did not love him, and could not love him? What if she did not want him? Exhaling sharply, he said softly, "I am in love with you, Thiri. I know you have never thought of me in that way before, but perhaps in time you could come to care for me. You would make a wonderful queen for Rohan but, more importantly, you would make a wonderful wife for me." He stumbled to a stop, not sure what else to say and rather convinced his words had done more harm than good in persuading her.

She was gazing at him with a bewildered expression, still trying to take in what he had told her. "You...you are in love with me?" she stammered at last.

He nodded sheepishly. "I did not realize it until I came here and saw you with Lord Dorlion. I could not bear the thought of you being with him. I know I have done a poor job of presenting myself to you, but hopefully..." He stopped, uncertain what to say more, and waited for a response.

She continued to stare into his eyes, almost as if she was trying to read his mind, and he watched her with bated breath. Suddenly, she stepped in close and reached a hand up to his cheek. She lightly stroked it for an instant, and then stood on tiptoe to reach up and press her lips to his. For a moment, he was too startled to react, but then a slow, hesitant grin spread over his face. Reaching for her, he pulled her up against him and leaned down to kiss her properly. As he became lost in her arms, everything around them disappeared and he knew this was the most 'right' thing he had ever done in his life.

As they broke apart, she whispered, "I could not come to care for you any more than I already do, Eomer. I have known for some time that I loved you, but I thought it unlikely my feelings would ever be returned by you."

Tears of joy trickled from her eyes, and he tenderly kissed them away. Then he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close and resting his cheek on her head. "How foolish we have been! We have been searching Middle-earth for someone for the other person to marry, and all that time the right person was us."

xxxxx

"Prince Imrahil, thank you for seeing me. I trust you are well," Lord Dorlion said, bowing smartly.

"I am, thank you. What can I do for you today, my friend?" Imrahil inquired, despite his suspicion that he already knew the answer.

"I will get straight to the point. I am sure it will come as no surprise to you that I have become quite fond of your daughter. I wish to apply for her hand in marriage."

Imrahil nodded with a barely concealed, knowing smile. "That does not surprise me. However, it will of course be Lothiriel's decision. I will make your intent known to her and see what her feelings are in the matter. Will you join us for supper tonight? Perhaps I will be able to give you an answer then, if she makes a decision quickly."

"Sadly, no, I am unable to make supper as I have a prior engagement. But I could stop by tomorrow at midday, or word could be sent when you have something to tell me. I would not want Lothiriel to think I was pressuring her to answer swiftly if she needs time to consider the offer."

"I will send word when something has been decided. I am sure Lothiriel will appreciate your consideration of her. And she is somewhat distracted with Eomer visiting. She is out showing him around Dol Amroth today."

Lord Dorlion hid his frown as to Lothiriel's whereabouts. He wasn't quite sure about Rohan's king, but the man did not look on him with a friendly eye. Though neither Eomer nor Lothiriel had given any indication that they favored one another, he got the distinct impression the man might be jealous of Dorlion's time spent with the young lady. He suppressed a sigh. Either way, Lothiriel would accept or reject him. If it was the former, the king would just have to deal with any unexpressed feelings he might have.

He rose and bowed. "I thank you for your time. I will await word."

When he was gone, Imrahil sat back in his chair and gazed out the window. He hadn't been surprised at the offer, but still he was disappointed by it. Dorlion was a good man and would make a good husband for Lothiriel. While Edhellond was not close, it was not that far from Dol Amroth so he could be assured of seeing his daughter regularly. And yet...

With a sigh, he rubbed his forehead. It was foolish to have done so, but he had rather hoped Lothiriel and Eomer would be drawn to one another. True, it would mean her living much farther away, but he liked the young king a great deal and felt he had much to offer his daughter. And he had no doubt that Lothiriel would be a remarkable queen. She had the intelligence and common sense that would serve her and Rohan well, particularly as they rebuilt after the devastation of the war. Eomer had already been glowing in his appreciation of her assistance last fall and through the winter months, but neither seemed inclined toward the other in a romantic way. Still, Imrahil was not at all certain that his daughter loved Dorlion – if she was to marry without love, why not Eomer? He needed a good wife and the two were quite friendly.

He sighed again. That was not a decision for him to make, and to suggest it would likely only embarrass his daughter. No, he would have to pass along Dorlion's offer and leave the choice in Lothiriel's capable hands.

xxxxx

It was nearly suppertime before Eomer and Lothiriel returned from their walk around town. With a grin at one another, each hurried off to their room, separating at the head of the stairs.

In the foyer below, Imrahil came out of his study and asked the servant nearby, "Did I hear my daughter come in?"

"Yes, my lord. She has gone to dress for supper. King Eomer was with her."

Imrahil nodded. "Thank you." For a moment, he pondered what to do. Should he speak to Lothiriel before supper, or wait until afterwards? Straightening, he headed up the stairs. Perhaps now would be a good time. She could consider the offer over supper, and maybe it would press her to look at Eomer with new eyes. Besides, after supper it was likely they would get wrapped up in conversation and no opportunity would present itself to speak with her privately.

A knock at Lothiriel's door brought an unexpected result. It was quickly opened by his flushed, bright-eyed daughter and for a moment all he could do was stare at her. "Lothiriel? Are you well?" She did not look ill, but he was at a loss to understand the expression on her face.

To his surprise, she flung her arms around his neck. "I am very well, Father!" Moving her arms to around his waist, and hugging him tightly, she danced him around the room. "I am very well, indeed!"

Laughing, he allowed her to guide him around a few moments, before pulling her to a stop. "What in the world has gotten into you?" he exclaimed. "I have not seen you this elated in a very long time!"

"Love, Father! I am in love and, what is even better, he loves me also!" Breaking free from his grip, she twirled several times around the room and then flopped onto her back on the bed, in a most unladylike manner.

Imrahil struggled to grasp what was happening. Who could have filled her with such joy? Could she have learned about Dorlion's offer? Perhaps they had met in the street and he made an offer in person? But, she had returned with Eomer, so it seemed unlikely Dorlion would have proposed in front of the king. Dare he hope...

"Lothiriel, if you can bring your head out of the clouds for just a brief moment, might I inquire with whom you are in love?" He sat down next to her on the bed.

Giggling she turned on her side and raised her head up on her bent arm to grin at him. "Need you ask? With whom have I just spent all day?" He noticed the teasing twinkle in her eyes.

"Eomer?" he asked carefully, not trusting the guess but unable to think of anyone else.

"Of course!" She sat up and embraced him again. "Oh, Father! I am so very happy! I think he will ask your permission tonight, after supper. Do be kind to him! I know it will be hard for us, with me living so far away, but I love him dearly, Father. I want very much to be his wife!"

For a moment, Imrahil just held his daughter, then tentatively said, "Then I suppose that answers the question about your other suitor."

She pulled back to look at him questioningly, and then understanding dawned. "Lord Dorlion spoke to you."

"Yes. This afternoon."

"Are...are you disappointed by my choice?" she asked quietly.

Smiling, he put both hands on her shoulders. "Of course not! Eomer is a fine man, and to tell you the truth, I had rather hoped the two of you would grow close. When it did not seem to have happened, I thought you might be willing to consider Dorlion. I see I was mistaken about your regard for Rohan's king, and his for you!"

She shook her head. "No, Father, you were not mistaken. I confess I have loved Eomer for some time, since before I returned from Rohan. But when he showed no similar interest in me, I did not think anything would come of it. It is only this visit that he has realized his feelings for me and expressed them. In a way, we have Lord Dorlion to thank for that. In his jealousy over the attention paid me by another man, Eomer finally saw that he felt more than friendship."

"Then I am very happy for you, my dear. I will send an answer to Lord Dorlion first thing and not keep him in suspense over the matter. It is best he know as soon as possible where your heart lies."

Rising he reached for her hand. "And, now, if you are ready, I believe we are keeping our guest waiting."

Hastily she stood and resmoothed her hair and dress. "I am ready!" She caught his arm and urged him toward the door with undeniable eagerness.

Before they left her room, Imrahil turned to her and pressed his lips to her forehead. "Oh, my dearest girl, I am so pleased to see such happiness come to you!"

A/N2: Poor Eomer - he's just gotten so comfortable with Lothiriel that he sort of always expected her to be there, and now he's realized she may disappear if he doesn't get moving. I credit it being due to the distractions of his new kingship and all the changes in his life. He just wasn't in any hurry until he saw that time was running out. But once he understood what was happening, he was quick to act.

Blue Eyes - NO, NO, NO! Wrong babymakers! Granted Eomer can now start considering that option, since he's finally got a girlfriend, but WHO is already producing? Huh, huh? If you don't know, I may just go take out that birthing sequence in a later chapter...