Hope to have the fifth chapter ready by the end of the week.
Frigg
Chapter Four – Dark EyesThe road back, first to Minas Tirith and then Dol Amroth, was long and tedious. On the other hand, we were grateful that it was so. There were still reports of roaming, leaderless orcs coming in from most corners of Middle Earth, and I knew that Aragorn, Ada and Éomer had discussed that this was still a problem which could not be overlooked, but luckily we avoided them. We stayed at Minas Tirith for a couple of days and then we started on the journey by sea back to Belfalas. I spent a lot of time with Leia; as I had expected she had proven a most wonderful companion and we had already taught each other a great deal about our respective people.
Already on the trail to Minas Tirith, Amrothos had found a lot of excuses to be with Leia and me, riding beside us and managing to sit beside Leia at meals. And now at Minas Tirith, he accompanied us for walks ever being the gentleman, opening doors for us, fetching us something to drink, being his charming and chivalrous. For his sister's sake? Somehow I doubted that very much!
But then, from time to time, I caught Amrothos looking at Leia and Leia looking back at him. I was convinced that things were developing between my brother and my companion. Could it be that my womaniser of a brother had finally fallen for one particular woman? And a Rohirrim at that? Well, I did know what charm these hardy people from the North possessed, did I not? So I could hardly blame my brother for falling for the same charm?
Actually, it would not be so bad. Even though my brother was a prince and she was only the daughter of a soldier of Rohan, I believed that it would be a fine match. Her father was of some rank and had fought bravely in the War of the Ring, after which Éomer had bestowed both title of advisor and property on him, and Amrothos was only the third son and would never be anything but a Swan Knight of some esteem and rank as there were two brothers before him to inherit the throne of Dol Amroth.
During the sea voyage from Osgiliath to Belfalas Leia even proved better than I on board a ship even though she had never seen the sea before. When I told her so, she smiled. "I suppose that if you can keep your balance on a horse without saddle, you can keep your balance on a ship," she said.
"Oh, I really love this, it is wonderful!" she cried as she stood at the railing, being splashed by seawater. Amrothos watched her with a big, silly grin. Oh, yes my brother. You are indeed smitten. I smiled; now I would not be the only one acting silly because I was in love.
I mentioned to Ada one night that Leia would make a wonderful wife to Amrothos, and he smiled. "Yes, I have noticed that they like each other very much, and if it really should come to that I will not stand in their way," he said, "I would rather see my children happy than married according to standards and protocols."
I refrained from asking him whether he would have felt the same way, had Éomer not been King of Rohan, but only a rider. However, somehow I believed Ada. To him personally, it would probably not have mattered, if indeed it had been a matter of my happiness, although the society around us might have stalled at the idea.
We arrived at Belfalas a few days later after a brisk voyage. My second brother Erchirion, who had ruled in my father's absence, came to meet us. Erchirion was quite the opposite of my other two fiery brothers. He was gentle and learned, perhaps a little like our dear cousin Faramir.
I helped my sister-in-law care for her young son; her pregnancy made her tired and the long journey had not helped; she needed the rest. When I looked at her and saw how Elphir doted on her, I could not help thinking that in a few years, perhaps even sooner, it would be me carrying Éomer's child, perhaps even the heir to the throne – and I felt warm all over.
Leia was a great help to me. For a couple of hours each day we spoke nothing but Rohirric and soon I were quite fluent. The only thing she would not teach me was the more colourful part of the language, although I pleaded that it would be a good idea for me to learn those as well.
"Trust me, my Lady, it will come easy to you, once you are in Edoras. It will come natural when you listen to the men. The king will be a quite capable teacher I am sure," she said. She insisted that she would much rather teach me valuable things about the customs and traditions as well as the lore of the Éorlingas. To this I murmured that she was clearly stubborn like all Rohirrim, and she laughed.
I reciprocated by teaching her some Sindarin and give her knowledge of the traditions and customs of my country. After all, the way Amrothos kept looking at her, she might have use for it sooner that you would think.
One thing amazed Leia very much. The Gondorian view on propriety and what was appropriate and what was not. And the things you could not do or say in Gondor – and which were quite all right say and do in Rohan.
"You will find, my Lady, that you need not curb your tongue as much in Rohan as you do here, nor focus so much on proper behaviour in public," she told me. It was quite appropriate in Rohan to embrace your husband or your betrothed in public, and it most certainly was not in Belfalas. It was all right to embrace your family, but certainly not your betrothed.
"Then I see why Lord Elphir was so appalled during your visit," Leia chuckled. "He must have found our behaviour most inappropriate."
He most certainly had and had constantly lectured me on the subject all the way from Edoras and kept up the lectures when we arrived back home, hoping that I would still remember that I was a Princess of Gondor and as such would uphold the customs of my own country. I continuously argued that I had to become a Rohirrim and observe the customs of my new country. At this, Elphir had looked as if he was about to explode.
Amrothos found our discussions quite amusing, and later whispered to me that he clearly also preferred the way of the Éorlingas. He would not blame me for taking up their customs.
He also very obviously became more and more enamoured with the pretty Rohirrim. She seemed to warm to him as well, and it soon became obvious that she would not be returning to Rohan, if my brother had any say. I asked whether I interpreted her feelings for my brother correctly, and she blushed furiously when she admitted that it was so.
"But I am just the daughter of a simple soldier, although the king has given him both title of advisor and land at that; do you think that your father will allow your brother to marry me?" she asked.
"I am quite sure of it," I told her, "you are both intelligent and beautiful, and you will make Amrothos a wonderful wife, he could ask for none better." Amrothos had spoken to father, who had nothing against the match. Now it only remained for Amrothos to approach Leia's father. He had written a formal letter to her father, but he intended to speak formally to Halfred when he accompanied Éomer to Minas Tirith for Éowyn's wedding, which was only a couple of months away.
Although I was kept busy most of the time, I still found time to miss Éomer. I longed to be with him. I related as much to Leia, after all we spent so much time together that it was hard to keep anything from her, and she was always willing to soothe me a little by speaking of him. She had known him always as her father had been in the Royal Guard and living in Edoras close to the Royal family of Rohan. She giggled when she told me that almost every young girl at Edoras had at one time had a crush on the handsome nephew of the king.
"Except for Mélia, of course, she has never seen anybody but Éothain," she grinned. "I remember that at the midsummer festival my friends and I used to sit in a row just looking at Éomer as he walked past, sighing and hoping that he would notice us. Usually he, and Éothain for that matter, tried to ignore us; they just regarded us as silly, giggling girls. Which perhaps we were, being so much younger."
I chuckled; I remembered my own brothers being the subject of the girls' attention on similar occasions, and their very similar reactions.
Letters arrived almost every week from Éomer, and he had kept his promise that most of them indeed held quite indecent thoughts. I kept them hidden and read them over and over, but they did nothing to quench my longing for him, quite the contrary. It was quite clear that he longed for me as much as I longed for him.
Finally, the day of our departure for Minas Tirith and the wedding of Éowyn and Faramir drew near. For once, Erchirion was the one allowed to go and Elphir was to stay back to govern the city while my father was gone. This was most natural, after all Elphir was the oldest and thus heir to the throne.
Elphir did not like the idea although he, of course, recognised his responsibilities as my fathers heir. I presume that he was not happy about the fact that he would thus not be able to watch over me and control my breaches of propriety. Clearly he did not trust me to be left alone with Éomer for one minute. His wife, however, was close to her confinement, and the most natural thing was for him to remain with her under these circumstances. I was pleased that he had not read Éomer's letters to me – or indeed mine to him, as he most certainly would have insisted on coming had he seen them!
Ada had gifted Leia and me with the most beautiful silk and I had one of the best seamstresses in Dol Amroth make it into gowns for us to wear at the wedding. Leia's was a deep blue with a most intricate flower pattern woven into the fabric. It matched her beautiful blue eyes and she looked absolutely stunning. She would make a beautiful princess of Dol Amroth, indeed.
My own gown was a light sea green with long, flowing sleeves and a receding neckline, which left my shoulders bare. I thought of wearing my mother's emerald clips in my hair. Ada had given them to me on my eighteenth birthday and I had very rarely used them, although my maids had constantly assured me that they would look beautiful in my hair. It had not really interested me before. Now, however, I wanted to look my absolute best for my betrothed.
Éowyn had written me asking when we would be arriving at Minas Tirith, as she would like to have me at her side for the final preparations for her wedding. She had no female relatives; she thought of me as a sister and would like me to stand with her at the ceremony. I thought this a very good idea, and on these grounds I managed to persuade father that we should arrive at Minas Tirith at least two weeks before the wedding for rehearsals and other preparations. Of course, my biggest incentive was to see my betrothed and get to spend some time with him. I had a feeling that I could not really hide that from anybody.
"Not very subtle, sister dear," Amrothos teased me and I advised him to mind his own business and love life.
So the party set out from Dol Amroth, this time by land. At this time of year, it was not pleasurable travelling by sea; on the other hand neither was travelling by land. The weather was, however, fairly good. It was chilly and windy, but we had no rain; the roads were dry and we made good speed to Minas Tirith.
When we arrived, Faramir greeted us in his capacity as Steward of Gondor. When he welcomed me, he whispered. "Éomer and Éowyn arrived yesterday, I trust that it pleases you as well as it does me?"
We were shown to our quarters in the palace, and I did not have to wait long before there was a knock on the door and my future sister-in-law came rushing into the room, embracing both Leia and myself.
"Oh, it is wonderful to see you both. I have greetings from Mélia. You should see her new daughter; she is so beautiful that Éothain quickly forgot his disappointment that she was not a boy."
"Is Éothain here?" Leia inquired.
"Yes, he is with Éomer. I trust that you shall see him tonight at dinner."
She continued with a big smile. "We were all pleased to hear about you and Amrothos; he has certainly made a good choice." Leia blushed profoundly and we both chuckled at seeing her like this.
"Now," I said to Éowyn. "Tell me about Éomer; how is he doing – and where is he?"
"He is doing fine, I believe." Éowyn laughed. "Mightily impatient and longing a great deal to see you, I suppose. He is stuck in meetings with Aragorn and his council, and probably hating it."
She continued with a wry smile. "Éomer knew that you would be arriving, although not exactly when, and could not get out of the meeting, as Faramir did. The Steward of Gondor has to formally welcome such distinguished guests as the Prince of Dol Amroth and his family. Imagine how he will react when Faramir gets back into the meeting and informs him that you have actually arrived!"
I could imagine and smiled at Éowyn, who continued. "We have both been rather trying to our surroundings these past few weeks, I suppose. Lord Elfhelm growled mightily the other day, saying that we were no better than a couple of lovesick pups, who in his opinion obviously could find nothing better to do than to sing the praise of the objects of our affection all day. Not exactly what he would have expected from Éomund's children."
I giggled. "Well, I suppose that I have been no better. Ask my brothers."
Then we spent a couple of hours exchanging news about friends and relatives, but later I escaped the others and went for a walk in the garden. I loved the queen's garden and I remembered the hours I had spent in the garden during my stay before and after the war and my walks here with Éomer. There was a chill in the air, but I had dressed accordingly and sat down on a bench close to the wall. I did not feel the cold and quickly lost myself in thoughts.
I must have been far away in my thoughts – and it must be true that you can call the person, who is the most in your heart and your thoughts, to you because suddenly I felt a pair of familiar arms go around me drawing me up from the bench, and a deep, warm voice said, "I do hope that it is me you are dreaming so happily of, my Lady?"
"Éomer!" I exclaimed and wrapped my arms around his neck. "I thought that they had you well and truly trapped in council."
"Oh, they did, but when Faramir finally had the decency to tell me that the party from Dol Amroth had arrived, I managed to get out of their claws." He grinned and crushed me to him. His lips found mine in a deep kiss.
When he let me go, he groaned. "I have dreamed of kissing you again, but I had never imagined that it would feel this good. It was worth the wait, although I could done without it – the wait, I mean!"
"And how do you think that it has been for me, seeing my brothers and their ladies and not having you there? I am pleased that Ada did not insist on an even longer betrothal!" I said with my face buried at his chest.
Éomer chuckled happily, "But now I am here – and you are here! And we have almost an entire month where we can see each other every day." He kissed me again and whispered softly against my lips. "I love you, Lothíriel of Dol Amroth."
"And I love you, Éomer of Rohan. Thank you for your letters; some of them really made me blush."
He grinned cheekily. "I even blushed writing some of them. Hopefully none but you have read them."
"Rest assured; you would be thrown in the dungeons if any one but me had." I chuckled and then pulled him down to sit beside me on the bench. "Let me look at you," I said.
He looked even more handsome than when last I saw him. His blonde hair had recently been trimmed, but still hung past his shoulders, and his hazel eyes looked just as intense and beautiful as always, but it must be the happiness that radiated from him that made him more handsome now.
He took both my hands in his and looked at me with glittering eyes. "You are more beautiful than I remembered, Lothy," he whispered.
I giggled. "It must be because I am in love," I said teasingly.
"Oh, indeed. Do I know the man?" he inquired, mockingly serious.
"As a matter of fact, I think that you might," I said. "He is a soldier of Rohan and I met him at the Houses of Healing just after the battle of the Pelennor Fields. A tall, handsome rogue with the darkest eyes I have ever seen. And I wanted him to kiss me ever since I saw him for the first time."
"And what now?" Éomer looked intensely at me.
"Now I want him to kiss me as if it was the last time that he gets a chance. I have missed him so much; I have missed his eyes, his hands – and his kisses for several weeks. And I have dreamed of them at least for that long!"
Éomer chuckled softly. "And believe, my love, that he has dreamt of the same for at least that long; of you, your sweet scent, your eyes, your hair – and your body against his." He pulled me closer and he really kissed me as if it was indeed his last chance. I entirely forgot to breathe – and if there was a coherent thought left in my head, I certainly was not aware of it.
When he finally let go of my lips, he inhaled almost painfully as he looked into my eyes. His eyes were dark and almost dilated. "Did I pass?" he inquired.
"Pass what …?" I managed to breathe.
"The kissing test, of course."
"Oh, yes definitely," I sighed. "But I find that it is difficult judging the quality just based on one sample." Éomer chuckled as he closed his mouth over mine again.
"You certainly passed the test," I giggled when he let me go.
He grinned. "Yes, I did, didn't I? Deeming from the look in my lady's eyes. Actually my sister sent me to call you in for supper, and I am afraid that we have spent too much time ------ hopefully no one will notice."
Apparently, they had not. Only Faramir and Éowyn saw us coming in, Éomer still holding my hand in his. They smiled at us and we hastily let go of each other; it was not considered proper behaviour in Gondor to walk hand in hand with your betrothed. A light touch of the lady's hand on the gentleman's arm, but hand in hand? Never! Éomer sent me a grin as he reluctantly left me and joined the other men. I went over to the window bench where Éowyn was already seated.
"I thought that you might need the time to greet each other properly?" Éowyn asked smilingly. I just nodded and she continued. "Trust me, I know what it feels like and I am most content that I will be married within the next fortnight."
The major domo of the king's household approached and called us to dinner. Aragorn and Arwen awaited us and we all sat down at the large table. I was pleased that Éomer had been seated beside me and not opposite me. Otherwise I am sure that I would have spent the entire meal just looking at him.
Ada sat across the table from us and I am quite sure that he knew perfectly well that Éomer's hand sought mine from time to time between courses. I am sure that he would have gathered as much from the look on my face! But – he may have decided that it was of no consequence as we were in full public view.
After supper we all dispersed. Aragorn had pulled Éomer aside to discuss a matter with him, and I had not really seen where they had gone. Presumably to the king's study together with my father and Faramir. By now it was rather late in the evening and most of us had long journeys behind us. Arwen, Éowyn and a couple of the other ladies present withdrew to the queen's chambers, but I did not feel like joining them. Amrothos and Leia were nowhere to be seen.
I decided to find a book and went to the library. It had once been my uncle's but now belonged to the king. Faramir had shown it to me when I was just a little girl, and on the rare occasions when my family had visited Minas Tirith, I had buried myself in there; I had always loved the place.
Now I wandered along the bookshelves as I had done then, touching the sacred volumes on the shelves. I was so engulfed that I did not hear the door open and close behind someone.
"As you know, I am afraid that we have nothing of this size or nature at Edoras," a familiar voice said. The King of Rohan had entered the library.
"Were you in search of me?" I asked softly.
"No," my beloved said, "not really, I was in search of a couple of books, which Faramir recommended to me a while back."
"On war and strategies?" I asked teasingly.
He shook his head. "Actually, no. A volume on diplomacy and statesmanship and a book of poetry that he thought might interest me. I still have a lot to learn, you know."
I felt ashamed. Why was it that everybody, apparently including me, always assumed that Éomer was almost illiterate just because he was a formidable warrior first and foremost? Éowyn had told me that their uncle had kept both of them to their studies when they were young just as he had his own son. Théoden King knew that you might be able to defend a country without literary skills, but you could not rule it, and he also knew that if anything happened to his son, Éomer would have to take on the responsibility of being king. According to Éowyn, Éomer had hated it, but he had done as ordered – and he certainly was no simpleton, he had proved that.
I went over to him. "I am sorry, love, that I sounded so condescending. I did not mean to. I is just that such books are more Faramir's area --- usually," I said as I put my arms around him and leaned my head against his chest.
He hugged me. "I am not offended," he said, "even I am surprised that I would actually chose a book with such a subject – voluntarily. The book of poetry is actually more for fun."
"What are you doing here?" he inquired.
"It was always my favourite place when I was just a girl. On the rare occasions when my family visited my uncle and my cousins, I was terribly bored because there were no girls to play with – and then I went in here to read and dream my days away." I said, relishing in the warmth of his embrace.
"And what would a princess like you dream of?" he inquired with his lips against my hair.
I chuckled softly. "She dreamed of Elf princes of great honour and beauty and that one day such a prince would come and rescue her from the dragon that guarded her."
I could feel the chuckle rising in Éomer's chest. "A fair, Elf prince no less? Well, I would recommend Legolas as a worthy candidate then. He is, indeed, both fairer and more handsome than I."
"That may be; at least I think that he is better suited to be in the dreams of young, innocent princesses. You create far too much havoc, at least in the dreams of this princess," I said, leaning back and looking into his eyes. "You are very real, my King."
Éomer laughed. "So I have heard, my Lady. I apologise profoundly, but cannot help adding that perhaps the imagination of a certain princess may be too vivid?"
I smacked him playfully. "That is perhaps because this certain, fair Rohirric king is much too suggestive at times? For instance in his letters?"
"Is that so? Well, perhaps it is because this dark, Gondorian beauty that he is betrothed to tempts him beyond reason and that she is all that he can think of, both in his waking hours and when he lies alone in his bed in the dark hours of the night?" He bent my head back and kissed me hungrily, passionately.
I gave in for a while, but then tore myself free. "You see, this will never do --- My Lord, if you continue like this, the Valar know what will happen …… I am off to bed; will you walk me to my room, Sire?" I caressed his cheek and looked pleadingly into his eyes.
Éomer sighed loudly. "Six months of this pure torment, and I shall, indeed, go mad. Of course I will walk you to your room, and then continue to my own to spend the lonely hours of the night, although I would much prefer …… I had better get that book!"
I laughed and then I helped him find his way through the thousands of volumes. Finally we did find the books for him that Faramir had recommended. I found a book as well and then we walked to my chambers, which were next to Éowyn's. Éomer's room was two doors down the corridor, and my Ada resided next to Éowyn.
My betrothed kissed me chastely outside my door and bid me a hearty goodnight, probably playing for the gallery, moaning and sighing in mock despair as he went to his room. I shook my head and closed my door, leaning my back against it. Come now, midsummer – I cannot wait any longer, 'tis not fair! It was certainly becoming more and more trying.
The days flew by in an endless row of dress fitting sessions – especially for Éowyn and Arwen; Leia and I already had our dresses - and wedding rehearsals without end, duly supervised by Gondorian dignitaries, whose pompous attitudes and behaviour gave cause to giggling fits from us all, especially when we tried being serious and dignified. Even Ada and Faramir could not help joining in, causing any numbers of headshakes and stern looks from said dignitaries.
Although it was winter now, the weather was still reasonable and we went for long rides over the fields. Mostly Éowyn, Leia and I, but a couple of times I managed to drag Éomer away from the long, tedious discussions with my father, Faramir and Aragorn about trade routes, rebuilding of fortresses, and various other, worthy subjects – and take him for a long ride mostly, however, chaperoned by somebody.
"I hate sitting indoors all day; everybody who knows me is aware of that," he growled one afternoon as we had managed to escape to the stables without being followed. "How did you manage it this time?"
I grinned. "It is easier when Elphir is not around, so I simply pleaded with Ada, telling him how little I had actually seen my betrothed during our stay, and then I spun a tale about Amrothos and Leia accompanying us –---- or was it Éowyn? I do not really recall."
He grinned back. "You devious woman! Let us get out of here, before they find out."
We finished saddling the horses, mounted and rode towards the gate. Nobody seemed to be following us.
It was a chilly, crisp day, but the sun was shining and Osgilliath looked beautiful in the sunlight although it was still being re-built.
We rode in a brisk gallop towards a small patch of trees close to the Anduin a couple of miles from the city. When we reached the trees, I knew that we would be entirely out of sight from the city and I slowed down. Éomer followed my example, reining in Firefoot; he sensed what I was up to and grinned. "Methinks the lady has something untoward in mind," he said.
"Not at all, my Lord," I said and lowered my eyes demurely. "I just wanted to have my betrothed all to myself - for once." We halted our horses; Éomer dismounted and came over to help me down. I slid down into his arms.
"I have been waiting for this for the past few days. I have certainly not been allowed much time with you; your brothers have certainly seen to that - and my sister!" He kissed me; it was a cold day and our faces were cold from the ride, but his lips felt both soft and warm against mine. I was pinned against Éomer and my horse, and could not move save for letting my hands glide up to his shoulders, ending up in his hair.
After he let go of my lips we stood for a while just relishing in being close together. We let the horses grass. Mearas do not run off, they stay when they are told to stay.
"Contrary to the men of the Éorlingas, our horses are well behaved," Éomer muttered as he removed two apples from his saddlebags and fed them to the horses. Firefoot whinnied softly at his master and shook his large head, as if he agreed.
Éomer took the extra saddle blanket, which I had carried with me and put it on the ground under a tree near the river for us to sit on. I sat down with my back against the tree, and he sat down beside me. After a while, however, he lay down with his head in my lap.
"I fear that this is most inappropriate, my love," I said.
"Probably," he murmured, "but very comfortable."
I let my fingers run through his unruly hair, stroking it from his forehead. He closed his eyes and sighed. "A year ago, Lothy, I would have sworn that it was not possible to have such peace and happiness in my life. But now – in little over a week, my sister will be married, and in six months' time you will be my wife."
He reached up to caress my cheek. His eyes turned dark. "Eight months ago I was fighting for my life not far from here."
"I know," I said, "and eight months ago you came into my life when you walked into the Houses of Healing to find your sister. It's strange that our world could change so in the course of a few months."
I leaned back against the tree and closed my eyes. Memories of our first meeting floated through my mind, as I remembered the young soldier with the desolate, dark eyes and the dirt and blood smudged face comparing him to the young king, who now lay with his head in my lap.
I looked at him; he looked peaceful, he had closed his eyes and appeared to have fallen asleep. Kings have much to do, and as I knew that Éomer was an early riser and that he kept very long hours, even when he was in Minas Tirith, I would not begrudge him a little sleep. It was however a little too cold that day to take a nap in the open, although we were both warmly dressed, and I therefore nudged him awake.
"You can sleep during the night, my Lord," I teased him as he opened his eyes to gaze sleepily at me.
"Oh, but you see – I cannot. There are these images of a certain young princess that keep appearing in my mind when I try to sleep, especially when I have not had the opportunity to talk to her, let alone hold her for a couple of days."
"Talk? Would that be all it would take to pacify you ….?" And then I did not get any further, as Éomer grabbed hold of me and rolled me over so that I lay on my back beneath him in the grass, proving to me that obviously it was not.
"Do not play with fire, my love," he grinned as he looked down at me with eyes that were now dark as brown velvet. He captured my mouth with his and kissed me for a long, long time. His tongue played against mine, his hands caressed my body and he pressed himself against me.
Absolutely wonderful, but perhaps not such a good idea. I returned to my senses and pressed my hands against his chest, pushing upwards. He let go of me.
"Perhaps we should be getting back?" I breathed.
"Yes, perhaps we should," he conceded, seemingly as much out of breath as I was. Then he rose grinningly and pulled me up. "Why is it that we always end up like this?"
"You tell me," I said, laughing helplessly, "and I am just as frustrated as you that we always have to stop."
We went over to the horses that were waiting patiently for us. "Will you at least ride with me on Firefoot?" Éomer asked. "Feeling close to you is better than nothing at all."
I nodded. "Of course I will, if Firefoot will bear me as well!"
"Ask him," Éomer said. I went up to the big warhorse and looked into his big wise eyes, as I stroked his muzzle. "Will you, Firefoot, will you bear me and your master?" The horse whinnied softly and laid his head against me.
I turned to Éomer. "I believe that he will," Éomer said. He lifted me into the saddle and tied Móna's reigns to it. Then he swung himself up behind me. "Comfortably close – at least for now, but that may change," he murmured as he let his lips nuzzle my neck. "Um, yes, this is very good, indeed."
"Stop it, or I will push you off the horse," I giggled. "Your beard is tickling me."
"That you will have to endure, my Lady. I am not getting rid of it," he grinned, "never have you seen a full grown Rohirrim without a beard. At least there are not many." I leaned back against him. It felt good riding with him, feeling so close to him. Éomer shifted a little in the saddle.
"What is it?" I inquired.
His voice sounded slightly strained as he replied, "Oh, nothing really. Except that I had not realised ….." Then he broke off. "We had better get back before they send out a search party," he said and nudged Firefoot into a faster pace.
I was still a bit puzzled, but as I leaned back against him, shifting closer still, I realised why he had sounded so uncomfortable. Oh, of course. I smiled to myself.
"Éomer," I said, "would you feel more comfortable if we stopped and I rode Móna back? It seems like this arrangement is an ordeal for you?"
He chuckled. "No, it is alright; I'll manage. Although it has – ahem – a certain effect on me having you so close, I would not miss it for the world; we have so little time together as it is."
When we reached the stables, Éomer dismounted and helped me down. He stood for while holding my waist and I smiled up at him. "Thank you for a lovely afternoon," I said.
"You are welcome," he smiled back at me. Then he let go of me and we lead the horses into the stable to remove their tackle and give them a good rubbing down.
Having finished the work, Éomer ensured that the horses were fed and then we walked to our quarters side by side. At my door we stopped, and Éomer kissed me softly. "I believe that we should get changed; see you at dinner."
I sighed as I watched him walk to his room and then slipped into my own room. To my surprise, my father was standing at the balcony door when I came in. He turned towards me.
"I trust that you had a good afternoon?" he inquired, "At least you managed to escape any entourage." He did not look too angry, though.
"Yes, and I do apologise, Ada, but I just needed to have Éomer all to myself. Apart from these few weeks, I shall not be seeing him for several months. I do hope that we did not cause too much trouble?"
Ada smiled. "No, not at all. I believe that no one of importance noticed, also how you arrived back – except for me, of course. I know that it is hard on you both, and I do realise that it is difficult to keep you apart. But I am a bit disappointed that you take to such measures, Lothy. You are still not married – and you are still a Princess of Gondor, who must observe Gondorian standards."
"I know, Ada," I said but could not help smiling, as I came to think that in six months' time I would be free of all the restrictions – and be a married woman and a queen in my own right.
Seeing my expression, Ada shook his head and growled, "Now, daughter, get changed. Legolas and Gimli have arrived – and we shall all be having dinner soon." He kissed my forehead and left me to myself.
I hurried cleaning up and changed into a dress suitable for such an occasion. I brushed my hair and tied it back with a simple band the colour of my dress. I was looking forward to seeing the elf and the dwarf again. Their presence always warranted a lot of amusement and merry conversation.
In the corridor I met Éomer. He had washed and changed into more formal attire; he sent me an appreciative smile. "You are not one to keep your company waiting for long, my Lady."
"A valuable habit with three brothers, who would complain loudly if I did not hurry, and I even had time to talk to Ada. He was in my room when I came back."
"Was he upset?" Éomer inquired.
"No, not really. He understands that we want to be together and as long as he is confident that we will do nothing inappropriate, he is most willing to let us spend time together, also alone, although he is a bit disappointed in me because of my 'inappropriate' behaviour," I said.
Éomer offered me his arm. "That is, indeed, a lot of responsibility," he sighed, "but I shall strive to live up to his trust. After all it is not that long," he added. His words sounded somewhat sarcastic and I squeezed his arm in understanding as we walked towards the dining hall.
Gimli and Legolas greeted us cordially when we entered the hall. Legolas kissed my hand and Gimli smiled at me. "I see that you still intend to marry that rogue, my Lady," he grinned, turning towards Éomer as he said it. "I still fail to see that this rude horse master is so attractive that a beautiful princess as yourself would fall for him."
"No, not when there is someone as handsome, smooth talking and pleasant as you present," Éomer retorted sarcastically. "I did not think that there was anybody in your heart but the Lady Galadriel?"
The dwarf snorted disdainfully and smirked. "Indeed not, but I still find you a lucky man, Éomer King," he said.
"I am well aware of that," Éomer said. "My sister will be pleased that you have both come to her wedding."
Legolas smiled. "Try to keep the dwarf away from a celebration, which implies a lot of good food – and ale. I certainly would not have the stomach to try."
The dwarf laughed heartily. "The elf princeling is right; and I also have a couple of things to settle with a certain king and a prince of Dol Amroth. Never had I thought that I would have to succumb to an elf – and two men within the same year!"
Amrothos came up to us. "I do not think that the ladies present would appreciate us setting up a drinking contest at a wedding, Gimli." He slapped the dwarf on the shoulder. "Especially not at Minas Tirith!"
"I do not think that my sister would whole-heartedly approve of such a scheme," Éomer said.
Éowyn had heard these remarks and was laughing as she approached the two friends on my cousin's arm. "You are indeed right, brother, she certainly would not," she said, "I am appalled that you would even suggest such a thing, Gimli. I knew that inviting you two would be to invite trouble."
Éomer grinned, "I would suggest that we discuss such matters when the ladies are not present; I am not entirely sure that Lothy would approve, either."
I slapped him teasingly. "I see that you know me quite well by now, my Lord."
Aragorn joined us together with his wife. "Why is it, Gimli, son of Gloín, that you always manage to have the entire party at an uproar every time you enter a room?" He embraced Legolas warmly and clasped the shoulder of the dwarf, looking warmly at them both. Arwen smiled at us all, her blue eyes twinkling.
"Majesty," Gimli growled. "It must be because you all have begun to take yourselves so damned seriously – and I am the only one to bring a little life to the surroundings. Besides -- are you not men enough to drink with a dwarf?"
I caught Éomer's eyes; they were full of mirth and twinkling at the exchange – and I could not help laughing. "Master Dwarf. I welcome you at my wedding – and of course both my betrothed and my brothers should not stand down from a challenge. Just make sure that it is the night before the wedding – and not on my wedding night. I would not wish that my future husband was not able to enjoy all of his wedding!"
They all laughed, and I blushed slightly realising what I had implied. Éomer whispered in my ear. "I should be offended that you would imply that I would lose such a contest, my love - or even be impeded by it - and I can tell from your father's face that this was perhaps not what he had expected a virtuous Princess of Dol Amroth to say."
He grinned at me, "But a Queen of Rohan might! My bad influence, I suppose."
I looked at my father and realised that Éomer probably was right. I had to watch my tongue; otherwise Ada would surely lock me in until my wedding day, ensuring that I behaved.
Amrothos winked at me and Leia smiled. Amrothos had spoken with her father and he had given his consent, although slightly overwhelmed that a Prince of Dol Amroth would want to marry his daughter, but as his king had also approved the match, he saw no reason why he should not. So, my brother and his chosen lady literally beamed.
We all sat down to dinner and as the friendly banter continued, I relaxed. Father would not lock me in; he knew that I had always been outspoken, and with three brothers perhaps with a bit more knowledge of the world than Gondorian women usually had. In that respect, Éomer and Rohan would probably match me better than anyone he had been able to find for me in all of Middle Earth.
The ladies retired early that night and left the men to their own company. We spent the remainder of the evening with Éowyn, giving her all kinds of good advice – also on her wedding night. That is, the latter was left entirely up to the married women, in this case Arwen and Gamling's wife Cerwyn and the wives of nobles from both Gondor and Rohan.
Especially Leia and I were not supposed to know anything at all about such subjects. Neither was the bride, but then – as a Rohirrim she had not lived the sheltered life that most daughters of royalty and nobility did.
Leia and I retired under much giggling. Cerwyn winked at us. I was sure that between Arwen and her, Éowyn would be well instructed for her wedding night. We were supposed to be up early the next day to help the bride get ready. Arwen had allowed us the use of her private bathroom and we would all make sure that Éowyn was bathed and pampered so that she would look lovelier than ever for her wedding.
As I bid Éomer and my brothers goodnight, I could tell from their mischievous grins that they would certainly not be retiring. They would make sure that Faramir's last night as a "free man" would be memorable, and they would see to it that he was well and truly prepared for the challenges of the wedding night – in their own special way.
I was sure that my cousin was not inexperienced, after all he was a soldier, and I did know what soldiers and sailors were like, being the sister of three (and soon to be marrying a fourth). And I would not be surprised, if, indeed, some kind of a drinking contest would be part of the program for the night.