Chapter Six

I heard somebody knocking on the door and a voice, presumably Amrothos', calling my name but I did not want to speak to anyone, least of all my family. I buried my head in the pillows, crying at the thought that Éomer and I had got into an argument over such an insignificant matter. Cursed male pride!

At some point I must have fallen asleep, because when I woke, it was nearly dark outside. My head hurt from crying and was heavy from sleep. My throat felt as raspy as if I had had nothing to drink for days, and I rose to get a drink of water from a decanter on the small table close to the door not bothering to light a candle.

I stood in the dark trying to gather my thoughts when I heard the balcony door open and felt the cold air surround me. Then I felt strong arms go around me. Éomer!

"I am so sorry, my love," I heard his warm and sombre voice in my ear as he held me against him, his lips brushing my hair. "I did not mean to speak so harshly to you."

I freed myself gently. "But nevertheless you did, and it was only a matter of small significance." I was still angry with him – and my head hurt. I distanced myself slightly from him and turned away.

Éomer took hold of me and turned me towards him. He looked straight into my eyes, his were dark. "I am truly sorry, love --- but I suppose that I was offended by the fact that you questioned my ability to ride a horse, even in my condition, and perhaps also that you reproached me in front of everybody. It somehow wounded my male pride – well, yes, and perhaps I had still not recovered from the ongoings of the night, I was still drunk I admit to that." He pulled me into his arms again, put a couple of fingers under my chin and raised my face towards him. "Can you forgive me for being such a cad?" he asked softly as his lips sought mine.

I did not resist. "Although I shouldn't, I can – and I will," I said, "it was a most silly thing to argue about, but I suppose that every couple argue about trivial matters such as this every once in a while. Perhaps I was a bit angry that you turned up like that – and behaved like a man!"

"Well, that's what I am – but as long as we are able to make up, it cannot be that bad," he grinned as he led me towards a chair and sat down, pulling me into his lap. His lips followed the curb of my neck and settled close to my ear.

I moaned. "Éomer, do not do that!"

"No," he sighed and let go of me, moving his hands to my waist. "I should not, I know that – but I cannot help myself."

He took one of my hands and kissed it. "Will you spend the evening with me, my Lady – if I promise to behave?"

I nodded with a little smile. "What should we do?" I enquired.

"We could go to the library and you could read to me; we could just sit and talk," he suggested, "or we could join the others and play games – or whatever they are planning. I do not care, as long as I am with you. And I promise that it will be a while before I am tempted to drink with Gimli again." He laughed. "He certainly got his revenge, my friend the dwarf – if the condition of my head is anything to judge from!"

I could not help smiling, "Do you require any assistance from a healer, my Lord?" I asked teasingly, "because I do believe that I shall be able to find some remedy that might set it right?"

"No, thank you Lothy; I believe that I will manage – I deserve it and I think that this should serve as a reminder to me, at least for today. Now, shall we join the others downstairs? I believe that supper will be served in a little while. It is almost that time." He held out his hand.

"Just give me a minute to wash my face – and get into another dress," I pleaded. "I am not meeting my father and brothers with a face that is looking as if I have been crying. That will certainly cause an interrogation – of both of us!" I got up from his lap and disappeared into the adjacent dressing room. When I got back for removing the traces of crying and oversleeping, Éomer was standing by the door looking out onto the balcony. As he heard me coming into the room, he turned and smiled at me.

"Ready to face the inquisition?" Éomer asked with a smirk.

I nodded, knowing that we might not escape the interrogation but we had to give it a try. As we walked into the dining hall, I could tell that at least Ada knew that something had taken place. Perhaps someone had told him of Éomer's outburst earlier in the day, but he just sent me a questioning look and when I shook my head and smiled, he left it at that.

Even Amrothos abstained from asking questions, although he, too, looked inquisitively at us, and thus supper took place in an atmosphere where the usual comments and friendly small talk were dominating.

We decided to spend a quiet evening, socializing with the other guests and our families. We would not be seeing Éowyn, Faramir and our other friends for quite some time, in fact not until our wedding next year, and we therefore made the most of the time that we had left together. Éowyn took me aside and asked what had happened; she had heard from Leia that we had had a quarrel. I told her and she laughed. "Oh, yes. That sounds very much like my brother. Good for you that you did not just give in but defended your right to say no! Serves him right."

Ada asked us to call it an early night, as we would be leaving for Dol Amroth very early the following day. He simply could not stay away any longer, and he also wanted to relieve Elphir of his duties so that he could spend some time with his wife and children. A missive from Elphir had arrived just the day before the wedding, announcing that Amelica had given birth to a daughter.

I was looking forward to showing Éomer my city and my country and the sights that I treasured. Leia and Amrothos also seemed pleased that we were returning to Belfalas. I had never seen my brother happier and it was obvious that he had found the woman in his life. Many Gondorian noblewomen, both unmarried and married, had been quite disappointed by the fact that neither Éomer nor Amrothos were available to them anymore – which had only left Erchirion, and my quiet and gentle second brother had been more sought after than ever before. Of course, much to the amusement of both my brother and my betrothed as Erchirion had had to fend for himself on several occasions to avoid the advances of the women.

After supper, Éothain came to sit next to me and Éowyn, and he told me that both he and Mélia were pleased that Leia and Amrothos had found each other and that they had been allowed to court.

"Not only is it a great honour for my father-in-law and his family to have his youngest daughter marrying a prince, but I also know that Éomer was pleased that the ties between Dol Amroth and Rohan were bound even tighter."

I smiled at Éothain. He was a good friend and a good man, and I knew that Éomer held him in high esteem, as I did his wife and his sister-in-law.

"I am pleased that Leia will be my sister-in-law; she is the best thing that has ever happened to my silly brother," I said smilingly, "and I know that Ada is pleased, too. She will make him a good wife; there is a good, level head on her shoulders. I am also pleased to tie even stronger bonds with you and Mélia."

Éothain bowed to me and left the company to make the last preparations for the journey. Gamling, Cerwyn and most of the men were returning to Edoras, and only Éothain and his éored would accompany Éomer to Dol Amroth.

Early next morning we said our goodbyes to Éowyn and Faramir, to Arwen and Aragorn and our other friends. It was difficult saying goodbye to them all, knowing that it would be several months before we would see each other again. We would miss them dearly, but my cousin and his wife looked so happy, and Éowyn whispered to me as we embraced that time would pass quickly and that she would write often.

Éomer embraced his sister warmly; I could tell from his face that it tore at him to leave his sister, but he managed to hide it and instead teased his brother-in-law, telling him that he was glad to leave his sister in his hands, knowing that Faramir would now been on the receiving end of Éowyn's temper.

Faramir just laughed, clasping the forearms of his brother-in-law. "I believe that I shall manage, brother. I shall just follow your example." At this, Éowyn snorted quite un-ladylike; the rest of us laughed and thus we parted in a cheerful atmosphere.

We set out for Belfalas. We were to travel by land, which was slower and perhaps still a bit more dangerous, but high winds at sea would have made it uncomfortable and even impossible to travel by sea and Ada did not want to postpone our journey. Reports said that independent bands of orcs still roamed the mountains and the country close to the mountains. My father and Éomer discussed this at length with Aragorn and the commanders of their guards, but agreed that we would be safe enough with the escort of riders and Swan knights that accompanied us.

Nothing happened, until we were four days out of Minas Tirith. A late afternoon just before dark a small party of orcs attacked us. It was swift, surprising and bloody – and just as swiftly over. Éomer quickly took command, ordering my father and the Swan knights to protect the women and the rest of the party, and then he and his men together with Amrothos and Erchirion quickly fought off the leaderless orcs.

I would not have believed my father just to take orders like that from a much younger man, but both my father and my brothers had told me numerous times of Éomer's natural authority on the battlefield, and I must say that I got proof that day as I heard Éomer's voice call out to the men, sounding calm and focused as if just clicking naturally into battle mode. I had to admit that my brothers were right, indeed he was a formidable warrior.

The weaker part of the travelling party gathered behind my father and the knights, trying to keep the horses steady. Leia and I helped my father maintaining the order as we watched the men fight off the orcs, who looked menacing but apparently shattered easily at the ferocious counterattack.

The orcs retreated and Éomer sent some of the riders in pursuit. Under cover of the increasing darkness some of them apparently managed to get past father and his men. It was getting increasing difficult to see the surroundings, but Leia and I made out that a couple of them were heading towards us - I drew my dagger and made ready to use it when Éomer suddenly appeared out of nowhere and with an single blow severed the head of the orc that was closest to us, splattering the ugly, black blood all over my face. The other was also quickly fought off as Éomer swung Firefoot around and hauled his sword through the air, planting it deep in the chest of the orc.

He halted Firefoot right in front of me; I could see his eyes gleam in the dark. "Are you all right?" he inquired.

I was shaking, but I managed to nod and say, "Apart from the fact that I am not particularly fond of being splattered with orc blood, I am fine." I said drying my face on my sleeve. I could see Éomer's teeth glinting in the dark as he grinned at me.

"I know; it is a most vile substance. But – are you truly all right?" he inquired once more.

"Yes, I am truly all right. I suppose that I did not really get the time to be afraid," I said as I sheathed my dagger with trembling hands, grateful that I did not have to use it. I shared a look with Leia, who also looked a bit shaken at the display of violence. We dismounted and one of the younger riders came running to take care of the horses. I could see Éothain bending over a man, who lay on the ground.

Ada came up to us. "You are all right, Lothy and you, Leia?" he asked, wiping his brow. I nodded. "Yes, Ada. I am not hurt – and neither is Leia." Leia confirmed that she, too, was all right. I looked at Éomer. "Are any of ours wounded?" I asked.

Éomer nodded. "Yes, two of the men suffered slash wounds – and another two or three were hit by arrows, but otherwise we are all right. He called out to the men, "Set up the tents – and start by setting up a tent where we can place the wounded!" Then he turned back to me. "Will you see to them, Lothy?"

I nodded, "Of course. I did learn something the months that I spent at the Houses of Healing," I said. I turned towards one of our servants. "Kanil, could you arrange for some water, get fires going and find some clean cloths and some bandages. Then I will see what herbs are in my supplies." Kanil nodded and hurried to carry out the orders; Leia followed him to help out.

I turned with the purpose of finding the supplies and seeing to the men. Éomer held me back. "How are you – really?" he asked, "Although I must say you handled yourself well. I could, however, tell that you were trembling. Are you sure that everything is all right?"

I looked up at him. "As I said – I am fine; I do not particularly like being attacked by those creatures, but I did have to help fight them off during the siege; those that reached the houses. I am not one to panic and I do know how to protect myself, although I am not a shieldmaiden."

"I know that you are not – and I am grateful," he said sarcastically as he bent his head slightly to let his lips brush lightly over mine, "but, promise that you will come to me, if there is anything you need to talk about." Then he allowed me to get on with my work.

As it turned out, only one of the men had suffered severe injuries. He would probably have to travel in one of the carts for the rest of the journey. Otherwise it was mainly a matter of light cuts and bruises, which I was able to clean and dress without any difficulties and we were soon able to get something to eat and go to rest in the tents, which had been set up for us.

I could not sleep, however. A myriad of thoughts kept swirling in my mind, and I realised that the sudden attack had left more of an impression with me that I had imagined – or even would have admitted in the first place. Perhaps I had been too busy to realise it until now.

I got up and dressed, swept a warm cloak around me and went outside. It was dark and cold outside. The lights were on in Éomer's tent. It had been set up close to the tent, which Leia and I shared. I could hear voices, but could not distinguish who the speakers were. Most likely Éomer, Éothain and the captains.

I could see the men huddling around campfires; probably the extra guards that my father and Éomer had deemed necessary in case other bands of orcs were about. I did not particularly want to join them and just walked silently in the periphery of the camp, trying to gather my thoughts before I returned to my tent.

In the faint light from the fires I saw a shadow moving towards me; I froze and before I could do anything, the point of a sword was at my throat. "And who are you to lurk about in the dark, show yourself," I heard a familiar voice say. I removed the hood of my cloak and heard the gasp. And then I started shaking uncontrollably, a sob escaping from my throat.

"Lothíriel, Béma's Balls, what are you doing out here, wandering around in the dark? You know that it is not safe!" Éomer sheathed his sword and caught me in his arms. "I am so sorry, I did not mean to frighten you."

"I could not sleep and I went out here to gather my thoughts," I stammered. "Seemingly the attack made a greater impression on me that I cared to admit." I buried my head against his chest, still shaking. He just held me in his arms, comforting me with his warmth.

"I know, my love, sometimes – even though I have tried it so many times I have difficulty sleeping as well. You can tell, even I am still awake. It is the adrenaline of battle, I suppose, that prevents you from sleeping."

"Do you not get used to it?" I asked.

"Never, my love, never. Now, let me walk you back to your tent. A good thing that I decided to talk a walk before I went to bed."

"I am glad that you were awake; I truly believe that I needed to be hugged by you just now – even though you frightened me at first." I sighed.

Éomer chuckled, "Serves you right for lurking about in the dark." He put an arm around my shoulders and we walked back to my tent in silence.

In the cover of darkness outside the tent he pulled me into a tight embrace and lowered his mouth on mine, kissing me fervently. "I will be glad when we are safely in Belfalas," he whispered against my mouth.

"I will be glad when we are on our way to Edoras this midsummer," I whispered back. I could feel his smile and the deep chuckle in his chest.

"So will I," he admitted and kissed my forehead. "Go and get some sleep, woman," he growled and shoved me through the tent opening, holding the flap for me. "I shall wait outside until I am sure that you are in bed – and asleep."

I sighed, removed my clothes and crept silently into my bed. Leia was sleeping soundly. I lay down, closed my eyes thinking of Éomer standing outside the tent – and then sleep overtook me and I heard no more.

The next morning dawned, grim and grey; clouds hanging low heralded that heavy rain or sleet would soon be pouring down. My father came up to me as I was preparing to mount.

"Would you not prefer riding in one of the carts today?" he asked, "It looks very much like heavy rain."

"I know," I said, pulling my warm cloak tightly around me and donning the hood, "but I would rather ride with the rest of you in stead of rumbling in a cart all day. Do not worry, Ada, I am dressed for it." Soon after cold rain started falling, and it did not take long before we were all drenched to the bone despite the warm cloaks. And although we managed to get warm and dry in the evening when we set up camp, I still felt chilled to the bone shivering in my bed furs.

When we finally arrived at Dol Amroth two days later I realised that again I had been too stubborn for my own good, because I was sneezing and coughing, obviously coming down with a bad cold. Ada and my brothers did not show me any mercy – and neither did my betrothed.

"That what comes from being so bloody stubborn," he hissed at me, "you are not used to riding all day in such weather." Then he grinned, "But I can easily understand why you did not want to ride in the cart."

My father's housekeeper, Minan, saw to it that I was properly bedded down in my own, warm bed and that I was treated to all kinds of hot drinks and herbal remedies – some better tasting that others. I felt miserable, to say the least.

To cheer me up, Ada had allowed Éomer to come and see me in my room – although it was probably not right according to Gondorian standards on propriety; and so he sat patiently at my bedside looking annoyingly healthy and handsome whereas I probably looked a fright with running eyes and red nose, sneezing like mad, ducking into large handkerchiefs every three minutes.

When I said as much, Éomer grinned. "Yes, love, you do look a fright --- but you cannot scare me off. However, I am not going to kiss you. You will have to wait until you are beyond sneezing and coughing your lungs out."

I was a bit annoyed to say the least, not because he did not want to kiss me, but because I was laid up in bed when my betrothed visited my country for the first time ---- and I had wanted to show him all the sights. Amrothos had volunteered – but as I knew that his perception of sightseeing would also include a tour of all the taverns of Belfalas and consequently large amounts of spirits, I protested that it would have to wait a couple of days until I felt better.

In the meantime, Éomer contented himself – and me – to sit at my bedside, talking about everything and nothing, and reading to me when I was not sleeping - at least during the daytime. However, I suspected that my brothers managed to show my betrothed at least of some of the "sights", judging from the way that the three of them looked in the morning. However, when asked they all looked very innocent and said that they had only had one tankard of ale each. Liars! I thought, but decided against pursuing the matter. I trusted him, did I not?

On the third day after our arrival I felt well enough to get out of bed and join my family and Éomer for breakfast. Now that we were further south and out by the sea, the weather was nicer and a little warmer. The city and we prepared for the winter solstice celebrations the next day. It would involve a lot of dancing, entertainment, drinking, and eating. And eventually we would present each other with gifts.

Éomer explained to me that the solstice celebrations in Rohan were very similar to ours, although perhaps a bit more boisterous. They called it Yuletide and they usually had cold weather and snow at this time of year, which, of course, meant that the celebrations mostly took place indoors.

During our stay at Minas Tirith, I had had a dagger made for Éomer for his solstice gift; I had also had a belt made for him in the finest Gondorian leather with a silver buckle formed as a horse's head. Actually I had modelled it after Firefoot and had a silversmith at Minas Tirith make it.

The day of the solstice celebration started with a large breakfast for all of us; my father and my family and Éomer as well as Éothain. We sat for a long time enjoying the food, and then, as it was the ritual in my family, we presented each other with gifts. I got books, fabric for a dress and some other trinkets from my family. Éomer presented me with a most exquisite hooded and fur-lined cloak of woollen cloth, weaved by the women of Edoras, green with gold and white, the colours of Rohan (to keep me warm when he could not, he managed to whisper to me) and a beautiful gold bracelet to match the necklace, which he had given me at our betrothal.

I could not help myself; after he had placed the bracelet around my wrist, I flung my arms around his neck and kissed him, thanking him warmly for the beautiful gifts. I flushed as I realised that I had done so in front of my entire family, but – on the other hand they had better get used to it; our wedding day was rapidly approaching. In the spirit of the celebrations, not even Elphir protested – although he furrowed his brow, and after all it was only the family present.

Passing through one of the corridors Éomer managed to drag me into a quiet corner and thank me for the gifts in his own way. Luckily no one saw us.

Later that day we would be joining the celebrations in the city and participate in the activities, the games and the dancing. The entire city seemed to be dressed in its finery, and all citizens seemed to have gathered in the crowded streets. Later that evening, the palace would host a ball in the evening, to which all esteemed citizens and dignitaries of Belfalas had been invited.

As my wedding was to take place at Edoras, my father had found it appropriate that this should be a formal occasion where he could announce to the citizens that their princess was to marry a foreign king. Although we both loathed all that ceremony, we understood that this was demanded of us --- and would be even more so in future.

We returned to the palace for the evening's feast after having spent a most joyous day in the city. We had received a lot of polite attention and good wishes, and I had seen more than one young maid of Belfalas looking appreciatively at the tall, fair men of Rohan, who were our escort and I had seen the unattached riders reciprocate those glances.

Éothain and Éomer had chuckled at this. "Well," Éothain said, "Good thing that both you and I are already spoken for, otherwise we would be in the most severe danger." He grinned openly as he saw the profound blushing of one of the younger men as he was eyed appreciatively by one of the young ladies.

"Indeed," Éomer said as he squeezed my hand, "I am certainly pleased that I have already found the lady of my heart. Although, Lothy, I am surprised at the suggestive way the ladies are looking at us. I do not quite believe that it is appropriate – at least according to your standards?"

I slapped him playfully. "Probably not, but as long as they are only looking, suggestive or otherwise. Something which I do not think that the Rohirrim will be able to limit themselves to."

"Lady Lothíriel is right, you know," Éothain said as he stopped laughing. Éomer nodded. "I do know, my friend. And she already knows her new people well, I must say."

Back at the palace, we went to our rooms to change for dinner. I had decided that I would wear colours, which fitted the colours of both my countries this night and so I found one of my favourite dresses to wear. A sea-blue dress with shades of green woven into the light flowing fabric, matching my eyes. I braided my hair with green and blue ribbons and only wore the jewellery, which Éomer had presented me with.

When I came down the stairs to the hall, a gasp from my betrothed told me that he obviously appreciated the way I looked lovely tonight and I smiled at him. He did, indeed, look very impressive that night himself. He wore the usual green and gold of his country, and his hair looked like ripe wheat in the light of the many candles.

His hazel eyes were dark and passionate, as he whispered softly to me. "You look like a sea fairy – do you realise that the colour of your eyes changes from blue to green like the sea?"

I smiled at him, "I am of the sea, my Lord." He squeezed my hand and grazed it with his lips in response.

During dinner, Éomer and I were seated next to each other and across the table from Elphir and Amelica, his wife. Apparently, Elphir seemed to have settled to the fact that Éomer and I were betrothed and talked amicably with both of us. Along with the birth of their second child, a beautiful little girl, the responsibility of ruling in my father's absence must have set him in a better mood so that he was able to rejoice on my behalf. At least that is what I hoped for.

We rose from the table and went into the great hall, where the ball would take place. Father stood on the dais at the far end of the room and looked out over the crowd. At a sign from him, a gong was sounded and he addressed the people.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Citizens of Dol Amroth. Rumours may already have told you this, but I thought that you should hear it from my own mouth. The King of Rohan has asked for your princess' hand in marriage and I have readily granted it. They will be married come midsummer at Edoras. However, as Rohirric tradition demands that the groom collects his bride at her home, Éomer King will do so a fortnight before midsummer and we will have a celebration to send them on their way."

He paused for a while to call us to him and he joined our hands again in front of my people. The crowd applauded very politely. I looked up at Éomer; his lips curled ever so slightly upwards as if this amused him. No, certainly this was not the rowdy cheering that had greeted us at Edoras.

Then my father looked out over the crowd again. "But as Rohan is taking our princess, Rohan will be returning the favour and has granted us one of her beautiful daughters to be the wife of my youngest son, Prince Amrothos. The fair Leia has consented to be the wife of my son and we gladly welcome her into our family." He joined their hands and the crowd applauded politely again. Finally, my father raised his goblet in the traditional toast of our seafaring nation.

When our betrothal was announced, I had caught sight of one of the young noblemen of Dol Amroth. His father was one of the lesser nobles, who had at one time inherited a fortune and thus thought a great deal of himself. His son had moved in the same circles as Amrothos, but my brother did not consider him a friend. I knew him well and knew that he had held high hopes that he would one day marry the prince's daughter --- as in me. He had ambitions; he had wooed me zealously at one time and I knew that his father had approached Ada on the subject. At the time Ada had considered me too young and had declined the offer for my hand.

Not that I had ever considered him as a possible suitor. Indeed, he had been much too vain and self-absorbed to ever stir any feelings in me. And when I now saw him again, I was quite sure that he would never have.

Now, he approached us offering his congratulations, speaking politely but obviously trying to outstare Éomer, whom he clearly regarded as a barbarian. It was quite obvious from the arrogant expression on his face.

Éomer just looked calmly at him, accepted his congratulations on my behalf as well, dismissing him by saying that he had just asked his betrothed to dance and that he did not want to disappoint me. My eyebrows shot up at this statement, but I tried to keep a blank face. Then Éomer took my arm to lead me onto the dance floor without taking more notice of the young man.

I laughed inwardly. It would certainly take more than a man like him to faze the King of Rohan. He had dealt with men of various natures and calibres all of his life, and this young upstart was clearly no match for him. Someone had once described Éomer as a man and a half, and I would readily second that statement any day.

When we reached the dance floor, Éomer took me in his arms and steered me graciously through the crowd. I leaned back in his arms and looked up at him.

"I thought you did not care much for dancing, my Lord, but I am so glad that you asked me," I said teasingly.

"No more than I usually do," he said, "but what would I not do to escape your former suitors?" He grinned cheekily as he saw my confusion.

"How did you know?" I inquired.

"Oh, by now I can tell when you are not keen on something – or somebody; you stiffen involuntarily, so I gathered that this must be someone from your seedy past. On occasion you must tell me about your suitors so that we can avoid them," Now he grinned openly.

"My seedy past? Hmm, I am quite sure that your past is much more seedy that mine will ever be, my Lord." But I could not help grinning when I saw his devilish grin. I loved him so much! Even when he teased me.

It was a grand evening, indeed. I must have danced with almost every man present --- including Éomer a couple of times, and when my feet hurt too much, we managed to steal away out onto the large balcony overlooking the city and the harbour – we sat on the balustrade, and I told him about my country and my city. I leaned into his arms and he held me close while I talked.

At one time, I complained that I was cold and he held me even closer, wrapping me in his arms and profited from the opportunity to kiss me, long and zealously. "I love you," I whispered against his lips. "And I you," he replied. After a while we returned to the ball and sat down with my brothers, spending a thoroughly nice time with them.

Later, much later I bid my family goodnight and Éomer walked me to my door and we said goodnight, after having agreed on going for a ride the next day so that I could show him something of my country.

The following days we went for rides along the coast, for walks in the city and in the countryside. I took him to the sea and we played in the sand like small children, building sand castles and throwing stones in the water. We spent some wonderful days together, but all too soon the day came, when Éomer had to go back to Rohan.

The last night Éomer had managed to sneak past the "watch dogs" and we sat on the window seat in my room, kissing and talking all night. Close to dawn, I fell asleep in Éomer's arms but only slept for a little while.

I woke with a start. I had dreamt that Éomer was going to leave and that I had not said farewell to him. I could not get rid of the dream even though Éomer's arms around me confirmed to me that he was still there. I sighed contentedly and leaned back against him.

"What is it, my love," Éomer asked as his lips brushed my hair.

"Nothing, I just dreamed that you had already left and I had not had a chance to say farewell," I said, "and then I was all confused when I woke."

"But I am still here; it was only a dream," he chuckled. "I wish that I did not have to go without you." He held me tight and I snuggled up against him. We did not speak a word; we did not have to.

All too soon daybreak announced that Éomer had to go back to his room, get into his armour and pack the last of his personal belongings.

As he held me before he left my chambers, I asked, "How will you manage, you have not had any sleep?"

He grinned, "I will manage all right; it is not the first time that I have slept in the saddle – I have gone without sleep before. Firefoot will carry me safely home. You might say that he is used to it, I have been his master for a long time. Do not worry, love." He kissed me again and then he left.

I managed to stay calm and poised during breakfast, but when I stood on the stairs, watching him saying goodbye to my family as Éothain waited at the bottom of the stairs with Firefoot, I felt the tears welling in my eyes and my heart almost broke. Now I would not see him for almost five months; not until he came to take me home.

He stood before me looking into my eyes, kissing me goodbye. A very chaste kiss, which could not offend anybody; then he caressed my cheek, whispering his goodbyes and turned to leave. I could tell from his face that he did not like saying goodbye to me anymore than I liked saying goodbye to him, but he had no choice; he had to go home, he had a duty to fulfil.

I stood for a moment gazing at his solid back and as he turned at the bottom of the stairs – to wave, to …. I do not know, but I could not hold back; I raced down the stairs and flung myself around his neck and clung to him, the tears streaming down my face and with my hands in his hair I drew his face to me and kissed him, hotly and thoroughly – I wanted it to be a kiss to remember until I was with him again.

I could feel his grin; so much for the virtuous Princess of Dol Amroth. This was the woman, who longed to be his wife, and I knew that this was what he preferred, the King of Rohan. No pretence, no holding back. He kissed me back and whispered against my lips.

"Thank you, my love – now I have a kiss to remember the long nights before you are mine."

And I smiled, though through tears. "And I have one as well! Miss me! Write me!"

"Every hour – every day, until I come to get you." He pressed one more kiss against my lips and went to Firefoot and mounted. I followed him and reached up to squeeze his hand. "And so will I!"

He looked ahead and called out to his men to ride. Then he set in motion; the last thing I saw of him, was when he turned in the saddle and waved at me, just before they reached the gates.

My family seemed somewhat taken aback by my display of feelings; I could tell from their faces. I did not care, soon I would be a queen and would live by the same standards as the people of Rohan.

Only Amrothos seemed undisturbed. He went to stand beside me as I stood looking after the Éorlingas and put an arm around my shoulders.

"He will be back before you know it, little sister," he said. Leia stood on my other side; she put a comforting hand on my arm. I looked gratefully at them both, but at the time I really did not know how I would endure the wait.

Back inside, Ada scolded me for the display of feelings. Gondorians simply do not do such things in public, and as a member of the ruling house of Dol Amroth, you did not do so in front of the people. I just looked at him, bowing my head.

Elphir scolded me too, but not as severely as I might have expected, – and I realised that they probably only did it because father's advisors were present as well. They had to keep up appearances. Gondorians, and thus also Dol Amrothians, lived by strict rules, and unmarried noblewomen and especially princesses simply did not behave that way. Not for the first time, I silently wished that Aragorn would manage to change some of those rules during his reign.