A/N: I know that I am updating quite fast at the moment, but we are definitely running very close to Christmas and I said that I would have posted this story before Christmas (and I still have some Christmas shopping to do) – and besides I may have a surprise for you …...

Thank for all your kind reviews. I promise you that I shall not keep Maddy from updating her story (or is she just using me as a bad excuse ….?) LOL, Frigg

Chapter Seven

Things went back to normal after Éomer had left. That is, as normal as they could be under the circumstances. As I had no mother, Ada had arranged for a couple of the highest ranking and most esteemed noblewomen of Dol Amroth to come and give me lessons in various worthy topics, which he felt that a young woman should know before she ventured into marriage.

Some of the topics were quite relevant: how to run a royal household properly, to entertain guests and the like.

I did learn quite a lot from them, but when it came to the topic: What would happen on the wedding night, and how a proper princess should behave under such circumstances, I revolted. Was this really necessary that those two should lecture me on that subject? As if various maids in our service had not already taken care of that a long time ago, but, of course, Ada knew nothing of this (and I was certainly pleased that he did not).

Both ladies had the stiffest upper lips that I had ever encountered. Not for the first time in my life I wondered where in all of Middle Earth Ada had his thoughts when it came to me. Did he still believe me a little, innocent girl – or an ignorant young woman? If so, why had he let me help in the Houses of Healing and why had he allowed me to be educated like my brothers?

I complained loudly to Erchirion, but my wise brother calmed me down as he explained to me that it was not a case of how father was thinking. He did not for one minute believe that Ada actually thought of me as an ignorant woman, he simply had to comply with the rules and traditions of our country. He was the ruler of Dol Amroth and this was his duty and responsibility to uphold our laws and traditions. I understood. So I recoiled – for Ada's sake. It would not kill me to listen to them; I could always do as I pleased when I was married. Furthermore I had a feeling that Éomer was not impeded by the same rules.

Thus I listened carefully to their lectures: The woman should just endure everything that her husband did or wanted of her; it was all for duty and for the sake of the royal house, to get an heir to the throne – and when I stated, perhaps a tad tartly, whether it should not be a matter of mutual pleasure, I was severely reprimanded. Pleasure certainly had nothing to do with it, I was told. Apparently not according to Gondorian tradition. And I was certainly not supposed to know about such matters; the ladies reproached me for it. It was not proper!

Leia was not permitted to attend these lectures, as she was not a married woman, and if I had not had Amelica by my side, I believe I would have gone insane. We were in hysterics when the ladies had left us after this particular session. Amelica remarked, in between giggling fits, that she had had just about the same lecture from her mother before she was married to my brother, and fortunately being married to Elphir had showed her something else. "I am sure that your marriage will, too," she assured me.

I did write to Éomer and told him about the lessons, and this one in particular, and he replied that he felt sorry for me that I had to endure this and that I was not to worry, we should just let things evolve. He might be able to show me something else. I could, however, tell that it amused him a great deal that I was subject to this.

Letters did come through now and again. Fortunately there was not much snow this winter in the mountain passes, which could be crossed with difficulty. I felt a bit ashamed about imposing this on the messengers, but both my father's men and the despatch riders from Rohan seemed to endure it without complaints.

We were all kept busy; I had my studies in Rohirric, the lessons --- and the work on my trousseau, which was increasing by the day. Finally we could think of nothing more to put in it.

"I am sure that the Royal household will now have amble provisions of everything," Leia giggled, "which they also did beforehand; we are quite resourceful in my country – and the royal house of Rohan is not without means."

The long winters' days left me in melancholy. Cold weather had reached our shores with a lot of wind, rain and sleet, and you could not really spend time outside – unless you wanted to catch a severe cold. So I was left with reading and embroidery – especially the latter I was not entirely fond of.

I spent a great deal of time thinking about Éomer and dreaming about the life we would have together. I do not know why; suddenly I began to feel insecure and doubt that I knew my husband-to-be well enough. Could I really be sure that I was the only one for him – for life? We had actually not known each other that long.

Perhaps it was the fact that we were so far apart, but I needed to know something about him and his life before I knew him. I probably needed confirmation of his love for me. I asked Leia. Although she was younger than him, she had known him all of her life. Mélia and she had been friends of Éowyn most of their life and therefore also knew Éomer quite well.

She hesitated at first, but then told me that he had always been one of the popular figures, especially in the eyes of the women of Rohan – not only because he was the nephew of the king. Many had had their eyes on the handsome Third Marshal, but none had succeeded in attracting him. As far as anybody knew, he had not sought love since his first love tragically died, and as far as she knew he had been faithful to her until she died. Éothain had told her the story as she had been too young to realise what had been going on.

During the time I had spent in Minas Tirith, I had also heard the whispers of the court ladies about the young king – and I knew that many eyes had rested on him. I had ascertained it myself when he was back in Minas Tirith for his sister's wedding. He had elegantly avoided most of them, but not all. He had not been able to do so without being rude to the ladies, who had surrounded him. I remembered the look of despair that he had sent me on such occasions and that he had always fled to my side afterwards. At the time I had only laughed, but then when we were together, it was so easy to be sure of his love.

I knew that Éomer was not exactly inexperienced as far as women were concerned. Most men were not, they were allowed to gain experience whereas women were supposed to be virgins until their wedding night. I knew that from my brothers, who had had liaisons all of them – even Erchirion.

I was, however, fairly certain that I was the only woman in Éomer's heart now, and I was also fairly sure that he had not sought female company since we met – I felt that in my heart, but entirely sure I was not. Was I jealous? I should not be, as I obviously had no cause for it.

Leia assured me that I had no cause. It was obvious to everyone that Éomer was deeply in love with me; her brother-in-law had said so, and Éothain had known Éomer since they were boys; he knew him better than anyone except for Éowyn, of course. Once Éomer gave his word, he would never break it. And he had shown in his actions that he loved me. So why should I worry?

Perhaps I had too much time on my hand and had too much time to think? I was not exactly bored, but I was getting restless, I could feel it, and all the books and embroidery in the world could not cure me of that feeling. And I missed him! Damnation. I cursed very unladylike to myself for indulging in such silly thoughts and sought once again comfort in Éomer's letters and in the stable with Móna, dismissing my foolish feelings as I stroked the soft grey coat of my fine mare.

Spring came, and it was nice being able to spend more time outside again. I took long rides in the countryside and along the beach on Móna; the mare appreciated it, too, having been cooped up in the stables for so long. I was looking at my country as if for the last time and spent hours sitting in the sand watching the sea. I was not sad that I was going away to live in another country; I knew that where Éomer was, I would be – and be happy. The sun and the sea chased away my dark thoughts and I looked optimistically at my future.

And then finally, it was midsummer. In two more days, Éomer would be riding through the gates to fetch me and take me home! At that point, I believe that I was probably driving everybody insane. Leia was no better; she was looking forward to going home to see her family and introduce them to Amrothos. It was strange to think that when she left with my family to go back to Dol Amroth, I was the one, who would be living at Edoras for the rest of my life.

In his last letter to me, which I had received only a few days before, Éomer had written that he had been counting the days and that he, according to Gamling and Éothain, was stomping around as Firefoot did before a battle – or when he saw a mare to his liking. I giggled at the comparison; how typically Rohirric. He told me that Éowyn and Faramir had arrived at Edoras, and that Éowyn and Fréalin were busy arranging everything. He expressed satisfaction of the fact that he was going to leave for while, so that he would elude all their ministrations. I could imagine the mischievous grin with which he had written this.

Obviously they had made good time from Edoras and met no obstacles, because Éomer and his entourage arrived exactly as planned. The King of Rohan rode through the gates of Belfalas under his green and white banner, followed by the Royal Guard. I stood on the stairs together with my father, ready to welcome him. Was I shaking with anticipation? Yes I was! Was I looking forward to seeing my beloved? Yes to that, too!

And there he was. Clad in his usual armour and with the blonde hair flowing behind him as a horse's mane. The early summer sun had left him tanned, and he looked as handsome as ever as he dismounted and hurried up the stairs towards us. He greeted my father absentmindedly. He did not even seem to notice that my brothers were there, too.

He obviously only had eyes for me, and everything and all disappeared from my view as well; I could tell that he wanted to sweep me into his arms, his eyes glittered dangerously – but he managed to control himself and only took both of my hands in his. "Lothy.." he just said huskily.

Obviously Ada had seen the signs. I heard him clearing his throat, bidding Éomer welcome - and then apparently hurried getting us indoors.

Once inside the hall, he excused himself and left us. All the formal greetings could wait or so it seemed. Éomer pulled me into his arms, hugging me tightly and claimed my lips with the natural hunger of a long parting. When he finally let me go, I am sure that I would have dropped right to the floor, had he not kept me in his arms.

"Béma almighty," he groaned, "I have dreamt of this for many months, And now …"

I laughed happily. "So have I, love, so have I."

Then he finally let me go and sent me a big grin. "I am sorry, if I seemed a bit impatient – Lothy, was your father there to greet me? I am sure that I did not notice."

"Yes, he was, but he just absented himself and my brothers – as it was quite clear that you had no thoughts whatsoever for anybody else." I smiled at him. "Come on, I will show you to your rooms."

I walked him to the guestroom, where he had resided at solstice. On the way we talked about various events that had taken place since we had last seen each other, and some things, which we had not included in our letters. I opened the door and found that the servants had already brought up his luggage. It was not extensive; we would be leaving for Edoras in a couple of days, and when I pointed this out to him, he grinned.

"I would have liked to have travelled even lighter; I would have liked to have avoided all the festivities and ado this next couple of days – and just brought you home as soon as possible. I have, however, waited this long, and I can wait a couple of days more."

"You know as well as I do that Ada only means well; the people of Dol Amroth do not get to participate in the wedding celebrations so he decided that they should get a chance of saying farewell to us; after all I am the only princess that they have," I said as I put my arms around his waist.

He smiled. "I know, my sweet – and I was only teasing. Why should your people miss out on celebrations, just because a stubborn king from the North wants his wedding to take place in his own country?" Éomer said, and his voice became more serious.

"Aye, why indeed?" I asked with a smile, and let go of him as he planted a kiss on the tip of my nose.

Éomer started removing his armour, I helped him undo the back straps and undo the chain mail. He now stood in his tunic and breeches before me. He sent me a cheeky grin.

"Now – get out of here, Lothy. I need to wash off the travelling dust and get changed …" he said as he was removing the suede tunic, which he wore under the chain mail.

I nodded. "Yes, I would most certainly say that you do ------ do you require any help, my Lord?" I said teasingly.

"Do not tempt me, woman – now shoo!" Éomer grinned widely and pushed me towards the door. "I promise you, you will get plenty of opportunity to scrub my back – once we are married."

"Who said anything about wanting to scrub your back, you are indeed conceited!"

I chuckled and blew him a kiss on my way out, ducking to avoid the riding glove that he threw at me. I laughed all the way to my room. It was a truly wonderful feeling to have Éomer here again – and that this time we could see the end of our courtship.

We met downstairs a while later. Éomer greeted my father and brothers properly this time. My brothers teased Éomer extensively that he had not bothered to greet them when he arrived, and between them and Gamling, they managed to actually embarrass the usually so self-conscious king.

It was, however, only good natured teasing and we shared a relaxed dinner with the family. Both Éomer and Gamling joked about what they called "the rule of Éowyn" alleging that they had been lucky to escape for a while, leaving the problem of handling Éowyn to her husband and Fréalin.

Everybody, including Ada, chuckled at the thought of Faramir trying to keep his wife at bay in her preparations for her brother's wedding. Amrothos remarked that he was sure that Faramir would manage. "He is more stubborn than you give him credit for; even Boromir could not get him to surrender, if indeed Faramir had set his mind not to."

Gamling chuckled, "He will need all the willpower that he has got. Éowyn is indeed a wilful lady, but there is also Fréalin – and Cerwyn for that matter – to reckon with!"

"A couple of formidable women, as we all know," Éomer grinned, "and someone that I for one would not like to do battle with."

"Stop it. Éowyn only wants to do what is best for us," I said, "I just hope that she does not overdo things."

Éomer nodded in agreement, "Neither do I – I do want a wedding to remember, a grand celebration but not excessive ceremonies." He took my hand and squeezed it, "And I am a lucky man to find a bride, who shares my opinion."

My father smiled fondly at us both. "Yes, she is indeed rare, my friend. I am pleased that she will have a husband, who is able to see it.

I looked at the smiling faces around the table, and it suddenly occurred to me that this was one of the last intimate family dinners that I would be sharing with my family here at my home for a foreseeable future. Now I was going to another country to get married, to start my own family and create my own traditions. It was, indeed, an odd feeling. Although, as long as it was with Éomer I was sure that I would endure it and not miss my family too much. After all, there would be plenty of opportunities to see them in future: childbirths, weddings.

Éomer had noticed that I had fallen silent for a while and he now leaned in, whispering to me. "Now your face is all wrinkled up from thinking; I can tell that you are troubled?"

I smiled and whispered back, "'twas nothing, my love, I just happened to think of something. Do not worry."

Later on, after we had spent an enjoyable evening where my brothers and I told stories of our childhood, reminiscing a lifetime of antics, Éomer and I took a walk in the garden before going to bed. As we were walking along one of the blooming hedges, enjoying the spring night with all its sounds and scents, Éomer stopped and turned towards me.

"I believe I know what is troubling you; the day after tomorrow you will be leaving your life as you know it and go to Rohan to live an entirely different life, where you will not be seeing your family on a regular basis, is it not so?" he inquired smiling fondly at me.

I smiled back. "How is it that you always seem to know what I am thinking?"

Éomer grinned. "Oh, do not think me so sensitive, my love. I am like most men, but I do have a sister, and she has told me a little bit about how she felt, leaving Rohan and me – and going to another country and another life. But I do know how it must feel; I miss Éowyn, too, you know."

I leaned my forehead against his shoulder. How could I not love this man; this big, battle-hardened man, who seemed so gruff at times – and boyish at other times, and still seemed to be aware of my feelings and wanting to make things the best possible for me.

His arms snuck around me and we stood for a while, just enjoying the nearness of each other and then I leaned back in his arms, looking up at his face. "I am looking forward to our life together, Éomer. And although I will miss Ada and my family, I am sure that our new life will make up for it."

After a while we went inside, and Éomer walked me to my room through the dark corridors, kissing me softly in the doorway before he went to his own room. I closed the door behind him and went to my dressing room to undress and find my nightdress. I untied the braid, which had tamed my hair this night and pulled back the covers to lay down in my bed.

I lay for a while contemplating the events of the day, smiling to myself as I remembered Éomer coming towards me, his dark eyes blazing with love for me – and the way that he had kissed me. I could not believe that I had been having silly thoughts about Éomer not loving me in a not so distant past, actually only a couple of weeks ago.

Only two more nights in my own room, my own bed. But, then in less than a fortnight I would be sharing a bed with Éomer, and that was all that I had been dreaming of for the past year. No, no more sombre thoughts and worrying about missing my family, I would go to sleep and dream pleasantly of the man that I loved and the new life I would have. With that thought in mind, I closed my eyes and went to sleep.

I woke very early next morning and could not go back to sleep. The sun was shining into my room; the weather was warm and sunny, it would be a beautiful day. I was planning on taking Éomer to the sea before we left for Rohan – and that would be quite early the following day.

So I hurried getting dressed in a simple white cotton dress and braided my hair. I ran downstairs to get something to eat. Not surprisingly, my family had not appeared yet and Éomer was sitting alone in the dining room, enjoying his breakfast. Many years' habit of very early mornings had not changed and Éomer still was an early riser. As I entered the room, he smiled at me, "Good morning, my love," he said.

I went over to him and gave him a fond kiss. "I am glad that you are up, I had thought about taking a ride to the seaside this morning. I believe that I made you that promise."

"I would be pleased to go with you, my love. What would I need for such a ride?" he inquired with a big smile. I looked at him; he was casually dressed in a white shirt and light cotton breeches.

"Nothing more than yourself and a horse – and leave your boots – that is if you can walk with your feet bare," I said and stretched my hand out to him.

He grinned, "Oh, I believe that I'll manage, after all I did quite frequently when I was a boy."

I grabbed a slice of bread and cheese and some fruit. "I will eat on the way to the stables," I said, "it is such a lovely day and we should not waste any time." He took my hand and we walked to the stables to get his horse.

"Do not waste any time saddling him, we will not need it," I said, treating Firefoot to the apple, which I had not finished. Éomer smiled and led out his horse. Taking hold of Firefoot's mane, he swung himself up on his back and then reached out a hand to pull me up in front of him.

"Show me the way," he said.

"It is not far; we might have walked, but I thought that Firefoot would enjoy this as well," I said.

"Um, and it gives me the opportunity to hold you close," Éomer chuckled as he nuzzled my neck with his lips.

"Aye, that too," I giggled.

We had a couple of fine hours at the beach. As he had never been to the sea once before, during his last visit, Éomer marvelled at the feeling of sand and the sea. He was a good a swimmer as my brothers and I, but he had learned to swim in a river and not in the sea, and therefore was a bit wary of the waves rolling towards the shore.

As it was still early and as we were quite alone on the beach, I chided Éomer into stripping to his breeches and taking a swim in the sea with me. I stripped down to my shift – which was probably not truly appropriate according to the rules of propriety, but I did not care. After all, we would be married in a fortnight.

We waded out and I ducked under, relishing the feeling of the water on my body and Éomer followed me, laughing out loud. Firefoot remained on the beach, looking suspiciously at his master when he ordered him to follow us, only complying when Éomer uttered a sharp command in Rohirric. It actually looked as if the big stallion was shrugging before he reluctantly waded out in the shallow water close to the shore.

Éomer laughed. "I cannot believe that you are such a wimp, a great warhorse like you!" Firefoot sent him a glare.

I splashed them both, giggling loudly; Éomer turned towards me. "Prepare for my revenge ….." and then he stopped, inhaling sharply. His eyes turned dark, as he was looking at me.

"Lothy," he said huskily.

I looked down at myself and realised that my wet shift clung to my body, revealing just about everything. "Éomer," I whispered. He pulled me into his arms and kissed me fiercely, crushing me against him. I felt his wet body against mine and a hot feeling shot through me. I could feel his body reacting to mine.

"This was probably not the wisest thing to do," I said when he finally let me go, "but at the time it seemed like a good idea."

"Which it obviously was not. You are certainly not making it easy for me," he groaned. He whistled for Firefoot and the horse came to him. "Let Firefoot take us in," he said and lifted me up on Firefoot's back. Then he swung up behind me, I could feel him close behind me and let out my breath. Firefoot took us to the shore and Éomer slid down. I jumped down into his arms, and he held me close as we stood there.

"This was absolutely marvellous, but I think that we had better get back, we will be missed, I am sure," he said against my hair, "Tomorrow this time we will be on our way home."

I realised that we had better get changed and get back to the castle before anyone could start a search. If anybody but Ada or my brothers found us here, it would create quite a scandal. Good thing that I was moving to Rohan, I was certainly not cut out for Gondorian propriety!

Éomer was still looking at me, his eyes were unreadable; he let out a sharp breath again.

I blushed, "Éomer, could you please turn your back while I get changed?" For a while, he remained as he was, his eyes looked as if a transparent veil had been put over them. Then he seemed to shake it off and smiled.

"Of course, and I had better get out of these wet things, when we get back."

I got out of my slip and into my dress, and Éomer put on his shirt with his back to me. When I assured him that it would be all right to turn around, he did so. I was probably still not entirely decent as it was a very thin dress.

We walked back along the beach. Éomer lead Firefoot by the reins and had his other arm around my shoulders. We did not talk much, just enjoyed each other's company. Éomer lifted me onto the horse and swung up behind me, so that we could ride back to the stables.

Luckily, the stables were empty when we got back. Éomer rinsed the saltwater off Firefoot, gave him a good rub and fed him some oats. We walked up to the palace and managed to get up to my room without being seen. We parted outside the door.

"We had better get changed before we join the others, but I really enjoyed this morning with you," Éomer said, "I shall never forget the way you looked when you were wet, at least not in the very near future - luckily our wait is almost over." He kissed the tip of my nose. "See you later," he whispered.

I went into my room, shed my damp clothes and put on my robe. Then I rang for my maid, asking her to prepare a bath for me. As I lay in the tub, I was thinking of this morning. It had been truly wonderful, but I also felt a bit ashamed for having tempted Éomer so. It was obviously more difficult for him than it was for me – I was probably still too innocent to truly realise what I was doing to him.

I got up from the bath, dried myself and put on a clean dress. I re-braided my still damp hair and looked around my room. Most of my clothes and other belongings had already been packed and made ready for transport to Edoras. It was strange seeing my room like this. I smiled. It would probably be turned into a guestroom now – or a room for my brother's daughter. I left my room and went downstairs to join my family and Éomer on the large porch overlooking our gardens. Éomer and father were discussing the trip back to Edoras. The roads were still not secure and a number of Swan knights would join the riders, who formed Éomer's guard.

He looked up when I came in and we shared a smile; I knew what he was thinking of – and I could tell that my father might have guessed what we had been up to. Both Éomer's hair and mine was still a bit damp.

That night the city of Belfalas celebrated our forthcoming union with a feast and a ball, where we were presented with gifts, speeches and fanfares. It was almost too much, and indeed very moving. Very, very ceremonial - and very, very appropriate. Just as a celebration according to Gondorian traditions should be.

Next morning I woke quite early again; today was the day when Éomer would take me with him to Edoras. We were to officially say our goodbyes on the stairs of the palace and it was expected that most of the citizens would be present. Indeed, this was to be the last morning I spent at home in my country as a Princess of Dol Amroth. My next time here would be as the Queen of Rohan – and a visitor. Well, a challenge indeed. Now was the time to show that I was indeed daughter of Imrahil, Prince of Dol Amroth. I got up, washed and dressed in my riding habit. I closed the last chest, calling for the servants to carry it downstairs.

In the dining hall, I met with my family, who were dressed for travelling and Éomer, who was dressed in his armour. Éomer rose to kiss my cheek and squeezed my hand when I entered. I read in his eyes exactly what I was thinking. Today is the day.

I sat down beside him and opposite my dear Ada. Luckily we would still have some time both travelling and in Edoras before we had to say goodbye. "Eat, daughter," he said, "you will need your strength. As we all do." I nodded, and in spite of the fact that my stomach jolted at the thought and the sight of food, I managed to eat a good meal.

Éomer laughed at my appetite. "We do have provisions with us, my love." I basked at him, but his teasing was just what I needed, it eased the atmosphere – and soon my brothers began teasing me as well. Before we knew it, it was time to say the formal goodbyes.

Most of the people of Belfalas had gathered in the square before the palace. According to tradition, I was to ride with Éomer at least until we had passed the gates to the city. One of the riders was leading Móna by the reins. With a nod to Éomer, my father helped me up – I heard him whisper to my betrothed, "you will have the rest of your lives to help her; let me do it this time."

Éomer had just inclined his head, acknowledging this and now he swung himself up behind me. The people cheered as the entire procession set in motion. We waved to the people lining our way out of the city; women and children were strewing flowers before us and I could not help crying a little at the sight. Éomer encircled my waist with one arm, giving me a small comforting hug. I put my hand on top of his in response and then we were on our way. Home.