A/N: Runa Quill and smor commented about the secret tunnel. Sazziel brought up the notion in relation to Minas Tirith in her story "The Prince & The Librarian", and it got me to thinking about that. I think it quite possible that royals, and possibly nobles, would have secret escape routes in case of emergency. It is doubtful they would be made publicly known, but I'm sure Lothiriel would consider Eomer an 'acceptable risk' for such a thing.
As smor pointed out, yes, you are seeing this mostly from Lothiriel's perspective at the moment, other than the effect on Eomer, but you will get more of his thoughts later on.
She also commented on Lothiriel's chafing about giving up her usefulness after the war. That happened a great deal after WWII, when women who had gone to work in factories (to fill in with so many men gone to war), and then when the men came home they were supposed to just go back home and give the jobs back to the men. It started a lot of what we see today of women in the workplace.
As for the length of chapters, my stories are already short, just because of the way I write, so if I did longer chapters, you'd only get 2 or 3 of them and then the story would be over. This entire story in Word with the way I format it to print is only 28 pages. Generally, I try to make chapters at least 3 pages. Only occasionally will one be less than that, and sometimes they run into 4 or 5 because of where a logical breakpoint comes.
And thanks to Eirwen for some more corrections she pointed out to me. I'll get those fixed in Ch. 2.
Chapter 3
By his sixth day in Dol Amroth, Eomer was torn between anxiously anticipating the next outing Lothiriel would spring on him, and a tremendous fear that she had exhausted her supply of tricks.
He watched her surreptitiously over the morning meal, but she gave no indication that she noticed his looks. Lord Gamulf apologetically appeared late to the meal, and took the only empty chair, which happened to be across from Lothiriel. Once he had laden his plate with food, she folded her arms on the table in front of her and looked disarmingly at him. "Lord Gamulf, it is my understanding that you will be joining us in Minas Tirith also."
He smiled indulgently at the girl. "Yes, my lady. There is much work to do and I think I should make myself available to his majesty for the duration of his travels."
Lothiriel nodded in understanding, even as Eomer winced, saying, "That is most thoughtful of you, my lord. Since my cousin's home in Emyn Arnen is not yet complete and somewhat small, I fear it will not be possible for you to journey overland with us, but I hope you will find it acceptable that I have arranged passage for you on a boat traveling up the Anduin. Unfortunately, it does necessitate your departing just after dinner today. I hope that will not be inconvenient for you."
Eomer nearly choked on the bite of food he was beginning to swallow. What was this? Though her tone was charming and accommodating, she was clearly giving the man no choice in the matter. He would be leaving today on a boat or risk offending his hostess!
Lord Gamulf fidgeted and glanced around the table, trying to think of some way to alter the plans made in his behalf, but Eomer cleared his throat just then and assured him, "Do not make yourself anxious, Lord Gamulf. I can manage a few days without your assistance and I will see you soon enough in Minas Tirith. Perhaps it will give you time to prepare reports on the situation there, for me to study upon my arrival?"
Given this charge by his king, Gamulf could do nothing else but graciously accept and promise Lady Lothiriel he would be packed and ready to leave on the boat. She returned her attention to her meal as she added, "If you need assistance, please feel free to ask. I can arrange for more servants to work with you on your preparations."
Meanwhile, Lothiriel's brothers were glancing at one another, wondering what exactly was going on. Though Faramir's home was considerably smaller than the palace at Dol Amroth, it should easily have been able to provide room for one extra person. Further, 'not yet complete' was a bit misleading. The house was entirely built. It lacked only to be completely furnished and gardens laid, but in all material respects it was perfectly sound.
Having spent so much time working in close quarters with his sister, only Elphir had an inkling to what might be behind her actions. Often she had stepped in and 'directed' activity so that it flowed around him rather than his having to deal with it. He very much suspected she was getting rid of this thorn in Eomer's side. The man had not been invited on this venture, and it had been evident to Elphir that Eomer had not been pleased by his presence. It would appear that Lothiriel had taken it upon herself to assist Rohan's king much as she had assisted him. It wouldn't make the man disappear entirely, but it did get rid of him for at least the time it would take to reach Minas Tirith, and he wouldn't be at all surprised if the duration of travel increased considerably!
Whatever Erchirion and Amrothos' thoughts, they did not voice them. They had long ago learned to trust their sister's judgement in managing the household and this just seemed part of it. Lord Gamulf was a rather pompous aristocrat and they had found it tedious having to entertain him, especially when they had been looking forward instead to spending time with their relaxed friend, Eomer.
Preparing for his departure largely kept Lord Gamulf far too busy to look over Eomer's shoulder, and realizing he would at least need to 'work' until his adviser was on the boat, the king dutifully settled to his task after breakfast. Knowing he would have the afternoon free, as well as almost a fortnight before he saw the man again, made the tedium more bearable, and Eomer was startled when Lothiriel appeared and asked if he wished to join them for dinner and then see Lord Gamulf off.
Gratefully, he set aside the parchment he had been reading and stretched, rising to follow her to the dining chamber. The light meal was partaken quickly and they were soon on their way to the harbor. Once the boat pulled away from the dock, Lothiriel turned back toward the palace on the hill.
She and Eomer strolled in silence, Eomer's escort trailing several feet behind. At length, Lothiriel said, "If you have time, my lord, there is something I wish to show you."
Curiously, Eomer looked at her. "Of course. I will make time for you."
She gave him a knowing smile, not surprised by his readiness to avoid returning to the library. When they reached the gate leading to the beach, she suggested, "We will be safe from here on. Perhaps you should release your guard."
Nodding, he did as she bid, willing to trust her. Once done, they made their way down to the shore and the shed that hid the secret palace entrance. She motioned for him to be seated on a bench resting against its front wall and then said, "I will return soon. Wait for me here."
Halfway seated, he rose again. "But, where are you going? And what is this all about?"
She turned, walking backwards away from him and laughed. "Just trust me, my lord!" With that, she turned and scurried back to the stairs and disappeared from sight.
Not knowing what else to do, Eomer sat down and stared out at the sea, rushing into the shore and then back out again. In his time in Dol Amroth, he had discovered that the sea actually had a rather peaceful rhythm to it. He had thought the sound of it would keep him awake, but instead he found it lulled him to sleep. Lothiriel insisted that it could be quite violent and raging during stormy weather, but having seen no evidence of that, he was forced to take her word on it.
xx
Eothain sat waiting impatiently by Firefoot's stall. He still wasn't certain about this. The Lady Lothiriel had sought him out earlier this morning and asked him to accompany her riding. That alone was strange, but then she had claimed that Eomer King had instructed that he use Firefoot, to "give him some exercise". He wasn't entirely sure the stallion would even tolerate anyone other than Eomer on his back, and he might have gone to Eomer himself and questioned these instructions, but that would make it appear he thought the lady was lying. In the end, he had agreed to do as she requested. He had saddled the king's horse and the one the lady had indicated she would use, and now he merely awaited her arrival.
And just then she entered the stables. Hastily standing, he bowed politely to her. "My lady. The horses are ready."
She gave him a friendly smile and moved to bring her horse out into the aisle. "Excellent! I hope you do not mind my imposing on you like this."
"No, of course not, my lady," he responded dutifully, still quite puzzled. Further, what on earth was that bundle she was tying to her saddle?
Asking no questions, he led Firefoot out and, despite the stallion's prancing, was able to mount the horse. The lady led the way out of the stable and, after a short distance, she turned down a narrow trail leading to the beach. They passed through a gate where one of the Swan Knights stood guard, and politely acknowledged the lady and her companion.
Moments later, he found himself riding up to a small building with a man sitting on a bench out front. The sun was in his eyes at first, but suddenly he realized it was Eomer.
xx
It seemed he had been waiting a long time. Periodically, Eomer rose and paced around the vicinity before reseating himself on the bench. Just when his patience was almost exhausted, he noted two riders approaching. That seemed curious as Lothiriel had indicated this was a beach used exclusively by the royal family. A moment later, he realized Lothiriel was one of the riders and the other one was Eothain! On Firefoot! He was instantly on his feet, ready to demand an explanation when they drew near enough.
Before he could do so, however, a bundle suddenly came sailing at him from Lothiriel's direction. Catching it easily, he focused his attention on her. From Eothain's expression, he suspected the other man was as confused as he was.
Lothiriel simply sat smiling at him a moment, then asked, "Well? Are you going to change clothes so we can go riding? Or, if you prefer, Eothain may use my horse and accompany you."
There was a long pause while her words registered, and then he broke into delighted laughter. "Why do I keep underestimating you?" Moving to the shed, he stepped inside, quickly reappearing in his now standard attire of breeches and shirt.
While he was changing, Lothiriel turned to Eothain. "My apologies for misleading you, Captain. I did not think the king would be 'allowed' to go riding unescorted unless I was able to sneak him away, and to do that I needed to find a way to sneak his horse away."
Eothain shook his head in wonder. "Far be it from me to thwart a lady's well-laid plans! I will take a nap on that bench and the two of you may return at your leisure." He paused, then added, "Just do not let anything happen to him or it will be my head that will roll!"
Eomer's reappearance was met with the sound of Lothiriel's lilting laughter. "Do not fear, Eothain. The king will be perfectly safe, unless he manages to fall off his horse!"
Eomer blinked at this final comment, but chose to ignore it. Instead he caught Firefoot's bridle and rubbed behind the stallion's ears. Quietly, he murmured, "Sorry to have neglected you for so long, my friend. Soon we will be back in action, if only for a short time."
Eothain had dismounted and moved to take Eomer's place on the bench, using the king's shed clothing as a pillow. Eomer was amused by the liberty he took, but could not bring himself to complain. Swinging into the saddle, he looked to Lothiriel. "Lead on, my lady!"
Eomer had never ridden on a beach before, and Firefoot was more than a little wary of this stuff under his hooves. Lothiriel's gelding was well accustomed to it, however, and Firefoot was not about to be shown up by another horse, quickly adapting to the unusual footing.
Both Eomer and his horse enjoyed the opportunity to get out and run freely. In just moments, the two had sprinted past Lothiriel and her mount and pulled a considerable distance ahead of them. Knowing her horse could never manage such a blistering pace, she made no attempt to challenge them, but did call out, "Eomer!"
When he looked back, she pointed ahead to where large boulders created almost a wall from the hill to the sea. "Do not go any further than those rocks. That is where our private beach ends."
He nodded his understanding, grateful that she did not expect him to ride sedately beside her at a polite canter. With a whoop of exuberance, he gave the stallion his head and leaned low on his neck. Digging in, Firefoot put on a burst of speed and the two charged madly toward the rocky perimeter of their playground.
Only when they were almost on top of the boulders did Eomer begin to turn his horse. Breaking stride only enough to negotiate the turn back toward his companion, they were soon running full tilt once more. Lothiriel let out a laugh as they flew past her, slowly turning to follow.
At length, Eomer finally signaled Firefoot to slow and gradually they slipped to a walk, the great stallion puffing and blowing but seeming to have enjoyed the exercise as much as Eomer had. Dropping the reins, Eomer let him wander at will and Lothiriel drew her horse in beside them.
The silence stretched between them, but it was not at all uncomfortable and Eomer knew he was not expected to make idle conversation. Finally, though, there was something he did want to say. "Thank you, Lothiriel. You can never know just how much these past few days have meant to me." He paused then added, "While Gamulf has been a nuisance, I am not sure you would have been so resourceful in my behalf had he not come and tried to entrap me. I might have enjoyed a nice, quiet, uneventful visit with friends, but I do not think it would have been anywhere near so memorable as you have made it for me."
His sincerity was not lost on Lothiriel, and she gave him a warm smile. "Then it has all been worthwhile, Eomer. I am happy I could help."
They lapsed once more into a peaceful quiet as they walked the horses to let them cool down. Before they knew it, the sun was beginning to drop lower in the sky and they turned back toward the shed and poor, abandoned Eothain. Their sympathy for him was appeased somewhat as they rode up to discover him blissfully snoring away.
Eomer chuckled and commented, "He always could sleep anytime and anywhere! Anyone else would have trouble sleeping tonight after such a nap, but he will drop off as easily as a baby all the same!"
Lothiriel laughed as Eomer dismounted and went to wake his friend. Sitting up with a yawn, Eothain blinked at the two of them, "Done?"
"Yes. Naptime is over, but thank you, my friend!" Eomer told him, clapping him on the shoulder.
Eothain grinned and rose. "Not at all. And, now, perhaps I should turn you over to the lady while I go stable the horses."
Dutifully, Lothiriel dismounted and once he was back on Firefoot, Eothain took the reins of her horse and moved away from them. Collecting his clothing, the two royals made their way back to the palace to wash and change for dinner.
Since they were to depart for Emyn Arnen the next day, the evening was mostly spent packing by everyone who would be going, which included King Eomer, Prince Imrahil, Lothiriel, Erchirion and Amrothos. Elphir would remain to run the city in his father's absence.