Chapter 12—Expected…er…Unexpected Visitors

Disclaimer: I can't believe I haven't done one of these yet. Well, archers don't get me, I promise to say--I do not own Lord of the Rings...and that is final!

"Welcome home."

That was the most that came out of Éomer's mouth when his sister entered the Great Hall. Then the whole of Edoras seemed to flood in her direction pushing him out, king or not.

"My Lady, we have missed you."

"How great of you to come back."

"Will you stay permanently?" A few laughs and glances were exchanged at that and then Éomer decided to take over as King once more.

"I'm sure my sister is tired. Right Éowyn?"

"Tired?" she was confused, but then at the raised eyebrows from Éomer she caught on. "Oh yes, very tired." She yawned to help the effect, and instantly maids were rushing to help her to her old room.

"I suppose I shall never get peace as long as I am visiting the land of my childhood," she said as they rushed her away in a mob.

"They love you, sister. What can I tell you?" Éomer collapsed into booming laughter as his proud brow softened and his mood changed.

His sister was back just for a visit. It turned out that living in Ithilien among trees and stone castles was more overbearing than she would have liked, especially with her husband off doing Princely duties.

It was a good change for Éomer who had been worrying more than usual about certain affairs of state, and the heart. He was still worrying over his interaction with Lothiriel. He knew he had ruined any kind of friendship they could have had when he took her to the Houses of Healing. Yet, he did it. There was no reasonable explanation; he just did. He wanted to know that that kiss was real. He wanted to know that his love was real.

No, you silly ox, he told himself, love is not the word to use. Try affection, no, that still alludes to higher regard. He contemplated…and contemplated…until he could no longer. It was rather ridiculous of him to be worrying over a girl when his country needed him far more than his thoughts. He was a proud king, and a well respected one, but sometimes he got off track.

Today was that kind of day. Therefore, his sister's appearance was highly appreciated.

She reentered the room with such a look of obfuscation Éomer couldn't help but laugh. "Problems, sister?"

"They act as if I've never been here before. I tried to tell them I could find my way to my room on my own, but they don't listen."

"It's been a long time since they have had guests to wait upon, and the last time was Uncle's funeral. And finally we have a guest that comes with happy tidings."

"Perhaps, but I am not simply some guest from another nation that they need to impress."

"Ah, but you are wrong in that assumption. You are a guest from another nation; this isn't your home any more, little sister."

"Oh yeah. Sometimes I forget. But have you ever seen a blonde haired Gondorian woman?"

"I see one right now." He smiled at her. She punched him.

They laughed for a while and then something sounded. It was like a whistle of a horn blowing. This horn was high pitched and full. It sounded happy, and yet mysterious. Éomer turned to acknowledge the sound, as did Éowyn, but she was smiling. Éomer wondered at this, but needed no questioning as they stepped out onto the paved road outside the Great Hall.

A band of riders, numbering about a dozen, were trotting up in full gallop to the gates. They had a blue banner with a white swan upon it. "Ah," came Éowyn's voice from beside Éomer, "Lothiriel has come." Éomer shot her a scowl, but she just smiled wickedly and, much to his chagrin, knowingly. "Did I not tell you, brother?"

Then she laughed and raced out to the city streets to greet the travelers. Éomer was not far behind.

She had never seen anything like it. It was quaint and charming, and golden. No other words seemed to suit the hill of Edoras. One long row wound up the hill from the large green doors of the gate. Atop the hill was a golden building like something from a history book. It looked ancient and kingly.

"That's the Golden Hall. It's what we would call a castle." Her father was beaming at her from atop his gray horse. She was not as happy. She couldn't believe she had actually accepted the invitation from Éowyn. It meant she would actually have to see Éomer again. There was at least one good part: she finally got to see the great Rohirrim dwelling. Not to mention it had been a while since Lothiriel had seen Éowyn and she was eager to hear her news.

Her letter indicated that she had some big secret to disclose. I need someone there so I can ease the news to my brother. That was what she had said. Lothiriel couldn't help but wonder at this message. It was a large part of why she actually picked up and left Dol Amroth to come to Rohan. She certainly didn't do it for the company she would find there. His name kept creeping into her thoughts, and his face was in her dreams. It irritated her, even more so because she enjoyed it. He was attractive, and alluring, but he was cruel and arrogant. It was not a good match.

Quickly she was taken out of her reverie when her father's strong voice shouted to the small band. His short grunt was enough to kick her into gear, as well as the other members of the company. Then, away they went into the city gates as the sun began to set.

"My Lady."

"My Lord." They both spoke through gritted teeth as they shook hands. It was quite the image. The regal young lady with her long brown curls and beautiful blue dress, and the man looking proud in his light colored tunic and trousers. And, boy, were they angry with each other.

"Well, that's a lovely greeting," came the voice of Imrahil with a cough. "I, at least, am very pleased to see you again, young man." He leaned in and embraced Éomer like a brother. While the boys dilly-dallied Éowyn took Lothiriel's arm and ushered her away.

"So what is this news, my lady?"

"Well, I'm happy to see you too."

"Well, that isn't what I—"

"Never mind that, I was only kidding." She smiled widely. Lothiriel couldn't remember the last time Éowyn had been so bright and bubbly. She almost glowed. "As far as my news, you will have to wait until later," at this her voice lowered, "when there are fewer big mouthed boys around."

"Ah so it is a secret worth the journey," Lothiriel said with curiosity. She was cut off from her inquisition shortly after, though.

"My ladies, dinner is almost ready if you would like to follow me," said Éomer looking regal as he put his arms behind his back and ushered them into the dinning hall. Lothiriel's eyes stayed on him the whole way into the room. For one moment she thought he caught her eye, but it couldn't be. Then, he turned and smiled at her. She blushed.

As they sat down to dinner Éomer and Imrahil began to chat as the women sat across from each other in silence. Lothiriel was consumed with her own thoughts and Éowyn was contemplating how she was going to break the news to her dear friend.

After the meal, Imrahil and Lothiriel were showed to their rooms. Somehow Éomer got assigned to taking Lothiriel to her room.

"It would have been far more appropriate for my sister to do this," he said in his most well-mannered way as he escorted her to a guest room.

"Afraid of me, are you, Éomer King?"

"Afraid of you? You are just a little girl, I daresay, no." He laughed, but she scowled. She had been trying to be nice. Her father warned her about her attitude. She had to admit, though, that it was easier to be nice to him when no one else was around. Or perhaps it was just easier to tease him.

"You daresay, my lord, but you will take back those words before I return home." She was at her room in an instant. He showed her the door silently and she went in. Before she closed the door she looked back out and saw his face turning red. She wondered at that, but said nothing. She simply smiled and laughed to herself.

"Goodnight, my lord."

"Goodnight, my lady."

A/N: Ok, there is another chapter. I just woke up and realized I've made you guys wait long enough. I like this chapter, they are so fiesty! And, don't worry you wont have to wait long for the big secret to be revealed, I think I put it in the next chapter. And I'll have the next chapter out in no time. I have three days off, so it won't be a big deal to get new chapters. But I do have to ask...reviews? Even just to tell me you are still reading it, that will really brighten up my day, week, my year (damn now the Friendstrademark theme song is in my head). Thanks and hope you enjoyed it.