Chapter 16: Hangovers and Visitors
The next morning Éomer woke up with the worst headache of his life. He had definitely had too much to drink. He lay there trying to shake away the pain in his head as he rolled around in his comfortable bed… wait, he thought, how had he gotten back to his room? He shot up in bed as he felt the light on his face from outside. He looked out the window of his room and saw it was morning. He thought about the night before and couldn't recall ever going to bed. He remembered sitting in the bar with Lothiriel and talking and drinking and…kissing. Éomer panicked. He fell out of bed from shock. He had kissed her! He had kissed a princess, and then fallen asleep! That still didn't answer the question of how he got back to his room. He wondered at it, but wasted no time worrying about it. He jumped out of bed and got dressed for the next day.
He rushed out of his room to get to breakfast on time. His head was pounding, but he didn't slacken his pace. He rushed into the hall looking eager, but suddenly his pace stopped entirely. There stood a small man with a long beard, and a tall elf with flowing blonde hair.
"Hello, Laddie," the little man said.
"I told you that once I got settled into the Glittering Caves I would visit, I just decided to bring along the tall quiet one for company." Gimli gave Legolas a low pat on the back, which Legolas responded with a small grunt. Éomer began to chuckle as he took the two men up in his arms and hugged them together in one big lump.
At that moment Lothiriel entered the room in a pale violet gown. She seemed more awake than ever, and she was glowing. She cleared her throat to catch their attention. As they turned around all the men were speechless at the beauty of this young girl.
"The cook says that breakfast is almost ready. She was a little delayed."
"No doubt it was our fault," said Legolas giving Gimli a weird look, "he wouldn't wait any longer."
"I was in a rush to see you younglings," Gimli said with a frown.
"Indeed, I was, as well," said Legolas as he looked back at Lothiriel. "My Lady, you seem to have blossomed over night. I can see the elvish blood in you."
She blushed but bowed to him, "Thank you, my Lord."
It offered a strange image when Éowyn walked into the room. Lothiriel was looking modest as all the men looked on at her with adoring eyes, especially her brother. But Éowyn, herself, was far too tired to give way to interesting sights. Instead she cleared her throat and said, "Hello, my Lords. Anyone hungry?"
"Pregnant?" Gimli and Legolas said at the same time. It was a shock to everyone, apparently. Éowyn was not embarrassed, though. She smiled widely and answered their questions as she dived into her plate.
"Four months now."
"Faramir must be so proud," Legolas said, as Éowyn's face grew red. He noticed but his old friend interrupted before he could inquire about it.
"Wow, it really has been a while," Gimli said looking around the table at all the faces. "Just yesterday we were feasting our eyes on the lovely ladies of Southern Rohan." He gave a light laugh and nudged Éomer. "I must say, boy, you are awful lucky to live in a place full of so many blonde haired beautiful women."
"Blonde hair is over rated," Legolas said quietly as he lightly picked away at his food.
"I must say I agree with Legolas," said Éomer. "Having blonde hair myself, I don't find it that attractive."
"Speak for yourself," Lothiriel whispered, but Éomer heard her and slightly blushed at the comment.
"Well, then brother, if you do not like blondes whom do you like?" said Éowyn with a small knowing grin.
"I didn't say I didn't like blondes I just think they are over rated. But, I must admit, I prefer brunettes." Lothiriel looked at her plate the whole time but blushed furiously.
"Well to each his own, I always say," said Gimli. After a moment he gave a little laugh and turned to the young man again. "Do you remember our little bet, my friend?" Éomer responded with an eye roll that made Gimli laugh deeply.
"Bet?" Lothiriel couldn't help but be curious and Gimli was more than happy to explain further.
"I bet Eomer, here, that when he looked upon the Lady Galadriel of Lorien that he would instantly declare her most beautiful or he would fight me to the death." Gimli laughed at his own silliness, but meant his words very seriously.
"So what happened?" Now Lothiriel was really curious. It seemed like an interesting story, and Éomer seemed uncomfortable about it, which only made Lothiriel more interested.
"Gimli was wrong," Éomer offered to try and end the conversation.
Gimli was not done, though, and offered more words of interest to the young lady. "He saw the Lady Arwen and declared her more beautiful. So he wasn't lying when he said he likes the brunettes. That's the only explanation for someone saying Galadriel is not the most beautiful creature alive. Actually, I have to say you kind of remind me of her," Gimli looked over at Lothiriel knowingly and then at Éomer almost as if he read their minds. Right at that moment, Lothiriel looked at Eomer and both blushed just before dropping their eyes to their plates.
Gimli could tell something was going on between them but said nothing.
"Well, that was a nice meal," Legolas said to break the silence. The rest of breakfast was quiet. Only Éowyn and Legolas dared converse about anything.
A/N: Ok, I couldn't help it. I had to bring Gimli and Legolas into it. I just love them. And, hey, it makes sense! They were in the Glittering Caves just like the Appendix says. Well, that's the end of this chapter. Hope you liked it. Please r&r!