A/N: Wow, I can't believe that I'm writing again. So amazing. However, I won't update for another two weeks. How sad. Anyways, these characters definitely are taking over the plot and not letting me have any say. Darn them. Oh well, I feel so used. This entire chapter is in Éomer's POV. Thanks for the reviews. Can't wait for more. glares

Disclaimer: I had an assassin kill every one of Tolkien's descendants off but made them hand over the right to lotr. Right, I wish. Alas, I own nothing.

As the Rain Falls

Chapter 7

Amrothos and I headed down for the main hall where a meal had been prepared. I wasn't all that excited after the conversation I had had with Lothiriel, but maybe we can make amends. After all, all I was doing was playing her stupid game, which according to Amrothos, I won.

As we entered the hall, I immediately noticed the young princess, still looking as radiant as she had earlier. There was still a spark in her eyes, but not a look of anger anymore. Hopefully she's calmed down enough to talk to me.

At this thought, we sat down in our designated seats. I sat near Éowyn and Faramir and Lothiriel was directly across from me surrounded by Erchirion and Amrothos. Just my luck of course. She was engaged in light conversation with Erchirion who I recognized from the previous evening. How I long to go back to that evening before our skirmish this morning.

Throughout the morning, she did look my way occasionally and unfortunately, Erchirion noticed.

"I see you've taking an interest in Éomer King, haven't you Lothiriel," he said slyly. Great, more to anger her about the situation.

"Is that you sits before me? I wouldn't have known." She said with such a pitch to her voice that I cringed inwardly.

"You haven't met him? Well let me introduce you. Éomer, I'd like you to met my sister, Lothiriel. She wasn't at the feast last night otherwise I would have introduced the two of you then. She tends to be drawn towards the library at unfortunate times." He continued, trying to get some reply out of me. I just didn't want her more angered than she already was.

"Glad to have met you, my lady," I said as that was all I could really muster up to say.

"Likewise, my lord. I'm sorry I didn't have the time to be introduced to you last night. My interests were captivated by something I had found in the library." She said smirking.

Had she truly given up her game, or was this just another? Do I actually have a chance to win her favor still? Hmm, maybe I'll play this as well.

"The library can truly be an enchanting place. Not only the books, but also the wit and secrets that lie within. You never know what, or who, you might find in there." I said trying not to comment on the lovely sight of her I had seen last night and this morning in that exact place. Mind you that I'm not very easily drawn to libraries. They've also been beyond my knowledge so I've never really taken to them.

Amrothos was catching on so he decided to help with the game.

"The gardens here are almost as enchanting as the library here as well. Lothiriel, why don't you show Éomer a few of them today, that is if you don't have any previous plans." He said simply with a grin on his face.

The moment of truth had arrived. Was she still upset with me, or would we actually have a decent conversation?

"Aye, I'd be glad to, if Éomer King would ever be so inclined to do so." She said not revealing her emotions. Women are so complicated.

"I'd certainly enjoy that. I've never seen the gardens." I said not really knowing what to say.

"Good, then the two of you can head towards them once we are done here." Amrothos chimed in with that famous grin still on his face.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

As soon as I knew it, Lothiriel and I headed towards the gardens with the sun's bright light shinning down on us. The silence between the two of us was starting to wear on me, however it must have been doing the same to her for she finally spoke with her stunning voice.

"I apologize for this morning. I know I shouldn't have gotten so upset, but I truly was frustrated with you not being truthful. Why didn't you just come out and say who you were?" She questioned with innocence in her eyes. She didn't want to argue, just understand.

I admit that I was dumbfounded by the question. I didn't know why I hadn't said who I was. I didn't want to keep secrets from her either. Her breathtaking eyes finally got the best of me so I needed to come forth with an answer. I took a deep breath and sighed first.

"I guess I didn't tell you because I wanted to put those thoughts aside for a moment. I didn't want to think of what you would think of a king. I wanted to be thought of as a man and just a man. No title to go along with that. I really don't know." I said feeling frustrated.

At that moment she looked at me with her gray eyes that seemed to shine with the sun's light. How is it that someone can completely see your thoughts even if you've just met them?

"I would have to say that's the same reason I didn't say who I was. I didn't want to be viewed as a princess, or a lady of the courts. What I saw in your eyes was a man who truly cared, unlike most suitors I've met. You didn't see the title, but you saw me. Thank you. Not many people, save for my family, do that." She said with tone in her voice that all I could do was continue to gaze at her and her deep gray eyes.

For a while we walked in silence for a while. The sun was high and it was beginning to grow steadily warmer. Ever so often we would catch each other's eyes, wanting to say something, but not sure of what to say.

The day passed on without much talking but we did have a few brief conversations. I decided that the silence was killing me and I longed to hear her voice. Speaking of anything right now would suffice for me. I decided to find out more about her.

"Perhaps you could tell what Dol Amroth is like. I've never been there and heard that it's beauty is comparable to that of their beautiful princess." I said as she blushed ever so slightly at my comment.

"Dol Amroth is indeed beautiful, but I'd rather be by the sea instead of the heart of the city. Its beauty surpasses that of many. The sound of the sea is likewise enchanting as it can be heard throughout the castle. When the sun sets, its rays are reflected upon the waters creating a heavenly beauty." She said this as she starred into the gardens

"I've never heard of someone speak so fondly of the sea. Although I've never seen the sea as well, it's sounds wonderful." I said as I looked at her and thought of the shores with her standing upon them.

"I really do love the sea. But what about Rohan? I've heard it has incomparable beauty." She replied hoping to hear the love of my homeland.

"It truly is magnificent. I've never seen anything like it. The fields are so vast and open. Riding through them gives me a feeling like that of none other. I could ride endlessly until night comes. Then the stars are clearly visible and the sight is breathtaking." I said thinking of my home and how much I really missed it.

"It sounds wonderful. It's a shame I haven't gotten to see it…yet." She replied with a little bit of mischief in her voice.

The sky was beginning to darken and it looked as though it could rain. We had been out in the gardens for quite some time and decided to finally head in. I didn't realize that it was nearing dinner. She did however, and we went our separate ways preparing for the evening ahead of us.

At least we had spent the afternoon together. And she didn't regret this morning. Maybe something good will come from this after all.

A/N: Wow, another chapter, and they're getting longer. Still short chapter but nonetheless longer than they've been. Sigh, I actually like this story. What a concept. I'll update in a while. But it will probably quite a bit when I do. As always, review. It's greatly appreciated. Navaer.