A/N: yeah, thank you for all the loverly reviews. i love all of you so much. you're great. i still don't know where this is going so please bare with me.

Disclaimer: oh let's see. face it, we don't own this. tolkien does. damn it all.

As the Rain Falls

Chapter 8-In Good Company

As I headed back to my room to prepare for dinner, I caught sight of Éowyn down the hallway. She was just standing there with a book in her hands so I decided to engage in light conversation. I had met her yesterday when we arrived and already considered her a friend.

"Éowyn, how do you fare today?" I asked looking at enlarged stomach.

She laughed at this and replied, "Quite alright, as it goes while you are with a child. How was your day with my brother?"

"It was a pleasurable day. He seems rather quiet for a man in his position, but also when he does speak, he doesn't waste words. He truly means what he says." I replied thinking back to earlier.

When I turned back to look at Éowyn again, she was grinning. I couldn't imagine why so I just asked her.

"Is it just the day that you enjoyed or was it the company as well?" She questioned with the grin still on her face.

At first I wasn't quite sure how to reply. I didn't want her getting the wrong impression, but what did I think of him? He was sincere in the few words he had uttered today, but was he covering up? Was he still upset from this morning? He didn't act like it, but men are so complicated, and not easy to read at all.

"Lothiriel, is something wrong? What did he say?" She asked believing that he must have offended me in some way. Great, wrong impression.

"No not at all. He didn't say anything wrong. It's just… I met him in the library last night. We met there again this morning and we got involved in a play on words. He didn't directly say who he was and it irritated me. I know he got mad at me as well, and… I just don't know how he feels about it." I replied telling her of my thoughts. I believe that she knew I was upset at almost offending her brother.

"I doubt that Éomer was that upset about it. He's probably wondering the same thing. He does have a temper, but normally it cools down rather quickly." She said trying to relieve my anguish.

"Are you certain he isn't still mad?" I questioned a little hesitantly.

She replied with a laugh and assured me that he wasn't. "Besides," she began, "you could always ask him at dinner tonight. I'm sure he would reply with an honest answer. Although I might suggest that you change and wash up a bit first."

This time I laughed and agreed with her for we were right outside my door. I thanked her for her words of wisdom and went inside.

>>>>>>>>>>

As I headed for dinner, Amrothos approached me, probably inquiring about the day's events.

"Good evening Éomer. How did your day with my sister fare?" He said slightly winded as he was still catching up to me.

"It was most horrendous. How could you do something so terrible as to get me stuck with your sister for the whole day?" I said in jest. He didn't realize this and looked at me horrified until I starting laughing.

"I'm not serious at all, my friend. The day went quite smoothly and we enjoyed light conversation. I don't believe she's mad at me anymore, but women are difficult to read." I said thinking back on the day's company. It was most enjoyable, but I don't want Amrothos to get any impression such as that.

"You had me worried there for a moment. I know Lothiriel can have a temper, such as yours at times." He replied with relief.

I, however, was not relieved. "What do you mean a temper such as mine?" I questioned irritated at his tally.

He laughed in response realizing that I was mad. "See?" he replied, "Are you not already mad by one small comment?"

I then realized my anger. I sighed and replied, "I guess you would be correct. Éowyn has pointed it out to me and she would be right. My temper can flare at times. Why do you mention your sister's?"

"I only mention because she tends to go reeling at one small comment. Because of this many people, mostly men, don't get along with her that well in a one-on-one situation. However, you obviously are suited for her." He said with a smirk.

"What do you mean, suited for her?" I asked with hesitance, as I really didn't want to know the answer.

"I simply mean that you both can keep each other's temper in check and you have some…chemistry." He said with that famous grin that I was truly starting to hate.

"Chemistry? What exactly are you saying, and don't try to use words to get around it?" I replied starting to get angry, once again.

He sighed and started to confess, "Alright. I think, as many other people do, that you two would be a good match. Not only politically, but also…well, on a more personal level."

I couldn't believe what he had just said. I started to wonder if this had all been set up from the start. What am I going to do? Although, there is some truth in his words. It would be a good political match and she isn't as flighty as most of the women of the courts. She's beautiful and stunning. She has enough wit to keep my mind thinking and… oh dear. Coming here was definitely a bad idea.

Amrothos realized I was lost in my own thoughts. Apparently he had steered us right past Lothiriel's room for at that moment she appeared in a deep blue dress with intricate details on it. Her hair was piled on top of her head with a single strand of her curled hair falling into her face. As every other time I met with her, I found myself breathless.

"Lothiriel, I thought you would be in the dining area already." He said engaging in conversation with his sister. Somehow, I feel this was set up as well. I wonder if she's in on the scheming. I don't think someone such as her could be involved in such scheming, however I can't imagine her with a temper either.

"Good evening Éomer." She said as she greeted me.

I was once again lost in her deep gray eyes. They seem to penetrate my very being. How I haven't been pierced yet is amazement to me. I realized then that I should reply to her.

"Good evening my lady. You look lovely." I said as I gently kissed her hand. When I looked up she was turning a deep shade of red. I guess my hand lingered too long with hers for at that moment Amrothos decided to clear his throat.

"I believe we should head for dinner." He replied. At this I simply decided to walk with my own thoughts next to this captivating lady.

A/N: wow, another chapter. ideas are great. as are reviews. it'll be a week until more. navaer