AUTHOR'S NOTE:

As you see, every writer envisions Lothíriel in a different way. She has been so far an average princess, a not so beautiful princess, a warrior, a healer (read the fantastic story of "The Healer and the Warrior" and its sequels) … I wanted to write something different. At first she was a librarian, but I thought better and suddenly I came up with this plot… I hope it is not too off canon…

This is a short chapter but keep reading and review please!

THE JEWEL OF DOL AMROTH

V

A BURDEN NOT MEANT FOR HER

She woke up, as every day, to the sound of the gulls flying near the shore. Her bedroom was now full of the salty essence of the sea, but also of the smell of fried fish. She could never understand why the windows of her bedroom were so close to those of the kitchen. Anyway, the smell meant that the breakfast was almost ready, and she was late again! Lothíriel had always been an early bird, until she came back from Edoras.

Many things, in fact, had changed since she had returned from Edoras.

His father, prince Imrahil, had told her she needed to rest from her trip to Rohan, and released her from her political duties. Now she would spend her days working in her little garden, and accompanying her sister-in-law and her nephew. His brother Elphir had married Gwenel, the daughter of an admiral from Pelargir, and their son was the vivacious two-year-old Alphros. Lothíriel considered Gwenel her sister and hoped that she and Eowyn could achieve that level of friendship, with time.

She dressed with a grey dress, with which his father always said she looked like a "lovely peasant", and hurried to the dining room.

"Morning, sleeping beauty", Amrothos said.

Amrothos was her favorite brother, the one who made her laugh, and the one who shared with her his adventures across the bay of Belfalas. There was also Erchirion, the second eldest, who shared with Faramir his passion for reading, and also his devotion for the defense of Gondor. And Elphir, the eldest, the fierce and brave warrior, whom many said he resembled Örome when he fought in battle.

For many reasons, prince Imrahil and his first-born were not in very good terms. The prince loved his son, but always disliked his lust for battle and his sometimes reckless actions when he led the soldiers. They were always respectful, but distanced. When the War of the Ring started, they forgot their issues and began to spend more time together. When Lothíriel arrived, however, she found out that they were more estranged than ever.

As it had become usual, Elphir and his father ate in silence, while the siblings chatted and Gwenel fed Alphros. However, Lothíriel had an odd feeling, as if something was going to happen. The feeling continued haunting her until it was midday and a maid asked her to go to her father's office.

Every step made Lothíriel dread what was going to happen.

The office looked exactly the same as it did those days when the siblings would meet with their father and decided the battle plans to face Sauron's army and hold it until the aid from Rohan came. Elphir and prince Imrahil were sitting, each with a stern face.

"I have come, Father, just as you asked".

"Sit, Lothíriel, for we must discuss your future" the prince said.

She froze, but obeyed. She was startled when she saw a tiny tear coming out from Elphir's blue eyes.

"Your brother and I are both concerned about the future of our land and about yours as well. Elphir, by his own will, has accepted that he is not well prepared nor is willing to assume the throne of Dol Amroth when my time has ended, and has asked me to resign his birthright and find a better suitor for the throne."

Lothíriel froze. She could not believe her ears. Elphir could not do that! He could not give in!

"Is this true, Elphir?" she asked, as quietly as possible, even thought her heart beating was like a Haradric drum.

"Aye, sister. There is not desire in me for occupy the throne, and I would like to see somebody more experienced, more knowledgeable in the matters of ruling a nation. I am a warrior and my expertise is in the battlefield, not in a palace".

She could not restrain herself any longer.

"Don't you remember Eomer, Elphir? He is a warrior, just like you, never meant to be a King! But he has assumed his position and he is putting all his effort in helping his people. Why are you so egotistical? You were raised to be a Prince!"

"Yet I don't want to be one" Elphir said.

"And what about King Elessar? For the Valar's sake, he was a Ranger! And…"

"Calm yourself, daughter", prince Imrahil told her, gently but commanding at the same time. "I taught you that when you are discussing state matters, you must remain as calm as possible and hide your true feelings. Please, do not make me believe you have forgotten that."

"No, my lord prince", she said, holding her tears.

"Now", the prince continued, "as I was saying, we are in need of finding another heir for the throne. And we think we have found the right one."

"Erchirion" said Lothíriel. "He is well educated and our people hold him in great respect."

"Nay, he is needed in Minas Tirith. Elessar is quite impressed with his skills, and has asked him to command the Guard of the City." Elphir said.

"Then Amrothos. He is loyal, and not as reckless as you may think. He will make an excellent Ruling Prince."

"Nay, Lothíriel. He is one of our best captains, except for your brother" and the prince smiled weakly as he said it.

She tried to think harder…

"Faramir? Would you make him Ruling Prince of Dol Amroth?"

"We would rather have a Ruling Princess of Dol Amroth" Elphir said. "There is no other person prepared for the throne than you, Lothíriel".

She felt like reality had slapped her across the face. It hurt to know that she, Lothíriel of Dol Amroth, had taken from his brother his birthright of ruling their city, because of her stupid love for her books, her unfortunate political skills, and her knowledge of languages… Now she loathed every one of the talents she had always been complimented for. She loathed Elphir for loading in her shoulders a burden that was never meant to her. She loathed her father for always criticizing his son, but never giving him advice. What about her wishes? She would assume her duty, of course, but ruling would occupy all of her time, and perhaps she could not fulfill her dreams of returning to Rohan, visiting Rivendell or the Grey Havens…

The world was not going to be the same, after this day.

"Your announcement as Crown Princess will be held in a month…"

She could not hear anymore.

"Please, do not disturb me until that day, then". Lothíriel managed to say. "I will stay in my chambers". And she left the office.