As always, I don't own anything except for Linwe. And I have a Plan. Enjoy!

-The Author

Eomer was drumming his fingers on the table. Lothiriel's hand hovered above the chess board, pinched like a claw. In several moments, it would drop, and lift a piece, before setting it back down.

"Princess Lothiriel," Eomer was heard to say, "If you would please take your move while we're still young."

Linwe grinned. She sat her chin on her hands and waited for Lothiriel's response. Perhaps neither human knew she was watching. She was on a balcony, high above them, looking down. Next to her, Eowyn sighed impatiently and fidgeted, sometimes with her collar, sometimes with her glove.

"It's warm out," she whispered. "Why do we have to wear these? And why are we watching them, anyway?"

"It isn't obvious?"

"No," Eowyn's voice was low, not quite whispering. "We're eavesdropping."

"We're watching them fall in love," Linwe whispered. "It's cute."

"It's boring."

"Eowyn," said Linwe, "How can you be bored by watching the greatest miracle of all?"

"Birth?"

"Love." Linwe sighed. It was as if there were no romantic inclinations in the girl at all. Where was the girl who saw the romance in falling in love with a King while he was still but a Ranger? "They're falling in love. The pieces are coming together, and they will live happily ever after the end."

Eowyn made a face.

"It's sweet," Linwe told her.

Eowyn rolled her eyes.

Linwe sighed. Figwit thought it was sweet. He thought it was cute. He thought it was very good even if he wasn't jumping up and down when it happened like Linwe was.

Lothiriel spoke. "I'll go when I want to."

"You're free to go," Eomer said.

"I know," said Lothiriel. "I just don't know what the best move is."

Eomer snatched a piece (Linwe couldn't tell which one) and moved it. "That's the best move," he said.

Lothiriel stared at the board. "How do you know?"

Eomer said, "Judging by your erratic and random moves, you're more of a defensive player. That move blocks any potential of my Rook coming near your King."

"His what?" Linwe whispered.

"The castle."

"Oh."

"How do you know?" Lothiriel asked.

"Well," said Eomer, "I'm always aware of where every one of all of the pieces could potentially go. That way if I have to change my strategy, it won't take me forever to move."

Lothiriel stuck her tongue out at him. "Poo to you for having a strategy."

Eomer grinned. "You don't have a strategy?"

"Yes," said Lothiriel. "I'm a defensive player." She paused. "Like you said."

Eomer stared at her in disbelief.

Lothiriel smiled at him.

"You know," said Eomer, "You have a very pretty smile."

"Thank you," said Lothiriel. "Are you planning on taking your turn anytime soon?"

There were footsteps down the corridor. Linwe and Eowyn looked to see who it was; Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth. He looked at them curiously, and then leaned on the banister and watched his daughter and Eomer play chess. He was tall and black-haired, red-skinned from sun and exuberance, and extremely big. Linwe had been frightened the first time she had ever seen him in person.

He greeted them simply, and then said, "I suppose any King would do for her."

"Oh, yes," said Linwe. "I suppose just any King would do."

The humans looked at her curiously. Figwit would have laughed, Linwe thought.

"I'm going to go see what's for dinner," said Eowyn, and she curtsied to them both, and left. Linwe and the Prince looked down, and watched as the chess game dissolved into nonsense, and the two lovers began throwing chess pieces at each other, laughing. Linwe sighed. It just wasn't as wonderful without Figwit.