As the sun rose higher in the sky, Éowyn and Lothíriel made their way back. On Éowyn's lap were a multitude of the yellow flowers. Lothíriel walked evenly, careful not to jostle the woman or her blooms. Due to their pace, they didn't reach Edoras for nearly an hour, but as they approached, Lothíriel spotted people on the southern horizon. Though she couldn't see the people clearly, the banner that were held showed a white tree on a black background. The King and Queen of Gondor, along with a large group of Gondorian nobility would be outside Edoras within the hour.

"Well," Éowyn declared, her tone jovial, "they're here a little early." She rode up the hill until they in front of the steps leading to Meduseld. A rohirric woman who must have seen the bundle of flowers offered to take them, and Éowyn happily gave them to her. "Please take them to my room." She swiftly dismounted and led Lothíriel into the stables. "After a ride like that, I suppose a rub down in called for." She began to undo the straps holding the saddle in place. "Aragorn and nearly the rest of Gondor will be at our gates before too long, and I suppose I should have a change of clothes as well, lest all us Rohirrim scandalize the Gondorian gentry," she chuckled to herself.

'They're really not so bad as all that, once you get used to them. Certainly, they prefer to be a bit polished and powdered than some people, but in the end, the Gondorian court has been held in esteem…by…well…Gondorians.' She paused in her thoughts, feeling slightly foolish that she's had such a narrow view on the world. 'Perhaps it's good I'm a horse, it gives me time to reflect on my follies without interference.' She sniffed to herself.

"I'm actually rather glad that the princess ran off to go home. Personally, I don't think that Éomer should marry any Gondorian. If I loved Faramir even an ounce less than I do now, I think I wouldn't leave Rohan for all the world." She laughed, "Though I'm at a disadvantage, I seem to fall more in love with him each day." She removed the blanket that had been between her bare back and the saddle. The cool air felt good on her back. "I think only if Éomer could love a Gondorian as much as I love my Faramir I would give my blessing."

Hastily Éowyn brushed Lothíriel's coat before tending to her hooves. After seeing her feed and water filled, she patted Lothíriel's neck before running out of the stables. Lothíriel wasn't alone for long. Minutes later she heard the clattering of hooves on the road outside before a few men and women made their way inside. The first two were the king and queen of Gondor. As they passed, Lothíriel felt her instinct as a princess kick in. She bowed her head respectively as they passed. The queen halted her forward motion and turned to face Lothíriel.

"My goodness. What an interesting mare you are." She gave a knowing smile. She reached out towards Lothíriel. The former princess stepped forward, placing her head against the queens upward hand. "I see you have had a difficult few days." She rubbed gently. Lothíriel felt relaxation course through her body at the elven touch.

"What is the matter with her, my love?" The king touched his wife's back gently.

"I'm not completely sure, to be honest, though there seems to be an anxiety within her." Lothíriel stared at the queen as she spoke.

"Perhaps Éomer will know more," the king assured his queen, "come along, my love." He led her out of the stables. Lothíriel bowed her head once more.

'I may not be a princess to them, but I will always be one in my heart.' She thought this just as two other Gondorian ladies entered, leading their own horses into the stables. Lothíriel recognized them almost immediately. They were sisters and both had quite the reputation within the Gondorian courts. The older was named Othil while the younger was Cidinneth. Both looked very similar with dark brown hair and hazel eyes. One might even mistake them for twins.

"Do you suppose it's always so sunny here?" Cidinneth handed the reins of her horse to one of the extra stable hands. She spoke sindarin fluidly and rather softly. If Lothíriel didn't have the ability of her horse ears, she doubted she would be able to overhear their conversation.

"Well one of the symbols of this country is the sun, so I'd warrant the answer to be yes." Othil smiled wryly, turning over her reins just as easily.

"Should you become queen of this country, I suggest you comission trees – large trees mind you – be planted with the goal of creating suitable shade." Cidinneth fanned herself lightly.

"Perhaps I shan't even become queen of this backwards country," Othil sighed. "Perhaps I will return to Gondor with my head held in shame at my failure."

"Come, come, sister," Cidinneth patter Othil's hand. "The only one who outmatched you in wit, wealth, and beauty has run away to Gondor, unwilling to face the prospect of being tied to this country no doubt."

"And what does that say of the country?" Othil laughed as they two exited the stables, taking the rest of their conversation with them.

'I hope Éowyn is good on her word,' Lothíriel gave a light shudder, 'if Othil becomes queen of this country, then I weep for it's people and overall future.'

A/N: And things are falling a bit more into place. I can't wait to see what our newest cast has up their sleeves. I tried to update yesterday, but whatever my youngest had the other day was passed around to the rest of us. I spent pretty much the whole day asleep in bed. Thankfully I'm starting to feel better and can write again!

P.S.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American readers out there!