"Oh," Lothíriel felt somewhat stunned as she saw the blond woman enter the room, "I'm afraid I wasn't expecting…company."
"I'm nothing of the sort," Éowyn shrugged, a good-natured grin in place. "I thought I'd just come check on you after hearing that you woke up." She stopped her approach right before the bed. "And I thought I ought to come and apologize to you."
"Whatever do you have to be sorry to me for?" Lothíriel's brows came together. "I haven't been human – let alone awake – long enough for you to offend me."
"I feel that I came to a rush judgement," Éowyn looked somewhat sheepishly around the room before settling her gaze back onto Lothíriel. "I thought very ill of you and your courage when I thought you had run away from Rohan and a future with my brother."
"It was never official," Lothíriel smiled, trying to reassure the woman. "Besides, it's not something to be very concerned of. In a way, my actions were cowardly. And in the end it has done nothing but cause your brother to think me a fool and unworthy to stand beside him here."
"Éomer just doesn't like seeing people he feels are under his care to be harmed." Éowyn gave a small chuckle. "You should have heard how he laid into me after the batter at the Pelennor Fields. I could hardly stop my ears from ringing for weeks."
Lothíriel laughed at the idea. "Perhaps, but you are his sister. As a sister myself, I know that my brother's – no matter the trouble I cause them – they must forgive me."
"So this is not the only troublesome thing you've done?" Éowyn took a seat on the edge of the bed and Lothíriel could see a playful glint in her eye. "That is good. Rohan needs someone who can bring a bit of silliness and trouble to it. My brother may be a hot-head, but he attends this kingdom with as much order as any other soldier would. It can make things a bit dull sometimes."
"I'm certain that a dull kingdom right after a difficult war is something most people would enjoy." Lothíriel looked at Éowyn curiously. "Besides, I already said, your brother will have nothing to do with me after this fiasco."
"Of course, of course." Éowyn waved her hand dismissively. "Have you been told how long you're to be in bed? I know you've seen some of Edoras and the surrounding plains, but I rather like you, and I think I should show you a few hidden spots."
"I don't know," Lothíriel gingerly touched her side, "these are still rather painful, and I haven't seen any healer since I've awoken." As if mentioning a healer summoned one, the door opened. A familiar woman in a long robe stepped into the room, muttering to herself. She stopped as she looked up and saw Éowyn sitting with Lothíriel.
"Oh, my lady, so good to see you." Her rohirric accent was thick as she spoke Westron, "Éomer King mentioned that you had come to and I thought it would be a good time to check you."
"I am thankful for the aid you provided me." Lothíriel spoke clearly in rohirric, hoping to put the woman at ease. The healer blinked for a second before breaking out into a broad smile and shaking her head.
"Nonesense, my lady, the King of Gondor was the one who performed his skill as a healer, I mostly stood back and watched. But I can check you now. Lady Éowyn if you don't mind stepping outside for a few moments –" She nodded her head respectfully.
"It is fine," Lothíriel glanced at Éowyn, "So long as Lady Éowyn is comfortable, she is most welcome to stay."
"If you wish." The healer stepped forward and carefully untied the back of the shift, loosening it enough around the top so as to slip down until the area her wounds were lay under a poultice. She pulled the extra layer off, exposing the sliced skin "These are nearly healed!" Her tone made it clear that she was surprised. "I must say, the elven healers and those taught in their ways are miracle workers." She shook her head as if somehow it would bring about sense. "You've been asleep a single day and yet your wounds look as though you had received them at least a week ago." She lightly touched the cuts. "These may not even leave much in the way of a scar. Truly something marvelous." She muttered to herself.
"That's wonderful news!" Éowyn clapped.
"Indeed it is," Lothíriel agreed. "I've never been one for a sick bed. How long do you suppose it will be before I can be up and about again."
"If you continue on this way, I would think you should be able to attend the summer celebration tomorrow night, though I would only be up for that bit and after that, take things gently until you're completely healed. From what I've heard, this is only the latest in your ordeals."
"Hmm," Lothíriel gave a knowing smile. She was glad that she'd be able to attend the festivities, though she also knew that she lacked a great amount of strength and as such, she would require some sort of aid while she was up.
The healer pulled a pungent pouch from her pocket and placed it against the wound. The cooling sensation soothed any irritation that had occurred during the inspection. Using some linen gauze, she secured this new poultice around the princess' side. "Lady Éowyn, since you are hear, help me lay her down." Éowyn easily obliged and quickly enough Lothíriel was laying, her head against the pillows again.
"I have food coming." Wouldn't it have been better to eat before laying back down.
"Don't worry," Éowyn said and took a seat on the vacant chair Amrothos had been sitting in not even an hour before. "I'll see to it you are properly fed." The healer nodded and gave another smile before bowing to Éowyn and Lothíriel.
"I will be back to check on you later in the evening." Éowyn lifted her hand to bid the healer farewell before turning back to Lothíriel.
"I am liking you more and more with each passing minute. You speak rohirric as if you had been born and raised here!"
"Dol Amroth is a very lovely place to live, but when you long to explore the world but you are only a princess who hardly knows how to defend yourself, you find other ways."
"I think you and I are going to be very good friends, Lothíriel." Éowyn smiled. "Tell me more of your…explorations."
A/N: I've always like Éowyn and thought she would have something of a mischievous streak within her. I mean, it takes someone who has enjoyed the fruits of subterfuge to disguise oneself as a man and fight among the other warriors in a war, don't you think?
I hope you enjoyed this little chapter of bonding from these lovely ladies. Hopefully tomorrow won't be too busy so I can post a few more chapters before the day is out. But for now, I bid you all a good night and see you next chapter!