Éomer smiled warmly as his sister returned to the dining hall, wearing the traditional crimson dress, lined with golden embroidery along the hem of her skirt as well as her sleeves and neckline. The way that the gold glimmered on her when the dwindling sunlight touched her, reminded him of a single flame, burning bright. Rather than taking it's usual unbound – and rather wild – appearance, her hair was braided intricately with a thin circlet placed around her. The circlet had been their mother's and in that moment, he saw how alike she looked to his distant memory of her. A small pang of grief pulled at his heart, though he didn't have time to linger on it. Almost as soon as she stepped out, she turned around, a playful smile pulling at the corner of her mouth.
"Well, come along!" She stifled a chuckle, "There's no need to be nervous. You look fine." Hesitantly, Lothíriel stepped out. Éomer felt his breath rush out of him. Saying she looked fine was like saying the Mearas were smart horses. He doubted he'd ever heard a greater understatement. In stark contrast to the bright red that Éowyn wore, Lothíriel stood in a deep green dress. It fitted around her nicely as he couldn't help but notice how it flowed around her various curves. There was gold thread around the hem of her dress, though it was less ornate than Éowyn's ceremonial gown. Aside from two strands that had been pulled back from the front, Lothíriel's hair hung loose, tumbling down her back in loose waves. She met Éomer's eyes and must have noticed his look because her cheeks reddened and Éomer found himself imagining other scenarios where her face would flush. He shook his head, dispelling those thoughts for the time being. Éowyn glanced from her brother to Lothíriel before pulling Lothíriel forward by the hand.
"You look…" He started when they stood before him but Éowyn finished as he hesitated.
"Beautiful, of course." She nudged her brother lightly with her elbow.
"I don't know," Lothíriel shuffled nervously. "Éowyn insisted I dress in a rohirric dress since I would be seated with you, but I wonder if it's at all disrespectful, or if it might send the wrong message." Éomer reached out and gently took Lothíriel's hand, bringing it forward to kiss the knuckles.
"You look perfect." When he straightened, he added, "It suits you." Her slight blush deepened as she took her hand away. There was an awkward silence that fell over the party for a few beats before there was another sound from across the hall.
"I hardly recognize you in that outfit." Amrothos' words were slurred slightly as he joined the group. His arrival seemed to distract Lothíriel from any hindrance or self consciousness.
"Where have you been all day? If I didn't know any better, I would have suspected you'd left Edoras at first light?" She placed her hands on her hips as she gave him a withering scowl. At least, it would have been withering if Amrothos had bothered to take note of it.
"I slept late this morning and when I did wake, I learned you had departed with this lot." He waved his hand at Éomer. "So what was I to do? I found somewhere that served ale and shared war stories with some fine fellows and lasses." His mouth tilted up as he mumbled, "Some very fine lasses." Lothíriel rolled her eyes.
"I doubt you're sober enough to properly enjoy the bonfire. You'd probably fall into it in this state. The ale here is stronger than that of home, and if I know you, you tried to keep up with whoever you were drinking with." Amrothos shrugged at Lothíriel's conclusion, wobbling slightly. "Go to bed and in the morning, no doubt the healer will have something to take the edge of your pain." Amrothos seemed to consider for a moment. Whether he wanted to argue or not, Éomer didn't know, but eventually he shrugged again before bidding a loud farewell.
"Enjoy yourself, sister. With how the king is staring at you, no doubt he is already." His laughter at his drunken joke carried down the halls. The blush was on Lothíriel's face once more, as she glanced bashfully at Éomer. Without missing a beat, Éowyn linked arms with Lothíriel before swiftly guiding her out of the hall. Within minutes they would begin the ending ceremony, declaring the summer had officially begun.
A/N: Hope you're all having a pleasant day so far! For my American readers, Happy Super Bowl Sunday!
This story is really not going along as quickly as I thought it would when I first started it. Not that I'm necessarily upset by that. This chapter in particular was to remedy the fact that we haven't seen Amrothos in some time. Aside from that, Éomer needed a good chance to ogle her (lol).
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, I hope I'll see you soon with an update.