The weeks after the wedding moved very quickly. The last warmth of the Autumn was starting to leave the Mark and the bitter harshness of Winter were upon its people. Around the city braziers had been lit to provide a little warmth and extra light, as daylight faded much earlier in the day. Men, women and children alike gathered around these great pots of fire, trading, gossiping and roasting food over the blaze. There were more people than ever within the city walls of late. Skirmishes on the road and in the outer lying villages were becoming more frequent and commonplace. Frightened villagers sought refuge from their King and prince, and Theodred did everything in his power to accommodate them. His Eored was continuously called into battle to route out invading orcs, wild men and mercenaries in the Westfold. Eomer was no different. As Third Marshall the Eastfold had been entrusted into his care, and he rode out daily with his patrol to observe and protect its borders.

One evening after returning from Helm's deep, Theodred found his cousin huddled around a brazier on the terrace of Meduseld. He was drinking ale and regaling another rider with news, "These attacks are becoming more frequent, its as if something has given unnatural powers to these creatures.

"Aye, you're right my lord. These orcs do not fight the same as the ones I've seen before. They're stronger, harder and much faster." Elfhelm replied.

"That's funny, that's exactly what your missus said to me last night." Erkenbrand quipped.

"The group roared with laughter, clunked their tankards together and drank lengthily from them. It was talk like that that made their jobs a little easier. When the men grew accustomed to death and destruction, they found a little vulgar talk made their day brighter.

"What of you Eomer? Are you going to settle down like your brother ere'?" Erkenbrand continued.

The question caught Eomer off guard and he coughed into his ale. Wiping the foamy mess from his beard he replied quickly,

"Alas, I fear I am not as lucky as he is my friend."

"That's not what I've heard?" Elfhelm said in jest, "What about mistress Hild?"

"Isolde?" Theodred threw in,

"Brigga?" Erkenbrand continued.

"Ah, Brigga. Now there's a real beauty." Elfhelm mused.

"Brigga? Is she the one from the Aethelmund Tavern?" Theodred questioned.

"Yes, blonde hair, round bosom and expert fingers." Erkenbrand gestured with his hands.

Eomer remained silent, whilst his companions continually tried to embarrasses him. The quieter he remained, the sooner they'd be done.

"I heard tell that she could finish a man with just a single look from her eyes." Elfhelm mused.

"Aye, that's right." Erkenbrand agreed.

"Eomer was about to cut their conversation off but noticed from the corner of his eye the princess of Rohan. She was returning from Auld Town and had just reached the top of the stone staircase to Meduseld. She was dressed in an olive green gown and wrapped in a heavy fur lined cloak, gifted to her by the King. Lothiriel was still the epitome of a Gondorian noble, but was beginning to show a taste for the Rohirric fashion. Her hair that had once always been drawn around her head or neck, now was tied much looser into a braid or left unbound entirely.

"Evening my lady," Theodred offered.

The young princess offered the slightest look and nod in greeting to her husband, this resulted in an uproar of laughter from the group of men gathered around the fire.

"Just a single look eh?" Elfhelm chortled.

Clearly she was the topic of discussion when she arrived. Lothiriel gave them a second look and threw Theodred a coquettish smirk and shake of the head, before disappearing into the Golden Hall. She did not mind, but was wise enough to leave quickly.

"If you don't mind me saying my lord, you have done well for yourself with that one." Praised Erkenbrand.

Theodred returned his attention to his friends and surmised, "I don't mind at all my friend. You are quite right."

"If I can my lord, what's it like...you know...being with a foreigner?"

Eomer coughed once more and set his mug on the stone terrace. He shifted uncomfortably from heel to toe. The other men seemed not to notice.

The question surprised the prince too. Discussing past conquests was one thing, however, this was his wife the men now talked about. He did not find the question impertinent, but knew Lothiriel would not care for his men to know about their intimate affairs. He put a stop to the conversation succinctly, but gave them enough information to titillate their minds,

"My friends, a prince never reveals his intimate matters. But I cannot say the same for a man with a plump, young wife with firm tits and a nice arse."

Theodred winked, drowned the last mouthful of ale and placed the tankard on the floor and left.

o0o

As the long nights drew in, the royal family would meet in the Golden Hall for their meal and tried to discuss happier things. Eowyn and Lothiriel were often deep in conversation about horse riding and other female pursuits, whilst the prince tried to explain what was going on in the lands of the Mark to his ailing father. At one time, Eomer would have joined the family for the meal, but his presence was becoming less and less. When he did attend he would eat his fill twice as fast then feign interest in seeing to his horse. Mostly though he was absent. Theodred was growing more concerned by his behaviour. Since his wedding to Lothiriel, the once animated young man was becoming more brooding and sincere. The prince knew that Eomer was concerned with the ever increasing attacks in the Eastfold, but there was something else. For the life of him, he could not fathom what it was.

As for his new wife, Theodred could only thank the Valar for her. He was continuously amazed how she adapted to her new life and role as princess of Rohan. Lothiriel seemed to have been accepted by the people, and she had come accustomed to their foreign ways and readjusted well. Despite his earlier jokes to his men, Theodred could not lay claim that he loved Lothiriel yet, but he had come to learn what made her happy and appreciate the joy she found in these little moments. He had found that the princess enjoyed the weekly market in Auld Town, she liked visiting the farmers and traders, to see what new things they had brought; and delighted in trying new foods, well new to her at least. Although he was mostly occupied during the day with some meeting or another, he would try his best to attend the market with her. He observed that she would spend a little time each evening reading before they slept, so had arranged for copies of the old tales, to be brought to her chamber from the small library of Edoras.

These small gestures had not gone unnoticed by the princess. Lothiriel appreciated his kind thoughts and reciprocated by ensuring that at the end of the day a mug of ale was waiting for her new husband. She had uncovered over the few short weeks, that Theodred liked to rise early, and eat a small meal before attending his horse and war councils. Therefore she had made sure that she was roused at a similar time to eat this meal with him and assist with his getting ready. Lothiriel did not love him either, nor did she hate him. The young woman knew that he was just as much trapped in this relationship as she was. Trapped sounded much to harsh, but the princess didn't know how else to describe their situation. A union arranged and agreed to by their parents, to better strengthen their countries ties. Lothiriel had had no choice in the matter. She believed if Theodred had had the choice, she may not have been his wife. Yet, they were man and wife, in the eyes of all of Rohan and would therefore fulfil all her duties in his house.

A/N - I cannot tell you how much fun I am having finally getting to write this story. Hope you are still enjoying it, R&R please! Mrs E x