Lothiriel
I must apologize for not writing back sooner, but my advisers have deemed all papers not dealing with my country "unimportant and frivolous." So, I have borrowed your idea and taken to hiding in the stables to do my less official writing. Firefoot can be persuaded to hide me with an apple, which I suppose I should thank you for. And if your only secret is the questionable presence of an apple to coerce my horse into bearing a message, you are far more honest than many women I have made the acquaintance of. Those Hobbits really are quiet fond of you, and I admit that they are endearing creatures. Though in all honesty, I feared for my own safety when Pippin realized he did not receive a letter as well. He and Merry should return to Edoras soon; I will be sure to give your letter to them upon their arrival. Perhaps then they will stop whispering conspiratorially about stealing your letter whenever they think I am not listening. And your charms, milady, seem to be doing quite a number on the Rohirrim. Eofor is quite taken with you, and has told everyone that you are quite the "lioness of Gondor." I do not know what you said to him while he was in Dol Amroth, but he is your most adamant supporter, and insists on being the only rider to take letters to and from you. His cousin Frea is very jealous, and Eowyn says he is insisting upon meeting you when she journeys to Gondor. Men of Gondor are fools if they do not recognize and appreciate your charms and your kindness (though I'm sure if they made the mistake of angering you, their apprehension could be somewhat understandable). This combined with your brothers misleading statements about Men of my country further proves to me that we Men of Rohan are much wiser about a great deal than our Southern brethren. As for cleaning up for your brothers, if Erchirion and Elphir are anywhere near as messy as Amrothos, I do not want the job. The maids are nearly at their wits end with him; his departure cannot come quickly enough for them. For the rest of us, he is an enjoyable companion, though he seems to believe that I will send him home in pieces if he misbehaves. Perhaps I have you to thank for that notion? Eowyn was not nearly as troublesome as your brothers; though she was willful and headstrong, she always respected Uncle, Theodred, and I. I agree in your sentiment that I would not trade her for anything in this World. I am glad my explanation could be a comfort to you. As I said before, I doubt your family would ever purposely forget to write you. The assault on the Prince of Mirkwook will stop when I am satisfied that he has no desire to marry any Gondorian princesses. He and Gimli are amusing together; they bicker as an old married couple but will defend each other to the death. When first I met them, Legolas nearly shot me with his bow when I offered to make Gimli lower to the ground…perhaps you now understand my less towards loving feelings towards him. You mentioned that Elphir is not as close to you as the Dwarf and the Elf are. The rest of your family seems close, especially in comparison to the icy families I had the misfortune of witnessing in Minas Tirith. Why is Elphir distant? I only spoke to him once in passing, but he did seem very different from you and your brothers. And for your brothers' protectiveness and fears, I feel the same for Eowyn. But I agree that their fears are unfounded. Your lives are too intertwined to ever not be close. And if you do not marry, I will eat my saddle. Not all men are as foolish as the nobility of Gondor, Lothiriel. I am sorry that our departure from Gondor caused you as much pain as the death of your mother and cousin. I owe you my deepest apologies for not being able to give you a true good-bye. And in answer to your question, I have been sad many times in my life. My cousin Theodred and I were very close, and I looked up to him for everything. When he died, I was not there. I had been banished by my Uncle who was under the hold of Saruman. That was when I was saddest, though I imagine I was sad when my parents died as well. I was young, and have tried my best to forget that time. Tell me of Dol Amroth and more of your family, Lothiriel. Have you any other family besides your father and brothers and Faramir? I must stop, Firefoot is growing restless and my advisors are searching for me.
Until your reply,
Eomer
oOo
Eomer
I do believe that is one of the longest letters I have ever received from a man! You flatter me, Eomer-King, though Eowyn will not be happy to hear that you surpass her letter. As for your advisors, they sound terribly annoying, much like Elphir or Artanis when they decide that I must "practice my sewing" in place of riding Niniel down the beach. I am sure Firefoot enjoys your company, for Eowyn tells me none of you have been riding much. And I have found that a sweet apple can get one just about anything one wants from a horse, and even from a few certain stable boys. Again, you flatter me in thinking that an apple is my only secret and assumptions of my honesty. I did not say that, dear King. I said we all had secrets. That apple is one of many, though I do not think of myself as dishonest. My mother taught me that there are some things that we do not tell anyone, save one person, and that is what makes a love true. I know not if she is right, for all my secrets (save the one about the apple) are my own yet. You continually mention strange and dishonest women, Eomer. Am I to believe the Women of Rohan are much like the Women of Gondor? I had rather hoped they were more like Eowyn. I do miss the Hobbits, especially Merry and Pippin, and I am most delighted to hear that they will be returning for Faramir and Eowyn's wedding. For their size, they are rather enjoyable dancing partners. So much life in such tiny stature! Is it not amazing? And dear Eofor! I am honored he has taken such a liking to me, for he was an entertaining and kind companion. As for my charms and their effect on the rest of the Rohirrim, do you include yourself in that number? My Aunt would be scandalized about that question! I am contemplating scratching it out…but I think I shant. I shall not be offended if you do not, my brashness astounds even myself and would send most men running for cover, perhaps even those men you claim my charms have intrigued so. Men of Rohan may be wiser with certain things, but Men of Gondor have admirable qualities. No one was braver or stronger than my cousin Boromir, and Faramir and Amrothos and Erchirion are all wonderful men. Mayhap I am biased; but to me, there is no one better than them. Though Amrothos' lack of tidiness is not one of his admirable qualities! I apologize for my brother's mess; he has never had a head for cleaning. Even when he is not in Dol Amroth, his room is a mess! I fear going in there; one never knows what kind of creatures may be lurking beneath the bed or desk. And again, I may or may have not told my brother that he would be coming home in pieces if he disrespected any of the Rohirrim. I assure you, it was for all of your benefit. Is it not funny how dear our siblings are to us? I have met many brothers and sisters who cannot stand their family…perhaps we are the strange ones? And, dear dear dear Eomer, Legolas has as much of a desire to marry this Gondorian princess (or any Gondorian princess for that matter) as he does to marry Gimli. He is a friend. I am his friend. Nothing more. He is thousands of years my senior and is far more content to roam the woods than marry a child to his eyes. And I have no desire to marry him. He is intriguing and smart, but not the type of man I would want to spend the rest of my days with, I can assure you of that. As for the matter of your meeting, I hardly blame Legolas for trying to run you through with an arrow! By "making Gimli lower to the ground", I assume you mean cutting part of him off, and I would have threatened you with bodily harm as well for implying injury to him! I am partial to the Dwarf; he has received my promise to visit Moria and is a most amusing story teller. The situation with Elphir grieves me dearly. We were all so close when we were children; he is 10 years old than me, Erchirion is 6 years my senior, and Amrothos 3, but we all took care and loved each other regardless, especially after Mother died. He was my second father; I would always go to him when Amrothos was being troublesome or Erchirion was in a serious mood. He sang to me. I had forgotten! He had the most beautiful voice, and he would sing Mother's lullabies. But then he met Artanis…and it changed. He "became a man" and turned his back on his younger siblings. We did not understand…we still do not understand. He has been getting slightly better since Alphros was born…but he is still not the same. I would not have made that bet with your beloved saddle, Eomer! You had best start boiling and salting it. The last man that propositioned for my hand earned a kick to the rear from Niniel and a pot of seawater on his head from me. And I know not all men are like the ones have been subjected to. Aragorn is not, my family is not, you are not. I still have hope in Men, though I wonder if perhaps they have lost hope in me? And you can repay the lacking good-bye for a better hello. I am laughing at myself; I should throw myself into the ocean at the next chance. I assure you, not all my letters are this…open. I am sorry for your cousin. If you do not mind, tell me more about him? Was he funny like Eofor? Headstrong and brave like Eowyn? Or stubborn and strong like you? I am sorry for your parents as well. I know what it is like to lose one. As for my family, I have told you more about my brothers. I have one Aunt, Ivriniel, my father's oldest sister. She is a widow, married late, with no children. Their middle sister, Findulas, was Boromir and Farmir's mother. My mother was an only child, and both sets of grandparents are long dead. We are a small family, but I have found that that does not mean we lack in love. Dol Amroth is a beautiful place, and I must beg you to come see it. It is smaller and perhaps less grand than Minas Tirith…but I love it more. It is softer, a place of fishing and sunrises on the blue sea. When you do visit, we must take Firefoot for a run on the beach. Horses do love the sand, and Niniel always enjoys a twilight run along the waves. Tell me of Edoras! Amrothos has given me a fleeting description, but I should rather hear it from you. My letter is quite lengthy, so I shall stop now.
Ever thine,
Lothiriel
oOo
Lothiriel
You call my correspondence longwinded and then you reply with nearly double its length! Eofor complained that it nearly broke his back to carry it here; I informed him that he was getting flabby if three pages of parchment were making him weary. My advisors have finally gotten it into their old skulls that new Kings cannot be expected to only deal with matters of state, and have "allowed" me ten minutes to write whatever other letters I may want. They seem to forget that I know every hiding space in Edoras, and so far I have not been discovered. It is not that I am avoiding repairing my country; there is nothing I would rather do then see Rohan become as glorious as it was in past Ages. Firefoot, much like my advisors, is very put out with me. I have not ridden him in some time, though when I mentioned your offer for a ride on the beach to him, he seemed to regard me with a little less anger. Your Mother sounds very wise, and I know now why Uncle always spoke so highly of her. My parents had a true love; this I have heard from everyone that new them, but it brought more pain than happiness. When my father was brought back, murdered, my mother wasted away, alone in her grief. Eowyn and I were not enough to hold her here. Merry and Pippin send their hellos, as they have just barged into (as they are ought to do) my hiding space. They say they will not respond to your letter, as they will see you in person in little under a month. As for the Men of Gondor, I did not mean to seem insulting. There is a majesty there, a sense of honor and duty that I can see clearly in Aragorn, your brothers, Faramir, and all Men of the White Tree that I have met. I did not have the honor of meeting Boromir, but even we "barbarians in the North" had heard stories of his valor and strength. Eowyn says that Faramir was greatly grieved by his passing. Amrothos' room sounds much like many of my men's here in Edoras. Frea is particularly notorious; his sisters clean armed with swords and mallets. Whether you consider yourself dishonest or not, I am very thankful for that bit you told Amrothos, for it has kept him in line many nights when he has had too much ale and not enough food. In Rohan, being close to ones siblings is the norm, so I would not find either you or I as being strange (though you, princess, are certainly not average) Which brings me as to why I believe you are wrong about the Elf. He would be a fool to write you off because you are younger; any man would be a fool to judge you by age alone. And if he is not the type of man you want to spend your days with, what is? I was not aware Erchirion and Amrothos let enough men near you for you to form an opinion to which you are partial to…unless it is the Dwarf they should be worrying about instead? That is the second time you have threatened me with bodily harm, Lothiriel, another time and war may break out between our countries. For the record, I do not believe the situation with Elphir will be permanent. Have any of you talked to him about it? I once believed Eowyn was furious with me, so I ignored her to avoid her ire; only to have her tell me she had thought the same. And my saddle, dear lady, will remain uneaten. The foolish man that earned the wrath of both you and your horse has my sympathy; he clearly has not the slightest idea of how to court anything other than a limp dishrag. My cousin was the opposite of your misfortunate suitor. Theodred was rash, irritating, and prone to bursts of teasing everyone in sight; but he was the best cousin I could've asked for. He taught me to ride, how to wield a sword, how to charm a girl (though at the time, I was horrified by that idea), how to be a soldier. He was my best friend, more brother than cousin. Now that I am in Edoras, I visit him and my uncle quiet often. Their silence is much more comforting than the maids' endless chattering. Dol Amroth sounds wonderful, and your father has already insisted that I stay there, since he has "imposed himself and Amrothos for many nights." Unnecessary, I am sure I will need a welcome reprieve from the White City. Edoras, as I'm sure your brother has told you, is very different from the cities you know. It is on a hill, much like Minas Tirith, but smaller, less…stone. Thatched houses built with our own hands line the curving roads, and from Meduseld, one can see the sunrise over the mountains. The grasses are green and children are apt to ride all day long, while their mothers sew and clean, and their fathers build and work. And if I know you at all, you are probably beside yourself on how I have avoided your so-called "brazen" questions. I did so for a reason, Lothiriel. I will answer them all, in order that they were asked, now.
"Am I to believe the Women of Rohan are much like the Women of Gondor?"
No, they are not. Many are like Eowyn, and those are the wives and sweethearts of many of my men. A few are like you, and are therefore little more than hopes and prayers of men that get to know them. The others, I fear, are worse than your Gondorian women. Perhaps a little less forceful with their flirting, they are more relaxed in…other ways.
"As for my charms and their effect on the rest of the Rohirrim, do you include yourself in that number?"
Yes. I do.
"I still have hope in Men, though I wonder if perhaps they have lost hope in me?"
Any man that was to lose hope in you is not worth your worrying. I will say it again; not all men want the painted ladies of Minas Tirith or the mousey wife who is content to sit back and say nothing.
"And you can repay the lacking good-bye for a better hello. I am laughing at myself; I should throw myself into the ocean at the next chance."
Not a question, but I cannot say that I object to the first part, though I would be sorrowfully grieved if you threw yourself into the ocean before we saw each other again. Never laugh at anything you say; I swear to you that I am enthralled by all of it.
And now that I have thoroughly embarrassed you, I will ask questions of my own.
Am I to honestly believe you have no interest in the Elf? Or the Dwarf for that matter…or any of the Hobbits.
You have asked about your charms, but what of mine? You once told me not to let it go to my head how the ladies of Gondor were buzzing about me; were you amongst those whispering?
What am I to say if your father or brother notices your seahorse?
Since you speak Elvish, what does "Lle naa he nai" mean? Legolas says it everytime your letters arrive, and Aragorn laughs for hours. What is Elvish for "shut your bloody mouths?"
Eomer
oOo
Eomer,
I must say, I don't think Erchirion has ever seen me turn so red in my entire life. Your letter nearly caused me to faint! Another grievance you have caused me, my lord. Perhaps it t'would be best if our countries went to war. I could eat your saddle myself then, and save you the trouble. I am due at Minas Tirith before nightfall, so my letter must be as brief as possible. I am sorry again for your parents deaths, though you seem to blame love for their undoing. Let me remind you, Eomer-King, love is what brought you, me, and everything else good in this world about. Do not run from it, for things you run from have a nasty way of catching up to you. I am riding to Minas Tirith for Faramir's sake (as well as my own). The year anniversary of Boromir's death is today, and I thought he should not be alone. He loved Boromir in the way you loved Theodred; I fear being alone may make it worse. Edoras sounds beautiful, and I hope to one day see it with my own eyes, and view the sunrise from Meduseld's Golden Halls. And now, on to your responses to my questions, and then to your questions (you asked more than I did. Hardly fair.) I am glad to hear that most Women of Rohan are like Eowyn. That raises my estimates of your entire country (not that it was ever low to begin with). As for the loose women you speak of; do not forget I have three brothers, I knew exactly what you were saying; they made their choices as I have made mine. And this may be revealing too much, but you have told me to say what I am thinking; I am glad you include yourself in that number. I would care little for the rest of that number, were you not in it. And I know. And I am proud not to be either of those types of women. As for throwing myself into the ocean before your arrival…I shall try to resist, but only the thought of a proper greeting halts me from doing so, though now that I think about it I do not think my brothers or your advisors will be very keen on our plan. And now, your questions (including the ones you did not number)
"And if he is not the type of man you want to spend your days with, what is?"
I am not entirely sure of my specified "type", but it is someone that I can laugh with, cry with, fight with, ride with, and be with and then wake up the next morning and then do it all again.
"Have any of you talked to him about it?"
No, but that is a valid suggestion, and I shall do so when I reach Minas Tirith.
"Am I to honestly believe you have no interest in the Elf? Or the Dwarf for that matter…or any of the Hobbits."
Mayhap you have an interest in Legolas, as you seem to mention him so often in your letters. Oh, wipe that look of horror of your face, I'm only teasing! I will say it again my stubborn King, I have no interest in Legolas. Or Gimli. Or Merry, Pippin, Frodo, or Sam. I love them all dearly, but not enough to marry anyone of them. Methinks the green monster of jealousy may be whispering in your ear.
"You have asked about your charms, but what of mine? You once told me not to let it go to my head how the ladies of Gondor were buzzing about me; were you amongst those whispering?"
I keep my opinions of men to myself…so no I did not whisper. But that does not mean I did not think it.
"What am I to say if your father or brother notices your seahorse?"
Say nothing, feign ignorance, or run. Do not tell them I gave it to you or you will be subject to an attempt of murder from Amrothos and a constant smirk from my father.
"Since you speak Elvish, what does "Lle naa he nai" mean? Legolas has been whispering it to Aragorn recently whenever I enter a room, and Aragorn laughs for hours. What is Elvish for "shut your bloody mouths?"
"Lle naa he nai" translates to "you are hers to command." Perhaps he is teasing Aragorn about Arwen? And the closest translation for you I could think of is "Auta miqula orqu," which means "go kiss an orc."
And now, before my serving girl Lobelia gets in more trouble for allowing me to jot this semi-quick letter, I will ask my questions.
When did you first ride a horse?
Eowyn says you have been badgering her about the book I loaned her. Why so interested? Of course you may read it, but you shall have to read all the letters before my favorite to get to letter 87. I promise it is more fun that way.
What kind of woman would you prevail upon to marry, if not the "painted ladies" or a mouse?
Ever thine,
Lothiriel
oOo
"Merry?"
"Yeah, Pip?"
"When do you think Eomer's going to notice we've hidden his letters?"
"In about fi-"
"WHERE ARE THOSE HOBBITS?"
"Right about now. Ready to run?"
"We Tooks are made to run!"
"And we Brandybucks are made to out run Tooks!"
oOo
Aragorn chuckled as the King of Rohan chased the two half-lings in the Hall. Legolas and Gimli were roaring with laughter as the Hobbits used one of the large posts as a shield against Eomer. Eomer chased Merry as he raced away, and Pippin ducked behind Gimli.
"What did ye take, young Master Took," Gimli laughed, "to incur such fire?"
"Why, his letters from Lady Lothiriel of course!" Pippin said, eyes lit with mirth as he sprinted away when Eomer reappeared. The three friends began laughing again.
"Ro mela he." Legolas said quietly, catching Aragorn's eye. Aragorn chuckled again, nodding.
"I think he and Amrothos are the only ones who don't know that yet."
oOo
….your type is what any man should aspire to be to his wife. I am glad to hear that you and Elphir have reconciled. And you were right to assume that I would make a face at your suggestion about Legolas…and as for that lovely "green monster" as you so eloquently put it; would you blame me for suspecting? He has been constantly admired, both here and in Gondor. Next time, do not hold back your thoughts. I would much rather hear what you think of me, than those empty-headed child-women of the White Tower. They did not notice the necklace, so your escape plan was not needed, though I am amused you feared for my safety so. Is Amrothos truly that frightening? I have no comments on Legolas' annoying whispers, except that when I relayed your insult, he laughed and said, "Auta miqula ernil," which I am again at a loss for what it means. In answer to your questions:
I first rode a horse with my father at age 2; by myself, age 5. And what about you, my lady?
Eowyn was never much for reading, so I was surprised about how much she enjoyed it. I have begun reading it, and am astounded by how boring it is. Why am I being forced to read this?
I would "prevail" to marry a woman who is strong and loving; someone who would rule with me but never for me. Someone who knows me as I am and loves me in spite of it.
Aman naa lle nai,
Eomer
oOo
Eomer,
Dol Amroth is even better now that Eowyn is here, not to mention the excitement for the return of Amrothos and Father. The city is beside herself, and I cannot help but feel downtrodden…my favorite rider did not come to my city by the sea. Are you sure there is no way for you to come to Gondor earlier? I am a horrible, selfish woman, I know, but…3 more months is far too long. And I only have you to thank! Perhaps I shall throw myself into the sea…but I would miss your proper hello and that does not suit me one bit…
oOo
Lothiriel,
If you threaten to throw yourself into the sea one more time, you will leave me no choice but to ride to Dol Amroth and take you back to Edoras, where there is no sea to jump into. And then, my lady, you shall have your proper hello. How fares Eowyn? She was most nervous upon leaving Edoras, and that is very unlike my sister…
oOo
Eomer,
I know by time you get this, you may be within Minas Tirith's walls, but I could not stop myself. I simply must know; what letter are you on in the book?
Ever thine,
Lothiriel
oOo
Lothiriel,
"Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved, now and then joyfully, then sadly, waiting to learn whether or not fate will hear us - I can live only wholly with you or not at all - Yes, I am resolved to wander so long away from you until I can fly to your arms and say that I am really at home with you, and can send my soul enwrapped in you into the land of spirits - Yes, unhappily it must be so - You will be the more contained since you know my fidelity to you. No one else can ever possess my heart - never - never - Oh God, why must one be parted from one whom one so loves. And yet my life in V is now a wretched life - Your love makes me at once the happiest and the unhappiest of men - At my age I need a steady, quiet life - can that be so in our connection? My angel, I have just been told that the mailcoach goes every day - therefore I must close at once so that you may receive the letter at once - Be calm, only by a calm consideration of our existence can we achieve our purpose to live together - Be calm - love me - today - yesterday - what tearful longings for you - you - you - my life - my all - farewell. Oh continue to love me - never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.
ever thine
ever mine
ever ours."
I know why it is your favorite, for it is now mine as well.
Eomer
oOo
"My ladies! The Rohirrim has arrived!" Both Eowyn and Lothiriel shot out of their seats and ran to the balcony. Eowyn hugged Lothiriel tightly.
"Well go on!" Eowyn cried and Lothiriel gave her a confused look. Eowyn gave her a gentle push towards the stairs. "Go get your 'proper' hello." Eowyn said with a smirk. Lothiriel needed no further instruction, and disappeared on the path to the great Gates, a smile on her face.
oOo
Author's note:
This chapter was a doozy! Don't worry, folks, story's not over. Sorry it was so long, but there really was no other way. But look! They're in love! And they know it! Now comes the fun part: making sure certain Rohirric Kings don't "accidentally" disappear while with certain princes of Dol Amroth…
I really hope everyone's still enjoying the story, and this one has revealed where its name came from :)
Many thanks for the reviews and favorites, they make me so happy!
And if any of y'all get bored with waiting for the next chapter, my other story (a oneshot) Those Whom We Love, is up. A good story for any of you Boromir or Faramir lovers, with a little fluff thrown in. Read or don't it's up to you!