"Aunt Thiri, Aunt Thiri!"

Lothiriel looked up from the flowers she had been tending to see a blur of black and blue come hurtling towards her. Bending down and opening her arms, she laughed as her nephew wrapped his arms around her neck.

"Alphros, you naughty thing, what did your father tell you about running and shouting in the hallway?" Lothiriel asked, her attempt at being stern ruined by her smile. She loved her nephew as if he were her own child; since she and Elphir (and by default, Artanis) had been getting along better, she had even more of a chance to spend time with her tiny nephew. Said nephew's face was flush with excitement and he giggled at her.

"He said it wasn't proper, but I just saw him yelling, so I did it too."

Lothiriel blinked.

"Why was he yelling, Alphros?"

"Oh, it wasn't just Ada yelling. Grandfather, Uncle Erchirion, Uncle Amrothos, and that fluffy man from Rohan were yelling too." Alphros said, shrugging. Lothiriel snorted at Alphros' nickname for Eomer (Alphros had never seen blonde hair before in his life, not to mention someone with hair as long as Eomer's), but was alarmed by the news that her family and her beloved (how nice to be able to think of him that way!) were arguing.

"Do you know what they were arguing about?"

The little boy shook his head no. Lothiriel sighed. "Then we're going to find out." Shifting Alphros to her hip, Lothiriel started down the corridor. As she neared her father's study, she cringed as she heard yelling coming from inside. Alphros buried his face into the crook of her neck and she kissed his forehead. "Don't worry, little one. They're just cranky." Lothiriel soothed. Alphros giggled.

"Aren't you going to stop them?"

"I suppose I should."

Alphros wiggled to be released and Lothiriel put him down. He immediately yanked his tiny wooden sword out of his belt.

"I'll protect you, Aunt Thiri."

Her heart effectively warmed by her nephew's sweetness, Lothiriel opened the doors.

oOo

"Father, how could you consent to marrying her off to a man we hardly know?"

"I'm standing right here, Amrothos! And how can you claim to barely know me, you spent three months living off my hospitality!"

"Eomer, I hope you know what you're getting yourself into with my sister."

"Don't say that Elphir! My sister will not be shipped off to Rohan like some trinket!"

"Since when has Lothiriel been interested in marriage at all?"

"Children, calm yourselves! Eomer, my apologies—"

"Don't apologize to him! I caught him and Lothiriel having a go during Faramir and Eowyn's wedding—"

"How dare you!"

All five men froze, abruptly aware of Lothiriel's sudden presence in the room. Lothiriel was positively seething as she made her way across the room, Alphros trailing behind her like a shadow. Imrahil, ever the peacemaker, attempted to repair the situation.

"Lothiriel, it's all just a misunderstanding, you know how your brothers can be."

The look she gave her father did not promise to be very forgiving. Turning her gaze from her father to her brothers, Lothiriel very nearly laughed. Eomer had Amrothos in some kind of headlock, Elphir had one of Erchirion's arms twisted behind his back, Erchirion's free arm was frozen in its attempt to wack Eomer, and Amrothos appeared to trying to bite Elphir's outstretched leg. Alphros began to giggle quietly, hiding his face in Lothiriel's dress. Summoning up her previous outrage, she glared at all of them.

"You all look like proper fools."

The men seemed to agree, and quickly let go and moved away from each other. Hands on her hips, she gave each man a personal glare. "What," she hissed, "on Middle Earth is the problem?"

Amrothos gave Eomer a poisonous look.

"He fancies that he's going to marry you, Thiri."

"He is going to marry her, you great twit." Elphir grumbled, rubbing his eyes.

"Not if we have any say in it." Erchirion said, glaring at his older brother. Lothiriel resisted the urge to scream.

"Your gall amazes me, Erchirion." She said. "Why should you have any say in whom I marry?"

Erchirion and Amrothos looked horrified.

"Because we're your brothers!" Amrothos pouted.

"Because we want what's best for you." Erchirion said, giving Eomer a look that clearly said not him.

"Did you even consider what I want?" Lothiriel hissed. "Or what I may feel? Of course you didn't! Because I'm only a child, only 'little' Thiri, only a girl! Those days passed long ago, brothers, when you two were miles away and didn't write, when I was here keeping the city from collapsing all by myself at fourteen. You gave up your rights to decide whom I may marry long ago."

Imrahil looked stricken. Amrothos was still unwilling to back down, though Erchirion was looking less and less certain by the minute.

"What do you know of love, Lothiriel?" Amrothos asked scathingly. "You've frightened off every suitor who's ever taken interest in you!"

"Because they wanted me because I was a Princess! A sure shot to nobility, money, and comfort!"

"And how do you know that he," Amrothos nodded towards Eomer, "is different?"

"Eomer is King of Rohan, you imbecile! He could marry anyone in all of Middle Earth and that would not change!"

"Then why marry you?"

Lothiriel glared at her brother and he stared cruelly back; something was severed between them.

"Is it so hard to believe that I love her, Amrothos?" Eomer said, glaring at the youngest prince. "Just because you say the words freely does not mean that we all do."

"My sister is not a common harlot, to be used by foreign lords and then thrown away!" Amrothos yelled.

"No one is throwing me away, Amrothos! I love Eomer." Lothiriel turned to smile at Eomer, who gave her a wan smile in return. "And he loves me. I fail to see what is troubling you."

"What troubles is me is that no one seems to mind sending you off to a faraway kingdom with a man you've known for scarcely seven months!" Amrothos bellowed. Elphir and Lothiriel opened their mouths to protest but were stopped by:

"That is enough." The royals of Dol Amroth's head swiveled in unison to their father.

"Father," Erchirion started, but Imrahil held up a hand, silencing him.

"I called the three of you here because I expected you to be happy for your sister. It is not often that a love match can be made for a daughter of Gondor. Elphir is the only one who reacted appropriately; I have never been more ashamed of you two in your lives." Imrahil paused to rub his eyes wearily. "I need a moment of peace. Please go."

Lothiriel and Elphir exchanged concerned looks; Erchirion moved out into the hallway after Amrothos, who stomped out. Lothiriel kissed her father's forehead before leaving; Imrahil gave her a weak smile and she moved away to take Eomer's hand. Elphir scooped up Alphros and walked beside the couple outside. Amrothos was nowhere in sight; Erchirion was sitting on a bench, looking highly uncomfortable.

"Lothiriel," Erchirion said, but Lothiriel shot him a look, and he fell silent. Elphir touched Lothiriel's shoulder.

"Let him speak, Thiri."

Lothiriel turned back to Erchirion.

"Speak, brother."

"I swear," He began, looking miserable, "I didn't know that you loved him, or he you. Father didn't say that he had already spoken to you about it; I assumed this was an arrangement. I couldn't sentence you to that, Lothiriel. If I'd known, I wouldn't have sided with Amrothos." Erchirion turned to Eomer then, though the latter looked as if he would likely throttle the former, Erchirion continued, "You're a good man, Eomer. I apologize for what I said." He held out his hand, which Eomer grudgingly shook. Erchirion gave Lothiriel a hopeful look, and Lothiriel sighed.

"I forgive you," she said, "because I know you are not rash like Amrothos and did it out of true concern, not for whatever misguided reason Am is citing." Erchirion nodded and Lothiriel hugged him. With a nod towards his brother and Eomer, Erchirion disappeared around the corner. Elphir and Alphros bid them good-bye, and Lothiriel and Eomer were left alone. It was a painful silence, and Lothiriel was dying to say something, but everything that came to mind seemed awkward and wrong. Sighing, Lothiriel settled for wrapping her arms around him and laying her cheek against his chest.

"I'm sorry for my brothers, Eomer."

"Why should you apologize for them?" Eomer chuckled darkly, "In all honesty, it was rather amusing to see Amrothos' horrible attempts to present an adult argument."

"It's not funny."

"Oh, but it is. Erchirion and Amrothos have made it perfectly clear how the people of Rohan are viewed."

"What did they say?"

"More or less that the men are not fit to marry even the lowest Gondorian chambermaid and the woman are loose and unkempt. Why you would want to marry into that, they cannot understand."

"Damn them and their bloody opinions!"

Eomer started. He could not recall Lothiriel ever cursing before, or ever looking quite so angry. Even the expression she had been wearing during her spat with her brothers just minutes ago paled in comparison to the look she was giving Eomer now.

"Erchirion has never even been to Rohan and Amrothos is a fool. How they have reached those conclusions knowing Eowyn, Frea, Eofor, Eothain, the rest of your men, and you, I will never know. I would marry you if you were a stable boy and I was a scullery maid, Eomer, my brother's opinions be damned."

"I don't want to cause a rift in your family—"

"Oh, stuff and bother, Amrothos has never been able to stay mad at me and Erchirion's already apologized. I'm afraid you're quite stuck with me, horse master."

"I'd rather be stuck with you than anyone else in all of Middle Earth."

Eomer's lips quirked up in a half-smile and Lothiriel stood on her tip-toes to kiss him. Eomer chuckled at the realization that she was still quite a few inches below his face and ducked his head to receive her kiss. The kiss barely lasted a few seconds before they both heard a slight cough from behind them. Eomer reluctantly pulled away and Lothiriel flushed red as Imrahil appeared, smiling.

"I am glad to see my sons silly squabbling has not changed anything between you two."

Lothiriel eyed the floor, embarrassed at being caught kissing by her father, unaware that both men were sharing grins over her discomfort.

"Come, come now Lothiriel, do not be ashamed. Unlike your highly irresponsible and irrational brothers," Imrahil paused to scowl slightly (an expression that was very out of place on his typically cheerful face), "am quite pleased with your engagement." He clapped Eomer on the shoulder. "Gods know you're the only man I believe could handle my Thiri."

Eomer laughed and Lothiriel's blush went an even deeper red as she gawked at her father.

"Ada!"

"I am merely jesting, selde. But I am afraid I shall have to steal you away from your fiancé. There is much to plan and Ivriniel wishes to see you." Imrahil said.

Lothiriel grimaced. As much as she loved her aunt, Lothiriel was certain their ideas about weddings were going to clash. She pecked Eomer's cheek before taking her father's offered arm.

"I'll see you at dinner then, Eomer?" Lothiriel sighed as Imrahil chuckled.

"Surely your aunt cannot have that much to say; it is scarcely noon." Eomer said, confused.

"I forget you have not met Aunt Ivriniel yet," Lothiriel grumbled. "She has opinions bigger than the gates of Minas Tirith and a tongue sharper than any sword. I am not likely to see anyone but her until the night."

Eomer frowned; the other alternative to spending the day with Lothiriel was to spend time with Merry and Pippin; whilst the Hobbits were good companions and friends, he certainly had no desire to kiss or tease them. Imrahil, perhaps sensing this, smiled at Eomer and said:

"Perhaps I might entertain you for the day, Eomer. It is the least I can do to apologize for my sons' actions."

Lothiriel beamed at the idea and looked at Eomer expectantly; Eomer could not deny that Imrahil was his friend and spending time with him was typically pleasant.

"Thank you, Imrahil."

"Let there be no formalities between us now, Eomer, you will be my son in just a few months." Imrahil grinned, looking quite pleased with the thought. "I'll return after I escort Lothiriel to Ivriniel so she does not try to escape."

Lothiriel bit her lip guiltily and Eomer snorted.

At least life will never be boring Eomer thought.

oOo

Lothiriel had been correct in predicating she would not reappear from her aunt's rooms until much later; it was nearly eight when she finally came into the dining hall, looking slightly more harried than earlier. She was extremely thankful to see that it was a relatively small group waiting for her. Artanis, Elphir, Imrahil, Merry, Pippin, Erchirion, and Eomer all appeared to be conversing amiably; Amrothos was still sulking, sitting as far down the table from Eomer as he could get. Rolling her eyes at her brother's behavior, Lothiriel called out:

"I'm sorry to have kept you all waiting!"

Everyone at the table eyes flew to her and she received seven smiles; Amrothos remained ominously unresponsive. Imrahil waved her over to the empty chair between himself and Eomer. Judging by the lack of response from this, Lothiriel guessed that he had not announced their engagement.

"Will Ivriniel be joining us?" Imrahil asked.

"In a few moments, Ada, there were a few things she insisted upon looking for."

Imrahil chuckled.

"That does sound like my dear sister. She will not mind if we begin dinner."

Lothiriel shot her father a confused look and Imrahil opened his mouth to respond; at that moment, Ivriniel chose to barge in. She made her way regally to the table, greeted everyone politely, and then proceeded carefully inspect each face until she got to Eomer's.

"Ah, I see the stories are true then! No wonder you've lost your head over him, Lothiriel!"

Lothiriel went scarlet and hissed:

"Aunt Ivriniel, please!"

"Oh pish posh, I suspect this whole table has known for months now." Ivriniel said, waving Lothiriel's mortification away, "And the only one who seems to be ornery about this is your dear Amrothos. Imrahil, I always warned you he was too bold, and now he dares to think he has control over whom his sister marries! As if she needs his approval." Ivriniel concluded, sniffing haughtily at her youngest nephew.

"Oi! Since when were Eomer and Lothiriel getting married?" Pippin cried, looking incredulously between the two. Lothiriel groaned and Eomer massaged his temples as the table (besides Elphir and Imrahil) burst into conversation.

"Congratulations! Oh, how wonderful!" Artanis (whose mood had greatly improved since the birth of her youngest son) squealed happily.

"Hah! Gimli owes me two pints of ale and pipeweed! I knew it would happen before the week was out!" Merry laughed.

"It hasn't been decided, Aunt! Do not encourage them!" Amrothos scowled.

"If only you had inherited your parents' good sense to go with those good looks of yours, Amrothos. I give my full support. You seem to be the only one with qualms." Ivriniel hissed, her grey eyes bearing into her nephew.

"Erchirion, you had best stop drinking the water around here, or you may find yourself a bride soon! Three weddings in a year! And all are somehow related to the others! Bless my Stars…" Gandalf teased, eyes twinkling in mirth.

Meanwhile, Amrothos seemed to have gained an ally in Pippin, who also looked distinctly unhappy. Eomer caught Lothiriel's eyes and darted his eyes to the open door. Lothiriel's face lit up in a smile, and amongst the arguing and excited chattering (and perhaps a spell or two from Gandalf), Eomer and Lothiriel managed to sneak out the door quite unnoticed.

oOo

"I can't believe they haven't missed us!" Lothiriel whispered. Eomer shrugged, but kept up the rather brisk pace down the hallway. Suddenly he was jerked to one side as Lothiriel pulled him down a smaller hallway.

"Lothiriel, where are you taking me?" He hissed. This part of the castle was unfamiliar to him. Lothiriel sighed and spun around to kiss him. Needless to say, he was effectively silenced.

"You worry too much, Eomer-King. Trust me."

Grumbling to himself, Eomer said nothing, allowing her to tug him along behind her. He stopped short when they reached a winding stone staircase, that twisted around a corner and the end could not be seen.

"Lothiriel…stairs…"

He was rewarded with another kiss and a smile.

"It will be worth it, I promise. And the stairs boast a lovely view."

oOo

After what Eomer was sure had been at the very least 500 stairs, they reached the end, where the stairs tapered off into the white sand of the beach. Giving Lothiriel a curious (and somewhat irritated look), she rolled her eyes with a grin before dropping his hand and hurrying over to a rock. She lifted it and produced a blanket, shook it out, and then hung it over her arm. Eomer raised an eyebrow and Lothiriel giggled.

"All will be revealed shortly, my dear horse master."

She took his hand again and twined their fingers together.

If Eothain or Eofor ever find out how much sway she has over me I'll never live it down…

Finally, Lothiriel stopped, looked out over the water, gave a nod, shook out the blanket out again, and then looked expectantly at Eomer.

"I am supposed to do…what?" He asked. She smiled.

"Sit, of course." And with that, Lothiriel plopped quite ungracefully onto the blanket, looking very pleased with herself. Eomer sat down, watching her confusedly.

"We are…sitting on a blanket?"

"I would've thought that was obvious."

"But why are we sitting on the blanket?"

"You don't like sand."

"Lothiriel that is not what I meant."

"Would you rather hide in the castle where they're bound to find us? The beach is pretty at night and they won't think to look here. It seemed ideal." She huffed, drawing away from him onto the furthest corner of the blanket. Eomer smirked and wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her against him.

"Pouting doesn't suit you." Eomer teased.

Lothiriel gave his arm a light swat and moved away; not to the corner but to where she was sitting comfortably beside him. Quite unexpectedly, she lay back, stretching out on the blanket. Eomer remained sitting. Acknowledging the strange look he was giving her, Lothiriel sighed and said:

"I'm looking for shooting stars. Care to join me?"

Eomer leaned over her and Lothiriel's eyes widened as she caught sight of the look in his eyes.

"I've never been one for stargazing." He said gruffly, before leaning down and kissing her.

Aunt Ivriniel's hair would curl if she saw this…blast it all, I don't care!

Her arms moved of their own accord and pulled Eomer closer. Eomer hovered over her, balancing himself on his forearms. Lothiriel bit her lip to hold in the strangled sounds that were coming out of her mouth when he bent his head to kiss her neck; Eomer's hands seemed to have minds of their own and were roaming everywhere they could reach: her hair (safe), her shoulders (less safe), her sides (danger to the nth degree). Lothiriel caught his face between her hands and kissed his lips; Eomer nearly fell completely on top of her when he felt her tongue tentatively brush against his lips. He pulled away and left her kissing the air for a moment. Lothiriel opened her eyes and looked up at him. It took all of Eomer's willpower to not just kiss her again.

"Eomer? Is something the matter?" Lothiriel asked, her voice slightly husky. Eomer groaned and sat up, and Lothiriel followed suit just a few seconds later, anxiously peering into his face. "You're frightening me…did I do something wrong?" Her voice was embarrassed now, bordering on mortification. Eomer chuckled and Lothiriel bristled. "This is not amusing!"

"At least your brothers were successful in keeping you ignorant about some things…" Eomer muttered.

"What things?" Lothiriel asked, giving him a narrow eyed look.

"If we were to continue, I do not think I could stop."

"Stop? Stop wha—OH." Lothiriel's blush could be seen even in the faint starlight. Eomer chuckled again and brushed her hair away from her face. She mumbled something, looking down, and Eomer looked curiously at her.

"Did you say something?"

"I said, 'what if I didn't want you to?'"

Eomer froze and Lothiriel's blush increased. When he finally spoke, his voice was strangled.

"I fear that would be very unwise. And I am not an admirer of sand as it is, much less should it get anywhere besides my face."

Lothiriel nodded, not meeting his eyes. Eomer tilted her chin up. "That does not mean I do not want to. Any man would be out of his min—"

Lothiriel captured his lips in a soft kiss and then pulled away, smiling.

"I know." She leaned back into her previous position on the blanket and motioned for him to do the same.

"Lothiriel—"

"Oh, do relax. I only intend to stargaze."

"Is that what it's being called now?" Eomer teased, grateful for her effortless removal of the more unsavory unspoken things. He earned a swat for his joke and lay back beside her. Lothiriel pulled his arm around her shoulders and snuggled into his side. Stargazing, Eomer decided, was not so bad.

oOo

When they finally made the long trip back (Lothiriel was half asleep and as a result, Eomer had to carry her up the last 50 stairs), they parted with a quick kiss and each hurried to their own rooms. Eomer made it to his without any interruptions and attempted to sleep. Lothiriel was not so lucky. Before she could open the door to her room and lay down on her fluffy, warm, comfortable, bed she heard a loud cough behind her. Suppressing a groan, she turned to find Amrothos glaring at her.

"And just where have you been, sister?" Amrothos asked accusingly. Lothiriel rolled her eyes.

"If you must know, I was on the beach. Stargazing."

"With him?"

"Why ask the question when you know the answer? Good night, Amrothos."

"Wait!"

Lothiriel stopped and looked back at him.

"Lothiriel…Thiri…I have to know…do you love him?" Amrothos asked.

"With all my heart, Am."

"You're sure?"

"Beyond any doubt. Is that what's been troubling you?"

"It just seemed so sudden! You're my sister, my baby sister. I'm supposed to make sure no cretins ever touch you, let alone marry you—"

"Eomer is not a cretin, Amrothos. He is your friend. I was so surprised by you, reacting the way you did."

"How did you expect me to react? If anyone were to marry, it should be Erchirion, he's the next oldest."

"Erchirion has not courted a girl since he was twenty years old."

"But you're the youngest! And what do you know about love? We made sure, we swore to keep men away from you!"

"You were not always here, Amrothos!" Lothiriel cried. "You were off fighting, making a hero of yourself, courting ladies, and there were kisses and silly sweet words when I was still a child. I never fancied myself in love, but I know I am now." She smiled wistfully. "It is as if life was a dream, a lovely dream, but just a dream, unimportant and surreal, and then I fell in love and…everything is infinitely better than before. I pray you will find that one day, brother. There is nothing like it."

Amrothos stared at her, opening and closing his mouth, completely lacking words. Lothiriel giggled.

"Close your mouth, Am, we are not a codfish."

Amrothos chuckled a little at that and pulled his sister into a hug.

"I am sorry, Thiri."

"I know. But it isn't me you need be worrying about."

Amrothos cringed.

"Father?"

"And Elphir. And Eomer."

"Oh bugger…"

Lothiriel laughed and kissed his cheek.

"Good night, brother."

"Good night, Thiri."

With that Lothiriel went into her room, pulled on her nightgown, and dreamed dreams filled with stars and winding staircases.

oOo

Author's Note: Angst and fighting for unlucky Chapter 13! But also some silly banter and good kisses :)

Gosh, this chapter was SO HARD TO WRITE. Sorry for the delay, but I literally sat at my laptop going "uhh uhh uhh I GOT NOTHING." So, I hope this is up to par. And Finduilas88 pointed out some errors, so I tried to do my best to fix them.

Again, thank you all SO much for the continued support. Reviews make me smile (and write quicker) and faves and alerts are ALWAYS appreciated. I hope you're still enjoying it!