Lothiriel stared out the window longingly, watching the sun sparkle on the bright blue sea. She was vaguely aware that her aunt was speaking to her, but paid her no mind. What person would want to spend a day like this inside? Why was she being forced to stay indoors when the sun was so painfully and obviously calling her name? A tight tug on her back reminded her.
"Lothiriel, are you listening to me?" Ivriniel asked. Lothiriel sighed and tore her eyes away from the window.
"I'm sorry Aunt, I must have dozed off."
"This will be one of the most important decisions of your life, Lothiriel! It would do you well to pay attention." Ivriniel huffed. Lothiriel rolled her eyes, smiling slightly.
Aunt Ivriniel always did have a flare for the dramatic.
"Aunt Ivriniel," Lothiriel paused as the dress-maker gave the strings at her back another tug, "although I agree that it is important, I fail to see how the color of the place settings are one of the most meaningful decision of my life."
There were giggles from all the serving girls and a scowl from her aunt for her response.
"I would make you scrub the floors for your cheek," Ivriniel scowled, her stony visage ruined by the smile pulling at her lips, "were I not afraid of ruining your mother's dress."
Lothiriel smiled and ran her hands over the smooth fabric of the dress she was wearing.
"It is rather beautiful, isn't it?" Lothiriel asked.
"Darling, you make it beautiful." Ivriniel said. "Your mother would be so proud of the woman you've become." Lothiriel teared slightly at this, but was distracted by another sharp tug at her back.
"Ouch!" Lothiriel cried, whirling to glare at the woman. She stopped, eyes wide.
"You didn't think you'd get away with getting promised to my brother and not telling me without some sort of retaliation did you?" Eowyn teased. Lothiriel shrieked happily and threw her arms around her friend, earning warm chuckles from their audience. Eowyn hugged her back, but the two were quickly separated by Ivriniel and the dress-maker.
"Careful, Lady Eowyn, Lady Lothiriel, or I shall have to redo the strings." The dress-maker chuckled. Lothiriel turned white and Eowyn laughed and moved away. After one last measurement, the dress-maker said, "Alright, my lady, you're finished." Lothiriel grinned and hurried quickly to a waiting hand-maiden, who was holding a casual dress of silver for her to change into. Ivriniel eyed Faramir's new wife. She could see the resemblance between brother and sister, though Eowyn was fair skinned where Eomer was tan, and Eowyn had an air of softness that Ivriniel could tell had once been hidden under a façade of ice; she and Lothiriel's friendly hug was enough to tell the older woman that there was more to the Lady Eowyn then her striking appearance.
"Whatever are you doing here, Eowyn? Bored with Faramir already?" Lothiriel teased, emerging redressed and crossing the room to hook arms with her friend. Eowyn bumped her shoulder against Lothiriel's.
"As if I could ever tire of such a husband! Married life is very different than I imagined, and yet, it is a thousand times better." Eowyn sighed happily, earning a smirk from Lothiriel.
"I think Eomer should have a heart attack were he to here you talk like that. He has been looking for excuses for the past three weeks to ride back to Minas Tirith and whisk you away from your 'corrupting husband.'" Lothiriel giggled. Eowyn laughed.
"I doubt he would have left your side so willingly, dear one. I am very put out with both of you for not telling me the minute you became engaged!"
"How were we to do so, Eowyn? I for one would not care to be interrupted on my honeymoon."
"Shall that be occurring soon then?"
"Eowyn!"
The two friends laughed; unaware of the look Ivriniel was giving them. The older woman cleared her throat, and Lothiriel flushed.
"My apologies, Aunt. Eowyn, this is my Aunt Ivriniel."
Both women curtsied formally towards one another.
"An honor, my lady." Eowyn said.
"No more than it is to meet you, my dear. Now, off with you two, you have much to discuss, and I will not burden you with an old woman's presence." Ivriniel shooed them away, smiling kindly. Lothiriel hesitated.
"Are you sure, Aunt? You would be no trouble to us."
"Nonsense! You are young, newly married and about to be so. I would have nothing to say to interest you. Run along now, and tell your father I will be joining him for dinner."
Lothiriel and Eowyn walked outside at that, chattering like maids and laughing like little girls.
Such life, such joy! Findulias, Sirrin, if only you could see them! How much they remind me of ourselves, long ago, when we were young.
oOo
"You do know he shall have to go back to Edoras and you shall have to stay here." Eowyn said.
It was the first serious comment she had made all day; the rest of it had been spent catching up and laughing until their sides were sore. Lothiriel frowned slightly, nodding.
"I know; tis custom. But that does not mean I have to like it." Lothiriel pouted, looking out at the beach. She could just make out the figures of Faramir, Amrothos, Erchirion, and Eomer, skipping rocks over the surprisingly flat water.
"At least it shall not be six months as it was for me; your father is not as stone-hearted as Eomer." Eowyn teased. Lothiriel smiled, though it did not reach her eyes.
"Such a stupid tradition, really."
"Look at it this way," Eowyn offered, "the sooner he leaves, the sooner you can go to Rohan and claim him. Or be claimed, depending on who's asking."
"And the sooner your honeymoon comes along." Artanis, appearing with Alphros on one side and her youngest son Eilvir in her arms, teased. Lothiriel flushed pink as Eowyn laughed.
"Who are these handsome men?" Eowyn asked. Alphros grinned widely, giving a stilted four-year old type bow in her direction.
"I'm Alphros and that's my brother Eilvir." Alphros said proudly. His gaze shifted from Eowyn to Lothiriel, and he asked: "Aunt Thiri, what's a honeymoon?"
Lothiriel's blush went from pink to red, much to Eowyn and Artanis' immense amusement.
"I'll tell you when you're older dear." Artanis said, intervening on Lothiriel's behalf. Eilvir began to fuss, causing Alphros to retreat behind Eowyn's chair, sending his baby brother a less than happy look.
"He always cries. Erchirion and Amrothos are Ada's little brothers, but they're loads more fun than Eilvir." Alphros scowled. Eowyn laughed softly and set about entertaining Alphros.
"Oh stuff and bother, I've left his blanket! Here, Lothiriel, hold him." Artanis said, gently placing Eilvir into Lothiriel's arms and hurrying off towards her and Elphir's chambers. Lothiriel rocked her nephew softly; he seemed much tinier than Alphros had been, and looked more like Artanis than his brother. Slowly, his eyes fluttered open. They were the same grey-green as her own (and Elphir's).
"Hello there, fëanáro anwamanë." Lothiriel whispered quietly. Eilvir's tiny hand reached out and brushed her cheek; she smiled and gave it a tiny kiss. She was so focused on the baby that she was quite unaware of the returning footsteps; it was not until Alphros cried, "Shh you'll frighten Eilvir!" that Lothiriel even realized she had an audience beyond Eowyn and her other nephew.
"I always knew you would be a natural with children." Faramir said, an adoring smile directed at Lothiriel.
"I am amazed he is so calm with you." Elphir said softly. "He usually wails for hours if Artanis or I leave him, not so unlike Amrothos used to do."
"Oi!" Amrothos hissed, "I just had healthy lungs!"
This earned a quiet chuckle from Erchirion.
"Had? Amrothos, you never lost them."
"We can't all be mutes, brother!"
"Just because I do not speak as often as you does not mean I'm a mute; rather it means that I think before I speak!"
The brothers continued to squabble until Elphir dragged them outside the courtyard; only then did Lothiriel realize Eomer had been present the whole time, and was staring at her quite intently. Eowyn, looking back and forth between Lothiriel and her brother, decided to vacate as well, scooping Alphros up and saying, "My dear young prince, might you show me your favorite place in all the castle?" Judging by Alphros' happy cry, Lothiriel could safely assume he would do just that. Faramir followed his wife out, shooting Lothiriel a wink. Looking back to Eomer, she was slightly unsettled to find he was still staring at her.
"Have I something on my face?" She whispered, eyes moving from him to the tiny boy in her arms. Eilvir let out a soft coo, earning a warm smile from Lothiriel.
"No; I am picturing him with fair hair instead of dark." Eomer said gruffly. Lothiriel's face shot up from where she had been looking at Eilvir.
Children…of course. He's King, he's expected to marry and provide heirs…oh just imagine! A boy, a son with his hair and my eyes…
Lothiriel smiled, imagining this little person, almost seeing him stride into the room, commanding attention (he would be his father's son after all), curling in her arms, riding his horse. Her daydream was interrupted by Eomer, still watching her.
"Were the babe not present, I would kiss you for that smile you are giving me."
As if on cue, Artanis came through the doorway, blanket in hand.
"Elphir's explained; the nerve of your brothers, when you've finally gotten him to hush, to come in here and argue." Lothiriel gently passed Eilvir to Artanis, standing as she did so. Eilvir reached out for his aunt and Lothiriel pressed a kiss to his forehead. Artanis smiled lovingly at her sister-in-law, gave her hand a squeeze, and made her exit.
As soon as the wooden door creaked shut behind Artanis, Lothiriel had crossed the garden and moved effortlessly into Eomer's arms. Her arms went round his neck as he bent to kiss her. These kisses were possessive and bordering on frantic; apparently the fact that he would be returning to Edoras in a matter of days had not slipped Eomer's mind either. After a few minutes, both reluctantly broke away. Lothiriel leaned her head against Eomer's chest.
"Must you go?" She asked.
"You know I do."
"Remind me again why we must marry at Edoras? I see nothing wrong with Dol Amroth." Lothiriel teased. Eomer, however, did take the joke lightly and abruptly moved away from her. Lothiriel remained standing in the same place, confused.
"If you have a problem with my country, it would be best for you to speak it now." Eomer growled. Lothiriel blinked, completely lost.
"I do not have an issue with Rohan. I was merely speaking in jest; it was not my intention to offend."
"Perhaps you should not jest so much."
"Perhaps you should not be offended by such that was not meant in cruelty!"
"Empty-headed princess of seagull droppings!"
"Barbaric king of horse's rears!"
The two glared at each other. Lothiriel was confused and hurt; she had only spoken in teasing, trying to say without saying how much she wanted to marry him, the place did not matter. Eomer was infuriated that she would insult his country, contrary to the fact that she had not intended to do so. He stormed out of the courtyard, leaving Lothiriel to sink down into the nearest bench, wondering horrified what had just happened.
oOo
The Rohirim departed the next morning. Lothiriel was torn between anger and grief; she was so angry at him for leaving without saying good-bye, but at the same time was cursing herself for most likely blowing her chance for love and happiness.
Eowyn comforted her.
"My brother may be angry, though he is an idiot to be so, but he loves you. A silly squabble will not keep him from marrying you. He has always had problems with admitting his faults."
Imrahil soothed her.
"Eomer made no motion to take back your engagement, Thiri. You are fretting over nothing. Let his pride cool."
Elphir pacified her.
"Artanis and I fought before we were married, Lothiriel. Sometimes, it is the fire that is a sign of a strong and harmonious relationship."
Erchirion substituted actions for words, as he was prone to do, and took her riding.
"I can skin him with an arrow if you'd like, though I do not think this is a permanent state, Thiri. I have seen you two enough together to know that there is love, deep and real. He will not throw that away over a spat, especially if he is half the man everyone thinks he is."
Amrothos gloated.
"I told you he was no good! It was a valid point, Thiri; why should you be forced to marry away from home? Stupid horse lord; thinking his thatched hall is greater than the halls of Dol Amroth!"
Needless to say, the conversation with Amrothos had been least helpful.
oOo
The two months passed rather quickly, and on the morning of their departure from Dol Amroth, Lothiriel sat in her mother's garden, her cloak drawn tight around her.
"Mother, what am I to do?" Lothiriel whispered. The only response was the wind tugging gently at her cloak and the flowers swaying the breeze. She remembered something her mother had told her when she had been very small, perhaps five at the most, when Lothiriel had questioned her on love.
"You'll know love when it comes to you, my Thiri. If he makes you dizzy with kisses," the five year old Lothiriel had crinkled her nose in disgust at that, earning a laugh from her mother, "and then furious with him in the next minute, can make you laugh, can make you cry because you don't know what you did to deserve him, protects you but lets you protect him as well, is not only your husband but your best friend, you'll know."
"I'm glad to hear I have admirable qualities as well." Imrahil had chuckled, leaning over his wife and daughter. Sirrin turned to kiss him and Lothiriel had giggled.
Lothiriel blinked, returning to the present.
"Thank you Mother." She said, pressing a kiss to the nearest flower.
I know. I won't let it slip away.
oOo
"Look there, milady!" Pippin cried. Lothiriel followed Pippin's outstretched finger; just ahead she could begin to make out the roofs of buildings. Eowyn was smiling, looking ahead also. She turned to Lothiriel, a wicked grin on her face.
"How does a race sound, sister?" Eowyn asked. Lothiriel grinned.
"Perfect." The two women grinned, casting their surrounding company a quick look (Imrahil, Faramir, and Gandalf were in deep conversation, Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli were laughing about something, Merry and Pippin were badgering Amrothos and Erchirion for food, Elphir was sticking close to his family's carriage; Arwen was the only one watching them, a knowing smile on her face)
"Ready?" Eowyn asked.
"As always." Lothiriel said. The two nudged their horses' sides and set off, ignoring the alarmed shouts behind them.
oOo
"Where are they going?" Amrothos yelped.
"Should we go after them milord?" Merry asked, exchanging an eager look with Pippin, who shifted on his tiny pony excitedly. Imrahil chuckled.
"I doubt we could catch them now. Lady Eowyn knows this area well, I daresay no harm will come to them." Gandalf reasoned. This did not calm most of the group and as a result, the pace was quickened. They reached the main road leading into Edoras and found Lothiriel and Eowyn laughing uproariously and clinging to each other for dear life.
"And what," Gimli grumbled, "may I ask is so funny?"
"Yeah, you could've killed yourselves back there!" Amrothos barked. This did little to stem Lothiriel and Eowyn's laughter.
"Lothiriel, whatever are you laughing at? Speak!" Imrahil commanded. Lothiriel pointed to one of the posts lining the wall of the city. On it, was one of Amrothos' shirts, decorated with a swan covered in rouge kiss marks.
"It would seem not all of your shirts made it back, brother." Lothiriel managed to choke out, before dissolving into laughter with the rest of the company. Amrothos scowled, glaring up at the shirt-banner. Lothiriel and Eowyn climbed back on their horses.
"I'm going to have a word with your fiancé about that, Thiri. That's just not right."
Lothiriel's laughter stopped and her stomach dropped at the word fiancé. It had been so easy to forget, or at least over look, their quarrel on the way here, with the distractions of friends and a fortnight's ride. But now, she was on the verge of entering his city, and the last thing she had called him was "barbaric king of horse's rears!" Eowyn reached over and gave her hand a gentle pressure.
"Everything's going to be fine, dear one." Eowyn whispered. "Just you wait."
oOo
The company made their way through the winding street slowly and under intense scrutiny. Eowyn received many waves and shouts; Amrothos many giggles from all the ladies present, eliciting laughs from his family; Aragorn, Gimli, Merry, Pippin, Legolas, Imrahil, and Gandalf earned bows and warm smiles.
I now know how Eowyn felt when she first came to Minas Tirith's court. Like a rabbit trapped in an eagle's gaze.
Something seemed off in Edoras. Although the people seemed welcoming, they did not seem particularly happy. Leaning over to Gimli, Lothiriel whispered,
"Is it always like this?"
"Nay, lass. The first time I came here, it was far worse. A graveyard looked more cheery. The last time, though, after the war, this place was full of life. Dancing, drinking, feasting; it was almost as good as the celebrations of the Dwarves." Gimli chuckled.
"I fear you are right, mellonamin." Legolas said. "Something is ill at ease."
They reached the steps to Meduseld, where Eothain stood waiting, flanked by Eofor and Frea, all three looking drawn and nervous.
Something is wrong. Something is very, very wrong. Lothiriel thought. She swung herself off Niniel the same time Eowyn did; both hurried up the steps.
"Where is Eomer?" Eowyn asked. Eothain looked at both of them gravely.
"He was injured…" Was all Lothiriel heard before she could hear nothing else; she saw Eothain's lips moving and felt her father come up behind her on one side and Elphir on the other, but could not hear anything.
No. No, no, no, no. Please, no. By the Valar, I'll do anything, anything! Don't let him say it, don't let Eothain tell me that I must go home a widow before I am wed!
Eowyn gave Lothiriel a sharp shake.
"Lothiriel! Come back to your senses." Eowyn said soothingly. Lothiriel blinked. Her brothers were watching her warily, Legolas' hand was on her shoulder soothingly, Gimli, Merry, and Pippin stood around her in a semi-circle, smiling encouragingly. Lothiriel blinked again, and looked at Eowyn expectantly. Eowyn took her hand. "Alright, I'm taking Lothiriel with me. Frea, Eofor, show them to their rooms, please."
With that, Eowyn tugged Lothiriel inside the grand hall behind her. Lothiriel made an attempt to appreciate the beauty that was Meduseld, but could not force herself to care about anything other than where Eowyn was taking her. They weaved down corridors until they finally reached a room where two guards stood outside.
"Heol, Urer."
"My lady Eowyn!" The taller one cried, beaming down at the two women. "And who is this?"
"The Lady Lothiriel, Heol. Might we be allowed passage?" Eowyn nodded towards the door behind him. Heol nodded eagerly, despite the glowering look Urer was giving Lothiriel, who resisted the urge to shirk behind Eowyn.
"Of course, milady! I think he should be glad to see you both, if he's awake." Heol said happily, moving aside.
Lothiriel scarcely had time to process what was being said before Eowyn was opening the door, thanking the kind Heol and the suspicious Urer, pulling Lothiriel into the room behind her, and shutting the door. She was quite unprepared for the sight that met her eyes. Eomer was asleep, chest completely bandaged, with a roaring fire in the fireplace against the farthest wall, close to the bed he was sleeping on. She stared, torn between the urge to cry and the urge to run over, throw herself on the bed, and just touch him, prove to herself she was not imagining this. Eowyn gave her another shake.
"Sorry, Eowyn." Lothiriel mumbled, not tearing her eyes from Eomer.
"What did you think Eothain said? Your face went as pale as snow!" Eowyn worried, moving about the room, filing an available pitcher with water.
"I…I don't know. I didn't hear anything after 'he was injured'." Lothiriel admitted. Eowyn paused and gave her almost-sister a hug; then she crossed the room, pulled a chair to the left side of Eomer's bed, and sat.
"Come, Thiri. Pull that chair to the other side."
Lothiriel did as she was told and sat, eyes still on Eomer. After a few minutes of silence, Eomer moved restlessly; both women froze and waited. He whispered something in sleep; it wasn't until the third time he said it that Lothiriel recognized it as her own name. Eowyn smirked slightly.
"I believe Amrothos is going to owe me money; I told him Eomer loved you more than he was angry."
oOo
Eomer blinked slowly; he felt slightly stiff and particularly sore across his stomach. He tried to sit up and winced; remembering the ambush of the rogue Orcs, he felt his side cautiously. White bandages were covering it, but there would undoubtedly be a scar.
That's bloody perfect. Right before I'm due to be married.
Marriage…to the most infuriating, confusing, sweet, wonderful woman in all of Middle Earth. Who he had called an "empty-headed princess of seagull droppings" when last they were together. Eomer groaned and rubbed his eyes.
"Bema knows why, but she still wants to marry you, you great blockhead."
Eomer looked to his left; Eowyn was sitting, watching him with amusement and relief shining in her eyes.
"Eowyn." Eomer said. Eowyn smiled and got up; leaning over him to kiss his forehead.
"How did you get here?" He asked. Eowyn snorted and sat down.
"While you've been sleeping off your foolish venture, your set wedding date came and went. Bema be praised that your bride is marrying you because she loves you and not for your crown; otherwise the wedding would've been called off a week ago."
A week!
Eomer cursed; that would mean he had been out of it for at least 10 days.
"Where is Lothiriel?" He asked, hoping Eowyn would attribute the tremor in his voice to the pain from his side. Eowyn smiled again and nodded her head to the wall at Eomer's back; he turned his head and was met with the sight of Lothiriel, curled in a chair, book in hand, fast asleep.
"I've been trying to get her to sleep in a real bed since she got here." Eowyn said, voice filled with respect, "but she refuses to sleep anywhere else. She's scarcely left your room, except to eat when Elphir or Faramir makes her."
Eomer felt his heart give a painful twinge at this knowledge; it had not been his goal to cause her pain. Lothiriel stirred; her book fell to the floor with a loud smack and she jumped and sat up. She looked over and smiled softly at Eowyn before realized two pairs of eyes were watching her. Her hands flew to her mouth and tears welled in her eyes. Eowyn quickly rose to her feet, kissed Eomer's forehead again, and crossed the room to the door.
"I'll be right outside if you need anything." She said. "Both of you." The door closed behind her.
Lothiriel slowly got up, eyes still locked with Eomer's. He made another attempt to sit up; his torso rebelled against him, and he made due with moving until he was somewhat propped up by pillows. Eomer cautiously opened his arms to her. In two seconds, she was in his arms (very careful not to touch his injured side), her arms around his neck, crying into his shoulder.
"I-I-I'm s-sorry." She said between bouts of sobbing. Eomer tightened his arms around her.
"You have nothing to be sorry for. I should be the one apologizing—"
His attempt to apologize was interrupted by a searing kiss; Lothiriel's fingers tangled in his hair and she peppered his face with kisses. Eomer caught her chin between his thumb and forefinger and kissed her back. Finally, drained, she nestled her head into the crook of his neck.
"I'll never understand why you would want to marry me in the first place." Eomer said softly, rubbing her back. Lothiriel smiled, reminded of a book she had read when she was young and silly.
"So I can kiss you anytime I want." She said, leaning back to look in his face. Eomer smiled and kissed her gently.
Elphir was right. Fire and fighting makes the making up all the more better. Lothiriel thought.
oOo
Author's Note: Chapter 14! Holy cow guys, I can't believe I've written this much. So yeah, a bit of fighting and stuff. I don't believe in perfect relationships (I've never been in one), so I thought some argument, some "drama" (God I hate that term!) was needed to show even good, strong couples have their issues too. But don't worry. Next chapter is all the wedding goodness!
Thanks again for all the reviews, favorites, alerts, and just for reading! You guys are AMAZING. Don't forget, I'm writing this story for all of y'all! I have very little to do with it :)
Also, once I'm finished with this story (as much as I hate to say it, it is coming, not too soon, but it'll creep up) I would LOVE ideas for another one. Any fandoms y'all are interested in? Suggest them! I'm open to all kinds of ideas.
Thanks again for all your support. I couldn't do it without you!
EDIT: Whoops, I keep forgetting to translate the Elvish and reference things that aren't mine :/
Eilvir basically translates to 'sea stone', or something like it. It's after the pattern of Boromir and Faramir.
Fëanáro anwamanë=little one in Elvish
Amrothos' shirt….well let's just say he's made a LARGE impression on the ladies of Edoras ;)
I do not own the "Whatcha wanna marry me for?" "So I can kiss you any time I want." Scene. Clearly that comes from Sweet Home Alabama, and I am just borrowing.
Thanks to angelic-bitch for reminding me to cite!