Eomer awoke the next morning and rolled over to move closer to Lothiriel, only to be greeted by an empty bed. Scowling, he sat up.
She's run off already? You would think she'd be happier to see me…
"Good morning, a'mellonamin."
Eomer turned to his wife, who was smiling at him across the room.
"I don't recall giving you permission to leave the bed." Eomer said crossly. Lothiriel gave a soft laugh and moved closer to give him a gentle kiss.
"I wasn't aware I needed permission to leave my own bed, my lord."
"Our bed, my love, and I'm making it a rule from now on." He tried to pull her back into said bed but was stopped by the sad look that crossed her face. "What is it?"
"Amrothos…I need to check and see if he's awake yet…"
Eomer muttered a curse; in his joy at the victory and returning home, Amrothos' injury had slipped his mind.
"Of course." He relinquished his hold on her and moved to get dressed as well. Once they were both ready, she took one of his hands in hers and they walked down the hallway. Imrahil was already standing by the door, looking drawn and pale, but he greeted the couple with a smile.
"He's just woken up, Thiri. He's been asking for you."
Lothiriel's face lit up, and she quickly kissed both her husband and father before disappearing into the room.
"Imrahil, I should've been—" Eomer started, but Imrahil silenced him with a wave.
"What could you have done, Eomer? What could any of us have done? Praise the Valar for Aragorn's knowledge of healing leaves or we might have lost him…" Imrahil trailed off, looking quite miserable. Eomer rested his hand on his father-in-law's shoulder.
"Of all of us to lose an arm, I believe Amrothos will manage the best. No doubt he will use it draw in even more ladies."
Imrahil chuckled slightly and gave Eomer a grateful look.
oOo
"About time you showed up, little sister, I was beginning to think you'd forgotten about me." Amrothos' voice was weak, and he was propped up by pillows, but he still managed to sound nearly the same as he always had. Lothiriel's eyes grew wet at the sound, and she sat down beside him and took his hand in her own.
"As if I could ever forget about you, Amrothos."
He smiled feebly at her and lifted her hand to his mouth to press a kiss to it. Lothiriel's tears fell freely now, and she winced as she saw his left arm, or rather, what was left of his left arm, move as if to touch her face. Amrothos sighed, and the pitiful stump fell back to where it had been resting.
"That'll take some getting used to…"
"Oh, Am…"
More tears.
Why are you crying? You're not the one missing an arm, Lothiriel, stop being such a baby!
"Don't cry, Thiri." Amrothos said quietly, catching her chin between his thumb and forefinger and tilted her head up until their eyes met. "Please."
Lothiriel calmed herself, wiping her cheeks off with both hands, and then attempted a smile. Amrothos chuckled. "You always look prettier when you smile."
She made a funny face at him, over-exaggerating her smile, earning a real laugh. "That was beautiful."
"I try."
The siblings laughed for a few more minutes before it slowly died away, and Lothiriel eyed her brother carefully.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
Amrothos' lips twitched and he looked away from her.
"I don't remember much…one minute I was fighting between Eofor and Elphir, the Orcs were just falling around us, they had no leadership, we'd been fighting them for days and this was to be the last battle….and then…" His hand went to where his left arm ended and gingerly touched the stump, "Pain. You can't imagine it, Thiri, and I would never want you to. Blood everywhere, Elphir went berserk, killing every Orc in sight, Legolas speaking in Elvish to get me to shut up, Eofor was carrying me…I could hardly see…it was as if there was a veil over my eyes…I remember Ada showing up, Gandalf putting me on a horse…and then…nothing. That was five days ago, I believe, and Aragorn tells me I lost…lost my arm two days ago."
Lothiriel moved from her seat and sat next to him on the bed and wrapped her arms around him. Amrothos closed his eyes and leaned into her; with a jolt, she realized he was crying. After a few moments, he said something unintelligible.
"What?" She asked softly.
A tearful mumbled mix could be heard, and Lothiriel pieced the words freak and hideous and deformed out of the jumble. Shaking her head, she stroked his hair.
"Amrothos. You are alive. Alive and safe and exactly the same as you were before."
"In case you hadn't noticed," he said bitterly, "I'm missing a limb, Lothiriel."
"All the more stories you can tell naïve ladies to charm them into your bed."
Amrothos gave a huff of doubt and a cross look. "Amrothos. If a woman truly loves you, whether you're missing an arm or not, she will still love you. If she sees the man you are," he scoffed and earned a pinch, "don't do that, you're a wonderful man, she will love you no matter what. Arms matter little in love."
Amrothos pulled away from her and fixed her with a stare.
"Are you telling me you would still love Eomer were he missing an arm?"
Lothiriel laughed.
"Am, I would love Eomer if he was missing both arms and both legs."
Amrothos made a disgusted face and Lothiriel laughed again. "Do you get my point?"
Amrothos nodded grudgingly.
"Not all women are as good as you, Thiri."
Lothiriel stood and pressed a kiss to his forehead.
"Then they are not the right women for you. You deserve only the best."
Amrothos smirked slightly.
"Well, obviously, dear sister."
Lothiriel rolled her eyes, but paused.
"Do you want me to stay?"
Amrothos shook his head.
"No; go do your Queenly duties; order servants around, clean the Hall, stitch shirts, make heirs—"
"Amrothos!"
"What? According to Eothain, that's the first priority…" Amrothos teased, winking. Lothiriel groaned, vowing to throttle Eothain the next time she saw him. Amrothos leaned back against the pillows and smiled softly at her. Lothiriel's outrage lessened at this and she smiled gently back.
"Are you certain you don't want me to stay?"
"I'm fine, Thiri. If Frea's outside, send him in."
Lothiriel gave him a puzzled look.
"Why?"
Amrothos smirked.
"I want to make sure my banner's still hanging from the walls. I can't have the ladies forgetting about me or Erchirion try to take my place when he visits your city!"
oOo
After sending Frea in and being informed by her father Eomer had been called away by the advisors ("King business is all they would say. We've scarcely been back a day, and they're already demanding his time!" Imrahil had grumbled, irritated), Lothiriel set off, determined to get the whole story of the battle. Rounding the corner, she found Gimli and Legolas, sitting alone at one of the long tables in the Hall.
"Gimli! Legolas!" Lothiriel cried. She had not seen them ride in, and had been fearing some ill had befallen them. Her worries were unfounded; Gimli was the same as ever, mug of ale in hand, plate of food before him. Legolas was also the same, not even a tiny scratch upon his handsome face. She hugged both in turn, earning a chuckle from Gimli.
"If we shall always receive such a welcome from the Queen of Rohan, we may have to visit Edoras on a regular basis, Master Elf." Gimli chortled, making Lothiriel blush. Legolas smiled, and she sat down beside the pair.
"How fares Amrothos?" Legolas asked. Lothiriel gave a tiny shrug.
"He is awake and able to tease." Lothiriel said.
"Excellent!" cried Gimli. Legolas' eyes remained on Lothiriel and she sighed.
"He fears that the loss of his arm will ruin his reputation amongst the ladies. I fear it will ruin his spirits."
Gimli shook his head and Legolas put a hand on Lothiriel's arm.
"He is strong. I do not think you should fear for him; if he has survived thus far, a few silly women's rudeness will not ruin him." Legolas said wisely.
Lothiriel nodded. The group sat in pleasant silence for a few moments.
"Legolas, Gimli," both Dwarf and Elf looked at her, "would you tell me about the battle?"
oOo
We rode three days before we reached the Men who lit the Beacons. Mostly women and children, and the few men that there were were either old or very young, and most lacked weapons. There were Orcs marshaling in the woods West of their village, they said, and they had killed much of their livestock and a few people who had been separated from the group.
Of course, they wanted our help. And we all pledged to give it to them; Legolas' bow, Aragorn's sword, my axe, as well as Eomer's sword and all of his men. It was not long after we arrived that the Orcs began their first attack. I don't know where they came from, or how the escaped notice for so long, but they were a large group. A large group, but a foolish one. It was clear they lacked a leader; something Orcs need if they are to win a battle. What they lacked in planning they made up for in brute force and numbers. In all honesty, we were surprised the people had held up as well as they had for as long as they had.
We fought them for four days with surprisingly few losses. For all their numbers, they were rather lack-luster fighters, often dying without landing a single wound on their opponent.
That might have had something to do with your bow, Master Elf.
Or your axe, Master Dwarf.
You can't be serious.
What's wrong, mellonamin?
Did we say something to upset you lass? That was not our intent!
No, no, I'm just amazed…you two were having another Orc killing contest, weren't you?
Perhaps.
I won. Again. 49 to his 48.
You cheated.
Dwarves never cheat!
Dwarves nearly always cheat and then lie about cheating.
Watch your mouth, princling, or I'll—
Gentlemen? The battle?
My apologies. On the fourth day of fighting, a week to the day that we left Edoras, we were all exhausted. Most of the injuries you saw were a result of that day; including Amrothos' arm.
Neither of us saw it happen, Lothiriel. One moment, we were winning and all were in high spirits; the next, there was a scream and Legolas vanished…I found him a few minutes later with your brother. Twas a ghastly wound, but his arm was not yet gone. Aragorn did everything in his power to try and save it, but by the third night it was clear nothing could be done.
He was incredibly brave, mellonamin. When he was awake, he hardly made a sound. In sleep, the pain showed, but I never feared he would slip away.
I agree. The Lords of Dol Amroth are made of stout stuff; it would take more than the blow of some Orcish blade to rob Middle Earth of such life.
I see that look in your eyes; you needn't have worried for Eomer at all. He is a valiant fighter and much beloved by all his men. Orcs cringed at the very sight of he and Aragorn riding into battle; I believe the felled more than even Gimli.
I am just so very glad you all returned.
You had best not let your husband catch you kissing an Elf, even if it is on the cheek, my lady.
And what of Dwarves, Master Gimli?
If you kiss the Elf I'm afraid I must demand a kiss as well.
Thank you both for the story. I'll see you before you return to Minas Tirith.
Farewell, mellonamin.
Good-bye, milady. I'm glad we could ease your worrying.
Are you quite sure your heart still belongs to Lady Galadriel? Or am I merely imaging the rosy tint to your face, mellon?
Quiet, Elf, or I'll be informing a certain horse-master of the last kiss you've received and the blush on YOUR cheeks.
oOo
Although Lothiriel was glad beyond words that Eomer had returned home in once piece, there was one thing about his homecoming she could not stand; how little she saw of him.
Of course, she saw him at night, but he was often so tired that he would fall asleep without a word, and on the nights he did not do that, she would already be asleep by the time he returned from the meetings.
Worse than that, Eomer seemed unaware of her anger at the situation. She understood that he was busy, put-upon, and likely exhausted but dammit, wife ranked above advisors, and she was beginning to tire of coming in second place.
oOo
The days passed quickly, and although Amrothos was mending well, when the day chosen for Aragorn, Arwen, Imrahil, Gandalf, Legolas, Gimli, and Elphir and his family(and their small company) to return to Gondor, it was insisted that Amrothos remain behind.
Amrothos did not agree with this decision, and did not hesitate to tell the group as they stood in his room on the morning of the departure.
"You're mad if you think I'm going to let a tiny wound—" Amrothos squawked, outraged.
"I should hardly call a missing arm a 'tiny wound', Master Amrothos." Gimli chuckled.
"You mean the same wound you were bemoaning as life ruining just a day ago?" Elphir asked, wryly raising an eyebrow.
"That's not the point! I'm ready to go home, Elphir, to the sea, to Dol Amroth, to Gondor!"
Elphir and Lothiriel's eyes met; there was real longing in their brother's voice, true pain, and they loathed the sound.
"My friend," Aragorn said soothingly, placing a hand on Amrothos' shoulder, "you will be well enough to travel in a few short weeks. Why not enjoy the hospitality of Edoras just a while longer?"
"You already have the sympathies of many of the lovely ladies Rohan boasts." Gimli said with a wink.
"Including the Queen." Legolas said lightly, shooting Lothiriel a teasing wink.
"I do think our dear Rohirric King is a bit irritated by how much attention Lothiriel is giving you, Amrothos," Merry grinned.
"And how little she is paying him!" Pippin finished with laugh.
"Pippin!" Lothiriel hissed amongst the laughter of the rest of the room.
"It's true, selde." Imrahil chortled.
"Probably has something to do with heirs…" Amrothos teased. Lothiriel, mortified, turned bright red.
Arwen, sensing her discomfort, led her outside Amrothos' room while the rest of the group (minus Artanis and her boys) continued the joke at her expense.
"It's lucky Eomer was busy, or he'd have Pippin and Merry's heads." Lothiriel huffed. Arwen laughed softly.
"They mean well. They only are trying to lessen Amrothos' foul mood."
Lothiriel hugged Arwen tightly.
"Must you return to Minas Tirith so soon?"
Arwen let out a musical laugh and looked fondly at her friend.
"Dear one, I have been here for nearly a month! I am a Queen as well, and I must return home before I can no longer do so."
Lothiriel froze and stared blankly at her Elvish friend.
"Mani?" Lothiriel asked in a hiss. Arwen smiled softly and allowed one hand to drop to her stomach. Lothiriel let out an excited squeal and hugged her friend once again. "Arwen! Congratulations!"
Arwen hushed her, laughing gently.
"Speak softly, dear one, one never knows what ears may be listening."
"And by ears, you mean Hobbits?"
Arwen smiled and nodded, earning a giggle from Lothiriel. "In all seriousness," Lothiriel said, "I am so very happy for you. And Aragorn."
"Mellon le. It will happen for you and Eomer as well."
Lothiriel's face paled at that and Arwen gave her a curious look. "Does that frighten you?"
"Yes…and no." Lothiriel admitted. Arwen waited patiently for her to continue.
"I adore children. Their optimism, their sweetness, their mischief. Which might explain my love for our dear Hobbits," Lothiriel chuckled, "but my mother died when I was small…very small. What do I know of being a mother? Yes, I love Alphros and Elivir, and playing with them comes naturally to me, but raising a child?" She paused and looked away from her friend. "The thought terrifies me."
Arwen smiled sympathetically.
"The unknown frightens us all. But, dear Lothiriel, I believe your fears are unfounded. You have no problem with loving people, much less a child that is yours and of the man you love."
Lothiriel flushed and Arwen laughed again.
"That's another reason I wish Amrothos could go back to Dol Amroth." Lothiriel half-groaned, a smile on her face. "He's dead set against the ideas of nieces or nephews."
"I wasn't aware that was something he held sway over." Arwen teased. "Perhaps Eomer should be worrying…"
"That's not funny." Lothiriel said, shooting Arwen a half-hearted glare, to which the Elvish Queen responded with a heart-warming smile.
"I speak in jest, dear one. You should value the time you have with your brother. All too soon, it may come to an end."
There was deep sadness in Arwen's voice and Lothiriel cringed. For all the love she had for Aragorn, it was clear that the passage of her father and brothers to the Undying Lands was weighing on Arwen's heart. Lothiriel put a comforting hand on her friend's arm and Arwen managed a small smile.
"I am happy he is staying." Lothiriel said softly. "If only so that I can keep him out of trouble."
Arwen's face brightened and she gave Lothiriel a nudge; Amrothos was attempting to exit his room, aided up by a laughing Elphir as the rest of the men either groaned or roared with laughter.
"That feat, my friend," Arwen laughed, "is too much for any one woman to manage."
oOo
"You would think I would be used to saying good-bye." Lothiriel said tearily as Imrahil wrapped her in a tight embrace.
"I do not think that is something one ever becomes used to, selde." Imrahil chuckled warmly. "And I do think your husband will be quite glad to have us all out of his hair and have you to himself."
Lothiriel flushed and looked over at Eomer, who was smirking slightly as Pippin and Merry reenacted Amrothos' earlier bid for escape.
"You're forgetting, Ada," Elphir commented, "not all of the Gondorians are returning home today."
"Yes, and Valar bless your sister for putting up with Amrothos." Imrahil laughed. "We can only hope Eomer will not send him back to us in a box."
Lothiriel giggled and allowed Elphir to engulf her in a hug; he was followed by Artanis, and then Alphros ("You have to come and visit Dol Amroth, Aunt Thiri, it's still your home!"). Aragorn and Arwen were next, and Lothiriel threw her arms around them both, earning a chuckle from Aragorn and a warm smile from Arwen.
"Aa' menealle nauva calen ar' malta," Lothiriel said happily, "for all three of you."
Aragorn winked at her and Arwen smiled wider.
"I knew it!" Merry (who had subtly been eavesdropping to Lothiriel's left) cried. "I want that pipeweed and my two pints of ale as soon as we get to the Green Dragon Pippin!"
"Stuff and bother!" Pippin scowled. "Why must you always be right?"
"Everyone knows I'm the brains amongst us, Pip." Merry teased, earning a punch to his arm from his kinsman.
Lothiriel rolled her eyes at their antics and the King and Queen of Gondor merely shrugged amusedly; there was very little they could do now that Merry and Pippin knew their secret. In an effort to distract the Hobbits before they announced the new-found information to all present, Lothiriel bent to be at their height and opened her arms.
"I do hope pipeweed and ale are not more important than saying good-bye to a friend." Lothiriel said.
Instantly both Hobbits had their arms around her, murmuring 'of course not's' and Gandalf laughed.
"And now we see that Gondorian charm." He teased, earning a wink from Lothiriel over the Hobbits' heads.
"You must visit us in Hobbiton, my lady." Merry said.
"We will give the grandest party you've ever seen! Even grander than old Bilbo's, I reckon, and Frodo will be there, and Sam…promise you'll visit?" Pippin asked, looking quite forlornly up at the Rohirric Queen. Lothiriel laughed and gave both of them a gentle squeeze.
"Yes, yes, I promise to come visit the wonderful city of Hobbiton and be present for this 'grand party.' Although," she dropped her voice in a conspiratorial whisper, "you had best invite Gimli as well, so it can be decided once and for all who hosts the best parties."
The Hobbits grinned wickedly and nodded.
"We can best the Dwarves." Merry said, Pippin nodding in agreement.
"Best the Dwarves in what, may I ask?" Gimli asked, appearing behind the trio. The Hobbits flushed and hurried away, stuttering excuses. Lothiriel grinned at Gimli and Legolas.
"I must beg that you both must return to Edoras as often as possible, Master Dwarf and Master Elf. Whom else might I rely on to give me descriptions of the battles?"
"Will we always be welcomed as we were a few days ago?" Gimli teased, waggling his eyebrows.
"Perhaps." Lothiriel giggled, earning a strange look from Eomer.
"Tenna' ento lye omenta, mellonamin." Legolas said. Lothiriel smiled fondly at him.
"Namaarie, Legolas. I will miss you both."
Gimli harrumphed something quietly, Legolas merely smiled back; neither Elf nor Dwarf was prepared for the kiss on their cheek from the grinning Queen. Eomer's eyes darkened murderously across the room, and the friends found themselves suddenly very glad to be returning to Gondor.
"Are you trying to get us killed?" Gimli hissed. Lothiriel shrugged, smirking.
"I believe it was due. I still haven't forgotten that bet."
Legolas snorted and Gimli groaned.
"That foolishness is hardly worth risking our lives, lass!"
Lothiriel waved her hand, shooing Gimli's argument away.
"I think you underestimate dear Lothiriel's knowledge of her husband's temperament, Master Dwarf." Legolas said quietly. "And how much sway she now holds over him."
"Don't let him hear you say that." Gandalf joined in, chortling. "No man wants his friends to know his wife has got the better of him."
"Mithrandir!" Lothiriel cried indignantly. Gandalf chuckled and put an arm about her shoulders.
"All newly married men are that way; I meant no offense." He soothed, and Lothiriel sighed, giving him a warm look.
"My friends, we must leave now or I fear we shall never leave." Aragorn said. The departing group reluctantly went to their horses, and Lothiriel gave each of her family one last embrace before they went.
oOo
They had scarcely been gone in hour when Lothiriel, in the middle of trying to finish her letter to Eowyn, was interrupted by the door of her room flying open with a resounding bang, revealing a thoroughly angry looking Eomer.
"And just what," he growled, "may I ask, was that?"
Lothiriel blinked innocently, setting down her quill.
"I don't believe I know what you're talking about."
Eomer seethed as Lothiriel struggled to hide a giggle.
"Don't play bloody innocent with me! You kissed that damn Elf!"
"And Gimli, and Pippin, and Merry…oh, you shouldn't forget Gandalf as well…"
Eomer's face bypassed red and was heading for purple; Lothiriel could no longer hold in her laughter.
"I fail to see what is so amusing!" Eomer thundered.
"I am just amazed that you even noticed!" Lothiriel laughed.
Eomer scowled.
"Meaning?"
"Eomer, despite the fact we share a bed every night, I have not spoken to you in days."
"Are you suggesting I ignore my advisors? My people? My kingdom?"
"No! I just…" Lothiriel floundered, unsure of how to make her point without sounding selfish or childish. "I just wish there was enough time for me not to be ignored as well."
Eomer's anger drained as he looked at his wife. She looked so small in that moment, uncertain and guilty. In four steps he crossed the room and had her in his arms; she looked curiously up at him, confused by the sudden change of emotion.
"It would appear," he said softly, "that I should be the one apologizing."
Lothiriel shook her head and buried herself closer to him.
"No, Eomer. I was petty for kissing them; I should have just told you—"
"I'll not disagree with you on that," Eomer said darkly, "but I should not have to be told that you are unhappy, I should just notice."
"I'm not letting you take all the blame for this, a'mellonamin.
I've always been good at hiding my emotions that I don't want others to see."
A teasing grin lit up Eomer's face.
"Is that so, my love?"
Lothiriel gave him another confused look and nodded. Eomer leaned down and pressed a kiss to her neck; Lothiriel gulped quietly and pressed tighter against him. "I'll have to disagree."
"Mmm, but whoever said I would want to hide those emotions from you?" She whispered. Eomer smirked and kissed her; within moments the argument and discussion was forgotten, and Lothiriel learned the meaning of the phrase 'good things come to those who wait.'
oOo
Across the hall, Amrothos wished for the thousandth time that he had gone back to Dol Amroth.
By the Valar, he groaned, pressing a pillow over his head, why couldn't those bloody Orcs have cut my ears off instead?
oOo
Author's Note: I am SOSOSOSOSOSO sorry for the HORRIBLY long wait!
So this chapter was lots of fun to write, and I tried to pair humor with a bit of seriousness, and I hope it's balanced enough. I'm sorry if Amrothos waking up so soon after losing an arm seems unrealistic, but I really didn't want to leave him asleep for a long period of time. Let's just say Aragorn/Gandalf did some healing magic and the pain was lessened or something. It's my story, and I can do what I want! But anyways…yes! to my dear WargishBoromirFan, Eldarion is for sure, much to Merry's delight. Poor Pippin, he's never going to win his pipeweed back. As for Amrothos' arm; I know a few of you want to have my head for doing that to him, but he's going to be just fine. As long as Eomer doesn't kill him for meddling in his marriage. Which Amrothos will. Speaking of Amrothos…poor dear, being subjected to hearing Eomer and Lothiriel's, ah, "making up". Can't say he doesn't deserve it though, the ladies' man that he is. As for Lothiriel's messing with Eomer…as you can see, it's resolved. The idea came to me and I couldn't get it out of my head, and I hope you all enjoy it :)
A MOMENT OF SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION: For all of my Amrothos fans over there, my other story The Road Goes Ever On and On's newest chapter is in Amrothos' POV and pretty amusing, if I do say so myself. Please, if you want, read and review :)
I don't know when the next chapter will be up, but I am FINALLY on spring break, so it may be soon.
Or not. You never know, and I don't want to give anyone false hope that it will be updated tomorrow (which I can assure you it won't) or anything like that.
Reviews, helpful critiques, faves, and watches are the best :)
Translations:
Mani: what?
Aa' menealle nauva calen ar' malta: may your ways be green and golden
Tenna' ento lye omenta: until next we meet
Namaarie: Farewell