Fun indeed it was.

Eomer rode ahead of his guards in the company of the pretty little princess from the sea. She kept her back straight as she sat in her saddle as every lady of Gondor rode, side-saddle. Stiff back, legs on one side of the horse, her hands delicately touching the reins. Eomer could not control himself any longer. He let out a loud roar of laughter. If her attempt was to try to intimidate him with her elegant ways and title, then she had failed miserably. He continued to laugh; she had ridden with all manners of a lady, keeping her eyes on the distance before them, barely moving as if she were a finely etched figure that had to be kept carefully cared for. He was crying with laughter by then, while the charming etched figure eyed him apprehensively.

"What humorous events cause the king to laugh uncontrollably?" she asked her gazed becoming scrutinising.

"Would you prefer the king to give you an honest answer, my lady?" he asked, wiping his eyes.

"If you would be so generous."

He chuckled again, noticing the firm look on her face. What an act! "You, my lady."

Her eyes widened, cheeks becoming instantly reddened. "You... you make fun of me, my lord?"

The sincerity in her words made him laugh ever more. Whom was she trying to fool? he wondered.

"Sweet princess of the dawning day, I must ask why you are covering your true nature over with this pompous attitude?"

Her mouth opened at his words, yet disbelief silenced her for several moments. "Certainly a princess of Gondor must behave in such a manner, despite her true nature."

"Hmmm." Eomer rode in silence, watching the rolling wind against the grasslands ahead of them. "May I inquire as to how you have come to this sudden change of attitude?"

He saw her gulp, taking in a deep breath before speaking. "My behaviour when we first met was most... disgraceful upon my family, the Princes the Dol Amroth. I am a true princess of Gondor; therefore if I behave in a frivolous manner, I am putting shame on my name."

Eomer scoffed at her excuse. "Please, I have seen your brothers flirt among the ladies of my court, your father giving no regard to their behaviour. You may desire to hide your true identity in Gondor, but here you may only be known as Lothiriel, especially in my presence."

They eyed each other in thought, Lothiriel giving him the smallest of smiles to show her gratification. "I was also warned away from you by my old governess, who is now my head lady-in-waiting."

"Ahh," Eomer let out, remembering meeting that old, haggard woman who dressed like an old maid and did nothing but glare at every man who laid eyes upon the princess. Eomer brought Firefoot to a sudden halt, signalling his guards to remain at a reasonable distance. He dismounted, walking over to where Lothiriel sat perched high up on her palfrey. "And now we can behave as our true nature's desire."

Lothiriel frowned at his words, yet her eyes showed a spark of thrill. "As tempted as I am, my lord, I shall not disgrace my family's title."

Eomer rolled his eyes, gently placing his hand on her outer thigh. Her eyes widened at his touch. "I mean no insolence, my lady. I will respect your title and honour. Now allow me to help you dismount."

"What are we going to do here?" she asked after dismounting, straightening her skirts.

Eomer grinned, mischief in his eyes. "Tis a hot day, my lady. I am inviting you for a pleasant swim in the lake just over that hill."

"A swim, my lord," she replied in a blank voice.

"Surely a sea princess can swim."

"Of course!"

"Well then, with no further delays." He picked her up in his arms, causing her to squeal with half fright and amusement. "Let us pretend - while honouring your title - that we are nothing more than simple people living in a time of peace."

"My lord-"

"Come now, we do not have all day." Eomer carried her over the hill and came into full view of a large lake surrounded by high grass, with a few huts in the distance and horses grazing away without a care in the world. "No one shall ever know."

"My lord-"

"Let me know if the water is cold or not," he said.

"What-"

She had no time to comprehend before the great new king of the Mark let go of her legs, causing her toes to touch the points of the long grass, right before he dropped her into the shallows of the lake.

Splash!

Eomer laughed, knowing he had done all he could to prevent her from getting hurt. Indeed, she was not hurt, but emerged splashing around, with wet, dripping hair falling around her face; her beautiful riding outfit completely sodden with mud and weeds. Eomer placed his hands on his hips, admiring his work. Yes, indeed, he thought proudly, watching the beautiful, poise princess of Gondor sitting in the shallows of the lake, glaring at him. Seeing his amused face, Lothiriel could not help but burst aloud with laughter herself.

The day had only just begun, now let us see what fun they can have while they swum.