Chapter 23: Arrival

Lothíriel watched the spring sun rise slowly. Winter had been harsh, but the fatalities were lower than expected. This chilly morning was languid in its greeting, reminding the Queen of lazy days spent lying in the sand listening to the ocean. Her childhood had been something of luxury and comfort. Rarely had she experienced pain or suffering. But her father made it his duty to educate his daughter about the world. She was taught the history of her land and people so she would not live in ignorance. As a child she'd been feisty but quiet, taking her brothers' lead. Now, as a woman, she was reserved and patient, unafraid to speak her mind but conscious of others' feelings.

Smoothing the bedspread down, Lothíriel glanced around the room that would house her brother, Elphir and his son. The excitement in her heart swelled when she thought of her eldest brother, whom she loved dearly. She longed to see his son, Alphros, who was ten. Elphir's wife, Firiel, was heavy with their second child and unable to make the journey to Edoras.

Lothíriel placed a hand on her own belly, which was still flat. She wondered if she had been mistaken. Perhaps she was not pregnant. But she'd missed her monthly flow. She'd been told that sometimes happens and does not always indicate pregnancy. Lothíriel hoped – prayed – she was with a child. Although he never said a word about it, she knew Éomer longed for a baby. She did too. And the seasons were turning. She would have to conceive soon or she would be labeled barren. She could not bear to disappoint her husband thusly.

"My Lady Queen," a servant poked her head in. Lothíriel turned and smiled. "Your brother is here."

Following the girl, Lothíriel felt her heartbeat quicken with anticipation. Tucking a strand of black hair behind her ear, the Queen of Rohan took a deep breath and stepped into the cold morning light.

Her brother stood beside his horse, an enormously foolish grin on his handsome face as he watched his little sister fly down the steps and into his arms. Although the people of Rohan restrained themselves from such shows of intimacy, Elphir swung his sister around and laughed. She grinned as he put her down.

"I'm still a head taller than you, little Lothi," he teased. She clouted him gently on the arm with a smile. Before she could offer a retort about the size of his intelligence, a ten year old boy slipped off his pony and was running at breakneck speed toward the Queen. She scooped him up and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Valar protect us all," she breathed, laughing. "You're bigger than last time."

"Mother says I'm to be a giant," the little boy exclaimed eagerly.

"Did she now? Well make sure to pat your father on the head when you grow taller than him."

She put the boy down and became increasingly aware of the eyes that watched the trio. The Rohirrim was still getting used to their Queen's physical means of affection and this was awkward for them.

"There he is." Elphir's voice broke Lothíriel of her reverie. She turned to see Éomer coming down the steps of Meduseld. He offered a slight smile to his brother-in-law and grasped his forearm in a warrior's greeting.

"Welcome," the King said congenially. He bent down to the same salutation to his nephew, who received it gladly.

"My lord, this is Prince Alphros of Dol Amroth," Lothíriel introduced.

"Well met, young sir," Éomer said with a grin as he stood up. "I trust your journey was uneventful."

"Drearily so," Elphir replied. "Although I know your land to be beautiful beneath all this snow and cold."

"It should thaw soon," the King stated as they walked up the steps. Lothíriel grasped her nephew's hand as he made his way toward the Hall of the Kings. The boy was in awe at the majesty of the place, just as Lothíriel had been. Elphir and his men sat down at the table for food. Lothíriel sat beside her husband and smiled at Alphros beside her.

Breakfast offered congenial pleasantries between the two kingdoms. Elphir informed Éomer and Lothíriel of the trade market in Dol Amroth, as well as the happenings of King Aragorn and his wife. Éomer explained how he planned to restore Rohan with the use of crops and herding.

Lothíriel enjoyed their easy banter and was pleased at the camaraderie between her husband and brother. She longed to speak to Elphir privately, however, for she noticed shadows beneath his words. Something was bothering him and she intended to find out.

A/N: Short chapter, long wait. It boils down to me being a busy loser. I'm really sorry folks. There should be a steady update. Thanks to Estel la Rodeuse for the ideas!

S