Chapter 26: the Long Road
"I wish I did not have to leave you," the King of Rohan stated with a dejected expression, his hands grasping his wife's. His response was a gentle smile as Lothíriel drew his hands to her lips. They stood in the solitude of their chambers, Éomer dressed to travel, helmet awaiting him on the table. It'd been nearly a month since Elphir's visit and spring was finally settling into the country. Only two days prior, the King received a missive requesting his presence in Gondor to meet with Aragorn.
"Were I not with child I would accompany you," Lothíriel replied with a reassuring smile. Éomer's placed a hand on her still flat belly with a nod. Having only discovered her pregnancy a mere three weeks ago, neither wanted to chance another miscarriage. The man had become a being of constant concern and nerves when it came to his wife's well being. As irritating as it could be to have him worry for her every movement his anxiety was endearing. For her part, Lothíriel had neither slowed down nor halted her daily activities, despite the fretting of her husband. Even now as he prepared to leave, she anticipated the rush of words that poured clumsily from his lips.
"You must take care not to overstress yourself, Lothíriel. Don't go riding for more than an hour's time and nothing more than a walk. If you become tired you should rest immediately – don't wait. Your ladies will be at your side should you need assistance or a moment of respite."
"Éomer," the woman laughed. "I promise I will not overexert myself but you must take care as well. All this worry cannot be healthy."
"I cannot help it," he conceded with a sheepish glance at her midsection. The Queen of Rohan grinned and embraced him in response, her chin resting on his shoulder. His arms came around her comfortably, eyes closing as he breathed in her scent. In the two months after her abduction the couple had become significantly more affectionate, especially after news of her pregnancy.
She felt warm and inviting in his arms, but the morning was late and he needed to set off. His company was likely waiting for him, respectful of his delay but eager to leave as well. It was a week's ride to Gondor and the road was not particularly easy or smooth. With a lamenting sigh Éomer unfastened Lothíriel from his grasp, a quirk of a grin on his lips.
"I'd best not keep my men waiting." She nodded her agreement, picking up his finely polished helmet as he fastened the dark cape against his collarbone. After handing the item (which was more symbolic than necessary at this point) to him, the Queen accompanied her husband as they vacated the chambers. He could feel the warmth of her body as they progressed, wishing he did not have to leave the comfort of their bed to make his trip. Despite this, Éomer was eager to see Aragorn, a close and dear friend, as well as his sister. Leaving his wife was regrettable and the journey would be far less bothersome with her at his side, but he accepted that her safety was paramount.
Upon bidding farewell to the chief members of his staff the King stepped into the crisp spring morning, his riding gloves handed to him by Lothíriel. His men awaited his call to mount, their horses standing quietly with practiced patience. Gamling greeted his King with a nod as Éomer took Firefoot's reins from him. Turning to Lothíriel Éomer offered a smile. She returned it before dropping into a customary curtsy before her lord.
"A swift and safe journey, my King," she murmured as she rose to meet his eye. Every inch of him longed to reach for her and delay their parting, if only for another moment. But he swallowed such foolishness down as he squeezed her hand.
"I will relay your regards to your father and brothers," he returned, a task she'd charged him with almost immediately after they'd received King Elessar's request. "Keep well, Lothíriel. I look forward to impending returns."
With that the King mounted, his company following suit. Gamling gathered his sorrel mare's reins in a loose grip, offering the Queen a respectful bow of the head. Once his group assembled, twelve in total, the King gave the sign to move out, casting a final glance at his wife before wheeling Firefoot about to lead the men.
"May the Valar keep you well, Éomer King," Lothíriel called out the customary farewell as a tiny trail of dust rose under hoof. The company trotted down the hill with curt nods and raised hands as they passed the people. As much as he would've desired to cast his gaze behind them to find his wife, knowing she would be standing on the balcony until they quitted the gates, he knew it wiser to keep on. This journey would mark the longest time they'd spent apart, which made him uneasy especially with her pregnancy. He feared that which he couldn't speak of for fear of distressing her. But he knew the events that transpired during her first pregnancy lingered between, unspoken but ominous.
Collecting these concerns and storing them in the back of his mind, Éomer focused on the impending meeting between himself, Aragorn, Faramir, Imrahil and the Gondorian Council. It was a relief that Aragorn maintained their alliance by inviting Éomer (though he expected no less from the man) and it would be beneficial to discuss politics without currying letters. Leading his company from Edoras, the King of Rohan steeled himself against the impending loneliness and gathered his strength for the journey.