Over a year... I'm so sorry but finally here it is. And I promise the next chapter will be ready very soon.

Chapter 27

Edoras, 17th October 3020

Looking out the window across the plains of Edoras, the King of Rohan sighed. He was so tired of all the meetings, the quarrelling, the nagging voices. He missed being simple a soldier, another man among so many. Just a nameless face. Just another companion, another friend.

"So, is that all for today?" he asked, praying for the answer to be yes. Alas, his prayers were not heard.

"My Lord... May we addressed another matter?" an elderly man asked, carefully.

Éomer raised a brow at his tone. This could mean only one thing…

"And… what would that matter be…?"

"Your need for a queen, Sire…"

Here we go again...

Éomer let his head hang between in hands as the conversation progressed. It wasn't a new theme. Lately, his advisors pressed on the matter at the end of each and every meeting.

"And especially an heir." Another said.

Several others agreed.

"It would be safer to have an heir." One of them said.

Éomer raised his head and faced his council.

"Béma help me... How many times do I have to say..."

"We are only concerned…We know you are still young, my King, but one can't predict the future."Another added. "If anything happens…"

"Oh for Béma's sake! This is ridiculous!" Éothain said."You have to be joking! The man is in his prime!"

"Of course... We mean no disrespect…" Yet another said. "Still, you have to agree… Rohan needs a Queen!"

"And now is the time, while we enjoy these moments of peace! We think..."

Finally, Éomer had enough.

"Gentlemen." He said, drawing everyone's attention. " We will have no more discussion on this subject. What you so idly discuss, is my life and my future. Hence, the decision is ultimately mine. And right now, that is not a priority to me. I don't think there is any rush to find a queen or produce an heir. Are we clear?"

"But milord..."

"Enough!" He stressed, standing. "Now, if there is nothing more, I call this meeting adjourned."

No one had the courage to say any more. The council hastingly left the room, except one.

Éothain staid behind while the others left the study. He watched the king walk to the fireplace and stir the fire.

" I don't know how you stand them..."

Éomer turned to face his friend. He was clearly fuming but trying hard not to explode.

"They are my council but I grow weary of the nagging of these advisors! Every day, they press. Why they want so badly to wed me out, I cannot tell!"

Éothain snorted.

"Can't you, Éomer? All of them have daughters of marrying age..."

"Oh, please! You don't think..."

"Oh, yes I do and so do they! I'm sure they are all very loyal to you and very loyal to their land, my friend, but let's face it... To be a part of the royal family is something to aspire to. A tale as old as time."

Éomer closed his eyes as his hand swept across his brow, trying to ease the increasing headache.

"Great…It just what I needed..."

"Well…You are King now, after all."

"Yes… I never had fathers through their daughters at me when I was just a marshall."

Éothain laughed, drawing Éomers' attention.

"Come now, you were never just a marshall! You were Third Marshall of Rohan! The King's nephew!"

"True, but Theodred was the heir. Not me… Fathers threw their daughters at him, then. I wish they did still."

Éothain could see the sadness in his friend's face.

"You want my opinion? What you need is a bit of time for yourself! Sometime out of here..."

Éomer laughed at that.

"Éothain, be serious. I can't leave Edoras now."

"And why not? The political situation is calm, Edoras is starting to bloom, there aren't any news of raidings by Orcs, your sister is in Ithilien arranging the wedding...Why not indulge in some time to yourself? And it would send a message to all those eager fathers out there! A sort of don't-pressure-me, you know?"

Éomer smiled but in his mind the idea of some time off was settling down.

"You're insane! But you know... I think you might right..."

"Of course I'm right! I'm always right. And I know just the thing! Don't worry about anything, I'll arrange it! Just be prepared to leave in a couple of days!"

The King had to wince.

"I'm always afraid of your plans, my friend."

Éothain laughter roared in the room.

"Oh, come on. I'm not that bad!"

"Oh, really? Do I need to remind you of that last time we embarked in one of your leisure trips? We ended up in a brothel in the middle of the Eastfold!"

Éothain faked a look of shock.

"How was that my fault? That wasn't my fault! We got lost in the fog! And then it was raining so hard, we needed a place to stay! It happens! But it turned out fine. In fact, it turned out to be quite some days, hum? Good times!"

"Good times? You're joking!"

"What?"

"Has age made you lose memory!"

"What are you talking about?"

"You had us thrown out in the middle of the night!"

"That was a simple miscalculation error!"

"A miscalculation error?"

"Yes! How could I know that the girl was the inkeeper's daughter and not one of the...workers?"

"What? Come on! She was wearing a white conservative dress!"

"So? It could be her thing...you, know, the innocent look!"

The Rohan King laughed hard.

"Éothain, she was reading a book on spirituality by the fireplace, in a secluded room!"

Éothain paused at that.

"Well, no argument there...But, religious or not, I guarantee you she was more than willing to join me in my room for the night!"he gave the King a sly smile. "And what a night..."

"Ha, I don't want to know!"

"Fine... Spoil sport!"he whispered. Then added. "So, can I arrange something, my liege?"

"I'm King now, Éothain..."

"Relax, will you? I was just thinking about a hunting trip this time! Something simple. Just some guys and fair game."

Éomer shook his head and gave in.

"All right, then. Arrange it. Let's get out of here and do some hunting."

Éothain smiled.

"You won't regret it, I promise!"

As he was leaving, he heard Éomer.

"Éothain?" Thank you. For everything. You're a good friend."

"You're welcome, my King."

Imladris, 20th October 3020

Autumn was a beautiful season in Imladris. The falling leaves and the brown tones gave the citty an even more magical feel, if such a thing was possible.

I think it's my new favourite time of the year, Lothíriel thought as she prepared her morning tea in the grand kitchen.

The staff was already used to her there. From the very beginning, she had made it clear she wanted to help. The idea of sitting idly all day, reading and sewing… That certainly wasn't her!

"I should have known."

Lothíriel turned to gage upon one of the twins entering the kitcken.

"I came by your bedchamber to invite you to break your fast with me and here you are!" Elladan said.

Lothíriel smiled brightly.

"Elladan! You are here! When did you arrive?"

She embraced him and felt comfort in his touch.

"Late in the night. Elrohir and I decide it was time to return. We wish to stay close to home for a while."

"That was a good thought, mellon mín. Your father will certainly appreciate it. Come let find something for you to eat. Sit!"

"You move well around the kitchen!"

"You know me… I had to do something. Be at least helpful to this household." She placed a jar of sweet jam in the table. "Besides, I have a child now! My days with long mornings in bed are over!"

Elfwine gigged from his place in a soft blanket by the opened door to the garden.

"By Valar, he has grown!"

"I know… and so smart! Every day he amazes me!"

Elladan looked softly at Lothíriel.

"Motherhood suits you, my sister."

"Thank you…And you? Your journey here was good? And did you have a good night's sleep?"

"The best… I can only sleep peacefully here. Everywhere else, my dreams are haunted."

Lothíriel felt her heart sank.

"But the war is over, Elladan…"

"Yes… But there is still so much to do... And old soldiers don't lose their habits, dearest."

"I'm sorry…"

"Never mind that. Tell me, how have you been?"

A loud crashing bang interrupted their conversation.

"Damn it to Mordor! Who put that vase there!" Elrohir's voice was heard.

He was still rubbing his left arm as he entered the kitchen, yawing.

"Good morning…"

"Sweet Elbereth! I cannot believe it! Good morning, my brother." Elladan said to Elrohir as he entered the kitchen. "Up and dressed already? Are you ill?"

"Ah, ah! Very funny, Elladan!"

He sat at the table as a maid brought two cups and a jar of warm honey milk.

"Oh but I'm serious! You, up already! It's not even midday! That's a first, I believe."

Elrohir chose to ignore his brother's comments. Instead, he asked.

"Good morning, Thíri... Come and give me a kiss and a hug becuase I'm still asllep..."

Lothíriel oblieged him happily.

"And father?" Elrohir asked.

"It's still early… He's probably getting ready for the day." Elladan said as he reached for another piece of spiced bread.

From a corner of her eye, Lothíriel spotted Elfwine's attempt to escape.

"No, my treasure, you can´t go there!"

Lothíriel tried to stop her son from moving away from where he sat. She had gathered a few toys for him but still all Elfwine wanted to do was chase that big blue butterfly just outside and explore the vicinity. Even if he was only a week from being six months old and had just barely started to crawl.

"Elfwine... Stop being stubborn!" she pulled him again near her and he gave her a frustrated and discontent look.

She had to smile. Lothíriel caressed the blond baby head and placed a kiss there.

"So much like your father..." she whispered.

"Lothíriel!" Elrohir said. "Did Elladan told you we bring word from Dol Amroth?"

He knelt on the blanket and picked Elfwine in his arms, after handling the letters to her.

"What are you up to, little man!"

"No matter how many toys I bring along, he always wants something else!" she said as she browsed through the letters.

Elladan laughed.

"Well, it isn't at all surprising! In that aspect, Men and Elves are alike! Ada used to tell us endlessly about where we could and couldn't play in... and the library was a no! And every day, that was exactly were Elrohir and I wanted to be!"

She laughed as she opened the letter from her father first. It was so:

My Dear Daughter

Well, here I sit again, writing the news to my beloved flower. Alas, even without you, our lives go on and there is always much to tell.

I believe it will please you to know that Dol Amroth is regaining its previous splendor and the city is once again bubbling with activity. The damages of war are long gone and the people are again at peace and content.

Elphir is responsible for a great part of it and I'm happy to see him so at ease in the ruling position which, though he hates it when I speak of it, he will occupy when my time comes. Erchirion has plans for a new and improved harbor and Amrothros, well... His head is just to small for all his plans!

Nooran misses you terribly and I often find her cleaning your room with a tear in her eye. And Melian and Alphros miss you too and send their love.

As for Minas Tirith, it too is rising from the ashes. The beautiful gates are rebuild thanks to Master Gimli and the skills of the dwarf lords. Elessar rules with love and fairness and the city prospers. I have been many times to the White City and I can vow for that. I can also tell you that Queen Arwen is with child and soon Elfwine will have a friend to play with.

My daughter, I can't begin to tell you how much we miss you! All of us, with no exception... In every letter it grows painfully truer but Dol Amroth is not the same without our princess.

We all send a big kiss and blessings to my grandson who, by my account, is almost six months. I can't wait to see him... When will you return, Ninniach nín? Could we hope to see you come November, when your cousin is to wed the White Lady of Rohan? Will you then grant us with a visit...?

Amrothos grows impatient and on one or two occasions has talked about going to Imladris and bring you back to us himself. I'm beginnig to agree with him...

With alll the love from all of us,

Your father, Imrahil.

As she finished the letter, she sniffed and concealed a tear that threaten to fall.

"Do you miss them?" Elladan asked softly.

"So much..."

"Why don't you return then? Your place is among your loved ones..."

"I dare not..."

"Why?"

She looked away from his wise eyes. She watched her son in Elrohir' arms, chasing that butterfly in the near by garden.

"I don't think I want to leave here… Not yet, at least… And Elfwine is too little for the journey…"

Elladan took her chin in his hand and smiled at her.

"Come now, dearest… You know that isn't the reason…"

Lothíriel took a deep breath before she answered.

"I don't think I'm ready yet… I know I had a privileged life. I had a great childhood. I had so many opportunities that most women don't have… A chance to travel, to learn, to help… I have the greatest family anyone can ask for and friends that are by my side in a heartbeat but… None of that will help to face Minas Tirith again…"

"The court?"

"Yes… Not for me, you see. I couldn't care less what they say about me… But for my family and especially for my son. I don't want him to grow up in such an environment. In a place were he will always be looked upon as a child without a father…"

Elladan seemed to think about that.

"People can be cruel." He finally said.

"Yes… Very cruel."

"But what about Faramir's wedding? You do not wish to go?"

"Oh, I want to go. Very much but… I torned to be honest."

"And are you afraid you will find him?"

"Him...?" she asked tentively.

"Éomer."

Lothíriel felt as if the earth had stopped beneath her feet. Elladan smiled kindly to her as he took hold of her hand.

"Lothíriel, I was born in the year 139. I'm 2,881 years old and I've wandered through Middle Earth more times than I can count. And in my travels, I met a great deal of people. But some people leave an impression even as a child. I spend some time at Edoras when Éomer was just 3." He paused. "Your son looks a lot like his father."

She hadn't realized she was holding her breath until now when a sob came to her. He placed his arm around her shoulder and she let all the pain out with her tears.

"Lothíriel, you need to breathe. Take a deep breath... There you go... Better?"

She nodded, afraid her voice would fail her.

"I…" she tried. "I…"

"Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me."

"Hannon le…"

After a few moments of silence, Elladan continued.

"But allow me to grant you advice. Fate has always a way to catch up with us. And it is always wiser to face it head on. Sooner rather than later."

She smiled at him.

"My father used to say that."

"I know… I learn it from him."

She took a deep breath and made her resolution. It was time to stop running. She was stronger than this.

"Well then… I have a journey to plan."