A/N: Hey there! So here's another chapter and that leaves us only with 2 more! This one was not easy to put to papper but finally it's time for our couple to come face to face! Hurrah!
Once again, I can't thank you enough for all the reviews... Dare I ask for more! =)
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Chapter 29
Minas Tirith, 23rd November 3012
Imrahil was in his study very early in the morning as usual. It was, for him, the best time to resolve the affairs of his domain. It was the time his head was most clear to analise each theme. But today wouldn't not be a day for affairs of state.
Coming into his study with Elfwine in her arms, Lothíriel came to her father and kissed his cheek goodmorning.
"Ada, can you watch over Elfwine for a couple of hours, please? I have so many things to attend before the wedding and it would be so much quicker if you could watch him..." Lothíriel asked.
"Of course, sweet heart. My grandson and I are going to appreciate the wonders of the world together!"
"Right! But be careful, because he can be a handful!" she said laughing.
"It will be alright, go and take your time!"
Kissing her son, she added. "Oh, and if you go outside be ware of the sun."
"I know."
"And have both eyes on him because he's in a phase that everything he sees he puts in his mouth! Oh and..."
"My dear! I've raised you and three others! I can do this! Now go!"
"I know, I know! I'm sorry... I'm going!"
She kissed her father and then her son.
"Be a good boy, my sweet." she whispered. "Mummy loves you very much."
Imrahil was left alone with the baby.
"Could you believe your mother! Telling me what to do!"
Elfwine smiled at him and babbled.
"I agreed with you, menel! She should know better! We are going to have a lot of fun! What say you?"
Lothíriel, still outside the door, smiled. It was good to be with her family again.
She left the house on her way to the Houses of Healing. She would stop by there first to greet all of her friends and Master Laetes, her mentor. It was still the same cool and collected place, truly dedicated to bring health back to the body and mind. Luckly, it was no longer full to its capacity like in the time of the War and only a few patients wandered along in its corridors.
Next, she passed by the orphanage for a quick visit, just to say hello, and finally she went to met Éowyn.
The Shieldmaiden of Rohan was staying in a house of the Stewards that still belonged to Faramir and the family. On the higher level in the city, it was actually a complex with several private quarters and common rooms. In fact, several families and guests were staying in for the wedding.
She had fond memories of this place, from a time of no wars and troubles. When she was a small child she used to come and play with her brothers and cousins Boromir and Faramir. She was always their princess in need of rescue. Or a foreign queen to be protected.
She smiled at her memories. How very fortunate she had been in her childhood.
Lothíriel was greeted by the housekeeper, Faryn, with nothing but smiles and a warm embrace.
"Oh, Faryn it is good to see you again! How is everything? Your husband and the boys?"
"All is well, my lady. We were very fortunate, they were all safe under you father's guidance. And we are so happy to have you all here again. Just like old times...I can't tell you how glad I am to see Master Faramir so happy. His brother would be proud." Her eyes were a little misty with tears as she mentioned Boromir. "As would Master Deneathor, if his mind hadn't been so troubled in his last days."
Lothíriel thought back of how her uncle had lived his life.
"We all knew he was a harsh man, Faryn but I do believe he loved his sons equally, deep down."
"So do I, My lady. But let's not talk of sad things... we are free from the Shadow and we have a wedding to prepare. Times are of joy."
"Oh so true."
"Lady Éowyn is in the kitchen."
Lothíriel looked puzzled.
"The kitchen?"
Faryn smiled.
"As milady says, when she's nervous she cooks." Then, in a whisper she added. "The truth is she mostly eats."
Lothíriel laughed.
"Take me to Éowyn then."
As she was lead to the kitchen, she saw many familiar faces. Some merchants from Ithilien, traders from the north but it was Gael that brought a big smile to her face.
"Lothíriel!" she embraced her tightly.
"Gael, how wonderful to see you."
"Oh, I wish I had time to talk but there are still so many things to prepare and I must go the Green House to pick the flowers. Can I promise to talk to you later on?"
"Of course, go. We'll take an entire day to catch up on everything, after all the comomtion of the wedding."
"Yes! Perfect! I'll see you later!"
She was gone in an instant, with two other maids in toe.
"I see it's been busy..."
"You have no idea!" said Faryn.
They arrived at the kitchen to find Éowyn at the stove, stirring an enormous pot.
"What, on Valar, are you doing?" said Lothíriel.
"Éowyn turned and there was a big smile on her face with reddened checks. The stove was forgotten as she almost ran to embraced Lothíriel.
"Thíri, you're here! I'm so glad you are finally here."
"And why are you in the kitchen, sweet friend? You should be resting or trying on hairdos for the wedding. Not cooking!"
"Well, I can't help it, I'm nervous!"
"You? Nervous!" Lothiriel couldn't be more surprised. "Éowyn... You rode to the Pelenor Fields in disguise! You fought against the Army of Mordor! It was YOU who defeated the Witch King! And you are nervous about this? Why?"
"I can do that! I can run Meduseld and I can ride a war stallion and I can go to battle to defend my people but this! I can do this! This is my wedding and I'm terrified! I haven't ever been this frighten! What if I ruin it? What if I trip on my stupid dress and fall flat on my face in front of everyone?"
"Éowyn…"
"I'm serious Lothíriel, it can happen!"
"Well then, Faramir will be there to catch you! And you'll still be everything in his eyes!"
Éowyn sat on the bench and covered her face with her hands.
"What if can't adapt to this sort of life?" Then, in a hushed tone, she added. "What if I can't be the woman Faramir needs me to be?"
Lothíriel knelt in front of her friend.
"Oh, stop that! Éowyn, I've known Faramir all my life and I can tell you, beyond all doubts, that he loves you and he would still love you even if you walked around dressed in rags every single day..."
That seemed to calm Éowyn a bit. She took a deep breath, bit her lip.
"Really…?"
Lothíriel drew her arms around her friend.
"It will be just fine, you'll see. Nothing to be afraid. You are perfect for each other, everyone can tell."
"You think so...?"
"I know so. And, as you know, I'm never wrong!"
Éowyn laughed and sighed.
"I guess it's normal to feel like this... oh, but look at me! I haven't hear anything about you and your life this past months. Tell me everyting! How was your trip? How was the life in Imladris?"
And all of a sudden, there it was… the moment Lothíriel dreaded.
Here we go…
"Well, there isn't much to tell, really…The trip was fine and life in Imladris is very calm. Quite different from around here… I stayed at the house of Lord Elrond and his sons have been must kind to me. Actually, I was received more as a member of the family than a guest! But I'm glad to be here with my family and my friends!"
"And... All else is good?"
Lothíriel smiled. Éowyn knew for certain of her child and she was trying casually to slip it into the conversation.
"You can ask, you know? Everyone will know and for sure I'll be the talk of the town! Well, honestly, I couldn't care less what they think. But you are different! You are my friend..."
"Good, because I've been dying to ask you since you came up through that door!"
Ever so blunt and honest...
"I mean... Faramir told me just this morning but I didn't ask him for details... I just know your brother told him and nothing more... So..."
"Well, ask away!"
"How beautiful is he?"
Lothíriel threw her head back and laughed.
"So beautiful I can't hardly describe him!"
"Oh, I can't wait to see him! Was is hard? Labor, I mean?"
"Oh, Valar... It wasn't nice, I'll tell you that! But it is all worth it when I held him for the first time..."
It was Éowyn time to embrace her friend.
"I won't ask you about how all this came to happen because I'm sure you'll tell me when you feel it's time. And although I'm dying to know all the details… I'm not pressuring."
"Well... Let's see... Perhaps after the wedding, after evrything settles down, we'll take sometime just for us and talk... how does that sound?"
"Perfect!"
"Thank you… You are a good friend."
"Yes… I know!"
They laughed quietly.
Outside, however, was another laugh. Not so discreet as people went by, talking. The wind carried their words, clearly as if they were in the room with them. Words in a familiar voice.
"I didn't doubt it for a moment." They heard.
Oh no...
Lothíriel turned to Éowyn.
"Is that...?" she asked, whispering.
"Yes, I'm afraid so... Faramir had to invite several important people in trade because of future connections with Ithilien. Weath sellers, cattle breeders, silk traders... Including Aegeon and his incredibly obnoxious daughter Lilith..."
"Oh, I could kill Faramir for this..."
"You're not the only one!"
In the corridor, the conversation continued, plainly hearable in the kitchen, even with all the work.
"When I heard it, I knew I was right all along. So much for Miss Perfect!"
"I heard it too. I must say I was surprised... It is a bit unusual..."
Lothíriel didn't recognize the second voice.
One of her minions to be sure...
"Unusual?" Lilith continued. "It's a scandal!"
"Yes but..."
"An unmarried woman of royal blood, acting like a common wench, fooling around with Valar knows who and gets to be with child? Please! She ruined herself and her family!"
Lothíriel closed her eyes and tried to breathe.
Éowyn felt rage blind her.
"Who in Valinor does she think she is, talking about you like that?"
"Éowyn, it's alright. I told you, I couldn't care less about what the mob thinks."
But what Lillith said next, tipped the scale for the White Lady of Rohan.
"I bet she spread her legs for just about anyone and can't be sure of the father!"
At that, Éowyn stood furious.
"That it! Give me that frying pan!" She said to a maid near the stove.
"Milady?" the girl asked in awe.
"Éowyn!" Lothíriel said shocked. She too stood and followed her friend.
"Hand me that frying pan, girl!" Scared, the young maid handed to her, shaking. "I'm going to teach that viper a lesson!"
"What? No, you can't! Wait!" Lothíriel felt helpless in calming her down. The last thing she wanted was to be the talk of town for yet another reason.
"I'm not kidding, Thíri, I'm gonna give her a good smack in the head!"
She crossed the kitchen with assured strides and opened the door to the corridor.
Outside, the two friends hushed. As she realized they were heard, Lillith paled. Her friend took two steps back as soon as she saw the look on Éowyn's face and the frying pan in her hand.
"Lady Éowyn, I..."
"Oh, enough of that!" She stopped her, waving her hand. "I can't stand you and you can't stand me but I was determined to be cordial. However, you're in my house and I would appreciate if you show some respect for my friends! It's that or this pan in your head and your tush out the door!"
The princess of Dol Amroth came out of the kitchen with her head held high and without a single glance at the other two, spoke quietly to her friend.
"Éowyn, it's quite alright. You don't have to do this!" Lothíriel said but inside she was touched by her defense. And trully she wanted to hit Lillith with it as well!
On the other hand, Lillith was most shocked. Finally regaining her composure, she put her hands on her hips, thrust her chin in the air as she replied.
"Lady Éowyn, you should know that this sort of behavior is unparallel in our civil society!"
"I'll give you civil!" The White Lady moved towards her with the pan and her mind set. She would teach the brat a lesson.
"Éowyn, please don't!" Lothíriel said taking the large pan out of Éowyn's hands. "Don't spoil such a great day with this. She's not worth it..." she whispered.
It seemed to calm Éowyn down. After a few deep breaths she was able to speak. With narrowed eyes and her index finger in Lillith face she finally said:
"Move now or face my wrath! I mean it, you spoiled little rat!"
Servants were starting to draw near.
And now that the frying pan was out of the White Lady's hand, Lilith felt more secure. Secure enough to reply.
"I always knew you were two of a kind! One, a wild woman from the North who dresses like a man and goes to war instead of staying home like a proper lady. You're never fit in Gondor! And the other one, so praised by everyone and so loved, turns out to be a wench that opened her legs for the first man around and birthed a bastard!"
Now it was Lothíriel's time to see red. She could take all the talk and hushed comments about her but she would not hear anything about her son. She felt the weight of the pan in her hand and before she knew it, she wacked Lillith across her face with a loud sound.
Chaos ensued.
The crowd of servants gasped.
Someone cheered.
"Thíri!" Éowyn shouted.
Lillith fell on her behind and her nose started to breed profusely.
"You hit me!"
"Don't you ever talk about my son!"
"I think you broke my nose!"
"Well, tough! Now, get out of my face before this pan gets to try a second round!"
Lillith scrambled to her feet.
"You'll pay for this!"
Lothíriel raised the pan high again but Lillith raced down the hall, with her scared friend in toe.
Éowyn stood in the hallway with her mouth agape.
"Béma, you hit her..."
The frying pan fell to the floor as reality hit her. She hit another human being. Well, not that Lillith was that human... but still... So out of character of her... She covered her face with her hands.
"Oh Valar... What have I done?"
"You gave her what she deserved... Well done you!"
"Éowyn!"
"What? Are you going to look me straight in the eye and tell me you regret it!"
Lothíriel's face was comical.
No, she couldn't say she was sorry for it. Not proud but certainly not sorry.
"I don't regret it..."
"That's my girl! Come on, let's have a cup of tea."
"Oh, there is going to be some talk..."
"Nevermind that! Oh, and by the way... Thank you. I feel a lot less nervous now..."
Entering the kitchen, they laughed heartily.
Imrahil and Elfwine spent a great day together, with the Prince of Dol Amroth rejoicing in the time he was able to share with his grandson. He had never doubted Lothíriel's abilities in motherhood. The boy was healthy and well behaved but he showed a remarkable interest in everything around him. A clever child, Imrahil thought proudly.
My grandson will grow to be a great man.
He knew they were happy. He received letters from his daughter but also from Elrond. He was a father, he was bound to be preoccupied with them. Elrond assured him that they were well but he couldn't help to be concerned for the future. He wanted the best for his daughter and Elfwine. He wanted them to have a family, he wanted them near. Could he persuade Lothíriel to stay? Not to go back to the woods of Imladris...
It was mid afternoon when Fringel, a household servant came to the garden.
"My Lord Imrahil, Lord Éomer, King of Rohan is here. He asks for an audience. Shall I bring him?"
The Dol Amroth Prince smiled.
"Yes, of course, my good man, show him the way!"
As Fringel walked away, Imrahil turned to his grandson on a blanket on the green grass.
"This should be interesting!"
He rose from the bench and scooped his grandson into his arms just in time to greet his friend.
"Éomer, my friend! Welcome to our house! It is good to see you again."
"And I you, Imrahil." Turning to the baby in Imrahil's arms he added. "And who might you be, little one?"
"This is my new grandson, Elfwine, isn't he handsome?"
"Indeed. Elphir's?" he asked incapable, for some unexplained reason, to take his eyes from the child.
"No, my youngest."
"What?" Éomer couldn't help laughing. "So Amrothros was finally snapped by a woman! I never thought I would see the day!"
"Oh that would be something to celebrated but sadly it isn't yet truth. This is Lothíriel's son."
Éomer's smile faded. He's face paled and he felt cold even belong the warm sun. A cold hand gripping his heart on his chest. Lost was all the laughter of only moments ago.
Looking at the child again, he recognized some of her features specially the eyes... the same vivid intelligent green eyes she had.
Finally finding is voice, he was able to say.
"Lothíriel's...?"