Story Downloaded from Open Scrolls Archive (https://www.openscrolls.net)

Title: More Then you Seem (#1976)
Author: krazykataave
Chapters: 15

Archive: Tolkien
Category: Alternate Universe (AU)
Description: Eomer developes a deep love for Lothiriel in their youth. But as youth melts into young adults the threat of war and loss looms before them. The only bright light is Elfwine, born out of their love 10 years before the final battle. Pre 3019 - yes Elfwine is an out of wedlock child.
Published: 14 Jun 2005
Updated: 09 Oct 2006
Warnings: mention of homosexual relationship in passing
Type: Romance
Characters: Lothiriel; Eomer


Chapter 1 - Only a Marshal

The young wisp of a girl held her father’s hand tightly. She wanted him to carry her but she was getting to big; so she just clung to his side. Her brothers followed behind their father in the solemn procession. Another funeral, not even 11 she had already attended twice her age in funerals. This one was the saddest, the man that died left behind a wife and two young children. Lothiriel felt very sad for the children, one was just a toddler and the other now forced to leave his childhood behind and assume the role his father had left. They were getting closer to the widow and her children; something made Lothiriel squeeze her father’s hand tighter.

“Do not start this again Loti,” it was a hushed command! Just give Eowyn and Eomer our gifts and greet Theodwyn; as we have discussed.”

The little girl stopped her father and pulled him down to whisper in his ear. Her brothers almost ran into her as she put her heels down to go no farther.

Elphir, her oldest sibling, took her from their father and carried her up to the family.

“There is nothing to be afraid of Lot, I am right here.” He kissed her forehead in reassurance. Elphir put her down and nudged her toward Eowyn. Lothiriel held out a rag doll to the toddler who took it quickly and squeezed it to her chest. Elphir gave a small sword to the boy Eomer who acknowledged it but stared blankly toward the body of his father.

Lothiriel reached into her pouch and pulled out a small, smooth green stone and handed it to the boy. “It is a worry stone. When you are frightened rubbing it soothes away the fears.”

He took it, looked at it and like the sword acknowledged it; but still looked at his father without saying a word.

“You are now the man of Aldburg. Remember the lessons he taught you. He did not want you to grow up to fast, but events being as they are.” Her father spoke gently to the boy. He knew that Eomer was not hearing anything he said but he was rubbing the stone Lothiriel gave him. He would be fine Imrahil thought as he left Eomund’s family to their grief.

*****************************************************************************************************************
Again the all too familiar situation of death required their presence at Aldburg. This time it was the funeral of Theodwyn, Eomer and Eowyn’s mother who had died of a broken heart shortly after her husband’s death. This time neither Eomer nor Eowyn spoke a word to the visitors. Orphaned so young they knew that they would be safe and loved with their uncle; but the pain of their parents death would not go away anytime soon, if ever.

The rest of the visit was spent getting the children prepared to live with their uncle at Meduseld.

“My niece and nephew get along well with your daughter Imrahil,” Théoden spoke as he watched them picnic on the garden lawn. “She is the only one that Eowyn will speak too.”

“Yes, there is not a single person living that does not get along well with Loti. She has this presence that is hard to define but I have heard it referred to as an “old soul.”

“She will have a lot of suitors. Her mother was a beauty; Lothiriel does not differ from her at all.”

“Too many suitors already my friend, we hardly get a moments rest when the festivals are held and the city swells. Men as old as us have asked for her hand. She is 13, 13 Théoden! But I will not give her to anyone she does not love. And she has shown no interest in any.”

Looking slyly at his nephew and then back to Imrahil Théoden said, “I would not count on that my friend. Seems that Eomer has attracted the attention of you daughter.” He pointed toward the picnickers.

Imrahil smiled broadly. “He looks upon her as a mother figure Théoden, nothing more. Someday I will have to let her go, and if it is to your nephew then I shall not worry for her. But she has political value that may be called upon before this war is over.

Théoden looked at his friend. “But you said that you would not give her to anyone she does not love.”

Sighing Imrahil spoke, “There is a difference between what a father’s heart desires and what the situations of the time call for. I pray she loves the man she marries but that can not be certain. You understand political matches Théoden. No offense to your nephew’s character but he is not in the position to offer anything to Dol Amroth.”

Angry, but keeping it inside Théoden replied, “I understand political matches my friend. But unlike your short vision I also understand the ways of young love. Do not do something that you shall regret later. Eomer may be king someday, than he will offer Dol Amroth plenty. If you have not foolishly treaded upon him.”

Imrahil looked again upon the young people. Eowyn had her head in Loti’s lap and his daughter stroked the child’s long, blonde hair. She is the same age as Eomer he thought then laughed as he saw how protective he was being of his sister and Lothiriel. He had placed himself between the girls and one of Imrahil’s soldiers and was quizzing him about what his intension was toward them. Imrahil laughed harder, “He is the valiant warrior his father was,” he said to himself. “But that is all he will ever be, a warrior, and a Marshal of the Riddermark at most.


Chapter 2 - Crushed

Summer 3009

It had been five years since the 18 year old princess of Dol Amroth had been to Edoras; but she had kept in close contact with its two youngest residence Eowyn and Eomer. Weekly correspondences went back and forth between the kingdoms and a very tight relationship was formed between Eomer and herself. Eowyn still looked to her as a mother figure and her letters reflected that, seeking advice and complaining about boys and other things that did not please her. Eomer on the other hand wrote quiet sweetly to Lothiriel about matters of Rohirric life. She knew that if Eowyn knew of how nicely her brother wrote that the whole of Rohan would know the young warrior’s softer side. And he would never live it down.

“Princess, another letter from Rohan,” the maid placed the familiar sealed letter in her charge’s hand with a sly look. “Somewhat early in the week for a letter from Lady Eowyn is it not?” The maid was trying to pull from the princess if it was actually from Lady Eowyn’s brother who had taken an extreme interest in her charge.

“Yes it is early. I hope nothing is wrong.” The letter was clearly from Eowyn herself. “That is all, you may leave for the evening.” Watching the maid leave she quickly tore into the letter.

Dearest Loti,
Please come and take me from Edoras as soon as possible! I do not want to live at Meduseld without Eomer! Something terrible has happened to him Loti; he spends his evenings out in the village with a woman named Cerrywyn and I am all alone except for uncle and Theodred. Now there are rumors that he will be leaving for Aldburg to start his own family soon. I DO NOT WANT TO BE WITHOUT HIM OR YOU PLEASE COME AND GET ME! You promised to always be there for me I need you desperately I do not want him to go and I can not go along. I hope this reaches you first before the invitation to the wedding. I do not like Cerrywyn at all Loti and I do not want Eomer with her. I do not know what to do; and I am scared.


Eowyn admitting she was scared was something that made Lothiriel take notice. The young shield maiden would not willingly admit to being scared, this event of losing her brother must truly terrify her to cause such panic. Folding the unfinished letter Lothiriel went in search of her father to ask him for permission to go to Edoras. Walking into the throne room she saw him and her brothers talking quietly to each other. The conversation stopped when she walked in.

“Father I have received a most distressing letter from Eowyn I ask permission to go to her in Edoras.” She bowed slightly to the older man.

“We are all going to Edoras love. I received a wedding invitation today from King Théoden announcing the upcoming nuptials of his nephew Eomer to a lady of Aldburg.”

Lothiriel’s world crashed. So Eowyn was not mistaken; Loti had hoped that the young maiden was exaggerating the whole situation with her brother. Only Elphir noticed how ashen she got at her father’s words. He knew of the long distant courtship between his sister and Eomer and was as shocked as she to find out he was marrying in a few weeks!

“We shall leave tomorrow evening. Please be ready Loti love, Eowyn will need you and so will Eomer’s intended. The poor thing is motherless and will need female companionship as she gets ready for her upcoming vows.” Imrahil was being honest, very honest and sincere but to Lothiriel he looked smug. She knew he did not wish anything more of Eomer and herself then friends, and far away friends at that.

Shaking she bowed to her father and walked out on Elphir’s arm. So she would support Eowyn and Eomer’s intended and Elphir would support her. Sometimes it was a godsend to have only brothers who had her best interest in mind and would defend her at what ever cost.

“The last words I received from Eomer were that he was in training and that things were well and that he would soon be able to visit me in Dol Amroth and ask a special favor from father. Elphir what has happened? Now he was marrying! For the past 5 years I have devoted myself to him, though he was far away. How can I get those years back? I do not even want them back!”

Elphir kept her company for the remainder of the evening. The next day the royal family set sail to Minas Tirith where they would travel with her uncle and cousins to Edoras for the wedding festivities.

TBC


Chapter 3 - Wedding Eve

The week of the wedding found Lothiriel helping Cerrywyn get ready for her joyous nuptials and also found Loti dealing with a very belligerent young shield maiden. Eowyn, at 14, did not cooperate with anyone once she found out about Eomer’s wedding and his leaving her at Meduseld. The girl was a terror for everyone and by the end of the week; with just a day before the wedding Lothiriel was at wits end!

Not only was Eowyn getting on her very last nerve with being so uncontrollable but there was nothing that she could find wrong with Cerrywyn. Cerrywyn was beautiful, very graceful and so loving toward Eomer and everyone else that came into her life that she seemed almost too good to be real. Loti was extremely jealous of her from the beginning but kept it to herself. The princess had promised to be there for Eowyn and Eomer and now all she could do was keep her promise. She still had not had a chance to congratulate Eomer on his wise choice of mates. He was focused on training and preparing Aldburg for his bride; he had only returned to Edoras at late night and then just gone to bed. However she wished to congratulate him and got the chance on his wedding eve.

She had gotten Eowyn into bed finally and sat brushing her hair when the knock came to the door. Answering it she was delighted to see Eomer on the other side, then she remembered the reason she was in Edoras and her smile was erased.

“May I come in?”

“Yes.” A thousand yeses she thought if he would only stay. “I have not gotten to properly congratulate you on your upcoming vows.”

“Thank you.” He bowed as he entered. Reaching out for her he grabbed her shoulder and pulled her to him. “I do not want things to be sour between us. She is a good match.” While saying this he breathed on her neck and soon was kissing her.

Responding to him she said, “Cerrywyn is a lovely person Eomer. You will be happy with her.” She had broken his hold. “From what I have seen from her this week you are the luckiest man in Middle Earth to have someone who loves and cares for you so much. I hope you treat her with all the respect she deserves.”

“Things are not sour between us,” Lothiriel lied big time. “I want only the best for you and Eowyn and it looks as if my wish has been answered. We are friends we were not meant to be anything more. You will be happy with her.” She knew she was tearing up but succeeded in keeping them inside.

“I need to continue my lineage Loti. I have been informed that Cerrywyn is the best option to fulfill that. War is upon us and things are only going to get worse. The house of Edmond must continue, I must have heirs to pick up where I fall.”

“Be happy with her. She seems like a lovely woman, I know you will treat her kindly.” Lothiriel wished more then anything that his sister would come in and interrupt the meeting or at least behave like the brat she had been the whole week causing him to leave. Tears were inevitable now.

Eomer’s reserve was shot seeing his friend, the woman he had professed his undying love for, in tears due to him. Neither meant for the next event to happen but it came so natural. His deep kiss led to more kisses and caresses and soon they were making love like they were the only ones in Edoras. It was so beautiful and felt so good Lothiriel found herself praying for it to never end. Eomer was feeling the same and said a passionate ‘I love you Loti’ as he came inside her. The morning was their enemy tearing them apart but waking up in his arms was truly a life changing experience for the princess.

He would have to deal with is guilt as she would her own for betraying such a beautiful person as Cerrywyn.

The wedding took place as planned and not a word was spoken between Eomer and Lothiriel of the previous night. Only good wishes and congratulations passed between them. The groom and bride left for Aldburg, Eomer’s ancestral home and Lothiriel and her family departed for Dol Amroth; with Eowyn in tow


Chapter 4 - Elfwine

Three weeks later back in Dol Amroth Eowyn was settling down with the family and seemed to revert back to her loving, non brat self. She noticed that Lothiriel had been looking ill for the past week and a half and when she saw her friend leaned over the sink in the kitchen throwing up Eowyn came up to Loti and held her hair back.

Finally able to stand again and speak she turned to Eowyn, “I have never been this sick before Eowyn; not from traveling. Perhaps my nerves are unsettled. You are ok are you not? So it was not last night’s dinner.” Eowyn handed her a glass of water.

Something else was going on inside her and Eowyn seemed to sense it as well. Walking with her to the midwife’s the young shield maiden held Lothiriel’s hand tightly and embraced her with tears of joy when it was confirmed that the princess was indeed pregnant.

“Eomer will be so thrilled Loti!” Eowyn’s hopeful words drew the princess out of her thoughts.

Taking the young maiden in her arms she said, “Eomer must not know Eowyn. Please promise me that you will never tell him of this. It is our secret, and only ours. The midwife will not betray me and I need for you to not betray me either.”

“But it is his child. I know it is.”

Shaking her head yes was all Lothiriel could do. “Your brother is married to a very wonderful person Eowyn; you do not want to ruin that for him. He will have children of his own with her soon. She is his wife and their children will be his children. This child I carry while your brother’s is nothing more then a life inside me and my responsibility alone. I have to deal with the consequences myself Eowyn; I allowed it to come to this and I will take care of it. Please promise me you will never mention it to your brother or anyone else.”

Confused, Eowyn promised to keep the babe's origin a secret. Lothiriel knew she could trust the maiden’s words.

She could not let anyone know the child belonged to Eomer; the scandal it caused would be horrific! Yet the babe continued to grow inside of her and soon she was two months and beginning to show. Something needed to be done; she needed to marry and pass the child off as her husband’s. Even though being that deceitful went against everything the princess stood for she desperately wanted the child to be born and grow into a fine young man. She knew it was a boy and that made not telling Eomer harder.

Finally help came from the most unexpected place. A young Gondorian lord was in need of a wife as quickly as she was in need of a husband. Rumors were spreading of the lord’s liking of young men; one in particular the son of a general. The scandal that this would cause if confirmed matched Lothiriel’s in its hideousness. Speaking to the lord she told him of her situation and how it might benefit him. Her reasoning was sound. He had been found out with his male lover and needed to squash the rumors. She was with a child out of wedlock. The princess was the ideal person for his beard and he would make a good “father” to Eomer’s child. Soon the populace of Dol Amroth was celebrating the wedding of their dear princess to a most befitting lord.

Lothiriel grew with child and Eowyn was there by her side. Eight months later a baby boy was born and named Elfwine by his “father.” To Lothiriel’s relief the child looked more like her father then Eomer. Things would be fine now Eowyn assured her but Eowyn would return to Edoras within the year leaving Loti alone with Elfwine and no trusted help for the child. The princess would truly be going it alone in raising the babe….but Elfwine was conceived out of love and that would have to be enough.

Two months later Lothiriel heard from Eowyn that Eomer had not been able to conceive with Cerrywyn and that it looked like he would remain heirless as war mounted and the chance that he would not return from battle loomed. Looking at the sleeping infant Lothiriel said softly, “Your father needs us Elfwine. Someday, I promise you shall meet him and know the truth.”

TBC


Chapter 5 - A Day in the Life of a Prince

Fall 3015

“Good morning mother,” Christobal said as he came into the princess’ chamber carrying a still drowsy child. “Rufio said I should bring him into you this morning. Elfwine’s other ‘father’ placed the tot beside his mother and rubbed the boy’s hair. “He slept well last night, and you?”

“I think I am finally getting rid of this flu; I slept soundly – finally. I have never felt so exhausted before. Not even keeping up with Elfwine’s mischief. Which I can thank you and Rufio for,” she smiled at the man that had been her life savior six years ago.

“You should tell Rufio that at least I am good for something,” he ribbed back to her.

“Still fighting?” She had caught snatches of their domestic rift while drifting in and out of sleep during her fever.

“It has never stopped.” Christobal turned to leave then remembered he had a letter for her. “Your father’s messenger delivered this a few days ago, but you were in no state to read it. It sounds as if a party from Edoras will be arriving shortly to spend the wintering months in Dol Amroth.”

“Thank you for reading my mail.” She emphasized my.

“Eowyn is coming that should bring your mood up.”

“I look forward to seeing her again, six years. She will never believe how much Elfwine has grown!” She snuggled her son to her chest.

Christobal hesitated before he spoke, “Eomer’s wife will be joining us for part of the winter. I think she plans to stay with Eowyn throughout the winter months. Eomer will join her for a month or two early in the winter.” He could not read Lothiriel’s thoughts.

“Will you tell him about Elfwine? He deserves to know about his son, his only heir.”

“Cerrywyn still has not conceived? Was that in the letter as well?” Eowyn had kept in close contact with her since the shield maiden’s return to Edoras. The topic of several letters was the growing frustration between Cerrywyn and Eomer over the fact that they had yet, after six years of marriage, produced a child.

“Eowyn did mention it. Eowyn has grown up Lothiriel. She is no young child that you can confide in. She is grieved over the tension she senses in him. Her brother is the most important person in her life, sooner or later she will tell him if you do not first.”

“She will not betray my trust Christobal.”

“But you will betray Eomer’s?” He did not finish his thoughts due to Elfwine waking up.

“Good morning sunshine,” she said cheerfully to her son. The six year old hugged his mother and gave her a morning kiss.

“You have two days to prepare for the visitors from Rohan,” Christobal reminded her. Turning to leave he wished nothing but the best for Lothiriel and Elfwine. He knew it was difficult for her to raise him in secret from his real father but he also knew why she did it. She loved Eomer and perished the thought of creating conflict between the two kingdoms over their indiscretion in the past. Eomer was happily married to the woman he loved. Sometimes Christobal hated how passive Lothiriel was about Eomer and this time he had to make his ire known.

“Damn it Lothiriel he needs to know about his son!”

Shouting back she said, “Do not preach to me about responsibility Christobal! We both have secrets to hide and we hide them because we know we must.”

“Momma, who is Rohan? Who has a son? Why does he not know about him? What is responsibility? Why do we hide secrets? What is a secret?” Elfwine was in his ‘why’ stage of life. Everything he said began with who, what, where, why. He was anxious to learn and a bright pupil.

Calming down as Christobal left the chamber she said, “Rohan is a kingdom to our north-east. It is a kingdom of horselords that ride magnificent stallions! After your bath and breakfast I will show it to you on a map.” She hoped to avoid more questions from her son by changing the subject to his favorite hobby, looking at maps.

“Will they bring me a pony? I want a pony I can ride by myself.” The boy was pleading for a pony. “I am grown up now!”

“Do not grow up to fast little one. We will see about the horse.” He was obsessed with horses.

“Pony, I want a pony not a horse.”

At six he was already showing his father’s love of and skill with horses; along with Eomer’s golden hair. Elfwine was looking more like his father now; a fact that had not gone unnoticed among some in the court of Dol Amroth. Not that they knew Eomer was Elfwine’s father but they knew that Rufio was almost assuredly not. So far she had been able to blame Elfwine’s fair hair on her family’s elven ancestry, how long that would last she did not know.


Chapter 6 - True Love

“We will arrive in Dol Amroth in two days your majesty,” Eomer spoke with reverence to his uncle the king.

“So all is clear ahead?”

“Yes uncle, the scouts have returned with a full report on the road leading to the city. They are free and clear. If the weather holds we could possibly reach Dol Amroth by tomorrow evening.”

Théoden noted his nephew’s excitement about arriving in Dol Amroth soon and hoped that no mishaps would come from him concerning the princess or her child. He knew how strongly Eomer had felt about Lothiriel in the past and how devastated he had been when it was learned that the princess had married so shortly after Eomer’s nuptials. Again and again Théoden had wished Imrahil would have relented and let his daughter be happy with the man of her choosing; his nephew. But Imrahil was stubborn and the need to continue on the royal house of Rohan was great. He had not intended for Cerrywyn to be Eomer’s bride but her father had put up a convincing argument for a union and he had to finally agree to it. Eomer seemed content at least and so did Cerrywyn, until it became known that a child would not come easy for the newlyweds.

The king had his suspicion that the timing of the birth of Lothiriel’s child was more coincidence then anyone paid attention to. He had witnessed his nephew enter Lothiriel’s room the eve before his wedding. Eowyn’s return to Edoras with stories about Elfwine solidified what he had known in his heart; Eomer had been blessed with a babe after all. Just not from his lawfully wedded wife. He held nothing against Cerrywyn, she was an outstanding woman whom he was pleased to have in his family; but he knew Eomer did not love her as he did Lothiriel. His nephew was only keeping his wedding vow and the thought of a loveless marriage for one he held so dear caused grief in his heart.

“Uncle, uncle what is it? You seem distant.” His astute nephew asked.

Smiling at the now grown man beside him he replied, “It is nothing.” He changed the subject to Theodred ruling in his place and as a cheerful conversation began Grima, Theoden’s new advisor, came up to them wishing to add his two cents worth in the conversation.

As the men talked Eowyn’s thoughts drifted to her last visit to Dol Amroth and she was so caught up in memories that she at first did not hear her sister-in-law speak to her.

“Eowyn, I am nervous.”

“What of?” She had come out of her dream world.

“That I will not be able to make your brother happy. I dread seeing Lothiriel and her child. She was married just weeks after us and it seems as though on her very wedding night she was given Elfwine. Six years we have tried, no struggled to have a child. And for six years we have been barren. I know that at one time my husband loved the princess. It is just jealously and nerves I guess eating at me. I want Eomer happy and he has been so very happy ever since we found out that we would be spending time at Dol Amroth. It is not because he feels that the change of scenery and rest will allow us to conceive, but because he will see his radiant princess again.”
Eowyn bit her bottom lip while Cerrywyn spoke to her. Once the young lady paused she spoke up, “Lothiriel is happily married Cerrywyn and happy with a child from the man she loves.” Eowyn was crafting her words; she did not like it when Cerrywyn felt sorry for her and Eomer’s situation.

“Besides, it was always a one sided affair,” Eowyn lied to still her sister-in-law’s heart.

“What do you mean one sided?” For the first time in a while Cerrywyn seemed hopeful about her life with Eomer.

“He did love her at one time, do not mistake me. Yet he loved her she did not return his love.” Eowyn left out the part about Lothiriel eventually returning her brother’s love and affection.

“Do not worry. Eomer is faithful to you now as he was six years ago. Lothiriel means nothing to him anymore just a fond memory from childhood.” Eowyn was growing up and now the situation of keeping her nephew a secret from his father grew into a blight on her soul.

Cerrywyn rode up to Eomer’s side and took his hand. Kissing it gently she laid it back in his lap and told him, “I love you Eomer son of Edmund.”

He looked into her large, bright eyes and sighed. “I love you too Cerrywyn of Aldburg.”

Théoden shook his head at hearing Eomer’s words and turned away from the couple. Grima, picking up on the king’s altered mood, decided to get out of the king why, when Eomer spoke of his love for his wife, Théoden reacted so. Perhaps getting into the head of the king would not be so hard after all. Especially if it concerned his beloved nephew, after all Grima was now chief counselor to the king. Eomer’s words upset the king, all Grima had to do was find out why. Find out what secrets lurked in the family’s closet then find the best way to use those secrets against them.


Chapter 7 - Childless

Rufio, Lothiriel, and Elfwine boarded the boat that would take them to the mainland. King Théoden and his family had arrived earlier that morning and now everyone would meet up at dinner. As the boat anchored at the dock Lothiriel was visibly shaking. It was only made known to her a few hours ago that Eomer was among the party from Edoras.

Putting his arm around his wife Rufio said, “It shall be ok Loti, I promise I will not mess this up for you or Elfwine. I will be the model husband during Eomer’s visit. If that is what you wish.” He was hoping that she would find the courage to tell Eomer, but he knew that things had evolved from scandal to Eomer had missed out on six years of his son’s life. Lothiriel would never tell him the truth about Elfwine; but then again he also had secrets that he would never tell. No wonder they were a perfect match.

“What are you laughing at,” she asked as they walked down the gangplank?

With a kiss to her cheek he whispered into her ear, “Our secrets make us perfect for each other do they not.” Lothiriel made a little chuckle and locked arms with her husband.

“We are an odd family are we not?” She was laughing nervously now.

“Yes, but we are a family.” Rufio picked up Elfwine as they walked to the castle.

Looking out on the arrival of the princess and her family was Eowyn, Eomer and Cerrywyn. Cerrywyn remarked how lovely Lothiriel and her husband looked together and how adorable Elfwine was.

“He looks like his father,” she exclaimed as the child wiggled out of Rufio’s arms and ran to meet his grandfather!

Eowyn bit her bottom lip hard. Cerrywyn had no idea how close she was on Elfwine’s looks. She saw Eomer in Elfwine so why did her brother and sister-in-law not? Perhaps it was because Eowyn knew. Eowyn had known for six years but had promised to keep it silent. At first she did not mind keeping such a huge secret from her brother since he was now occupied with someone else. However as the years went by and no heir was born to Eomer and Cerrywyn she felt the need to tell him grow. But she admired Lothiriel and had vowed to keep her secret from him. This trip to Dol Amroth was supposed to be one of relaxation; but Eowyn would be anything but relaxed around her friend and brother.

Dinner was a very tense affair for Lothiriel and Eowyn. They were friendly and talkative to each other but there was the lingering feeling that something was not quiet right with the friends. Elfwine had taken to Eowyn immediately calling her auntie Eowyn and refusing to give the shield maiden a moments rest. Rufio was attentive as he could be to his wife and child. Cerrywyn was beginning to feel more welcomed, especially when Elfwine began to call her auntie Cerry. Her father, brothers, the king and Eomer sat together talking. Every now and then Rufio or Lothiriel would notice Eomer starring at them. Rufio was glad when everyone retired for the night.

“Eomer is going to kill me is he not Lothiriel? Did you see the scathing looks he gave me tonight?”

“I am sure that those looks were directed at me. Eowyn noted how much Elfwine looks like her brother; it is only logical to guess that he has seen it too. I can deal with Eomer’s hatred of me, but not Elfwine. Elfwine is innocent.”

“I am sure Eomer has the same desire for you that he had the night Elfwine was conceived.”

“He was not married then and neither was I. Things have changed we are both married now and I admire Cerrywyn for her strength. She has been with Eomer six years and still has hope that she will give him an heir. I do not want to destroy that.”

Getting hateful to her Rufio said, “It is not about her feelings Loti! It is about a six year old boy who has been lied to by the ones he trusts the most.”

“How dare you! I am protecting him.”

“Protecting him from what? A father that would be beside himself with happiness knowing that he had a son, a son with the woman he loves.”

“He loves Cerrywyn, not me. Cerrywyn is his wife Rufio.”

“And you are the mother of his child.”

Avoiding further conflict Lothiriel put on her robe and went to sleep in Elfwine’s nursery. Her heart stopped for the second seeing Cerrywyn rocking Elfwine! Fear turned to pity upon looking at Cerrywyn’s tear streaked face. Lothiriel’s uneasiness disappeared as she went to comfort the other woman in Eomer’s life.

Crying on Loti’s shoulder she said, “I have tried so hard to have a child my lady. We have tried so hard but nothing has worked. Beginning on our wedding night up till now we have tried in vain. And here I come to your land and see you and Lord Rufio so happy with your son that was conceived on your wedding night and I am fearful that I will never give Eomer a child.”

“Perhaps you are trying to hard. Trying so hard might be what is preventing you from getting pregnant.” Lothiriel was trying to calm the younger lady down.

With reserve Cerrywyn said, “I have tried. I know that it is not me that can not get with child. I had two before Eomer. I am afraid that he is the one at fault but how can I tell him? You do not know Rohirric men princess but if I place the fault on him things would get ugly at home. Men, especially royal men are supposed to be virile so I have taken the blame but it is killing me inside! I know I can have children, if I get with a man that can seed me!”

Lothiriel’s head was spinning. “You mean it is Eomer fault?”

Desperately Cerrywyn said, “It has to be! I carried two children to term before I married, though both died shortly after birth. I even slept with one of his eored to see if he could get me pregnant and he did! I lost it though in the second month. “IT IS NOT ME!” She was screaming hysterically now and Elfwine woke with a start.

“I can have children! I CAN!”

Lothiriel did not realize how stressful it had been on Eomer’s wife not being able to boast about their own children. Now she was once again helping the woman of the man she loved. “Have patients love, things take time. Do not question Eomer or yourself. Things that are meant to be happen.”


TBC


Chapter 8 - Block out the Sun

She was so exhausted consoling Cerrywyn. The young woman had serious issues that all Lothiriel could do was silently nod in faux understanding. Upon returning to her chamber the princess fell into a deep sleep. As she slept she dreamed; dreamed of Minas Tirith and her family. In her dream she held an infant and looked out over the plains at the form of horses and riders retreating back to the safety of the city’s walls. Behind the riders was darkness, darkness penetrated here and there with a demonic red light. Fire seemed to shot from the light and with each shot many men and horses fell. She looked and saw him, riding with all his might toward the city. He had to get back to them safely; he had to return to his family. They had come too far to lose him now she thought and the infant began to wail.

He was near her though she could not see him. His presence was getting stronger and soon she heard him coming up behind her and the children. The infant stopped wailing as his father took him into his arms. However the man holding his son was not Rufio, it was Eomer; only not Eomer. The Eomer holding their second son was different, statelier then before, royal in dress and crowned with a magnificent crown. Beside this royal Eomer stood a now grown Elfwine whose eyes seemed to plead to his mother to reveal some unknown secret. Lothiriel’s heart broke looking into her son’s eyes and she looked deeply into Eomer’s eyes. He smiled, as if saying he understood and that all was well between them. Then he kissed the infant, handed him back to his mother.

In a minute things had changed from Minas Tirith to Meduseld, the eve before Eomer’s wedding. They were in bed together holding each other after making love. It seemed to Lothiriel that she knew the exact moment Elfwine was conceived. Everything was beautiful, loving, peaceful and most importantly she had Eomer to help raise their children. They were both responsible for Elfwine and his brother and the burden she had felt so many times before was gone.

Lothiriel was awakened by the sunlight creeping through the window. It was past noon according to the sunbeams and she had slept most of the day away. Dressing she went to the nursery to find Elfwine but he had gone to the beach with his father, uncles, grandfather and the party from Rohan.

“Lord Rufio thought it best to let you sleep my lady. Considering that you were out late and have just recovered from illness. He took the boy with him to the beach. Said that they would be back before noon, but the hour has past. I suspect that we shall see our boy by dinner.” The nurse went about straightening up the room. Lothiriel knew she was lucky to have found a nurse like Finduilas; patient and kind. But even the nurse could not help raise Elfwine.

Leaving to head to the beach herself Grima blocked her way. “I did not mean to startle you princess,” he said with a sweet, apologetic tone.

“Grima! You did startle me I thought that everyone had gone to the beach. What makes you stay behind?” She started walking toward the balcony and he followed.

“The sun is too strong this time of day. It is not good for my health.” He sounded so sincere, almost hypnotic that Loti wanted to speak to him at length.

“Will you honor me with your company Lord Grima? I do not think my husband will return for some time and I would love to converse with one as knowledgeable as yourself.”

Smiling outwardly while smirking inside he said, “I will be honored to have you in my company. Thank you princess.” He was now in position to get inside Lothiriel’s head. His master Saruman had long felt that the weakness to Rohan’s royal family lay in Dol Amroth. How Saruman came to this idea Grima did not know; he only knew that his master wished for him to find out everything he could while in Dol Amroth. Saruman trusted his faithful servant to create chaos and havoc with what he found.


Chapter 9 - Mouth of a Babe

The midday air grew thicker and the heat drifted over the sands; this was the hottest part of the day in Dol Amroth and the group from Rohan was suffering from its effects. Deciding that it would be best to retire under shade Imrahil directed his guests to his private gardens where a cool sea breeze blew and the trees created much needed shade. In the garden Elfwine headed immediately for the fountain, dragging his new found friend Eomer with him.

“Elfwine, allow the good man peace,” Rufio shouted at the child but it did no good! He was amazed at how quickly Elfwine took to Eomer and how the horselord had returned favor to the boy. It made Rufio jealous, here was the boy he had grown to love as his own getting along well with his real father. Though neither one knew of the fraternal relationship.

“A dollar for your thoughts Lord Rufio?” Cerrywyn came up to him. She had longed to get a chance to talk to him about Lothiriel and Elfwine. Cerrywyn was not afraid to be bold in her questioning. She had been too long without child and her love for her husband was fading with each day she knew it was the same with him. “They have certainly taken to each other have they not?”

“Yes, I must admit that I was not prepared to be replaced so soon.” He said it jokingly but he knew that he really meant it. “It is amazing, you raise an infant and watch him grow into a man all the while wishing he was still the same babe that puked on you nightly.” Nostalgia was coming back to him.

Cerrywyn looked at him with a confused look. “Elfwine was not the healthiest of children when he was younger. Many days it was a struggle to keep his needs meet. But for his mother’s sake he outgrew his illnesses. I really do not know how Lothiriel managed during that time. Raising the child alone and,” he cut off. He was getting to personal with this stranger from Rohan; if he continued he might unknowingly reveal Elfwine’s secret.

“Just like a man to run from his parental duties,” Cerrywyn did not sound like she jested and Rufio jumped to defend himself.
“Madam I never shirked my parental duties as you have aptly called it. At times I had to leave them alone, I am an officer in the navy. I was needed often and for long periods of time. That is all I meant.”

“I did not mean to imply ill on your part Lord Rufio. I jest when I claimed you ran from your fatherly duties. It was not meant as a slander. Eomer is away often for long periods of time, I can understand how it is. How did Lothiriel manage? You seemed surprised that she did.”

Shaking his head, “My Lothiriel is stronger then most men. Her heart beats loud in her chest and she fears no obstacles. She was not ready to have a son but fate did not give her a chance to wait. Nine months later Elfwine was born and ever since she has been amazing as mother and wife.”

“You love her very much do you not?” Cerrywyn smiled. “She seems to be easy to love and hard to forget. To this day I would swear that Eomer has a flame for her. Have you noticed how he behaves when she is around? He is spellbound by her.” She faked sadness.

“Lothiriel is faithful, that I do not fear Eomer still holding a flame for her. Not to malign you my lady but if he still has some lingering admiration of her I do not blame him. But from what I have seen of you two he is very much in love with you.”

“Did they have a relationship in the past?”

“The past is not important in our marriage, the present and future are what we look toward. If they did have a relationship it is in the past and I am not concerned.”

“You sound so easy going but I have watched you today and seen the jealousy that runs through your veins at the closeness of Elfwine and Eomer. Eomer longs for a son. Often he apprentices to young boys in the art of horses and war; treating each child as if it was his own.”

Rufio was getting nervous at Cerrywyn’s words and feigned an excuse to dismiss himself from her company. Watching him go her mind wondered more about this young lord; something set him apart from the other men but she could not figure out what. The idea of his and Lothiriel’s perfect relationship bothered her. It was too perfect, almost to the point of being contrived.

Elfwine splashed water at Eomer and soon both were involved in a water fight. As the water sloshed out of the fountain the boys laughed harder. Eomer allowed Elfwine to push him down and declare himself the victor. The boy was as energetic as his mother in her youth. At times he found himself envying Rufio. Elfwine should have been his son, his and Lothiriel’s child. Not Lothiriel and Rufio’s son; but he had married another and did not blame Loti for her equally quick nuptials. If he could transverse time he would have changed that day. He would not have left Lothiriel on the morning of his wedding; he would have fought to stay with her. But it was in the past and all he could do now was remember her fondly, keep his love for her in his heart and remain faithful to his wife. It was getting late and Eomer looked around for Rufio. Elfwine seemed to sense his friend looking for his father.

“Rufio went with Christobal into the trees. They spend a lot of time in there. Mommy says not to disrupt them and I do not.”

Interested in what the child meant he said, “So your father spends a lot of time with his friend alone? And Lothiriel does not mind?”

“He is not my father; my father is called Rohan and lives northeast of here. But do not tell mommy I know. I am not suppose to know. Only Rufio, Christobal, mommy and aunty Eowyn know that my daddy is Rohan. But I love Rufio and Christobal as my fathers, I have never meet Rohan. Mommy whispers to me at night that he would love me very much. She thinks I am asleep but I am not. She says that someday he will know the truth and that she is sorry for her deceit but that things can not work out as she hoped. Then she cries herself to sleep. I do not like mommy crying so I hold her. I wish sometimes that Rohan would come home, then mommy would not be so sad.”

“Are you talking uncle Eomer’s ear off young man?” Elphir came up to them to take Elfwine off to get him dried and clothed before he had to see his mother. The boy shook his head no and then leapt into his uncle’s arms.

“Put me down!” Elfwine had to say something in private to Eomer. Running back to the deep in thought horselord he said, “Remember do not tell mommy I know.”

Eomer winked at the boy and smiled. “Do not worry, I will not tell your mommy.” That satisfied the child and he rejoined his uncle.

Under his breath Eomer said, “But I do intend to speak to aunty Eowyn tonight.”


Chapter 10 - Realizations not Realized

So, Prince Rufio was not Elfwine’s father. At first Eomer surely thought he had misunderstood, but then again the lad said his father was named Rohan. He knew no one of that name but guessed that the child meant from Rohan; which brought up a shadow in Eomer’s mind. If one of his uncle’s eored or anyone above or below him had abandoned Lothiriel to the humiliation of a child out of wedlock he would see justice served, and swiftly at that! Then his anger slipped into fear, fear that deep down he knew was impossible. He had always cherished the night Loti and he had spent together before his wedding; a little over six years ago. Elfwine was a little over six years old. The coincidence was amazing, but he knew that he was not able to get a woman with child. Cerrywyn had made him live with that fact everyday after their wedding night.

He had so desperately wanted children. Perhaps it was because he had been orphaned so young that he wanted to nurture a son, see him grow to manhood, be there for him. But after six years of trying for a child he had resigned himself to the fact that he was not able to get Cerrywyn with a babe. He knew she had been pregnant before, even knew that she had slept with one of his eored, if not more. Eomer did not blame her, they had sex regularly, his seed just never took root.

The soon to be marshal needed air and walked out onto the balcony. From there he had a commanding view of the courtyard and he saw Lothiriel and Elfwine playing below. His gaze followed their every move. So wrapped up in the scene below he did not notice Theodred come up behind him. His cousin’s hand on his shoulder brought his thoughts away from Lothiriel and her child. Following Eomer’s eyes, Theodred looked at the mother and child and his countenance grew heavy. How long would it take for his cousin to stop his pining of the princess? “Will you ever stop loving her,” he asked?

He was honest with Theodred, “Never.”

“She is married, she has a son with a prince of Dol Amroth,” Eomer cut him off

“Elfwine is not prince Rufio’s child.” He turned to gauge his cousin’s expression. “The child himself told me today that his father is from Rohan. I must admit my blood chilled at his words; someone from Rohan got my Lothiriel with child and then abandoned her to her fate!” Eomer was angry and his cousin shocked.

Without flinching Theodred replied, “He is Rohirric? He is six years old. You slept with Lothiriel a little over six years ago.”

Eomer laughed, “I can not have children. And if I was the father Lothiriel would not keep it a secret from me. Eowyn knows who Elfwine belongs to, but she has gone sailing with Amrothos so I will not know until tomorrow at best.” Eomer was upset with his cousin for suggesting that he was the father; though the thought had crossed his mind once and it was one he did not regret.


Theodred wanted to smack his cousin repeatedly until he realized the truth of the situation! “You slept with her on the eve of your wedding to Cerrywyn, I know that, father knows that. That was six years ago, Elfwine is six. The child even looks like you Eomer, look!”

Looking at the child Theodred knew his cousin saw the resemblance between Elfwine and himself. Eomer's whole stature changed and his jaw clinched.

“Eomer, what if he is your son?”

Spitting angrily at Theodred he said, “Loti would never, NEVER keep that a secret from me! She knows I love her, she knows I would welcome Elfwine into our family. He is not mine but I will swear to you that I will find out who is responsible and he will be brought to justice!”

“Humor me, what IF he is your son?” Theodred was desperately trying to get Eomer to understand what might be before him. There was nothing to be regretful about if Eomer was indeed Elfwine’s father, the royal family of Rohan would be thrilled with the prospect!

“Then life has dealt me the cruelest blow since my parent’s death. I love Lothiriel. I have no heir with my lawful wife but the woman that should have been my wife has raised our son alone. War is coming and I may die upon the field. Imrahil despises me and would never allow me to see her again if it is true. Not to mention what he would do to mother and child. What CAN I DO EVEN IF HE IS MY SON?”

Calmly Theodred said, “You know he is your son. You said it yourself. Imrahil despises you and things would be dire for Loti and Elfwine if it was known that you were his father. She had to have feared her father first Eomer, even before you.”

“She had nothing to fear from me. I would have made things right, somehow!”

A rustle behind the curtain hushed him up. The gentle perfume that his wife wore wafted out to the balcony. How much had she heard?




TBC – Eomer confronts Eowyn about Elfwine’s father, Elfwine disappears and Grima’s treachery is revealed.


Chapter 11 - More Than you Know

Imrahil sat in his chamber with King Théoden, Theodred and Grima discussing how best to get trade flowing from Dol Amroth to Rohan. Dol Amroth conducted trade up river with Minas Tirith and adding Rohan would increase profits while benefiting those in Théoden’s kingdom that had been attacked by the foul creatures that now terrorized the free lands. As they discussed the trade deals Imrahil could not help notice that the king looked haggard and drained of life. This brought concern to his mind and he reminded himself to speak to Theodred about his father’s condition when the time was appropriate.

Things were almost finalized when Grima stopped the king from signing the trade agreement. “My lord, you are tired. Return to your chambers and rest this evening. There is no urgency to sign the agreement tonight; it will still be here in the morning.”

Grima was desperate to stop Théoden from signing the document and forming new alliances with Dol Amroth. His master, Saruman, did not want another kingdom meddling in the affairs of Rohan. Another kingdom would make it more difficult for him to completely control the royal family of Rohan.

“You are my father’s advisor Grima Wormtongue, nothing more. My father wishes to sign tonight and he shall sign tonight.” Theodred took the quill, dipped it in ink and placed it in his father’s hand.

He had noticed the change that was beginning to take hold on his father. His father was becoming more of Grima’s puppet it seemed then the great king he once was. Though there were times when he glimpsed the normal Théoden those times it seemed were fleeting. Grima was evil and was working with the enemy to destroy his kingdom; he just had to prove that to his father.

Seeing that he had lost, Grima decided to attack Dol Amroth directly. “Prince Imrahil, how is it that your grandson is so fair? Your family has dark hair, and skin, yet the princeling has blonde hair and fair skin. Is their Rohirric blood in your family?"

His words were twofold; first he wanted to bring up the fact that Elfwine did not look like a child from Dol Amroth and second if there were blood ties then the trade agreement would not have to be enforced and Saruman would not have to deal with Dol Amroth butting into Rohan’s affairs. He had not yet perfected his craft, but he was giving it his best attempt.

Imrahil shot him a nasty look and Theodred made to knock Grima in the mouth. Théoden stopped his son from assaulting Grima and in a very controlled, monotone voice said, “Yes, I was noticing the child is fairer then his playmates. He reminds me of Eomer when he was that age.”

Grima could not believe that his will over the king was so complete! He was looking forward to bringing Prince Imrahil down, bringing out the prince’s family’s secrets. His conversation earlier in the day with Lothiriel and then with a very upset Cerrywyn had solidified in his mind that Elfwine was definitely Eomer’s son. All he had to do was to inform Imrahil about it and as a protective father the prince would banish his daughter and grandson out of shame to the family and probably get rid of Eomer as well. But he did not expect what happened next.

Imrahil chuckled and began to laugh. “I was wondering when my grandson’s other family would figure it out. You have been around the child for a few days and only when you think it would be beneficial to ‘tell’ me something I already knew. Something that you believed would bring me to anger do you bring it up. I am not surprised at you Grima, but you King Théoden. I thought you would have more decorum, especially for your nephew’s son.”

Theodred coughed to focus attention onto himself. “You know that Elfwine is Eomer’s son? And you have allowed him in your presence? Does Lothiriel know you are aware of the child’s father?”

“No, Lothiriel does not know I am the wiser to Elfwine’s father. As for knowing the parentage of my grandson, it has been two years since I found out. At first I was livid, knowing that my daughter had given birth to a child whose father was only a common horse lord from Rohan, who at best will only be a Marshal of the Mark. Then I saw the love my daughter had for her son, for Rufio, for me and I could not stay angry. I have accepted that Elfwine is in my life because of my stubbornness, because I did not see that Lothiriel loves Eomer and that Eomer loves my daughter in return.”

The prince walked over to Théoden and put his hand on the man’s shoulder. “You were right old man, and I have realized the error of my way before it ended in disaster. I can not allow my daughter to be with your nephew, but I do not despise him.” He then walked to Grima and stared him down.

“My stubbornness is the reason I have my darling grandson and I would never change that for all of Middle Earth. I LOVE my daughter, I LOVE my grandson and in time I will allow Eomer into our lives. He is an outstanding warrior and unknowing father. He has given much of his happiness to allow my Loti to be in peace. Though I can not do anything to bring my grandson and daughter together with him I support them.” Prince Imrahil hoped that he had been stern enough to get that message through Grima’s ugly head.

Grima gasped and Théoden seemed to be shaken out of his trance-like state. Hissing at the princes and king Grima slithered out of the chamber toward his own. He had failed tonight, failed to create a rift between Rohan and Dol Amroth. But he would not completely fail his master; there was still one person whom he could count on to bring Rohan’s royal family down while also striking a major blow to Prince Imrahil. Now all he had to do was find Cerrywyn and play upon her already jealous, hysterical state of mind. He would not fail a second time.
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Eowyn and Amrothos had returned from sailing earlier in the evening and it was late when Eomer finally got a chance to speak to his sister. Eowyn had had a wonderful day with Prince Amrothos and was looking forward to telling first Eomer, then Lothiriel about her adventure. However the look on her brother’s face caused her to pause and brought a very uneasy feeling to her soul. She knew that look well; Eomer was manic about something and not thinking logically about it. She would have to calm him down first, as usual. Yet, this time Eomer was assaulting her with questions in a very commanding voice and it took her by surprise! He would not let her get a word in edge wise as he asked over and over again, “WHO IS ELFWINE’S FATHER?”

Finally able to get a word in with her brother she shouted back, “YOU! YOU ARE ELFWINE’S FATHER!” She did not mean to betray Lothiriel’s trust in her but she had become so defensive against her brother’s actions that she wanted to hurt him. She could not explain it, why she felt that telling him would hurt him, but he was acting like a total idiot and she wanted him to stop! He would stop if he was surprised and hurt, and he did. But he looked so hurt Eowyn felt horrible for causing it.

Just as the siblings were reaching for each other a Swan Knight came into the room. “Is Prince Elfwine with you Lady Eowyn?” The knight paid no attention to the screaming that he had to have heard as he was coming down the hall toward the room.

Shaking her head Eowyn replied, “No, I have not seen the child today. Why?”

In two steps Eomer was in front of the knight. “What is wrong, where is the child?”

Disregarding Eomer’s questions he asked one to the horse lord in return, “Where is your wife Master Eomer? One of the servants said that they saw the prince with a woman from the Rohirric party that is staying at the castle. Since he is not with Lady Eowyn I am left to assume he is with Lady Cerrywyn. Where is she sir? Elfwine has been missing most of the evening and the family, especially his mother, is very worried. We can not find him anywhere.”

Without looking to his sister he pushed past the knight and went in search of his wife. He knew she had overheard him and Theodred talking today about Elfwine being his son, but he did not expect her to take the child. The knight had to be wrong, Cerrywyn would never harm Elfwine it was all a misunderstanding. She was not in their chamber but on his way out he ran into Lothiriel; she was terrified at seeing him.

“So Elfwine is not with Eowyn or yourself. Where is he Eomer?” She was getting hysterical again. “Where is Cerrywyn? Someone said they saw him last with her, is she in?”

He shook his head no. “I have not seen her recently.”

“She would not hurt him, would she?” Loti was needing Eomer to confirm that Elfwine was in no danger. She would believe him. “I know she would not hurt him.”

Eomer took the mother of his son into his arms and tried to comfort her. “Loti,” he was having a hard time controlling his emotions. “Lothiriel, I promise you I will get our son back.” His words lightened her heart for a moment.

Looking into his face she said, “Our son. Yes, OUR SON Eomer. Please get him back! Please! The child does not need to be punished for my indiscretion, please bring him safely home.” She clung to him. It mattered not that he now knew Elfwine was his son, it being out in the open and them being together in their desperation was comforting in a way.

Whispering into her ear he said, “I am equally at fault in his birth Loti, he was conceived out of our love for each other. We are not being punished and neither is he. Love will bring him back, love will win in the end.”

He let her go and went in search of his wife. Lothiriel watched his form disappear down the hall and then continued on with her search of her precious son. Of THEIR precious son.

TBC - Grima triumphs for evil, things are not as they seem at first


Chapter 12 - Truth be Told

Imagine the cliff setting toward the end of this chapter as the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare Ireland and you will have a stunning visual of what's taking place.
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The woman had been waiting at a forgotten door in the gardens for the lad. Cerrywyn had accidentally come across the scene while getting some air. She had heard Eomer and Theodred talking on the balcony. She knew that Elfwine was conceived with Eomer and that he had done so on the eve of their wedding day. Anger and jealousy ate at her soul over the injury she had suffered, but the more she calmly thought things through the more she realized the truth of the matter.

Eomer loved Lothiriel; he always had and always would. It had been her and her family’s selfishness that had come between Loti and him. Eomer had been the dutiful nephew of the king and had been a faithful husband to her. That was what made it so hard for her to hate him. He had one indiscretion before their marriage and had been perfect ever since; he was perfect and she could not bring herself to hate him. However more surprising to her was that she could not bring herself to hate the princess. Being a woman she understood the risk that she took keeping Elfwine a secret from everyone. If it was known that the child was conceived out of wedlock things would get nasty for the princess. Women did not do those things, especially women of the upper class!

Yes, she could find it in her heart to hate Lothiriel. Lothiriel had kept a joyous secret from her beloved Eomer. Even though she understood why she would keep it from Eomer he deserved to have known about the boy when he was borne. He would have been overjoyed! What the princess had done was wrong, but Cerrywyn knew that Lothiriel had probably suffered many times over for her deceit. None of that mattered right now. Right now the darling boy that called her aunty Cerry was in danger and he was all that mattered. She loved the boy so much in the short time she had gotten to know him.

She had stealthily followed the young prince and the woman that had taken away from the safety of the castle walls and now her heart froze! The woman stood with the youngster precariously close to the edge of the cliffs. She had been foolish to have followed without letting anyone know that someone had taken the prince. But she had been too occupied with her thoughts to think completely rationally. Now as she watched helpless from behind some rocks to her horror it was not a woman at all that had taken the child, but the White Wizard himself! Eomer’s son was in grave danger and she was all alone. She did not know what to do but she had to do something!
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“Loti!” Her father’s voice rang through the hall. “Lothiriel, I have the entire Swan Knights searching for Elfwine. I am gearing up to join the search myself. We will find him love.” He kissed her on the forehead and whispered, “Eomer will bring him back safely.”

“Father?” Her eyes were wide. “I do not understand.”

He looked at her and said, “I know he is Elfwine’s father sweet. I have known for a long time. You must allow an old man his stubbornness for a while. When we are all together again we will talk.” Imrahil quickly turned and went to search for his grandson. He felt the need for urgency just as much as Eomer, Rufio and his sons did.

Lothiriel was left alone to pace and wonder the castle looking high and low for her son. Her mind kept drifting to the thought that Cerrywyn out of jealous might have taken him and harmed him. Though she knew that was preposterous. Still a jealous, irrational woman might harm the child inadvertently. The waiting was killing her! She followed in her father’s footsteps. It was now obvious that Elfwine was no longer in the castle and if that bitch had her son she would make her pay!

Eomer and Theodred had joined up with Amrothos and Elphir to hunt down Cerrywyn and Elfwine. However the closer they got to their quarry the more it became obvious that things were not as they seemed. All the people they talked to had seen Elfwine with a white haired man, not with a fair haired woman. Although some recalled that a fair skinned woman seemed to be following them.

That was all Eomer needed to know; he knew that Cerrywyn was only watching after his son. She was a good soul, she would not harm the child. Even if she knew now that the lad was his son conceived with Lothiriel. But urgency was important as the people had reported that the child was heading toward some precariously dangerous cliffs.
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She had to act fast. Elfwine seemed to be enchanted with the wizard’s magic and was teetering on the edge of the cliff. One swift move and he would fall to his death onto the jagged rocks below!

“Elfwine,” she called out! “Elfwine!” She now hastily walked toward the boy; paying no attention to the wizard.

Elphir had heard his nephew’s name shouted and quickly turned his horse in the direction it came from. “Father,” he shouted! “Father! This way, quickly!”

Now everyone turned their horses and galloped at full speed toward the cliffs.

“Nooooooo,” the blood curdling scream of Cerrywyn stopped the wizard’s magic for a moment! Enough for her to rush in and scoop the child into her arms. She turned her back to the cliffs and the wizard. Tightening her body to shield the child from any blow the wizard struck.

The thunderous sound of hooves coming toward them covered up the sound of the howling wind as it whipped up the cliffs. “You will be fine now prince Elfwine,” she tried to soothe the child who had now been released from the wizard’s spell and was wailing in terror!

Eomer saw the blow that his wife’s body took and feared that she could not have survived such violence on her tiny frame. He would kill the man responsible for it! Leaping off his horse he ran toward his wife and son’s attacker, but before he could reach the bastard the man simply vanished into thin air. It did not matter now; he focused his attention to Cerrywyn. Blood was coming out of her mouth and all was still, except for the squirming of Elfwine underneath her. She had blocked the blow to the prince, but it did not bode well for her.
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“How is she,” Lothiriel had been constantly checking on Cerrywyn’s health since they had brought her broken body back to Dol Amroth, two weeks ago?

“She will need to be in The Houses of Healing at Minas Tirith as soon as we can move her,” Eomer said sadly.

She put her hand on his shoulder and squeezed. “She is cherished among my people for her unselfishness. Her act of bravery has endeared her to every Dol Amroth citizen and I especially am at her beckon and call. Once she heals I will be at her service.”

“How is Elfwine?”

“He is fine. Still has horrible nightmares but thinking about his aunty Cerrywyn and how much she loves and protects him calms him down.” She walked away from him. This was going to be the hardest thing she had ever done. Harder than keeping Elfwine a secret from Eomer.

“Eomer, you are Elfwine’s father and I will not deny you seeing him whenever you desire. But we must end our romantic relationship; we can not see each other anymore. You are married to the most wonderful woman in the world. Love her as a husband should. Please, I am begging you.” Lothiriel was on her knees before the horselord.

“She needs you, she will need you.” She wished he would show some expression in his face.

“She is my wife Lothiriel and I admire her, respect her, and cherish her. But I do not love her as I do you and I do not share my life with her as I have you. Elfwine binds us, but we are bound by more than that.” He kissed her forehead.

“I love you deeply Lothiriel of Dol Amroth. I always have and I always will and you must deal with it. I know we can never be together as we both would like but you can not ask me to stop loving you.”

Crying now she took his hands in hers. “I would never ask you to stop loving me. I would never ask you to do something that I myself can not do. But your life is with Cerrywyn and whatever that may bring.”

“My life is short Loti. As we speak there are unmentionable evils advancing on the Free Peoples. War is upon us and we will have to take up arms. Many will perish and if we fail there will be no Middle Earth or Free People to inhabit it. I must protect my loved ones and if that means that my life is forfeit than it is so. I will be a dutiful husband and Marshal to my people until that day comes. And I will always love you and Elfwine. Tell him someday that his father was a noble man.”

“You are not going to die Eomer! You will live to see peaceful days. May your days be filled with love and light Eomer of Rohan. May peace and prosperity come to you and yours.” She said a small prayer for him before she got up.

He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her to his lap. Holding her tightly he forced her tearful eyes to look into his. “I love you my little flower.” He pulled a smoothed pebble out of his pocket and placed it in her hand.

“You gave it to me years ago. I am giving it to you to give to Elfwine. I want him to have something of me, something I have cherished.”

No one knew that this night would be the last time they saw each other for four years.



TBC in 3019


Chapter 13 - Hope Lost

This chapter jumps from Rohan to Dol Amroth to Minas Tirith in the span of few days.

February 27 T.A 3019 - Edoras

A normal man would have faltered long ago. A common man would have given into his enemy and watched the evil wash over his lands. But Eomer was no common man, the Third Marshal of the Mark was a force to be reckoned with but slowly the drive was leaving him. He had seen the destruction that his uncle had allowed Rohan to fall prey too. Eomer knew that it was not his uncle’s doing as it was that Wormtongued advisor, but his uncle was still king and the people still looked to him to make decisions, for better or worse. But Theodred and he had always managed to thwart whatever foul scheme the dark one had devised. Grima had been unsuccessful in causing strife between the cousins and when the worm saw his golden speech useless at driving them apart he murdered Theodred. It had been only a day since his cousin had fallen in a well conceived trap at the Fords of Isen. Saruman and Grima had been successful; the white hand of Saruman had finally managed to destroy Rohan’s heir. But there was still hope, for he remained and a faithful eored followed him. It was that faithful eored that was with him now as he went against his uncle’s orders and pursued Orc that had entered their lands. In the back of his mind he knew his pursuit would cause his death, but death for country was noble. One day perhaps Théoden would see that his death, along with the king’s son was a noble one. That the great men of Rohan had died protecting the land they loved.

February 27 T.A 3019 - Dol Amroth

Lothiriel was reading to Elfwine an epic of his father’s lands about a king who fought a wild boar. The young boy, now 10, was engrossed with the story. Ever since that fateful day when his aunt Cerrywyn had saved him from the White Wizard and he had seen Eomer weep with tears of joy that he was safe he had been Rohirrim. The urgency of war had called his father away from him and his aunty Cerrywyn had gone to the white city of kings to heal. But it did not matter; Elfwine was embracing his Rohirric family and his mother was indulging him. He sat listening to her read the story as he caressed the ears of his beloved dog Aeoddy. Aunty Eowyn had given Aeoddy to him before she left for Edoras and the past four years the young prince and the dog were inseparable. Suddenly Aeoddy’s ears perked up and the dog ran barking toward the window. Following Elfwine and Lothiriel saw that the harbor was filled with black mast ships. The Cosairs had surprised the Swan Fleet and now battle was literally on their doorstep!

March 2 T.A. 3019 - Edoras

Grima’s treachery was complete! Theodred was dead, his uncle, following the advice of a poisonous advisor, was allowing the once proud kingdom of Rohan fall to the enemy. The enemy that now ran unchecked across Rohan’s once lush fields, pillaging and murdering those in their way. Eowyn was at Grima’s mercy and he, the Third Marshal was locked up in the cells. Accused of treason and plotting against his king he had been sentenced to death by hanging. He had always been faithful to his king, to the man that had taken him in as his son. It was not about the king now, Théoden was lost. It was about Grima and the evil pact he had manipulated with the evil ones. Eomer would die at sunrise and Rohan would fall by noon.

In the last few hours he had to live he thought back about how things had gotten so far out of hand. Hatred filled him and if Wormtongue was close he would put the traitor to death with his own bare hands. As evening became morning and his execution drew near he thought how he would get a final word to his sister. He wanted to tell her to be strong, that he would see her soon in the halls of their ancestors. When the time came he knew Eowyn would die fighting, and that made him proud. Then his mind shifted to his other family and fear completely overtook him. How would Lothiriel and Elfwine find out about his death? How long would it take for Gondor to fall once Edoras was reduced to ashes? No one would be alive to sing his praises to his son. Elfwine would grow, if he even lived through the war, and not know his father but only for a brief moment four years ago. He knew Lothiriel, like his sister, would go down fighting. He also knew that he would not see them again. Now he only wished he could touch his lover’s sweet lips one last time and embrace his son. Tell them both how much he loved them. Tell Cerrywyn that he was sorry for those years where she never truly had his love. Their situation was dire and in his despair he hoped to soon be reunited with them. For the moment they were all safe in Gondor. If there was any justice left in Middle Earth he hoped that in death they would be together what life had denied them. He only hoped that death came swiftly for them and that his loved ones would not suffer the evil times.

There were hurried footsteps coming toward him. They were coming to hang him for treason now. He did not even get to say goodbye to Eowyn. Stoically he rose to meet his executioners and that filth Grima; but instead he saw Gamling and Hama along with his restored uncle and his smiling sister!

March 9 T.A. 3019 - Minas Tirith

Imrahil and his knights had arrived in Minas Tirith just in time to fight. They had brought with them survivors from the costal towns that had fallen pray to the Cosairs ships. Also Lothiriel, Elfwine and Aeoddy had come to the City of Kings. There they would serve those in need and look after those that had lost everything. Duty to one’s country was paramount in these evil times and Lothiriel would make sure that she and Elfwine would serve both those of Gondor and of Rohan when the time came. They were directed to the Houses of Healing and there were reunited with a familiar face.

“Aunty Cerry,” Elfwine screamed with delight and ran to his aunt! Almost knocking her down as she struggled to catch the ever growing boy in a bear hug.

Lothiriel followed her son and bowed to the lady before her. “I am in your services my lady. Direct me as to what you need done and I will follow you.”

It was awkward for both ladies to meet once again. Cerrywyn was after all Eomer’s lawful wife, though Lothiriel had bore the Marshal a son. But times of crisis diminished any ill will and the next thing they knew they were both embracing each other as tears flowed down their cheeks.

Checking herself Cerrywyn put Elfwine down and told him where he might find some honeyed bread and cider. A treat that every little boy, Gondorian or Rohirrim, was sure to love. Once the boy and his dog ran toward the area he had been directed to Cerry’s countenance turned grim. Taking Lothiriel’s hands in hers she could not control the contortions her face made as the full impact of what she now had to tell the princess took hold.

“It goes ill in Rohan,” she broke into sob her voice barely audible. “Theodred has fallen, the king has turned his back on his people. Eowyn is a prisoner to the king’s advisor and Eomer is…” Cerrywyn’s voice was no longer audible and for a few seconds she was choked with raw emotions.

Trying to comfort her Lothiriel fought back the urge to shake the woman! Composing herself she said, “Eomer is what?” She froze, desperately wanting to know what had happened to Eomer but terrified that her worst fear was realized.

With breaking voice Cerrywyn said, “He is dead. Hanged they say by his uncle for treason.”

It was then that Lothiriel’s world completely crashed down around her. Until now she had always had hope that she would soon be reunited with her lover, with the father of her precious son. Now that hope was shattered, along with her world. She felt ill, dizzy, sick but finally allowed the darkness to pass. Calmly she asked Cerry one more question.

“How do you know that he is dead? Who told you this foul news and is it not possible that they have poisoned us with lies?” She did not want to believe he was dead. He could not be dead. They needed him.

“Your cousin Faramir had scouts in Edoras. Seven days ago, March 2, they came back with the news.”

If it had been some idol villagers or hearsay she would have still had hope. But her cousin’s scouts had told of the horrific events that had befallen Rohan. This time Lothiriel allowed the sickening darkness to take her. He was gone, all that was left of him was in Elfwine yet she could not find it in her soul to fight. Her spirit was broken. She would not tell her son yet but she would hold onto the boy for dear life. Regardless of her sorrow she had a duty to her son, family, and country.

Cerrywyn had dealt with her grief upon hearing the news of Rohan. She had loved Eomer but she had annulled their marriage in order to pursue the path that had been made clear for her upon her awakening from the blows dealt by the wizard. Eomer was faithful to her but loved another. And now his beloved was sick with grief, left alone to take care of a small son. Cerrywyn was a healer and she would make sure that Eomer’s family was taken care of. She embraced the princess once again, allowing the other woman to cry her anguish out on strong shoulders.


TBC - hope from a hobbit


Chapter 14 - Pip - for Hope

Dunharrow March 9 3019

They had sat up camp and were in the process of regrouping their numbers when the messengers from Gondor came bearing the Red Arrow. Gondor called for aid and Rohan would answer. Weary, battle worn and smaller in number than the king had wished for the next morning they would ride to war. Eomer would marshal the Rohirrim and soon the final battle of the free peoples of Middle Earth would begin. They were out numbered, weakened and losing hope. But they would make a stand worthy of the greatest songs. Rohan’s day was coming!

“So young one, the king has made you his heir,” the voice was from Gamling. “It is an honor to serve for such noble men.”

“There is still life left in the Rohirrim King yet Gamling. My uncle’s strength has returned and the people follow him.” Their conversation was interrupted by the king himself wishing to speak to his nephew in private.

Inside the royal Théoden offered his nephew a drink and motioned for him to sit. “There has not been time to groom you for kingship Eomer. For that I am sorry.” It was hard for the king to face the past few years; the years where he had been a slave to Grima and had let his country fall into ruin. Had let those that loved him and were loyal to him almost die.

“There is still time for the deeds of Théoden king. Your people will follow you into battle.” Eomer saw no use in dwelling on the past, it was over and Grima no longer would exert his control over his uncle. However Eomer also knew that Rohan would fall soon, there was no mending the evil times that his uncle had fallen into.

“That they will, but when I fall the people will follow you. Are you ready for that?”

“I will do my duties to king and country as best I can uncle.” Eomer thought that his uncle doubted him still and his heart grew heavier.

Sensing his nephew’s heavy heart Théoden said, “I do not doubt that Eomer, future king of Rohan and sister’s son. But there has been much war, so many lives lost and Rohan burned. Take council from those around you my boy. Look to those that love you for your strength in these uncertain times.”

Théoden wanted to ask his nephew about Elfwine and Lothiriel but now was not the time. He hoped that one day the young boy would know his father better. Eomer already had a family and when he became king the ties with Gondor would be stronger. He knew that his time was short and he spoke from his heart.

“Lothiriel will make Rohan a good queen Eomer. Take Elfwine into your council, groom him for his destiny as the first king of a new age. That is my wish for you. You have a family that loves you; do not turn away from them.”

“I will follow your wishes uncle,” that was all he could say. “But now the time draws near that we ride. Let us have a least a few hours of peace and quiet before the floodgates are opened.”

Though he knew his uncle meant well he had not seen his son or lover in four years. The times made it almost impossible for them to be together again. So Eomer focused on the war ahead and not on the family that he did not know still needed him.

March 13 Minas Tirith

“My lady come quickly,” The healer had burst into Lothiriel’s room! “Your cousin is gravely injured. Your father begs you hurry!”

She had not slept since arriving at the White City and learning the news that her lover no longer lived. It was pure adrenaline that kept the princess going, that and the need to shelter her son from the end times as much as she could. Everything was just motion; she no longer held the emotion or energy to care about things. The end of all was coming and there was nothing she could do to prevent it. Right now all she could do was her duty to country and family.

Hurriedly following the healer she came to her cousin’s room. There, around the bed was gathered her father, brothers, and Rufio. On the bed Faramir lay near death. His wounds were grievous and at the sight of them Lothiriel lost the fleeting hope that she had tried desperately to cling to. Rufio came and wrapped his arms around his wife’s shoulders. His eyes were red from crying, looking at him for a moment she knew why he wept.

“When,” she whispered quietly him?

“During the skirmish to bring our brother’s safely to the city. One of those foul beasts swooped at his horse, it threw him and he was trampled by the retreating guard.”

Lothiriel closed her eyes for a moment and when she opened them tears ran down her cheeks. “I am so sorry Rufio. Christobal’s loss is a huge burden to bear and our army will sorely miss him. Come to me when you can. I can not make it better but we can weep together.” She kissed him on the cheek and walked over to her cousin’s bed.


In the courtyard Pip and Gandalf sat waiting for news of Faramir. Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth had ridden out with Gandalf to stay the enemy long enough for Faramir and those that had survived to get to the safety of the city. However Gandalf wondered how long the safety of Minas Tirith would last. He sat smoking his pipe, watching the young hobbit look toward Mordor.

“Excuse me sir wizard, but they say you have come from Rohan?”

Gandalf’s solitude was interrupted by Cerrywyn’s question. He looked at her and nodded.

“I have heard from the steward’s men that things have gone ill in Rohan. That the king has allowed Wild Men to burn and murder unchecked those once green lands and that he has sent his nephew to the gallows for treason. Is this true?”

He knew that rumors and lies were the enemy’s friend during these times and anything that would hurt the free people of Middle Earth would be used against them. “No, King Théoden and his heir Eomer ride for Gondor as we speak. Things have gone awry for Sauron and his henchmen in Rohan. The king is no longer under the influence of Saruman and his minions.”

“Then you have given me hope where none grew. I will let my lord know that Rohan has not faltered.”

“Who is your lord?” There were many in the city that vied for the title.

“Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth has taken over stewardship. We have all been under the impression that Eomer had met his end. It will give the family hope that that is not so.”

“Oh, I did not realize Rohan and Dol Amroth were friends.”

“The prince’s grandson is part Rohirric. His daughter Lothiriel bore Eomer a son 10 years ago. The bond between the families has been strained at times since the princess was and is not married to Eomer but war has strengthened them. It will give Lothiriel hope knowing her son’s father is coming to our aid.”

“It will indeed,” Gandalf took a drag on his pipe and grinned. He had not foreseen an heir to Rohan but it gave him some small hope. Rohan would not completely fall, not with Elfwine living.


“He is fading father. The healers are doing all they can. Perhaps the white wizard Gandalf can aide him.” She had tried to keep hope in her voice but hope was gone. “Uncle should be made aware of his son’s condition.”

“Denethor has long denied Faramir his council, but this turn of events has turned the old man mad. I will consult with my brother-in-law about his son but I do not think that the line of steward’s shall continue past this night.” He took leave of his daughter, leaving her with her cousin in the Houses of Healing.

Lothiriel was about to leave the houses for the evening when a shrill scream stopped her. In the room beside her cousin’s a noblewoman of Minas Tirith has been placed. She suffered greatly in the last stages of her pregnancy. Inquiring about the woman Lothiriel decided to stay a while longer, giving what courage she could to the woman. After all 10 years ago Lothiriel had given birth to a son through laboring for many days.

“It shall be fine my lady,” the princess said soothingly as she wiped the other’s forehead with a cold cloth.

“I do not want my babe born into these end times princess. I can not raise him on my own.”

“It is difficult raising a child on your own but when the time comes you can and will rise to the task. You are a proud lady of Gondor; proud women of this realm do not take lightly their duties. Rest now, soon the baby will come and you will be out of this misery.”

“You speak as if you have experience.”

“Imrahil’s grandson is my experience my lady. That is how I know that your body will soon be rid of its misery and that a precious babe will be laid in your arms. The babe will look to you for everything and you will be able to provide.”

“How long will we see these evil days before we die under the black blade of the dark army?” The woman was back to fitful slumber now and Loti left her side. The question asked was one that Lothiriel had often thought of these past few days.

How she managed to walk out of the healing houses she had no idea. Her mind was clouded over with thoughts of Eomer’s death and the war at the gates of the city. Soon humanity would fall so why even fight? It was all to, to much for Lothiriel. She had to sit down to keep from falling.

Cerrywyn took Loti’s cold hands into hers to warm them. Lothiriel did not even acknowledge the other woman’s presence. “You will surly die if you do not eat something and take some rest Loti.” Her words seemed to fall upon deaf ears.

“If you do not do it for yourself do it for Elfwine. He needs you still. Eomer will need you when the war is over.”

As she thought at the mention of Eomer’s name Lothiriel finally acknowledged Cerry’s presence. Using the bought time Cerrywyn continued. “Eomer lives, he and Théoden ride for Minas Tirith and battle as we speak.”

“What trickery is this Cerrywyn? You told me yourself that he was dead.” Loti was angry at Cerrywyn, thinking that the woman had finally dealt the last blow in their rivalry for Eomer. “Do you mean to kill me grief and lies and then take him for yourself?”

“No my lady, it was lie and rumor that I heard. He lives and is riding for Gondor.” The enthusiasm in her voice was hard to deny.

“He lives?” Loti’s voice broke but she felt herself getting stronger.

“Yes my lady he lives,” came a small voice beside them. The hobbit had seen Lothiriel sit down and was concerned about her. As he got closer he had heard the conversation the women were having. Pip could never help not adding his two cents into conversations.


TBC – the battle


Chapter 15 - Strength in the Dire Times

March 15 3019

Eomer led the first eored and charged into battle. Surprising the enemy that had ruled the field and brought havoc to the White City! The war was fierce and the fighting strength of the Rohirrim was steady and firm. Many enemies fell beneath their sword and horse, but many more rose to take their foul kin’s place. So it went with blood and gore staining his horse and himself till he saw some of his uncle’s knights come toward him. Dispatching several enemies he asked during the brief rest where his uncle was. Their response ripped him into.

Imrahil had wanted his daughter to take Elfwine deep inside the city but the princess felt it her duty to protect her people and instead of hiding she stayed to help with the healers; Elfwine close by her side. Cerrywyn and herself worked tirelessly but made no headway. As fast as they could treat the basic wounded droves of more would come. Now it was rumored that the walls had been breeched by the vile creatures in the dark one’s command and everything seemed hopeless. It would be only a matter of time before they overran the healing houses and finished off the survivors. Lothiriel had not planned to allow those foul creatures to lay hands on herself or her son. As her ancestors had done long ago when death by the enemy was upon them she had prepared a tea that they would take at the first sign all was lost. Death would be assured, but it would not be violent. She would simply fall asleep with her son in her arms and they would wait to be reunited with her loved ones in the afterworld.

The procession for the fallen King of Rohan made its way toward Minas Tirith and all those before it stopped to pay their respects. Imrahil took a knee as the sad party made its way by him, then noticed that there was a second member of Rohan behind Théoden. A young woman was also being carried into the city and her brethren believed her dead. Imrahil saw that in fact the young woman was not dead but very close to death and alerted the procession members. As they were taking the Lady Eowyn, the king’s niece, to the healing houses he became aware of the dire situation Eomer, Théoden’s nephew, had fallen into and rode to his aide. Riding with Rufio and other Gondorian lords they managed to save Eomer’s hide. However Rufio was lost, hewn by an orc’s foul blade. The man that had raised Imrahil’s grandson as his own and who had given his daughter the husband and help she needed to raise Elfwine was gone. Imrahil’s heart broke but knew that Rufio was now free to be with his true love. Lothiriel would be sad but would not be devastated because she too would know Rufio was finally able to love whom he desired.

Lothiriel was too late to stop her uncle from whatever plan he had for him and his son. Pip, the little hobbit, had alerted everyone to the lord’s strange behavior but there was nothing that could be done. He had barricaded himself and Faramir inside the citadel and what he was going to do was anyone’s guess. She did not have the opportunity to deal with this situation because the woman who had been in painful labor was giving birth. The princess prayed that her cousin would be alright and that her uncle would be rid of the madness that had overtaken him; but as of now there was nothing she could do. The woman delivered twins, and her life faded before them. Cerrywyn took one of the babes and was cleaning it while Loti cleaned the other. Lothiriel noticed the men from Rohan bringing in their injured. She was searching for Eomer, hoping that he would be among the injured in the houses and not among the dead on the field. Cerrywyn gasped when she saw Eowyn being laid on the floor! She went to tend to her ex sister-in-law while Loti took care of the babies.

The battle was over, Aragorn had met his promise and his arrival had turned the tide! It had been a long day and now Eomer waited by his sister’s side as the heir to Gondor worked on her shattered arm.

“I can heal her arm but I can not make her come back to the living Eomer. Her love for me is not as strong as that for you. Help her come back to us.” He encouraged Eomer to take her hand and call to her.

Eomer would have done anything to bring his sister back to him and so softly took her hand and called for her. He choked back sobs as she opened her eyes and gazed at him.

Cerrywyn watched in the shadows with Elfwine by her side as Aragorn and then Eomer brought Eowyn back to the living. Lothiriel joined them but remained quiet. Now was Eomer’s time to be with his sister. Later she hoped that she would get a moment with the man she loved. But did he still love her? What if the last four years had diminished her in his eyes? Lothiriel would have to remain strong for Elfwine’s sake but now, with the war over she realized for the first time what a precarious situation she was in. Here she was with a child whose father was now the King of Rohan. She had conceived Elfwine out of wedlock, but in love with Eomer. She had raised him to know his father as a great man who loved him; and she believed Eomer truly did love them. But he was now king and their relationship would probably have to end as he took a wife, maybe Cerrywyn again, but definitely Rohirric to be his queen. She had always been foolish in thinking that she and Eomer could ever be together. Her people were told Elfwine was Rufio’s son; though many knew the truth and did not speak of it. Now she grieved for the man who had been her rock for the past 10 years and at the prospect of never having Eomer in their lives.

Gently tugging Elfwine away from Cerrywyn and the scene before him she took him to where Rufio’s body was now laying in state. The child was uneasy but his mother took him on her lap and calmed him.

“He is with Chris now Elfwine and they are happy together. He was a brave man and he would want us to grieve for him but not be consumed by our grief. He knew we loved him and he loved us.”

Both cried as they sat beside the fallen hero, husband, father, and lover. More tears would be coming in the following days as the impact of loses was made evident. But for know they had each other. Lothiriel did not know how long they sat with their tears but a warm hand on her shoulder brought her attention to the present. Elfwine had cried himself to sleep and was limp in his mother’s arms. Looking up she saw Eomer gazing down at her, fresh tears and tear stains on his face. She could not help but cry again, for Rufio, for Eomer, for Elfwine, for her people and for all those lost.

Eomer sat down behind her and wrapped his arms firmly around her, embracing Elfwine as well in his powerful arms. The boy still slept as Eomer whispered quietly to Lothiriel. He knew that it would not be proper to spend too much time with his lover and son while they were in grief over Rufio. So he had told her about the next battle to be fought and extended her the invitation to visit with him whenever she could do so. Before leaving he gave her a token and pledge of his love.

He placed his family ring on her left hand. It was way to big but that did not matter, what mattered was she had it now and that was as good as a wedding ceremony in Rohan. He had pledged to her and she accepted. She knew what it meant to accept his ring and neither one of them would treat the vow lightly.

“May I put my son to bed,” he asked as he motioned for Lothiriel to hand Elfwine to him?

“Yes, that would be wonderful,” she handed the child to him. Elfwine did not even make a sound as he was transferred to his father.

She took his arm and they walked back to her apartment. There were so many questions she wanted to ask of him. So much time to catch up on and so many emotions to sort out before they were together once more. Her questions from earlier were not answered but they were not as stifling now that she had seen with her own eyes and heart that Eomer loved them and wanted to be with them. They had walked in silence, just happy being with each other and now they were at her apartment.

Eomer gently placed Elfwine in the large bed and began to take his shoes off. “Does he sleep in jimjams?”

“Usually his clothes from the day. Whatever he falls asleep in I generally allow him to wear to bed. It is wiser to not wake your son once he falls asleep. Much like you,” she laughed at remembering how Eomer was not very nice woken up from a sound sleep.

He remembered how grumpy he would get when Loti would wake him up. But that was in happier times when some rest was granted to his weary body. It had been many years since he had slept soundly through the night but he was warmed by the fact that perhaps soon he would fall asleep in Loti’s arms every night and the nightmares would be gone. A knock at the door took his lover from his sight. A few minutes later she came back with two babies in her arms.

“It seems that the healers believe it best to have them with someone who will give them warmth and comfort tonight. I do need the distraction,” she admitted to him.

He wanted to stay with them tonight but knew he was needed elsewhere. He pulled the covers over Elfwine and stood, walking in two steps to embrace Lothiriel and the babies he kissed her mouth.

“I will see you soon my love.” He kissed her again and then reluctantly pulled away from her. Leaving their apartment was one of the hardest things he had done in the last few hours and he had done a lot of difficult things. But now he had a world of issues to take up and solve, an injured sister who would be trying to go against his advice, and a beloved uncle to see to. Lothiriel and Elfwine would be there for him; that was his constant, his strength during these times of strife.
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