Sacrifices

Before sunset the wedding party made their way toward the beach. Imrahil escorted his daughter and Finduilas walked a few steps behind; making sure that everything went as planned. The citizens lining the streets threw flower petals at the procession and laid flowers in front of their feet. The procession moved closer to the beach and Lothiriel could see Eomer waiting for her. He looked uncomfortable in his royal garments and constantly rocked back and forth. She could not lie to herself any longer, she was terrified at the prospects this union created but Eomer’s smile melted away some of her fears. Everyone took their places on the beach. Lothiriel had Finduilas standing beside her; Eomer had Eothain on his side. The judge welcomed the guests and the ceremony began.

Lothiriel could not help but laugh many times during the ceremony as something on the beach caught the king’s attention; be it the dolphins that swam in the water or gulls flying low. He was like a little boy who got distracted at anything and he did not hear what he was to speak. The ceremony lasted longer then anticipated because of the king’s distractions. Finally the vows were spoken and the couple united with a kiss. It was over and the princess looked around to the guests and smiled, Eomer was pale and shaky but managed to smile at the crowd also.

The feast that followed was a merry event despite the trials that had taken place earlier in the day. Bregon had been taken to his family’s house to prepare his body for funeral rites while Bealin was placed under arrest and locked in the dungeon. With the perpetrators taken care of everyone breathed a sigh of relief. The eored were especially ecstatic to see that their king was not dead and many blessed Eomer’s luck. At the feast Eomer had to repeat his story many times for his men and curious eavesdroppers.

“Bregon in his haste to execute me did not check his arrow tips and instead of shooting me with the poisoned tips he spoke to Lothiriel of I was hit with blunted practice tips. The type that boys just learning to shot are given to use, they did not even pierce my armor. But Aragorn and I thought it best to pretend that he was successful to catch the culprit.” Eomer wondered how many times he would have to tell the story tonight. Finally Eomer was called away from his men to take his place at the head table.

At the head table sat the royal family and close friends. The eored had been placed against a far back wall but were treated graciously. The prim Gondorian women at the feast did not know what to make of the horselords at first. But as drink flowed and the music began it was obvious that something was running through their proper minds. Several shyly started conversations with the men and many more flirted through the night. Eomer, aware of the action going on with his men whispered to his bride, “My men will want to come to Dol Amroth more often, they have not gotten this much action in years.” His grin made Loti burst out in laughter.

“I am afraid that after tonight there will be many little horselords running through Dol Amroth in 9 months. You truly did strengthen alliances.” It was Eomer’s turn to laugh, but she had brought up a point that he would like to discuss with her.

“So how many little horselords should we expect running around Meduseld?” His question was honest enough but it took the queen by complete surprise.

She did not know what to say. She had thought about children when she would see babies in their mother’s arms but for herself she had never gotten the urge to procreate.

“I have never given childrearing serious thought my lord.” She watched his face for a reaction. All she saw was thoughtfulness, as if he was trying to decipher her words. He was a lot like her in the fact that he seemed to think of all the consequences before he spoke. However Loti feared that they had come onto a subject that would have the potential to cause arguments in the not so distant future.

Eomer took her hand and kissed it. Looking into her eyes he said, “We will handle children when that time comes. Tonight is for us and I desperately want to get to know my queen better.” He kissed her as the remaining eored shouted out their approval.

People from every walk of life were allowed at the feast and many people blessed the new couple; a few showed their distain of the union by not speaking to the couple or their family but partaking in the hospitality that was offered . Harpers and musicians kept the crowd entertained way into the night, the dancing was lively and everyone seemed to be having a good time. That was what the royal family wanted, everyone to share their fortune and be happy with them.

As the people proceeded to congratulate Lothiriel and Eomer the queen saw a very familiar face coming toward her. Her heart skipped a few beats and her hands began to sweat. It was Rufio’s aunt and Loti believed that the woman knew more then she let on about the romance between herself and her nephew. There was no time for Loti to excuse herself Mabd was already standing in front of her.

“Mabd, it is good to see you again.” Loti spoke hoping to get a jovial response back from the woman.

“It is good to see you too Loti. Good to see you happy again. Our house has been so empty without Rufio,” tears formed in Mabd’s eyes.

Consoling her lover’s aunt Lothiriel hugged the woman tightly. “Oh Loti! Why did Rufio have to go? Why did he have to die far from home?” Mabd cried and Loti felt like joining her. It took reserve for the queen not let lose the floodgate of tears she had so far managed to suppress.

“He was very honorable Mabd, very honorable. He was loyal to his country and his prince, king and family. Rufio did what he felt he needed to do.”

“He loved you so much.” Mabd dried her eyes and tried to smile as she remembered happier memories of Rufio and Lothiriel. She looked at Eomer and gave him the best smile she could and bowed. “I have known this woman since she was an infant. She is much loved in our city and I hope that love will be with you always.”

Eomer returned the woman’s bow and said, “I thank you for your kind words my lady. Lothiriel means a lot to her kingdom and be assured that I will do everything to keep her happy.”

Mabd smiled, shook Loti’s hand and then proceeded down to the prince and his sons. Eomer saw the tears in his wife’s eyes and wondered what was said to bring Lothiriel to tears. He did not have to wait long for an answer. Loti had seen his concerned look and told him what had passed between Mabd and herself.

“Her name is Mabd and she is the aunt of a dear friend of Elphir’s and mine, Rufio. He was a captain in my father’s army and rode with him to protect the White City and the free peoples.” Lothiriel’s voice was sad.

A look of remembrance came into the king’s eyes. “I remember him. He rode with your brothers and when time allowed we would all talk of Dol Amroth and the beaches. He was a very fine soldier. He gave his life for me. As I led my men into an impossible position for escape he and your father came to our aid. I tried to stop the orc from slaying him but could not reach him in time. I am truly sorry for her lose. Do you think I should go and tell her about her nephew’s sacrifice?”

Lothiriel was speechless at hearing that Eomer knew Rufio. “Fate brings us all together and chance casts her lots,” she finally managed to say. It was taking amazing composure on her part to not just fall to pieces.

“Yes, you should tell her. I am going to get some air, it is hot in here.” Loti had to get away, she felt like she could not draw breath and she did not want Eomer to come with her. “Go talk to her Eomer, she is a very nice lady.” She pushed him toward Mabd and then briskly walked out into the night. Leaving her husband and guests confused.

Outside the queen ran toward the shore, the sea had always been her retreat and she needed to hear its soothing sounds now; her soul was torn in two. It was low tide and Loti sat on an exposed rock. She was shaking from cold and tears ran down her face but she needed to hear the sea. Soon there was a presence behind her, turning to look she was not surprised to see Elphir standing, looking at her.

“What is wrong sweet? You left the king confused and worried when departed. I told him that I would find you and bring you back. So what has happened in the few hours that you have been married to cause you to flee your husband and cry into the sea?” He joined her on the rock.

“In a very strange coincidence of fate Eomer knows of Rufio.”

Elphir looked concerned. “And he is alright with that?”

“No, he does not know about us but he met Rufio when father joined his troops to come to Gondor’s aid. Rufio rode with Amrothos and Erchirion and they apparently had conversations with Eomer about Dol Amroth.

“Fate is an odd mistress.”

“Rufio died rescuing Eomer Elphir! Eomer admitted that he saw Rufio ride to his aid along with father. He saw the creature that took him down but could not save him.”

Elphir took his sister’s hand. “Loti! Your hand is as ice! You are freezing. We need to go back in.”

“I can not. Do you not see that I can not look upon Eomer know without having feelings of loathing? I do not want to hate my husband but right now I can not reconcile being married to the man that caused my first husband to die!”

“He did not cause Rufio to die Loti. Rufio knew the risks and was willing to take them. I am sure that he and Eomer were friends and friends, especially brothers-in-arms, protect each other to the very end. Eomer is not at fault for Rufio’s death.”

Looking coldly at her brother, “Father told me about the “rescue” of the men of the Mark. Eomer led them into a suicide battle where he knew he could not win. He wanted to die Elphir, for what I do not know, but if he had not acting irrational Rufio might still be alive.”

“Might be alive Loti, might is the key word. And if he was alive then how would you get out of being promised to the King of Rohan?”

“That does not balance the scales brother.”

He was confused at her words. “What do you mean by not balance the scales?”

“Rufio dying so I can freely marry a man I do not know just because he is a king does not balance out Rufio giving his life while protecting the man that his wife was forced to marry.”

“I thought you were falling for Eomer.”

“I was, I am falling for him but right now I need time to reconcile this news in my head. Just give me some time alone. I promise that I will be back inside soon. Do not let Eomer find me.”

“I will not lie for you Loti, not to your husband. If he asks I will tell him where you are; but I will let you tell him why you are here.”

Elphir returned to the castle and Loti sat desperately trying to sort out her feelings about what she had just found out. In deep thought she lost track of time and only realized the lateness when she heard Eomer shout her name.

“Lothiriel! Come inside love. It is late and the guests are concerned about you. I am very concerned about you.”

Mumbling under her breath she said, “Great, just what I do not need right now.”

“Lothiriel! How did you manage to get out to that rock?”

Looking around she saw that the tide was coming in and the beach that had allowed for her to walk out to the rock was now covered in water. She had been out a long time if the tide was rising, but it had not rose so much that she could not wade back to shore. On the shore Eomer held his breath not knowing what to do. He had never been in the sea before, he did not even know if he remembered how to swim and now the woman he vowed to protect was walking up to her knees in that cold black water. It did not come to him that she could swim and he started wading into the water.

“Eomer! Do not come in. I will be on the shore in a second.” She saw him stop and was relieved. There would be no way she could pull him out of the sea if something happened and he lost his footing.

Walking up to him she took his hand and walked to dry land. “That was a noble thing you were going to do Eomer, but you must realize I was raised by the sea. I know how the sea works you could have been swept away.”

“I thought I vowed to protect you.”

“It goes both ways my king.” She heard herself say ‘my king’ and it irritated her. It was going to take more time for her to reconcile the thoughts in her head and until then she would have to put forth the best diplomatic demeanor she could manage. They arrived back at the feast and were greeted questionably due to their wet clothes.