One Thing after Another

Things had been quiet for Imrahil. Indeed the past two weeks had been so quiet that he had the time to spend tending the ancient roses and enjoying the other gardens. Getting his hands dirty with soil instead of gore lightened his heart! But somewhere in his mind he wondered where the next challenge to his now peaceful existence would come from. He only had to wait until the first day of Lotesse to find out.

He was enjoying himself in the gardens with no interruptions, no fights to break up, no angry lords and ladies threatening him. His children had been true to their words and were entertaining suitors. Amrothos had found a suitable match from Lebennin and Elphir was seeking the favors of a lady. What lady he did not know; but rumor had it that the lady was from Rohan and bore a resemblance to Anee. His eldest son’s situation with the woman could become volatile in the future but Imrahil decided not to dwell on it as of now. It was only when he looked up did he see his nephew coming toward him. Flushed in the face and out of breath from running.

“Uncle, do you have a moment?” Faramir was nervous about something.

“Of course, what is it?” He was trying to be fatherly.

“Uncle, it has been brought to my attention by Eowyn that the lady Elphir is seeking the favor of is Eomer’s betrothed.”

It felt as if someone had punched him in the gut. The curses Imrahil muttered under his breath caused Faramir to look on in amazement! Half of the words of curse he had never heard before, the other half he had heard hardened soldiers, mostly sailors utter them.

“How did Eowyn come to know of it and does her brother?” Perhaps he could nip it in the bud if he acted quickly enough.

“Eomer is riding with the lady in question today. They are engaged to be married the day after Theoden’s funeral. She returns Elphir’s feelings according to what Eowyn has been able to find out; even though neither one can understand the other to any degree of proficiency. I believe he thinks he has found Anee in this woman. Either way, if she loves him or not Elphir will have to tread carefully,” Faramir stated the obvious.

He did not need this! Did not need his heir fooling around with the King of Rohan’s intended. Perhaps the language barrier could be used as an excuse for Elphir to bow out. But his son had to know she was as well as married to Eomer! Elphir had always been his level headed son, the one who did not besmirch the family name, the one who did his duty and by Valar he was going to do his duty! Imrahil almost popped a vein in his head he was so angry!

“That is absolutely fascinating my lord. You took on them all? Wow, you are so brave.” She was so bored, so tired, and so utterly disgusted with Lord Bell right now that she could not keep the sarcasm out of her voice. But he did not notice.

“Lothiriel,” Imrahil shouted! Thoroughly scaring the piss out of Lord Bell.

She stood up quickly as he stepped into the tent. “Out of the tent now,” Imrahil roared to the young lord. Lothiriel was not sad to see him go but was worried something bad had happened.

“What is it father?”

”What do you know about the woman Elphir is keeping company with?” He sat down and planted his feet firmly on the ground. He would not leave his daughter’s tent until she had explained everything he wanted to know.

“She is from Rohan, she is a stablewoman who works with the Rohirrim’s horses.”

“Yes, yes, I have heard all of that. What else do you know of her?”

Seeing that her father was concerned she told him all that she knew. “She reminds my brother of Anee and Alphros likes her. He does not scream and cry around her at least.”

“Do you know she is soon to be Eomer’s wife? Does Elphir know that she is to be Eomer’s wife? The Queen of the Mark, married to my friend and Gondor’s best ally?”

Lothiriel did not know what to say. She had heard that much from Eowyn today. “I did not know until today.”

“Eomer and the lady are riding together today. Tell me, does you brother truly love her? Because if he does I will do everything in my power to make sure he is happy. But if he is clinging to Anee’s image I can not tell you how much damage he has done.” Imrahil grabbed his daughter by the shoulders and shook her gently. He did not know what answer he wanted to hear from his daughter but he knew she knew her brother’s heart.

“What if he does love her? Will you ask Eomer to arrange a formal meeting with her family if you give him your blessing?”

“I would have no choice. I do not know how I would be able to anything else.”

“He loves her well enough. Being with her has devoured his thoughts as of late.”

“Have they…” but the look on his daughter’s face answered his question.

“So I am going to have to arrange for a meeting with Eomer at least. How could Elphir do this to me?” He was beyond wits end!

“Ask Eowyn and Faramir to counsel you on this matter father. They would have the best knowledge of what to do.”

He was walking out the door the next second, leaving his daughter confused and frightened at what he might do next.

Lothiriel wanted to go look for her brother, to warn him of their father’s wrath and that Eomer probably knew he had been with Drucilla. But she did not have the chance to as the King of Rohan appeared at the door, effectively blocking her way out.

“King Eomer what brings you here,” she tried to act innocent but knew her voice betrayed the nervousness she felt?

“Where is you brother?” He took a few steps in trying to bully her – bad mistake.

“Which one?” She walked right up to him staring him down. She had not ruled Dol Amroth during war only to be bullied by some king!

“Elphir,” he said a little uncomfortable now by how close the princess was.

“He is with his son and I strongly advise you to not bother him in the child’s presence.” Nope, she would not back down. Not when Alphros might be in danger.

“Do not toy with me princess. I know that he has been with Drucilla.”

“I do not toy with you king Eomer,” she was giving him an attitude. “Siblings wish for each others happiness do they not? They desire for their safety, their comfort above their own. I love my brother as you love your sister and I will not betray him. “Perhaps Drucilla returns my brother’s adoration.” She wanted to twist the knife deeper.

“She does,” he said it calmly and it completely took the wind out of Lothiriel. “That is why I am here princess. I do not want to harm Elphir, only congratulate him on being the best man for Drucilla.” He noticed the confused look on her face and found it absolutely beautiful.

“Then why were you acting like a boar?”

“I have had a bad day, I was relieving stress. That is all.”

“You do see why I would be so defensive,” she walked away from him.

“Yes, I do and that is admirable.”

He was beginning to see Faramir was right when he suggested, along with Eowyn, that Lothiriel would make a good queen. In fact his soon to be brother-in-law and love struck sister had been dangling the idea of Lothiriel and him almost since the beginning of peaceful times. Until today he had not considered her because Drucilla had been chosen for him. But since she loved Elphir there was not much Eomer could do except…he could not, he would not. No, he had too. He could not contain his wicked grin.

“Excuse me Princess Lothiriel,” he bowed to her. “I must speak with your father. Please relay to your brother that at his convenience, with Imrahil’s permission, I will arrange for Drucilla’s family to meet with them to discuss futures arrangements.” He took his leave.

Lothiriel was more confused now then when her father left. Eomer was such an enigma to her but she must now find her brother and tell him of the conversation. She was about to leave when Lord Holmgreen entered the tent.

She had had enough! “Lord Holmgreen I am in urgent search for Elphir, please excuse me.” She pushed by him but he grabbed her arm.

Kneeing him in the groin felt good, so good that she did it several more times while he lay on the ground writhing in pain. Lothiriel was against violence and was shocked to realize how good it felt to finally get pent up frustration out! Eomer’s comments about behaving badly when he had a bad day made much more sense to her now.

“Now excuse me,” she said as she stopped kicking him. “I must speak to my brother.” She composed herself and set off to find Elphir and her nephew.

"Oh Valar damn it!" Imrahil shouted to himself as he saw Eomer coming toward him and Lord Holmgreen lying in front of Lothiriel’s tent. This was not going to be good at all!