Sacrifices

NOTE - Sorry for not adding this before hand; the age of Lothiriel is different from what has been written in text as a device by me for the story. I just could not handle another little sister figure, so i put her the same age as Eomer, and made her second oldest among the four siblings. Enjoy.


The Dark Lord had been cast down; the War of the Ring was over. Slowly the third age was ending, giving rise to the fourth age, the age of man. The glorious day of the forces of good triumph over evil was 15 March III 3019. On that day kings reclaimed their rightful thrones and peace began to settle over the lands.

It was a hard victory, many lives were lost, many more wounded, and the horses of the Rohirrim were depleted. The Healing Houses of Minas Tirith was filled with the wounded. Among them the Steward’s son, Faramir, and the new King of Rohan’s sister, Eowyn along with her squire Merry a halfling. During Faramir’s healing, temporary stewardship was given to Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth. Imrahil was the brother-in-law to Denethor II whom had married Imrahil’s sister Finduilas, only to have her fade away 12 years later leaving two young sons.

The prince’s sons, Erchirion, and Amrothos were already in attendance to their father, they had fought upon the fields before the White City for the freemen of Middle Earth. Soon they would be heading home, carrying the dead back to their final resting place. Two of the prince’s children had stayed behind at Dol Amroth; Lothiriel and eldest brother Elphir. Both were involved in affairs of their land since their father had rode arms to Gondor.

Into the days after the victory the mood of the peoples grew lighter. Soon the reunited kingdoms were having a large celebration, marking not only the marriage of the King to his elven bride, but also of the other unions that followed. The land was healing, old wounds were closing people were actually free and were taking advantage of the newfound peace to rekindle old acquaintances.

At Edoras the King of the Mark was celebrating the news that his sister was doing well and had taken an interest in Faramir. Although he doubted that she had been the one to be taken by Faramir. Knowing his sister Faramir had had a hard fight to win her hand.
His heart had broken on the fields as he thought her dead. Relief filled him when he was told she could be healed. He had lost so much he did not want to lose the last thing precious in his life. During Eowyn’s healing rumor circled that she was being courted by the soon to be King of Ithilien, things were looking well for his small house. Peace would come to the lands, but there would still be injustices that would need righted. Eomer never completely had removed King from warrior.


In the Golden Hall Théoden had his funeral. There were many great houses in attendance, along with the fair citizens of Edoras and surrounding country. After the funeral those that were instrumental in the success of throwing down the dark powers were enjoying the king’s hospitality. Eomer was overwhelmed by the quick succession of battles, the thousands of dead, the burnings of the once lush land, and the small number of horses that had made it through the battles alive.

His eyes never lost their cold look and an uneasy peace filled the room. Eowyn was considered something of an ice queen in her realm, and the people thought that she must have gotten it from her older brother. Around him were those that helped secure the victory of man, those that were loyal to him through the end. One in particular came over to him, bowed and requested a moment of the king’s time. It was Prince Imrahil from Dol Amroth.

“My lord Eomer you look weary. Is there any way I can be of service to you?” The prince of Dol Amroth and his sons had saved Eomer’s worthless skin several times during the battles and Eomer valued his friendship.

“There is much that weighs on my mind friend Imrahil. The fighting is not but a few months over, my uncle and cousin now buried, and my coming to the throne. Does life ever get easier?”

Imrahil put his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Eomer life is never easy. You just have to continue on with what you know. Never give up King of Rohan, you have friends. You have protected these people for years and they will look to you for leadership. Be the man that Theoden knew you were.”

The king was happy indeed for Imrahil and his son’s presence. After listening to the prince’s rousing speech his heart felt lighter. Just as he was about to ask leave from the prince to go to his chamber a woman come up to them.

Judging by her physical characteristics she was one of Imrahil’s relations. Dark hair, eyes and skin were the race that inhabited the Southwest of Gondor.

“Ada, have you seen Elphir? I fear he might have fallen victim to a game of chance with the dwarf Gimli and his elven friend.”

“Lothiriel my daughter, Elphir will be alright. He will keep his wits about him.” He chuckled at his daughter's concern.

“Gimli and Legolas are no threat to your brother.” The king spoke.

She looked at the king and then back at her father and smiled. Giving both men a deep bow she left them to look for some other diversion. Since Elphir had promised he would not leave her alone among strangers at Meduseld and was no where to be seen someone else would have to keep her occupied. She spied two happy Halflings and decided to join them in their play.

“My lord,” Imrahil began. But the king’s eyes were watching the prince’s daughter move away through the crowd. Imrahil raised an eyebrow and then continued, “Now that you are king of Rohan you shall be seeking advisors. I offer my services to the land of the horse-lords.” He bowed to the king and presented his sword hilt to him.

Taking Imrahil on his offer Eomer told him to rise. “You services have proven invaluable before and I would have them again. You are a brother to me prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth, together we shall keep our lands free and peaceful of the vileness that has been. You will not bow to me for we are equals. But now I feel weariness coming on and must take leave of the party. There are a lot of goodbyes to say before I sleep.”

The king left the prince pondering the looks that he had given Lothiriel moments before. He had seen a spark in his eyes when he looked upon her. Eomer might not have noticed but it was obvious to Imrahil that after the quick glance the king cast his eyes down to his daughter, in a jesture of humbleness. Even while speaking.

Returning to the party he smiled as he came upon his sons, he watched them partake of the hospitality. There would be no better man for the princess of Dol Amroth then the King of the Mark. Eomer had proven himself time and time again as reliable and honest. His mind was made, the king's mind was made, now to convince his daughter.