The Eye of the Beholder

Chapter 1

"My lord Eomer, welcome back." I turned in the direction of the greeting to see Garod, Marshal Elfhelm's second in command, walking toward me.

"Thank you," I responded. "How did things go here?"

"Rather quietly, actually. Naturally everyone was on edge, worrying about the outcome of the battle, but things ran smoothly. The new Steward took over and began repairs to the city, and preparing for the coronation of their new king."

"Good. It is nice to breathe free air again." I started to turn away, but he cleared his throat and I looked back questioningly.

"My lord…may I speak with you on a delicate matter?"

My interest was piqued. "Certainly. Is something wrong?"

"Well, no, not exactly. I just thought I should…you have met Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth, I know." I nodded and he continued, "Are you aware that he has a daughter, Lady Lothiriel?"

I furrowed my brow. "Yes, I believe he has mentioned her once or twice. Why?"

"She has come to Minas Tirith and likely you will be introduced to her soon enough."

"So?"

"My lord, you should be aware…well, I just did not think you would want to commit to anything before you met the lady."

For a moment I was uncertain what he was talking about, but he lowered his voice and explained, "To be sure, she is a pleasant enough girl, my lord, but her looks leave something wanting. I suspect that now you are king, and in need of a wife, there will be suggestions that…" He let his words trail off.

"I see. Well, thank you for the warning." I turned quickly away, feeling uncomfortable with the conversation.

While it was true that I now needed to consider taking a wife and producing an heir, I had not yet given the matter much thought. There were too many other problems of a more pressing nature with which to concern myself. But more than that, I was uncomfortable that someone would say something so unkind about a lady. True, he had meant well, but Prince Imrahil was my friend and as such I felt protective of his family, even those I had not yet met. I let out a sigh and continued on my path, unwilling to think about the subject any longer. I could deal with that situation when it arose.

xxxxx

It wasn't until that evening that I got a glimpse of the lady in question. There was a celebratory banquet, welcoming home the warriors and especially welcoming the new king of Gondor. I saw Prince Imrahil arrive with his family. I had met two of his sons, but Erchirion remained in Dol Amroth, running things in his father's absence. His daughter was behind him, and it took a moment before I got a good look at her.

From Garod's words, I had been expecting a very unattractive girl, but that was not the case. True, she was rather plain, and her dress did not particularly suit her. She was surprisingly short, despite all her brothers being fairly tall and lanky, and a bit heavier than most maidens preferred to be. Her hair was thick and healthy, but not worn in the most attractive style. Yes, the overall appearance wasn't likely to make many men look at her twice, yet I could not believe my friend's daughter had nothing of consequence to offer. I knew many plain women in Rohan who were witty, charming, intelligent or had other fine qualities. I might not be particularly attracted to the girl, but I would not dismiss her out of hand. She at least deserved my courtesy.

Imrahil spotted me and made his way over, a warm smile on his face. He caught me by the shoulder and said, "I see your sister is recovered, in more ways than one." He glanced over to where Eowyn was talking animatedly with Faramir. I had some reservations about their sudden interest in each other, but I had heard only good about the Steward, and I certainly owed him much if he was responsible for my sister being so happy. I had despaired of ever seeing her so again.

Smiling, I answered, "Yes. I am very pleased to see it. I understand the Steward is your nephew."

"He is, and a fine young man. You will not find anyone better in all of Gondor. He has had a hard life, but it has not made him bitter as it would some. He owes much of that to his older brother, Boromir, who is now lost to us." A look of deep sorrow came over his face at the mention of his deceased nephew, and I clasped his shoulder in sympathy.

After a moment, he looked up and smiled. "But tonight is not the time for our sorrows. Let us celebrate our victory over evil!"

"My sentiments exactly," I responded heartily. "And I think a tankard of Gondor's finest ale might just start things off on the right foot!"

He laughed and drew me after him. "I am sure it would!"

As we moved to where the ale was being served, I noticed that Lothiriel and her brothers were standing nearby. Apparently Imrahil had noticed also, and suddenly realized, "You have not yet met my daughter, have you?"

"No, I have not had that pleasure."

He changed course and moved in the direction of his children. Coming to a stop, we were greeted by Elphir and Amrothos. "Eomer, my sons you know, but may I present my daughter, Lothiriel. Lothiriel, this is King Eomer of Rohan."

The lady in question curtsied and gave me a warm smile. "My father speaks very highly of you, my lord. We are grateful for Rohan's aid in our time of need."

I blushed slightly, still unused to compliments, but answered, "Rohan is happy to do its part in defending Middle-earth, my lady."

She seemed to sense my awkwardness, and waved a hand in the direction of the ale table. "Well, the least we can do to show our gratitude is to quench a warrior's thirst. My brothers were just eyeing the tankards of ale. Will you not join them?"

I grinned. "Your father and I had the same thought! Thank you - if you will excuse me." Amrothos led the way and the four of us headed over to get drinks, but the lady retired to a chair in an out of the way spot to observe the festivities. She was in my line of sight as I stood talking and drinking with her family.

I was somewhat puzzled by her. Certainly she had conducted herself in an appropriate fashion when we were introduced, but she did not appear comfortable in this social setting. Her choice of seat almost suggested she was hiding from the celebration though not making herself completely absent. A few men glanced at her briefly, then bypassed her to ask someone else to dance. But she seemed to take no notice of these slights and did not watch the dancers longingly. Perhaps she did not care for dancing and was relieved not to be asked. Even so, I would have expected her at least to gather with other women to gossip, yet she showed no inclination to do so.

In some ways, she reminded me of Eowyn when she was younger. Though Eowyn had become quite a beautiful woman, at least in the eyes of her doting brother, she had been gangly and awkward when she was younger. Her preference for swordplay and battle didn't endear her to the other girls of the court, and she really had only counted me and Theodred as her close friends. But her strength of will was intimidating to most men; one of the reasons I was surprised that someone so mild-mannered as Faramir was attracted to her. Lothiriel seemed much like Eowyn in her social awkwardness, though in a one-on-one encounter she appeared collected and self-possessed. It was a pity that Lothiriel's plain appearance concealed so much of what was inside. I strongly suspected there was a lovely young woman in there. I could not imagine Imrahil's daughter being otherwise, especially after meeting his sons.

I realized my mind had wandered from the conversation while I considered the young lady, and I pulled my attention back to my friends.

It wasn't until later, after I had drunk much and danced much, that I took notice of Lothiriel again - still sitting quietly in the same place she had been all night. I vaguely seemed to recall her on the dance floor once with Amrothos, but the rest of the evening apparently had been spent in her chair.

Feeling somewhat sorry for the girl, I wandered in her direction. She glanced up at my approach and gave me a friendly smile. "My lord Eomer. How are you enjoying your evening?"

"Very much. Plenty of ale and women to dance with always makes for an enjoyable time." I swallowed hard, suddenly aware of how my words might sound to someone who did not seem to be enjoying herself as much as I was.

But she merely smiled, and told me, "I am glad you find Gondor so agreeable. We have long looked for a reason to celebrate to this extent, and now we find ourselves with double the reason."

"And why have I not seen you dancing?" I asked, more bluntly than I intended. Again, I kicked himself. What a thing to say - as if she wasn't already aware of how little she had danced.

"I fear I am not much of a dancer, my lord. Amrothos occasionally will risk his feet with me, but usually I spare others my lack of skill."

Her answer was both diplomatic and gracious, and I felt new regard for her. As I had suspected, there was more beneath her surface than was easily noted. On a whim, I suggested, "Would you do me the honor of a dangerous dance with you? We Rohirrim fear nothing." I gave her a sly grin, and she burst into laughter.

"Indeed, my lord, how may I refuse such a request. Let us hope my assault on your feet does not bring our countries to blows after peace has so newly been established."

I laughed as well and, when the next dance began, I offered her my hand as I stood. We moved onto the dance floor, and I knew that many eyes were on us. Likely they were wondering why I would bother dancing with her. Well, let them wonder. Perhaps it would make them look at her for more than appearance, and treat her with a little more regard.

I soon discovered that she had underrepresented her skill at dancing. In fact, thanks to the large quantity of ale I had consumed, I found I was more a danger to her feet than vice versa. But she made no comment, and only offered pleasant inconsequential conversation. Just as the music ended, she looked closely into my eyes as if seeking some answer. After a moment, she averted her eyes and took my arm to move from the floor.

When we had returned to our seats, she smiled at me again, and said, "Well, now that I have danced with the King of Rohan, I shall call the evening complete. You will, I hope, excuse me, my lord. I believe I will say goodnight. It has been a very long day."

"Of course," I responded, as she curtsied, and a moment later she was moving away from me. I had thought I was doing her a favor by dancing with her, but somehow, at that moment, it felt more like she had done me a favor. I shook my head to clear it and went in search of another tankard of ale.