Part 139 of the Elfwine Chronicles. The Elfwine Chronicles are a series of one-shots built around the family group of Eomer, Lothiriel and Elfwine. The total number will depend on how many ideas I get for new vignettes.

A/N: An adjunct story to "Manners".

Defense

(July, 36 IV)

"So, you wish to marry my sister," the voice behind him demanded.

Slowly he turned to eye his challenger warily. "Yes. I do." Rather than say more, he waited to see what objections, if any, might be raised.

Eyes narrowed suspiciously as he was joined on the sidelines of the dance area. "She is yet young in the ways of the world," he was informed.

Taking a sip of ale, he nodded. "True, but she will learn that in time. She knows enough now, and I love her just as she is."

There was silence for several moments, then, "We are a close family, and very protective of her. If anyone tried to hurt her or brought her pain, he would suffer the wrath of us all."

He could not restrain a grin. "Yes, so I have been informed by others in your family. But I have no desire to hurt or cause pain, only to make her my wife and cherish her always."

"Can you provide for her?"

The question was a bit high-handed, but he answered anyway. "I have saved my wages, and have prospects that I believe will provide for our needs. But no matter what, I will not let her suffer from any sloth on my part. I would give her all she needs and, if possible, all she wants," he answered sincerely, meaning every word.

There was a sigh next to him, and he slanted a glance at his companion.

"You will not live around here, I suppose."

"No," he admitted, "likely we would live in Gondor. I am sorry to take her so far from you all."

Another sigh and then, "She will like it there. She has always had great fondness for their society."

Turning to face him, Theodwyn struggled for a moment to find the words she needed, then said, "My family speaks well of you, and so I must trust their judgement, but she is my only sister. Though we are very different and were not much close growing up, yet I love her dearly. I would not stand idly by if she was unhappy."

He could not help thinking that the sisters were more alike than perhaps either realized. Theodwyn was the embodiment of what he knew Morwen could eventually be. She had the same fire, the same determination, the same love of family. True, there was outwardly nothing similar, but in essentials it was clear that both were the daughters of a bold, brave warrior. One day, Morwen would see that for herself, and perhaps that awareness would further bond the sisters.

"Nor could I," he murmured understandingly. "It has taken much to persuade her to consider me, but I believe we will be happy. And you will always be welcome in our home - to check on how I am doing!"

They both grinned, and then impulsively Theodwyn hugged Caranhir. "Take care of her - I will be watching!" she teased, and he let his arms go around her to return the embrace.

"I will. I want nothing more than to do so."

THE END

3/16/07

End note: It is best that you read the Elfwine Chronicles in the order they were written. The more of them that I wrote, the more likely I was to make reference to one of the previous ones and something that happened there. If you want to read them in order, go to the top of this page and click on my name (Deandra). That will take you to my profile page. Scroll down and you will find all the stories I have written. The Elfwine Chronicles are in order from bottom to top since ffn shows them in the order they were posted. A few were posted out of number order, but you can read them in posting order or number order since those few won't be affected in the story content.