Part 61 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: At long last, here is the sequel to "Lost & Found" - Elfwine goes to Minas Tirith to ask for Dariel's hand. A big thanks to lady scribe of avandell for telling me about the story of Beren & Luthien from the "Silmarillion". You'll see why she brought it to my attention later. And thanks to Tracey for trying to help me gain a focus so this story came together in some coherent fashion. I had bits and pieces, but it wasn't quite gelling.
New Beginnings
(June, 21 IV)
Chapter 1
Eldarion and Elfwine watched Dariel move eagerly over to where the horses were tethered. Her laughter drifted back to them as she fed the apples to a delighted Hobbit, who licked the juice from her hands so as to make sure he missed none of the sweet goodness of her offering.
Idly, Eldarion commented, "She adores that beast you gave her! She absolutely dotes on him." Curiously, he turned to eye Elfwine, who was grinning at his words, and asked, "Did she ever tell you that Hobbit saved her life?"
Elfwine looked startled and shook his head.
Eldarion continued, "She probably did not want to worry you. It was only about a year and a half after you gave him to her. We had gone out riding and taken a picnic lunch. A storm came up suddenly, so we hurriedly packed up and headed for home. Instead of going to the usual river crossing, I thought we should cross sooner, fearing the rain would flood out the crossing anyway before we got there. It was probably a stupid thing for me to do, all things considered. I sent Dariel in first, and then I followed, my horse fighting me about going into the water. Dariel had the sack of our picnic things on her saddle, but it came loose and began to float away. Without thinking, she grabbed for it, letting go of Hobbit's mane, and the current pulled her away from him. She isn't a strong swimmer and she had never swum a horse across a river before.
"I tried to turn my horse and go after her, but he balked. I was afraid if I let go to go after her, that we'd both just be pulled under together. While I was trying to think of some way to rescue her, I suddenly noticed that Hobbit was turning downstream and swimming toward her. Apparently he had realized she had let go of him, and he turned in the direction of her screams for help. Moving with the current, he reached her quickly and once she caught hold of him again, he turned back to the shore. They were both rather exhausted by the time he climbed out on the bank, but they were alive. I finally made the shore as well, and we had to wait nearly an hour before I thought Hobbit and Dariel had recovered enough of their strength to continue on home."
Elfwine sat grinning, pleased with the Rohirric horse for his valor and faithfulness. Mischievously, he turned to Eldarion and commented, "Perhaps next time you visit Rohan, we should find a horse for you also! It is unseemly for a future king to be riding a mount he cannot depend on, who even resists obeying him!"
Eldarion let out a laugh. "You may be right! Certainly after seeing the quality of Hobbit, I am inclined to consider it!"
They continued to watch Dariel for a few moments, and then Eldarion asked, "So, you wish to marry my sister, do you?"
"Yes. Do you have any objections?" Elfwine responded warily.
"Hmmm, you are better looking than an orc, and smell better also, your manners are tolerable, you fight reasonably well, and...what else? Oh, you are to inherit the throne of Rohan eventually. I suppose she could do worse," Eldarion said, keeping a straight face.
When there was no response, he glanced sideways at Elfwine and saw his friend seriously contemplating his words. Shaking his head with amusement, he smirked, "Besides, I already consider you my brother. I see no reason not to make it official!" That was enough to let Elfwine know he was jesting, and the young man grinned sheepishly at him.
"I think of you as a brother also, Eldarion. And you have been a good friend. I am glad you do not mind."
They lapsed into a comfortable silence as Dariel returned to join them, wiping her hands on her skirt. The three sat around talking for a while longer, and then finally Dariel rose and announced she was ready to turn in. Elfwine stood as well to accompany her to her tent.
Once there, before she slipped inside, he pulled her close and brought his lips to hers. In short order, they were wrapped in each other's arms and oblivious to all around them.
The moment was broken by a loud "Tut, tut, tut!" Hastily stepping apart, they blushed as Eldarion strolled up. "This hardly looks like Dariel turning in for the night! Not even out of my sight for five minutes and this is what I find!" he chastised.
"We were not doing anything amiss, Eldarion, and you know it!" his sister exclaimed.
"I am not so sure. I am, after all, your chaperone. If I do not make the two of you behave, who will protect my dear sister's virtue?"
"I will," Elfwine answered solemnly.
Eldarion gazed intently at him a moment and then grinned. "Fair enough." As he strolled away, he called over his shoulder, "Do not give the soldiers anything to gossip about. You know mother finds out everything that is going on in Minas Tirith, and she is sure to hear it!"
Once he was out of sight, they smiled lovingly at one another and then shared a second kiss. As it ended, Elfwine murmured against her lips, "I should go. I meant what I said – I do not want anyone speaking ill of you or your behavior. Goodnight, my love."
xxxxx
To accommodate Dariel, who required more frequent rest stops, the trip to Minas Tirith took longer than usual. However, the three young people were enjoying one another's company and the weather was good. Elfwine was the only one with any trepidation about the trip. His joy in his love for Dariel had kept worries away for quite some time, but now he found that the nearer they drew to the city, the more his anxiety increased. Rationally, he knew that the King and Queen of Gondor were both friends of his parents and liked Elfwine personally, but a niggling doubt worried him as to whether that would be enough for them to want him to wed their daughter. He knew that he had much to recommend him, but he also knew King Elessar well enough to know that the man would not judge solely on material considerations.
And so, Elfwine fretted, all the while trying not to let Dariel or Eldarion know of his concerns. He was certain they would insist the worry was baseless, but he could not so easily set it aside.
Riding into Minas Tirith with the heir to Gondor's throne was not like it was in Edoras. The people of Rohan thought warmly of the royal family, but generally did not make a big fuss over them publicly. Not so, in Gondor. Here, any royal passing by was a processional, and crowds were eager to gather and watch. Elfwine felt as though he was on display, despite his realizing that none of the Gondorians would have any inkling that he might be there for anything other than a visit.
Although Eldarion had ridden with a full escort to retrieve his sister, Elfwine was accompanied by a small escort party for the return trip home. Elfwine had been honored that his father had sent Eothain as part of the escort, even though he suspected it was to act as a support. He had grown up around his father's closest friend, and sometimes Eothain had filled in, doing things with the boy when his father had to be absent. If his father could not accompany him for this task, he was glad to have Eothain along. Normally, as head of the King's Guard, Eothain only accompanied the king himself.
The captain of Eldarion's escort was given the assignment of seeing the horses stabled and the other men of Elfwine's escort quartered. Eothain and Elfwine's manservant accompanied him to the seventh level with the royal siblings.
Since no word had been sent on ahead of Elfwine making the journey, only Queen Arwen put in appearance to greet them. If she was surprised to see the young man from Rohan, it did not show in her face or reactions. After meeting each of her children with a kiss, she smiled warmly at him also, and kissed his cheek. "It is good to have you with us, Elfwine."
He blushed at the comment and thanked her, then they were being guided to guest rooms. A short time later, Eothain knocked at Elfwine's door and sauntered in, eyeing the room. "One thing is certain, I do enjoy accompanying you royals on official visits! Otherwise I never get treated to such fancy quarters as these!"
Elfwine chuckled, and replied, "Perhaps that is why Father does not let you come more often. He does not wish you to get spoiled!"
Eothain laughed heartily. "I would not put it past him! On the other hand, if he does not bring me along occasionally, he runs the risk of my teasing him about his softness. He knows I cannot do so when I am being equally soft!"
Eothain settled in a chair and glanced out the window over his shoulder. "Still, the heir of Rohan warrants a much better view than the captain of the King's Guard," he teased.
Turning his attention back to the room, Eothain leveled his gaze on Elfwine. "So, you wish to marry Dariel, do you? I do not envy you that!"
Elfwine was startled for a moment, but of course it made sense that Eothain would know his purpose here. "Why do you not envy me? She is both beautiful and intelligent, compassionate and kind."
"Aye, and she is the daughter of Gondor's king! I was fortunate – my bride's family was all gone by the time we married. I did not have the torment of requesting her hand from a male relative. All I needed do was persuade the lady."
Seeing Elfwine looking a bit concerned by this assessment, he rose and moved to place a hand on the young man's shoulder. "I am jesting with you, Elfwine. King Elessar is a good and just man, and I know full well he thinks very highly of you. I cannot imagine he would deny you this."
Elfwine gave him a weak smile of relief, but was not entirely reassured. Eothain's voiced comments too closely mirrored his own thoughts.
Just then, Eldarion put in appearance and informed them, "My parents have a prior engagement for supper this evening so they will not be joining us. It will just be us and the two of you. My other sisters are in Emyn Arnen with Lord Faramir and Lady Eowyn."
Eothain rubbed his stomach and grinned. "A spacious room and fine food as well! I shall enjoy this visit! I must recommend to Eomer that I come in his stead more often!"
Chuckling, Eldarion said, "Supper is in an hour, but you might want to come with me if you expect any company until then, Eothain. My sister was headed this way."
As he spoke, Dariel arrived, wrinkling her brow curiously at the group in Elfwine's room. "If it is all the same to you, Eldarion, I think I will sneak in a little nap until supper. Then I will be fresh to check out the town this evening – if Lord Elfwine does not require my services, that is." He turned and gave a mocking bow.
Elfwine sneered at him and retorted. "Why would I wish your company tonight if I can have Dariel's instead, Marshal? She is infinitely better looking than you, a more entertaining conversationalist and I have absolutely no desire to sneak kisses from you."
Eothain and Eldarion roared, doubling over with laughter. Wiping tears from his eyes, Eldarion observed, "There is hope for him yet! He may finally have found a sense of humor! Good news, sister, Elfwine does not intend to cheat on you with Eothain!"
"Out!" Dariel demanded, blushing very red. "You two are terrible! Out, out!"
They did as directed, still laughing as they moved away. Dariel turned to give Elfwine an apologetic look. "I am sorry, my love. Well, for Eldarion anyway. I suppose Eothain is your problem!"
He moved closer to her and slipped his arms around her waist, suggesting, "A kiss from you might make me feel better." She complied without any reluctance.
Mindful of the open door, and that they were standing in his bedchamber, Elfwine kept the kiss brief. At his nervous glance around, Dariel understood his hesitation, and caught his hand, drawing him with her. "I know a better, more private place to...talk."
Moments later they were deep within the queen's garden and out of sight of prying eyes. Their time there passed too quickly for either of their liking, but soon it was time to go in for supper.
Only as they were seating themselves at the table, did it occur to Elfwine he would be eating in public. At home, the cooks knew to serve his plate with anything already cut that needed cutting; here they would not be aware of his shortcomings. Even though he was presently just among friends, he shifted uncomfortably. None of them had ever witnessed him trying to eat food that wasn't already bite-sized.
As yet, no one had taken notice of his agitation as the other three settled into their seats and began sipping at the wine that was already poured. The servers appeared in the doorway, and Elfwine steeled himself for the embarrassment that was coming. Even if they did not mock him, it was still humiliating to ask someone to cut his food.
To his astonishment, when he looked down at the plate placed before him, however, the meat was cut and the rest was easily eaten with one hand. He stared at it in bewilderment a moment, even as Eothain and Eldarion began to dig into their meals with relish. A nudge from Dariel's elbow caught his attention, and he turned to look at her beside him. "Did you think I would forget you?" she whispered, giving him a loving smile.
A rush of emotion brought tears to his eyes, and he fought for control, fumbling with his napkin as an excuse to keep his head down. Her hand came over and rested on his arm, giving it a squeeze, and finally he gave her a grateful smile as he began to eat.
The four of them had a fine time talking and laughing over their meal. Despite the considerable difference in his age, Eothain related well to the younger three, and he kept them well entertained with his ready supply of stories about their fathers.
At length, they adjourned from the table, and Eothain took his leave to venture into town to enjoy a few drinks with his riders. The other three moved to the library to await the return of the king and queen. Eldarion had made it known to them that Elfwine wished to speak with King Elessar, and they had indicated they should be home early enough for that to take place.
True to their word, they arrived less than an hour later. A servant came to bring Elfwine to the king's study, and Dariel gave his hand a reassuring squeeze before he departed, promising to wait for him in the garden.
Elfwine entered Elessar's study to find his wife, Queen Arwen, already there.
"My lady," he acknowledged with a bow.
The queen inclined her head in response. "Elfwine. I am pleased to see you looking so well. My husband will join us shortly. Would you like some refreshment?" When he nodded his acceptance, she moved over to a tray with a pitcher and glasses on it, and began to pour.
Elfwine studied her nervously. The Elf was quite possibly the singularly most beautiful woman he had ever seen, despite her age. Although Elfwine had known the family for many years, and often been in her company before, suddenly he found himself ill at ease. Unconsciously, he found himself moving his right arm out of sight behind his back. When he realized what he was doing, even though he recognized it as a foolish act, he could not help but want to hide his deformity from her.
Arwen moved toward him and handed him a glass, then turned to seat herself in a nearby chair, gesturing for him to do likewise. Hesitantly he did so, though she was now sitting on his right side and hiding his right arm was more difficult. He could not meet her eyes, so he let his gaze flick around the room.
"Elfwine," she asked quietly, "have you ever heard the tale of Beren and Luthien?"
He tried to recall for a moment – the names sounded familiar, and he was sure his mother or tutors had mentioned them before, but presently he was too on edge to readily remember the story. He smiled apologetically at her. "I may have, but I confess I do not remember any particulars just now."
"Beren was a mortal who fell in love with the Elf-woman, Luthien, said to be the most beautiful Elf ever. Her father would only let them wed if he recovered a Silmaril from the Iron Crown of Morgoth. With Luthien's help, he was able to do so, but the wolf who guarded Morgoth's gates bit off Beren's hand and swallowed the jewel. Eventually, Beren was able to kill the wolf and recover the jewel, but he was mortally wounded and died. Luthien followed him in death because of her grief. But while they were in the Halls of Mandos, Luthien sang a song of such extraordinary power and beauty that Mandos was moved and she was allowed to return to Middle-earth as a mortal, along with Beren, and there dwelt for a time in happiness."
Elfwine digested this information, while he waited for her to make her point in telling it to him.
At length, she continued gently, "My husband would have you believe that I rival Luthien's beauty, but I do not think my appearance any better than that of other Elves. Even so, like Luthien – and Dariel – I am able to see past a missing hand, and look upon the heart and soul of a person. You are good and fair, and a fine young man. Do not be uneasy in the presence of those you deem more physically appealing. I judge you by what you are, not by what you lack."
Elfwine could not conceal a blush of embarrassment that she seemed to have read his thoughts. "Forgive me," he said, averting his eyes. "I am still adjusting to the loss and am not yet entirely comfortable with myself."
With a smile, Arwen rose and moved to stand in front of him. Catching his chin to raise his face to look at her, she said softly, "Do not apologize. I understand." She bent down and kissed his brow affectionately, as she had done before on occasion.
At that moment, Elessar entered the room, raising an eyebrow at the two of them. Arwen poured another glass of mead and took it to her husband, then recovered her own glass and told them, "I will leave the two of you to your discussion."
Elessar sipped his mead while she exited, and then turned his eyes to Elfwine. Rising from the seat he had taken behind his desk, he moved to Elfwine's side and knelt on one knee, reaching for Elfwine's right arm. "May I?" he asked.
Elfwine hesitated briefly, then realized it was ludicrous to do so since the king had been the one to treat his injury in the first place. He offered his arm for examination, and Elessar studied it a few minutes. "It has healed well. Does it trouble you at all?"
Elfwine shook his head. "No, it does not hurt. It is just...inconvenient."
Elessar chuckled as he stood. "Yes, I would imagine so, but Dariel's letters have indicated you are doing well in overcoming the difficulties."
Picking up his glass again, he took another swallow, then eyed the young man. "So, what did you wish to speak with me about, Elfwine?" All things considered, Elessar was fairly certain he already knew the topic that would come up, but he allowed Elfwine to proceed as he wished.
Clearing his throat, Elfwine played with the glass in his hand, then hastily set it down and rose to stand at attention before the king. "I...I would like to request the hand of your daughter, Dariel, in marriage, my lord. She has accepted my suit and I wish to have your blessing upon our union."
Elessar turned away to hide his amused smile. Elfwine was always so earnest, even though his parents were quite relaxed. Despite his amusement, and his inclination to tease the boy, he checked himself. Asking a girl's father for permission to marry her was always a nerve-racking experience, and he did not wish to prolong the boy's misery.
"I will need to discuss the matter with my wife, and my advisers will expect to have the right to approve as well, I am afraid, but I should be able to give you an answer by dinner tomorrow."
The young man swallowed convulsively and nodded. "Thank you, my lord. I will await your decision."
Chuckling, Elessar approached him and caught him by the back of the neck. "Elfwine, do not be so agitated. Do you truly suppose I will object to my daughter marrying a fine young man whom she dearly loves? I cannot presently think of any reason why I would not accept your suit for my daughter. Now, please, go and relax. We will talk more tomorrow."
Elfwine gratefully nodded. "Thank you, King Elessar!" Quickly he headed for the door, finally drawing a relieved breath at having this meeting over and done.
He found Dariel in the garden, as agreed, and she rushed into his arms to greet him warmly. "How did it go?" she asked, as their kiss ended.
"Well, I think. Your father said he should have an answer for me by dinner tomorrow. He needs to mention it to his advisers first and talk it over with your mother. But I think he will agree to it."
"Of course he will!" she reassured her love. "This is all just formality. My parents adore you, Elfwine. They would never wish to keep us apart, I am sure."
He pulled her close and embraced her tightly, grateful for her words. She was right. Neither of her parents had given him reason to worry about this.
