Détente

Part 69 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: What does Eldarion have to do with the Elfwine Chronicles, you ask? Read on, to find out! I did manage to tie it together, and since all these characters and "previous situations" referred to are from the Chronicles, it seemed right to include this in the series rather than have it stand alone.

AUTHOR'S PLEA: My longtime readers will probably suspect why I'm asking this, but I would like input on what single word or phrase you would use to describe Eomer, Faramir, Aragorn and Elfwine. I did something similar with the guys describing their wives, but I'm having trouble pegging the guys.

(Feb, 22 IV)

Chapter 1

Eldarion gazed on the scene before him with utter boredom. In many ways, Elfwine was his closest friend, and he loved his sister dearly, but he could not help envy them the happiness they had found in each other. His eyes fell on his parents, noticing a look or a touch between them, that likely was unobserved by most in the room, but reminded him of their special bond with one another. And, yet, looking around the room of powdered and primped noblewomen, most of whom seemed to be studiously trying to catch his eye, he could find nothing that appealed to him in the slightest.

They could be amusing if he was in mind for a little kissing in the moonlight, but even there he had to beware lest they assume too much interest on his part and begin to cling possessively. Some of the men had made comments suggesting how lucky he was to be in a position to have any woman he wanted, but it was not so enviable a thing as they supposed. While he might indulge in a few pleasant kisses, he had no intention of bedding any of them and risking an irate father with a pregnant daughter in tow. Even if such concerns could be ignored, it was more difficult for him to turn away from wanting what his parents had. They had waited literally years to be together, never seeking solace in another. Somehow he could not bring himself to wantonly indulge in women while awaiting a special someone to come along.

Taking another swallow of wine, he sighed. Elfwine had made some good suggestions about finding such a woman for himself, but it seemed unlikely anything could come of it in the near future. In the meantime, it was difficult to stay interested in engaging in pointless posturing at these gatherings. Smile. Bow. Be charming. Flatter. Insincerely woo, if he desired a kiss. Then return to his cold room, alone and with empty arms. No one to tease him, to touch him lovingly, to brush his hair back from his face, to cheer his victories and console his disappointments. Elfwine was a lucky man to have found that so young.

Lest this morose mood completely overwhelm him, he set down his goblet and pushed himself erect. A lively dance might at least distract him momentarily.

Several dances later, he paused for another goblet of wine and to catch his breath. His eyes wandered the room once more, and lit upon Dariel and Elfwine talking with Luthiel. Elfwine's cousin was indeed fair; there was no question of that. Perhaps because she was the Steward's daughter, he had always considered her somewhat off-limits to him, but Elfwine's mention that she might make him a suitable match caused him to rethink that belief. He very much doubted either his parents or hers would object to such a union, and she was well-schooled in court protocol, though privately more relaxed than most noblewomen. Yes, perhaps he should get to know Luthiel better…see if he could tolerate her more than these other women.

With that thought in mind, he made his way across the hall, but before he reached them, Luthiel had accepted a dance with another gentleman. Dariel moved away from her betrothed, and Eldarion came to stand by Elfwine. His eyes followed Luthiel around the dance floor and he observed, "You are correct, my friend. Your cousin is becoming quite an attractive woman, though yet a bit young. Still, I will not hold that against her!"

Elfwine cast a sideways glance at him, then commented, "She is attractive, as well as beloved by both her brother and cousins. Do not think you may treat her with your usual callous manner toward women, and not have us…take offense."

Eldarion was startled by the warning, though he supposed he should not have been. Other brothers and cousins might not dare to challenge his behavior toward their female relatives, but it would not be so if he approached Luthiel. With a reassuring grin, that did not accomplish its purpose, he answered, "Do not worry! I will be an utter gentleman!"

His companion gave a dubious snort, and replied, "I will believe that when I see it! Still, Luthiel can take care of herself should you get out of line when none of us are around to deal with you." He chuckled knowingly, and Eldarion's eyes narrowed suspiciously, wondering what exactly Elfwine was not bothering to tell him.

Shrugging it off, convinced he would be successful in this venture as in everything else, he took another swallow of wine and then set it aside as Luthiel came to join them. Before she could even catch her breath, he smiled charmingly at her and requested, "Will you dance the next with me, Luthiel?"

There was the slightest hesitation in her manner, which he did not understand, but she reached for the wine Elfwine was holding, took a few sips and then nodded her consent, "Thank you, my lord."

With a laugh, he told her, "Call me Eldarion, Luthiel. We are friends, are we not?"

She seemed unsure of his warm behavior and glanced at Elfwine questioningly, but her cousin merely shrugged and tried to look innocent. That made her even more suspicious of this sudden interest on the part of Gondor's heir.

He took her hand and led her onto the floor, and a moment later they began the dance movements. At first, they did not speak, but then as they moved together for a time, he began a conversation. "You are truly lovely this evening, Luthiel. I cannot imagine why I have not noticed your beauty before this."

Mildly, she responded, "Thank you, Eldarion. You are very kind to say so." He was not the first man to flatter her. Though she had turned seventeen only a few months ago, there had been eager suitors pursuing her since she was fifteen. Her parents had made it clear they would not allow her to marry before the age of twenty, a fact for which she was rather grateful. She could not truthfully say that any of the suitors had particularly appealed to her, and her parents rule on the matter was a convenient excuse to keep them well at bay.

She realized she had become lost in her thoughts and had not been listening to Eldarion as he chattered on. However, he did not seem to have detected her inattention, she wryly noted. As she now took in his words, it became apparent why – his discourse was designed to impress her with his many accomplishments, and he was so wrapped up in admiring them himself he had not yet realized her reaction was decidedly less appreciative.

To Luthiel's vast amusement, the dance stretched on without her saying much of anything, and Eldarion being blissfully unaware of that fact. Just as the dance was ending, he finished and looked at her somewhat expectantly. She supposed this was where she was meant to swoon over him with great fervor, but she could not bring herself to play that game. With an almost bored countenance, she smiled pleasantly as the dance concluded, gave him a curtsy and said, "I thank you for the dance, Eldarion. If you will excuse me, I think I need to rest my feet now."

She started to turn away from him, ignoring the incredulous, and annoyed, expression on his face, when he caught her arm and suggested, "Perhaps you would care for a walk, to get some fresh air?"

She appeared to consider this, then shook her head. "No, I do not think so. But thank you for the offer." She pulled her arm free and moved away before he could comment again, making an effort not to let a smirk take over her face as it threatened. He really was so very full of himself!

For several moments, Eldarion was too stunned by her behavior to do anything other than remain where he stood on the dance floor, but as the next tune began playing, he hastily moved off, now in a decidedly foul mood. Even though the evening was still young, he reached the conclusion he had had enough for one night. They would be leaving early on the morrow, and he might as well turn in. Sleep would likely prove more worthwhile than remaining here any longer. But even as he made his exit, he could not entirely set aside his aggravation with Luthiel. He did not like being rejected, or losing. This wasn't over yet.

xxxxx

If Eldarion had hoped to use the journey to Edoras as an opportunity to woo Luthiel, he had misjudged the matter. She seemed to be aware of his attempts to catch her alone, and she was proving quite adept at avoiding allowing it. Even riding with Elfwine and Dariel did not work, as she always found an excuse to be elsewhere. He very much suspected that his sister and Elfwine were amused by his lack of success but, to their credit, they refrained from either showing it or speaking of it.

During one of the few times Eldarion did not attempt to impose himself on their company, Dariel quietly asked her friend, "So, have any young men caught your eye yet? I have seen the great interest they show in you, but I have not noticed any partiality on your part."

Elfwine listened silently as Luthiel exclaimed with frustration, "Hardly! I suppose since I am still three years away from being of marriageable age, it does not matter much, but it is…vexing. Some pant after me like dogs pursuing a bitch in heat, fawning endlessly over me and behaving as though I am incapable of so much as feeding myself. Others spend much time explaining their fine pedigrees to me as if I were selecting breeding stock. And some do not seem to wish me to know much of anything about them, yet be willing to accept them anyway. Few seem interested in what I am like, what my thoughts are, what I choose to do with my life. Apparently my sole ambition is supposed to be to marry one of them, and continue being with child the remainder of my days, popping out sons on a yearly basis! But the worst of the lot are those who expect me to be as impressed with them as they are with themselves! Do they truly believe I care to listen for hours on end to them waxing eloquent about how wonderful they think themselves to be?"

Dariel chuckled and then prompted, "Like my brother?"

With the merest hesitation, Luthiel answered honestly, "You know I like Eldarion well enough, but what has gotten into him of late? Why is he pursuing me all of a sudden? And someone ought to tell him that conceit is not the way to win my heart, if that is his intent!"

Feeling he should stick up for his friend, Elfwine interjected, "It is not entirely his fault he is so self-assured, Luthiel. Things have always come too easily for him, and over time he has begun to expect it. But he is a good man inside, and with the right woman, he could be even better."

Luthiel eyed him in surprise, asking, "Are you trying to play matchmaker, cousin? Because if you are, you waste your time! With marriage several years off, if Eldarion wishes me to consider him he will have to make quite a few changes in his manner. I do not intend to raise any children until after I am married!"

Dariel and Elfwine burst into laughter at her depiction of Eldarion. They could not in all honesty say her assessment was far off the mark, though. Just as Elfwine had warned, Eldarion had much he would have to alter in order to interest a worthwhile woman.

xxxxx

One thing was certain – the people of Rohan did know how to celebrate, Eldarion decided. Especially when the heir to the throne was getting married. The dances in the Golden Hall were far less formal than the rigid sort they held in Minas Tirith, and there were many fine looking ladies more than willing to accept his attention. New blood was definitely a good thing, he concluded. There was only one problem – Luthiel.

It was still a thorn in his side that she resisted his charms at every turn, and it was difficult for him to concentrate on the other ladies when he would catch a glimpse of her across the room. Not once was there any indication that she wasn't having a wonderful time not being in his company.

It took a couple of days, but finally one afternoon he caught her wandering down near the practice field, and fell in beside her. With a little effort, he was able to steer her toward the area where some men were practicing archery and, as he had anticipated, upon spotting him, they had urged him to join them. Eagerly, he took this opportunity to show Luthiel that his bragging was not without merit.

It did not take long for him to best all of the others with his prowess. The Rohirrim men stood congratulating Eldarion on his skill with a bow, and he preened importantly in front of Luthiel. Less than impressed, she asked sweetly, "May I try shooting an arrow?"

The men eyed her in amusement, but with an air of benevolence, Eldarion told her, "Certainly, my sweet! Here, use this bow. Would you like me to show you how to hold it?" The men snickered, each knowing full well that such an offer was usually made to a lady in an effort to get more friendly with her than propriety normally allowed.

"Oh, that will not be necessary," she assured him. "After all, my father is a great archer. He has introduced me to the bow before this." Luthiel stepped away from his reaching arms and strung an arrow in the bow. Taking careful aim, she took a deep steadying breath and then released her shot. To everyone's shock but hers, it split Eldarion's arrow down the middle.

While the men stood gaping wordlessly at what was thought to be an impossible shot, Luthiel smiled innocently, fighting to hold back a smirk, and told them, "My! That was fun! I can see why you men like to do this." With a flip of her hair, she turned on her heel and called over her shoulder as she hurried off, "Please excuse me. I am expected back at Meduseld now."

Eldarion gritted his teeth in annoyance, but managed to say amiably, "I do believe the lady was holding out on us about her skill, gentlemen. Apparently her father taught her more than she let on." Handing the bow to the nearest man, he added, "I should be returning also. Thank you for the sport, my friends. Until later." He turned and moved away quickly before his anger became evident.

Luthiel had done that on purpose – showed him up in front of the men. He was beginning to think she wasn't nearly so appealing as he had once thought. Her beauty was undeniable, but her frosty attitude toward him and her sly snubs were starting to wear on his nerves. He certainly had no reason to put up with that, no matter how attractive a woman she was. But even as he thought that, some part of him rebelled at losing, at letting her win. He could have anything he wanted, and he would have her. He would make her beg him to love her, if it was the last thing he did.

By the time he reached the Golden Hall, preparations were almost complete for the evening's feast. It was clear he needed to hurry if he was to clean up before the festivities, and he quickly made for his chamber. When he returned, the guests were arriving and being seated. Luthiel stood across the hall, chatting with his sister Dariel and Queen Lothiriel. He watched her with lidded eyes. There was no mistaking how beautiful she was – the dress she wore tonight fit just right so as to accent her womanly shape. He rubbed his chin in bemusement. Tonight…tonight he would claim a kiss from those alluring lips, and then she would be his. That happy thought restored his usual cocky grin to his face, and a moment later when she looked in his direction, he gave her an amiable nod. He was rewarded with her eyes narrowing in suspicion, but she turned away as if disinterested.

Supper was served, and he spent an enjoyable time talking with Elfwine and Theomund. Even so, he was glad when the tables were finally pushed back for dancing. He prowled the perimeter of the Golden Hall, keeping a close eye on Luthiel's activities. He was certain she knew he was watching, and making a tremendous effort not to be unnerved by it. 'Soon, my pretty…'

Eventually, as he had noticed was her habit, she slipped outside for some cool air. Stealthily he followed, and when he was certain she was alone and out of sight of the guards, he stepped from the shadows and slipped his arms around her waist from behind, bringing his lips to her neck. Thoughtfully, she was wearing her hair up tonight, making a perfect target of that lovely, creamy throat.

But a moment later, he let out a howl of pain and released her. She had brought her right foot back and stepped down hard on his instep. It almost felt as though she had broken a bone or two. "Oh, my lord," she exclaimed with false sincerity, "I am so sorry! How clumsy of me! I will go and fetch a healer at once." And with those words and a smirk on her face, she brushed past him back into the hall, leaving him leaning against the wall and rubbing his foot.

Some time later, Dariel found her brother sitting in a darkened corner of the room, glaring at the festivities around him.

"Why are you sitting by yourself and sulking, brother?" Dariel asked with a hint of amusement in her voice. Eldarion sulking usually meant he had not gotten his way in something.

"I am not sulking," he petulantly replied, his tone belying his words.

"Then what do you call it, sitting by yourself at a festive gathering, out of sight of others, with a disgruntled look upon your face?" she retorted.

He gave a sigh. "I am just…annoyed." Reaching over, he relieved her of her goblet of wine, and drank it down in one swallow. "However, I think it is time for me to go spread some joy among the lovely ladies at this gathering!"

As he rose, Dariel said quietly, "That will not help, you know."

He turned to look at her, his eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

"You know very well that much of the reason Luthiel wants nothing to do with you is because of your reputation among the ladies. Going off and behaving in a caddish fashion even more will not argue your case that you are worth her time and trouble." She hesitated, then added, "Elfwine warned you this might happen. Why do you persist? If you truly are interested in Luthiel and want to court her, you must behave in a manner that will encourage her to think fondly of you."

Eldarion's jaw tightened, but he gave no response. Instead, after a moment, he turned on his heel and strode quickly away.

Dariel sighed in frustration. Her brother's abundant self-esteem was being sorely vexed by his failure to win Luthiel's heart in a single try, but she could not blame the girl for refusing him. For too long, women had fallen at his feet, eager to be admired by him. He did not know the proper way to treat a woman or, if he knew, he did not make use of that knowledge. If he ever hoped to have a woman truly love him, he was going to have to humble himself and learn to behave far better than this. No woman worth having would want him as he presently was.

Elfwine/Dariel married March, 22 IV; Luthiel would have just turned 17 (b. early 5 IV)

in 22 IV: Eomer, 51; Lothiriel, 43; Eldarion & Elboron, 22; Elfwine, 21; Dariel, 20; Luthiel, 17; Theodwyn, 14; Theomund, 12; Morwen, 8