I do now own nor profit from Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, or any of JRR Tolkien's works.

A/N: This is the third and last chapter. I got a little carried away with it, but I also pretty much cut a ton of stuff out. You know, stuff that you've already seen in the movies, or read in the books. I know this isn't going to be accurate to the books, or the movies, but still. Work with me! No, but seriously, I hope you enjoy the final chapter about our Unlady of Dale. Thanks to the "kind" person who pointed out my typo of "queen of Gondor" instead of Rohan. Perhaps writing in the middle of the night isn't the best.

"Oh, I am so happy for you." Eowyn smiled, as she washed the princess' hair, pouring natural oils over her head to condition it. "It is well that my brother find a woman to be settled with." She worked her fingers through her hair, rubbing her scalp as Aravis washed her body.

"It seems like the worst of times to do this though." Aravis sighed.

"Yes, but he would not have asked you if he would not love you fiercely." She sighed. "In Rohan, many do not wait for long courtships. In fact, the King himself only knew his wife for a few months before marrying her. Even so long after her death, he still loves her dearly." Her voice became gentle as she thought back to the great love of her aunt and uncle.

"I just hope to not disappoint my brother." Aravis leaned her head back as Eowyn still worked her locks. "He does not know Eomer, and I can only assume he knows of our courtship. That is if the messenger got there. I have not received word from Dale, and I grow worried. How does my brother fare? Are the people well? Does the city still stand? I guess with the history Dale and Erabor has, one may wonder that after so long from home." She gave a soft chuckle. Eowyn understood, but she could not find words to comfort the young princess. While Aravis' mind was on going home, her own mind was of getting out into the world.

"Well, princess, when you get back to Edoras, I would suggest you write a good long letter to your brother of what has transpired here." That was all Eowyn could think to tell the nervous princess. "Now, get out so you may be dressed." She smiled as she handed Aravis a long swath of linen. Eowyn was serving as her lady-in-waiting, as her other handmaidens were nowhere to be found.

"Princess, which dress would you prefer?" She had laid out four dresses on the bed for her to choose from. They all looked similar. Long trumpet arms, form fitting, and long with multiple layers on the skirt. They mostly varied in color, one green, one pale blue, one a cream, and the last a light yellow. She looked over them all.

"I will take this one." Aravis pointed to her choice.

"Are you sure that this is what you wish to do?" Theoden spoke to his nephew and heir, as Aragorn helped him clean his armor.

"I am sure uncle. I don't believe that I would find another I would want more." Eomer sighed, as he straightened his tunic. "She has been a better woman than I have found anywhere." He turned to look at his uncle who gave an understanding nod.

"I understand, young Eomer. When I met your aunt, I was smitten from day one. I would have married her that very night, but she would not have it." He chuckled. "She made me wait a whole three months before she finally caved to my advances and requests." Theoden chuckled sadly. "But those years she gave me were some of the best of my life, and I hope you are able to share the same." He gripped his shoulder.

"I hope I am able to share the same too, uncle. But I will not go to war until I she is my bride. I can not die this day or any other not being able to call upon her as my wife, as my soul mate." Eomer sighed. It was unlike him to outwardly be so emotional and romantic before another man. These were words and feelings he would reserve specially for Aravis. The sweet things he spoke to her in the privacy of their bed were things he never thought to repeat outside of their room.

"You are wise to marry her while you have the opportunity." Aragorn spoke from the other side of the room, listening to this exchange. "Love is not enough to guarantee us time." He sighed as he thought to his own love. "Marry, and be happy while fate has you together, I say." He smiled thoughtfully to the Rohan nobility. "There, your armor should be fine to wed in." He held up the cuirass that was now polished as best it could be. Both kings helped the groom into his armor, talking to the young man, giving him tips on marriage.

"Thank you, uncle, for agreeing to this." Eomer finally smirked as he stepped back, examining himself.

"I want to see you happy, Eomer. I love you like a son, and like Theodred, I only wish happiness for you. You will make a fine king one day, and I believe Aravis would make a fine queen." He hugged his nephew, clapping him on the back. "I also wish to give you this." He withdrew a chain from under his own cuirass. "The ring with the emerald, belonged to your mother, Theodwyn. It was the ring your father presented to her the day they married. The other was from Elfhild, your aunt." He placed the chain into Eomers hand, who looked at it in awe. "I have loved them both, always, and they have always, through those rings, been with me. Present them to Aravis, and may she have the strength and grace of them both." Theoden smiled and led the young man to the hall where he would marry him to the Princess of Dale.

Eomer stood nervously, waiting for Aravis. More people than he thought were there. A dwarf and an elf that had been traveling with Aragorn were there, and of course his sister Eowyn. There were some of his chief soldiers, and even a few of the more prominent citizens of Rohan.

"Uncle, I did not expect so many." Eomer looked around, taking in the company.

"Yes, well, should the worst come to pass, it would be well to have many witnesses, Eomer. And what luck to have different races as well, to spread the word should they return to their homes." Theoden nodded to a guest who had come in. Eomer also greeted the attendee with a nod.

"We wish to have a larger, true wedding upon our return." He was making small talk now. "A wedding fit for a princess." He sighed. The creaking of the antique hinges broke up the conversation as Aravis walked in. She was adorned in a light blue gown, trying not to appear as nervous as she really was. She gave small smiles to the guests who had been there, before stopping before Eomer. He led her the last few steps before the king, as she followed his lead.

Eomer held her hand before them, as Theoden placed his hand over theirs. "Eomer, Lord of the Mark, rightful Heir to the throne of Rohan has asked for the hand of Aravis, Princess of Dale." He announced. "How does the princess reply?" He looked at her.

"I accept." She blushed, hoping to give the correct answers.

"Do you agree to go forth from here as a wed pair, until death?"

"I agree." They chimed in unison.

"Do you agree to be fair, kind and faithful to one another until death?"

"I agree."

"I, Theoden King of Rohan, grant this marriage as binding. Shall you be recognized as husband and wife throughout Middle Earth." He removed his hand, and watched the two. It was clear that Aravis had not been prepped for a Rohir wedding, as she nervously looked back and forth between the two. Eomer gave a small chuckle as he leaned in, taking her lips, and holding her closely. There was a yell and loud clapping, as others pitched in. She peeked over to see the enthusiastic dwarf happily clapping, as her cheeks reddened once more.

"We may leave now." Eomer whispered to her, as he took her by the arm. They walked out of the hall, as Aravis giggled.

"I can't believe this is real." She smiled brightly. "What do we do from here?" She looked up at him. "Is there a gathering of some sort?"

"No, this is the part where I take you to my chambers, as my wife, and solidify our bond." He growled leaning down to kiss her neck. As she had never been to his chamber there in the deep, he led her through the stone halls, and into a room that looked similar to hers, save for a few minor details. "It would be expected we consummate our marriage anyways, especially on the eves of battle." He sighed, unlacing her dress with skilled fingers.

"Eomer, I don't wish to speak of battle at the moment. I just want to spend these first moments in peace, just me and you." She sighed, running her fingers through his hair before moving down to help him unlace his gauntlets and ciurass. Eomers armor was finally removed, as Aravis stood naked next to his bed. His tunic came up, and with this, the chain and rings.

"I mean to give you something." Eomer held the chain thoughtfully. He stripped off his leggings and laid down onto the bed, pulling her hand, urging her into bed as well. She finally curled up next to him, watching him. "These belonged to my mother and my aunt. I wish you to wear them." He held the rings out, letting her see them. One had emeralds and diamonds, and the other was sapphire and diamond.

"They are beautiful, Eomer." She breathed, watching them, how they sparkled amazingly. She watched as he unclasped the chain, and slid the two rings off, placing one on each ring finger. They went on easily, even a little loose. She would have to ask if one of the blacksmiths could make them a little smaller to fit her better.

"Wear them proudly, Aravis. Great women in my life wore them before you. And since then, they have been guarded by a great man." He watched them glitter on her hands, as he took the last band, his fathers band, and placed it on his own hand. This ring was surprisingly a good fit, perhaps just a tad bit tight. Not so tight he would never get it off, just tight enough he wouldn't worry about it coming off in battle. His was simple gold and silver.

Aravis kissed his knuckles, turning his hands to kiss his palms as he cupped her cheek. "Oh, Aravis, you have made me the happiest man." He murmured as he brought her in for a kiss. He rolled her back over, laying her into his bed, and consummated their marriage. It was better than any time before, as he felt connected so fully now to her. He would have to enjoy what little time he had, for the next morning, they would begin moving out towards Gondor, and leaving her would come ever closer and closer.

"Awaken my love." Eomer kissed his wife gently, as she stirred. His gentle face looked down on her, his golden locks hanging down, as she reached up, twirling a curl around her finger.

"Good morning my dear husband." She smiled, reaching up and pulling him down into a hug.

"Please, let us get up my heart." He reluctantly pulled away from her, getting out of bed, pulling on his leggings and tunic. He stopped for a moment, looking at his newly placed ring, giving a soft smile. The shuffling of blankets told him Aravis was also getting out of bed, clearly unwilling, as she groaned.

"I was so comfortable in bed with you." She gave a small pout, resting her head on his chest.

"I know, but it is an important day." He whispered. "Today, you shall go back to Rohan, and I shall go to Gondor." She gave a heavy, shaky sigh. He knew her thoughts, and agreed, but it was his duty to his king, and his lands to answer when called.

"I shall wait for you back at the golden hall then?" She looked up sadly as he nodded.

"But I will be able to accompany you to Edoras, at least. If that eases your heart." He held her close.

She sighed again. "Then I shall wait for you until your return." She rested her forehead on his chest before getting dressed herself. That day she wore the green dress that had been laid out, and walked alongside her husband towards his king.

"My Lord, I am reporting for duty." Eomer bowed, as Aravis stepped to the side.

"Princess, don't be so shy. Time is short, and I wish to see you as well." He smiled, beckoning her forward. She stood next to Eomer and bowed as he had.

"Eomer, we will be leaving soon. We've called forth as many riders and soldiers as possible, we shall muster near the Dimholt." He sat back on his throne. "Aravis, you and the others shall return to Edoras. There will be soldiers to protect the city, and some guards stationed in the hall. Should there be another attack, which I highly doubt there will be, then return here. There will always be guardians of the deep ready to receive you." He had turned his focus to the young woman.

"I am expecting you to be take the throne in my stead, and to guide our people. It is so large a task, I am afraid to have to ask it of you. Eowyn will guide you through anything you need, and I expect no less of her." He looked towards her new sister in law who was standing to the side, nearly unnoticed.

"I will do my best in your absence, my lord." Aravis spoke strongly with another bow.

By noon, Helms Deep was being emptied of its occupants who were marching south back to their homes. The journey this time seemed so much shorter than the getting to the deep. She had to admit, after the long ride, though her butt hurt greatly in the saddle, she was sad to see the brilliant hall of Meduseld appear on the horizon. Each step closer, was a step closer to her separation from her new husband.

As they approached the city, they saw something they did not expect. Aravis rode forward, followed quickly by Eomer. Many men, draped in the orange-brown armor of Dale were camped around the gate to Edoras. She could see someone emerge from a tent, as the soldiers all armed themselves, ready for battle against this unknown approach.

"Has the king come?!" She yelled out to the men, whose bows were ready to fire.

"State your business here!" One man yelled in response. She pulled back on her reigns, bringing her horse to a halt before them.

"I am Princess Aravis of Dale, sister to King Brand." She announced, watching the familiar head of dark hair bobbing through the growing crowd.

"Sister, you really are here!" Her brother broke through the front line against the advisement of his personal guards. Aravis quickly dismounted, taking her brother into a deep and long hug.

"I was afraid for you." He sighed. "We arrive to an empty city and we feared the worst." He gave a large sigh of relief.

"Brother, may we speak in your tent? I must speak with you urgently, before the King of Rohan and his heir." She grabbed his arm. One thing that she loved about her brother, was that he always had a moment to speak with her, and always allowed her to speak her mind. Brand led the three of them to his large tent, as he gave the order to start breaking down the camp.

It was the best you could get after a long journey, but nothing fancy, nothing special, especially not for a king. Brand didn't want to bother wasting horses on toting luxuries.

"My Lord Eomer, dear King Theoden, please meet my brother, Kind Brand of Dale." She spoke between the three men, allowing them their own introductions and formalities.

"I should thank you for keeping my sister safe." He spoke to Theoden.

"Do not thank me, that would be thanks to Aragorn, rightful King of Gondor, and of my heir here." He rested a hand on Eomers shoulder.

"Ah, you must be the one courting my sister. I can see why she would have chosen you." Brand gave a cocked smiled.

"Pardon?" Eomer questioned.

"She never did like the men of the Dale courts. She was usually drawn to rougher men, though no King wants to marry their sons off to such an odd woman in their eyes." He laughed. Aravis blushed.

"I never once saw her as odd." Eomer smiled. "She is bold, and open. To me, that is refreshing." He stole a glance to Aravis.

"Brother, I should inform you, Eomer is not the man I am courting." She stepped closer to him, resting a hand on his forearm.

"So were your letters all a lie? Are you gong to tell me, you've been courting the king himself?" Brand laughed. Theoden laughed as well, able to take the joke.

"No, brother. Eomer is the man I am now married to." She spoke softly. The laugh was wiped from Brands face, as he gave serious glances back and forth from his sister to Eomer. Eomer stood taller as he felt himself being sized up.

"And, Aravis, when did this take place?" He tilted his head, irritated, hurt and shocked.

"I married him yesterday morning, brother. I asked for his hand, lest he be lost to war." She looked down. "From the moment we first spoke, I was drawn to him. As I've been here, my feelings have only grown, and, well, Brand, Rohan marches to war. Eomer, Lord of the Mark marches with them. I wanted to know I was married to him, should he not come back."

Eomer wanted to interrupt, but Theoden gave him a look that stopped him.

"And just who made this observed?" Brand arched a brow looking at the two other men.

"King Theoden gave in after my many attempts to have him wed us." Aravis spoke again. Eomer couldn't believe that she was taking the brunt and the blame for all of this. "He almost did not, fearing how it would fare between our two lands to wed the princess to his own heir without the knowledge of her king, but, I told him I sent a messenger to you to inform you of the wedding, and only then would he agree." She turned to Theoden. "I am so very sorry, my King, for my love of your nephew has caused me to be so dishonest." She bowed to him. "I accept my consequence, by my love does not change."

"I have no consequence for you, Princess." Theoden spoke. "What is done is done, and there are larger things to worry about, such as war." He held her cheek.

"And to you, Eomer, I hope this slight has not offended you so." She bowed to him as well.

"You are my wife Aravis. You need not bow to me." He lifted her chin looking into her eyes. "And there is little you could to to offend me, besides not marrying me." He smirked.

"May I have a few moments alone with my sister?" Brand asked, not directly looking at any of them. When it was just the siblings, Brand let out a breath.

"Brother, please do not be angry. I plan on a wedding after the war, but I just... We agreed, Eomer and I, that if he were to fall in battle, we would rather it be knowing that we were married to one another. We could not wait another year, and hope he comes back. Already his cousin, Theodens son, has fallen, and it opened our eyes to our mortality. I just, I love him so." She sniffed. Brand uncrossed his arms and took her in for another hug.

"I am disappointed my sister, that you would not have let me know sooner. I could have expected this from you. You have grandmothers spirit. Live fast, love hard, die fulfilled." He smiled, resting his chin on top of her head. "I hope we return, as I would like to meet more of this Eomer, before the next wedding."

"So you are not mad then? I wish not to cause rifts between our lands." She looked up at him.

"Any man who would capture your heart so easily, must be a great man, from a great realm. They seem quite fine." He walked past her and called them back into his tent.

"King Theoden, I wish to extend to you what men I have brought with me. It is a battalion, but it is a battalion of some of my finest men." Brand offered. "As our realms are combined by this unexpected marriage, I wish to ride to your aid, and ride by your side into this conflict you face." He extended his hand. Theoden broke out into a happy expression, as he took Brands hand, and pulled him in for a hug.

"And Rohan will be glad to ride with you." Theoden exclaimed.

Aravis was happy to know that her brother accepted the marriage, for now. Had she told him what really had happened, Brand may not have accepted this union so easily. But she knew he had a soft spot for her, where she could get into little trouble. So to paint herself as the aggressor, he would overlook it. The kings tent was broken down as the two kings, and the newlywed couple spoke.

Too soon, Aravis was bidding her farewells to the two kings. Brand watched as Eomer held Aravis' hand to his chest. Her eyes shone with tears that refused to fall. With one last deep kiss, Eomer rejoined his ranks, and began the long ride to his destiny.

It was a great shock to Aravis when Eowyn was nowhere to be found in the city. She had expected Eowyn to be there, but here she was alone. While she held out hope that Eowyn would return soon, she had a feeling that Eowyn would not return until after the war has ended. It was quite reasonable she would seek her name on the battlefield, having spoken many times of the role she wished to have, and the role she sometimes resented.

Through trial and error, Aravis did her best to run Rohan smoothly. She was as fair as she could be, while still abiding by the laws of their land. The hardest part, she thought, was getting the respect of the people on her side. She was an outsider, and she was still relatively new. It was many months before the people came around. Realizing they still hadn't seen their King, and it may be that this woman would be their ruler until an heir was produced, or the throne challenged.

Luck came to Aravis, as none dared to challenge the authenticity of her right to rule. There had been too many witnesses to the marriage of Eomer and Aravis for anybody to challenge the legitimacy of her right. However, it didn't mean there was dissension among some of the nobles. Especially those with daughters who had been waiting to court either the late Theodred, or Eomer. For the daughters, Theodred was just means to the throne. Eomer was the one many preferred out of attraction. He was stronger than Theodred, with a stockier build. A man that could pick them up with ease, and take them in some hay pile away from prying eyes. But Aravis the Outsider as they called her, had taken their opportunities away.

It was a long year for Aravis though. The more she got out into Edoras, talking to the people, and assisting in what ways she could, the more they began to see her as less of a high and mighty snobby Barding, but as a person of good heart and kind intention. But after five months, every day that passed she worried more and more about whether her husband would be returning to her at all. It was perhaps only two months after they left, that she received word that the war was won, and that Sauron was destroyed permanently. She had hoped that by the 5th month, he would have returned to her. At least sent her a letter. Anything to alleviate her fears, but no such thing came.

After six months, she sent a messenger to Minas Tirith, requesting news of her husband, and of how things fared for the Gondorians. Three weeks later, the rider returned with a short letter.

"To Aravis Queen of Rohan,

While your husband, King Eomer and King Brand are alive and well, we regret to announce the death of Kind Theoden. Hoping all is well in Rohan.

Signed-

Albreck

Court Signer"

This curt response only served to anger Aravis, and to break her heart. He was alive and well, and yet he hadn't even sent her a letter? Nothing to say he was alright? He couldn't even write this up himself? She cried in her chambers that night, as evil thoughts began to creep into her dreams.

Eomer had fallen for another in Gondor. He returned to Rohan with her in the saddle with him, both of them in a dazed and happy state, riding past her as if she did not exist. When she approached him on Firefoot, he glared at her, removing his boot from the stirrup of his saddle, kicking her with force away from his horse.

"Be gone with you, back to Dale you northern whore. I have no use of you now." He spoke in harsh tones. Aravis began to cry there on the ground, her dress now muddied.

"But, you love me, why are you doing this Eomer?" She cried looking up at him. He dismounted angrily, storming up to her and squatting before her.

"I never loved you. You were a body to keep me warm, and you served your purpose well. Now, as King, I annul our marriage. Consider us dissolved. You will return as the disgraced princess back to your northern world. You are hereby banished. But before I forget..." He reached out, snatching back the rings he had given her. She watched hopelessly as he placed them on the fingers of another and continued the walk up to Meduseld. Eowyn gave no glance to Aravis, as she cried, disgraced in the mud before leaving on the long and lonely road home.

Aravis awoke with a harsh cry, tears already streaming down her face. The pain was so real to her as she scrambled out of bed, retching into the basin. The rings were still upon her fingers, and no tunic lay on the floor. He had not come home yet, but the pain was so real. She spent the rest of the cold night crying, and evading sleep, not wanting to have another harsh dream.

The evil thoughts began to follow her through the day. Perhaps that is why he hadn't contacted her? Perhaps that is what he wished to do in the end? If he loved her so, would he not want to see how she fared? Every thought, and every passing day destroyed her more and more as she was left wondering how could this man take her, and make her feel so insecure, and so powerless to his spell? She began to contemplate the worst. That perhaps, she would just vacate the throne to the stewards until his arrival. By then, she would surely be far and away back in her high tower room in Dale. The turret her room was in looked south towards the long lake, and on clear days, you could see the lake glittering gold with the setting sun. There, she could die a broken woman, and Eomer and his new love could have the throne and rule together.

The more she thought of it, the more it appealed to her. Every silent day was just another nail in her miserable coffin. Being inside of those walls began to drive her crazy. She had no room to think it seemed. She needed to get away. She needed space to think. Mounting her horse, she rode to the small grove that Eomer had taken her to before, with the small tributary running through. Her horse was left to graze, and pick up the occasional apple she tossed out. Aravis, however, climbed into a tree with a strong branch, and laid her head down.

Out in the plains, she had a different thought. That perhaps he was kept busy with the new responsibilities of being King. Alliances would need to be formed, and of course, he would probably want to stay and assist the people of Gondor before returning home. She hadn't even thought of Theoden passing, as she was so wrapped up in her own emotions. How awful of her, she thought. To not even think of how Eomer is feeling through this tragedy. She shunned herself, ashamed that she had not considered this.

The open space did her thoughts good, as her heart was lifted. She laid her head down once more, and closed her eyes, able to sleep easy in the warm breeze that day. Night was well upon her when she finally awoke. She clicked for her horse, waiting for her ride home, but none came. She clicked again, but heard nothing. She looked around, squinting to try and make out any large bodies around her, but she saw none in the darkness. Though the moon was out, it was not bright enough to cast shadows. In the distance behind her, she could barely make out the twinkling light that was Edoras. Her breath fogged before her as she crossed her arms over her chest and began the long trek back to the halls.

It was much further into the night than she had thought, as the sky began to grow light again in the distance. After what felt like hours of walking, she was only halfway back to the gate. But though she shivered in the frigid and clear autumn morning, she held out hope that the sun would soon come up and warm her bones, at least a little. Frosted grass crunched beneath her shoe, the bottom of her dress wet from the accumulated dew it dragged across. Another two hours, and she heard a loud cry call up from the gate. The gate guard mounted his horse and rode out to her, lifting her gingerly onto his horse, and flying back behind the gate of the city. The hooves clopped loudly against the stone, as the hall guards reached up to receive the exhausted and frozen queen.

"Th-Thank you." She stammered to the guard who picked her up. "M-my horse is still out there somewhere... I'm not sure where." She looked out in the distance.

"You mean a fawn horse, white star and white socks?" He arched a brow. Aravis nodded. "No my lady. King Eomer brought that horse back in last night when he returned." He shook his head.

"Eomer, he is back?" She looked up hopeful.

"And dying to see you I'll bet. He was dreadfully worried when he came back with your horse and you were nowhere to be found in the hall. I daresay he may still be awake." The gate guard winked and took back off to his post. The hall guards helped her inside, placing her before a fire to warm her up. A woman came with a heavy blanket to wrap around the cold queen, as Aravis just sat there in the main hall. She didn't know what to say to Eomer. She had so many feelings, they all wanted to burst forth at once.

She was nodding off before the warm comforting flame when she heard a door slam and a loud voice booming through the halls.

"Where is she?! Tell me where is she?!" A rich voice echoed through the halls.

"Over there, my lord, warming by the fire." A scared voice responded. Heavy footfall came towards her, as she was lifted out of the chair and spun in one swoop. The blanket fell from her shoulders as she met the eyes of her husband.

He said nothing as he pulled her into a tight embrace. His hands in her hair, just holding her. He was in boots, leggings and a tunic seeming to have just awoken. Aravis brought a cool hand up to return the hug as he shivered. Kindly, Eomer let her go so she could sit back down, and draped the blanket over her once more. But then he did something she did not expect. He dropped to his knees before her, resting his head on her lap, and cried. Though she was still angry, she could not show it in this time.

"My love, why do you weep?" She spoke softly, stroke his hair. He turned his head to the side facing her.

"I thought I had lost you." He choked out. "Your horse was wandering, and we did not see you for near or far. I came to the hall, and you were nowhere." He sat up looking at her with red eyes. "This has been a costly war, but I cannot afford to lose you as well." He brought a hand up to her cheek, and she looked into the eyes of a man nearly broken. "You are everything to me." He whispered, kissing her knuckles. "Let me take you to bed." He sniffed, as they both stood. Eomer would not have her walking on her own as he scooped her up into his arms and walked her to their new chambers. It was nearly twice the size of his old quarters, with finer decor. Gingerly, he set her down at the foot of the bed, helping her to undress. He gave her a long tunic to put on in case she was too cold, and stoked the fire.

When he had laid back down holding her tightly, she finally had to ask. "Why did you not write, my love?" She looked up to him sadly.

"Aye, and I am sorry that I did not." He sighed. "We had been so busy with the cleanup, and clearing the Pellanor, that I barely had time for anything. Even afterwards, it was mostly meetings of dignitaries, and helping Gondor get back on their feet. Rebuilding." He sighed. "But that is no excuse to not write and tell you I am well. For that, I am deeply sorry." He nuzzled her.

"It gave me bad thoughts. As though you did not wish to speak with me... As though..." She took began to choke up as she remembered the pain of her bitter dream.

"What is it Aravis? You can tell me." He cooed. She took a deep breath and told him the dream she had, and shook her head, feeling foolish, but hating to bring up such a horrible moment. Eomer shook his head when she had finished her encounter.

"Oh, Aravis." He sighed, pulling away slightly so he could look upon her full face. "Never, would I treat you as less than a queen. You don't have to be my wife for me to treat you like that. But you are my wife. I wish to treat you as nothing less than a goddess." He whispered, kissing her lips gently. "I could have eyes for no other. And rest assured my heart could beat for no other, not when I have already given it to you so fully." He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand.

Aravis teared up, nodding as Eomer leaned in for another deep kiss.

From that day forth, Aravis never doubted Eomers love for her, and Eomer always made sure to send messages back to her when he was away on long trips. Theirs was a love long celebrated in the halls of Meduseld. Aravis in time, bore him two sons, Eoden and Theodred. They had a daughter as well, Theodwyn, who Eomer constantly told the story of Eowyn to. It was important to him that his daughter knew she was more than a woman, and that great women had done great things in the world to change the course of history, her own aunt included.