A/N: I do not own LOTR, I am only borrowing the characters and make no money
I raised the rating not because of anything graphic but because as a married couple Aragorn and Eowyn share a bed and will have children in future chapters.
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Eowyn stared down at the plains of Rohan from Meduseld's front porch. Ever since she had come to live in the palace as a small child this had been her refuge. She never grew tired of the view. Now she had to face the fact that she was seeing it for the last time for a long time. And even when she returned it would not be the same. Rohan was no longer to be her home. Despite the fact that she had always felt caged this was her home and she loved the land. Resolutely she turned away to go back and be sure that her things were properly packed. Within the next day or two her escort to Gondor would arrive. Packing had been the primary reason why she had returned home for the two months between Aragorn's coronation and their wedding. While she knew that he would not care if she came to their marriage with nothing but herself that would not have been appropiate for the sister of the king of Rohan. Besides it would make the white city seem more like home. At least that was what she hoped.
"My lady! My Lady!" A young serving girl ran up to her. "The party from Gondor has arrived."
Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves Eowyn nodded. "Has the king been informed?"
The young woman nodded. "He rides to meet them as we speak and has requested that you meet them in the throne room."
Eowyn nodded. "Thank you." By the time she reached the throne room Eomer and his chief advisors were already gathered. There was no sign of the party from Gondor. As she entered she could hear an arguement taking place.
"It is not proper. The king himself should be here. It is a slight to Rohan. And to send an elf and a dwarf with only a small escort- it is the largest slap in the face!" Hallas, one of the youngest advisors was ranting. Around him the rest of the councillors were nodding agreement or sitting on the fence.
Looking from one to the other she walked to her brother's side. "Eomer?"
He looked at her with a harried expression. The day to day duty of a king was trying on the former Marshall who was used to being in the field almost constantly. "Aragorn was unable to come himself."
Not wanting to jump to any conclusions and knowing Aragorn would never intentionally slight her Eowyn looked at the others in the room. "Was there a reason and who did he send as escort?"
"The king offers you his deepest apologies and hopes you can find it in your heart to forgive him." A musical voice commented from the doorway behind her. "A border dispute has sprung up and King Elessar wished to solve it before it became an armed conflict. In his stead he sent us as his humble servants."
Unable to hide her smile Eowyn turned to find Legolas the elf and Gimli the dwarf, her betrothed's travelling companions throughout the War of the Ring standing together in the doorway. "Of course I forgive King Elessar. I would have been most disappointed if he had come and allowed a war, no matter how small to break out. And I take it as the highest honor that he has sent his closest companions as escort."
Gimli smiled at her. "It is our honor to act as escort to the future queen of the Reunified Kingdom."
Eomer stepped forward then. "I offer you all the hospitality of Meduseld and Edoras. We should be ready to leave the day after tomorrow."
The journey seemed to take forever. The party was slowed by the wagons full of goods, both Eowyn's personal possessions and her dowry. Many gifts had also been sent by the people of Rohan who remembered the king who had helped to save their land and the white lady who cared for all. Eowyn just wanted to get there. The last two months had flew by and now time had decided to stand still. Most of the trip she spent alone but Legolas and Gimli were almost always at her side. They were more than willing to share any and all news of the kingdom with her. This was a pleasant change from Edoras where she had often had to use trickery or eavesdropping to find out the latest news. Hopefully this would not change once they arrived at Gondor.
As they approached the castle and the waiting king Eowyn could not avoid letting her eyes scan her betrothed, focusing for an extra moment on his bare neck.
"He has not worn the evenstar since the morning of his coronation, when he announced your betrothal," Legolas commented from beside her.
She flashed him a quick glance, but he was watching the king, not her. "Thank you," she said softly. "I know she is gone, but-" here she cut off, not sure how to explain.
The elf smiled slightly, turning to look at her. "You have nothing to explain. Aragorn will be loyal to you until the day he breaths his last and beyond. He does not make commitments lightly. He would not have proposed if he did not care."
Swallowing hard Eowyn allowed her eyes to glance at her waiting betrothed before turning back to Legolas. "He needs a queen."
"No." Legolas shook his head. "I know all those reasons but I can assure you that if he did not care not all the good reasons or common sense in middle-earth would have made him propose. He may be the king of men and have lived among them for years, but he was raised in an elven house hold as an elf. Many of his beliefs mirror the Eldar rather than man."
Eowyn nodded, forcing herself to meet the archer's eyes. "I am sorry, it must be nerves."
The elf smiled at her. "That is understandable. I do believe I have seen Aragorn calmer when he was facing an army of orcs."
Lightly she laughed. "Thank you."
"I am at your service if you need anything, even just an explanation."
Under the lightness of his words Eowyn heard the genuine offer. "I just may take you up on that."
Before the elf could reply they had reached the palace and Aragorn was striding down the steps to meet them. "My lady," he greeted her with a genuine smile, assisting her from her horse. "It is good to have you back in the white city."
"I am glad to be back." To her relief the words were true. Seeing Aragorn again had relieved her anxieties. This was the right choice. She smiled back.
It was not until after dinner that they had any time alone. The wedding was only three days away and there seemed to be an endless number of details that still needed to be decided. Aragorn had seemed rather grateful that Eowyn was more than willing to make many of the decisions and answer the constant questions on details that did not seem to be that important to the king. Legolas had commented that this had been going on since she had left.
As they walked through the gardens with their obligatory escort and chaperone Aragorn said little. "Is something wrong?" she finally asked.
He looked up at her, startled. "No." Sheepishly he grinned at her. "I am just not sure how to bring up what I wanted to discuss. I can debate with councilors and negotiate with those who would rather see my kingdom destroyed without effort, but I can not figure out how to talk to my future wife. At least about this."
Lightly Eowyn laid her hand on his shoulder. "Just tell me."
"Actually it is about our rooms. Right now that are planning on putting us in the largest suite on the third floor." He stopped.
"And?" Eowyn prodded, not sure what this was about.
Sitting down on a bench he pulled her down beside him. "It has two seperate bedrooms with one common sitting room. It has been made more than clear to me that this is the way nobles, in the white city at least, have their sleeping arrangements."
Suddenly understanding Eowyn nodded. "Much of Rohan is the same way. I take it that is not the way of the elves."
With a chagrined shake of his head he looked into her eyes. "I wanted to ask your preferences."
Caught completely off-guard Eowyn could only stare at him in shock. It had never occurred to her. But then she had never really thought about the specifics of being a married couple. She swallowed hard. "What do you want?"
"To share a room," he answered with no hesitation. "I want us to have a life together, not some public farce." Seeking to offer her reassurence he took her hand and lightly caressed it. "But I will be content with your decision. I want to make you happy."
Closing her eyes against the tears those simple words evoked Eowyn knew her choice was made. When she had considered marriage before she had always been relieved at the idea of separate rooms. At least in that way she would be able to keep a little of herself rather than simply being someone's possession. But Aragorn was not like that. He wanted a life together, where they shared everything and her desires mattered as much as his. She smiled. "I think it would be better to share a room." She turned her hand over in his. "We will have a real marriage. Or," and she laughed lightly, "as real as we can make it in this glass bowl."
Aragorn returned her grin. "Now we only have to choose rooms, but I think I already have the answer to that one." Rising he pulled her to her feet, but did not release her hand as he led her swiftly through the palace. "You will have all the time you want to explore your new home," he assured her, noticing how she looked about, trying to orient herself. "There is still much I need to learn."
"Where are we going?" she asked as he led her up to the top of the palace. It was unnecessary for him to answer when they reached an end door. "Your balcony?"
With a quick shake of his head he opened the door. "Our chambers. Wait here a minute." Releasing her hand he walked into the room.
From where she stood waiting at the door Eowyn struggled to hear her betrothed footsteps, but his early training was serving him well and she was caught unaware when he lit the lamp at the far side of the room. When he held out his hand she did not hesitate to reach out and take it, her gaze sliding about the room. Despite the several times she had been up here to enjoy the view, she had never really taken the time to notice it before. The sitting room was large with very little furniture, all covered with plastic. The bedroom was even larger with a king size bed. Quickly she turned her eyes away and was relieved when Aragorn said nothing, simply followed her lead. What had once been a second bedroom was set up as a study with two desks. She turned to face Aragorn. "It is perfect, but will it be ready in time for the ceremony. I would prefer to start our life together in our own space."
He nodded. "I do not think that will be a problem. It will give all the people who wish to help with the wedding something else to do. Would you like to oversee the refurbishment?"
Thrilled at the prospect of designing and decorating her own space Eowyn nodded eagerly. "But what of your prefernces? This will be as much your home as mine."
His only response was a shrug. "Whatever you prefer will be fine. I have lived in Gondor, Rohan, the Angle, Harad, the wild, Rivendell. It does not take much for me to feel at home in a new place." For a moment his eyes were distant, looking into a past only he could see. "For most of my life I have been a hidden nomad. One place to call home and always return to, I have not had that since I was forty-nine."
"Forty-nine?" Eowyn repeated in shock. "How old are you now?" While she had known he had numenorean blood and was older than he looked, she had never thought he was that much older than her.
Smiling at her surprise he easily replied, "past eighty." His smile fading in some worry he walked over to her. "That does not make a difference, does it?"
Eowyn gave a quick shake of her head. "No. But you will have to tell me your tales some time."
"Anything you want to know. We have the rest of our lives and I do not intend to keep secrets or hide things from you."
Slowly Eowyn nodded, forcing herself not to look away from his commanding gaze. "I know." Breaking the mood she turned back to survey the room again. "Is there nothing you would prefer?"
He did not hesitate before replying. "No."
"Wrong," a lightly musical voice interrupted from the doorway.
Somehow not surprised to have been interrupted Eowyn turned to see Aragorn's brothers Elladan and Elrohir enter.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk," one of the twins commented, Eowyn could not tell which one. "The ceremony is not for a couple of days yet."
Aragorn rolled his eyes but did not answer. "You wanted something Elrohir?" he asked the twin who had spoken first.
Forcing himself not to tease his little brother Elrohir walked over to join the couple where they had unconscously moved to stand by the balcony. "Ada thought you might like a little piece of home."
In surprise the king looked back and forth between them. "This is not some kind of joke?" he demanded, having been on the recieving end of too many of the twin's jokes to trust them completely.
"No." Elrond joined them as well. "At least it had better not be." He glared at the twins, his look promising very unsavory consequances if his wishes had not been carried out correctly.
Both swallowed hard. Over three thousand years old they might be, but that was still a look they responded to. "We would not play with something this important."
"Thank you."
Looking between them Eowyn turned to leave. "I will let you talk."
To her surprise it was Elrond who reached out a hand to stop her. "There is no need. You are to be my son's wife and I would like to get to know you. And of course I am sure his brother's would be happy to share stories of Aragorn's youth as well."
A low groan sounded from her betrothed as Eowyn swallowed the lump in her throat. "I would be honored."
Before she knew it or was ready for it Midsummer had arrived and so had her wedding day. The night before, Midsummer's eve had been a night of celebration as the city eagerly waited for their beloved king's wedding. By Gondor's custom the couple had not seen each other since dinner the evening befoe. A tradition both had laughed at privately but agreed to follow for the sake of their people.
When she walked out into the courtyard Eomer was pacing nervously. "To look at you anyone would think you were the one getting married," she commented.
Her brother simply glared at her. "And you are completely calm, and radiant." Walking over her took her hand. "You are happy?"
Aware of her brother's worry she nodded with a serene smile. "Yes. I am quite content with my decision. Do not worry for me, my brother. Aragorn and I will have a good life together."
He took her hand. "You can always call on me. I am still your brother. Now," he led her toward the garden where they would be wed under the white tree of Gondor, "this event can not begin without the guest of honor."
As she walked up the aisle beside her brother to join Aragorn she felt everything else fade into the background. She was caught and held in his eyes. The ceremony, a blend of elvish, Rohan, and Gondorian customs passed in a blur she barely noticed. Immediately after the ceremony she was crowned queen of Gondor. That was when the celebration truly began. Gandalf shot off fireworks that took her breath away. While the hobbits had described them to her she had never seen a display so beautiful. Food and wine flowed freely in the streets as well as in the palace. She had not hesitated to move among the people when Aragorn had offered, although the palace guards had gone into cardiac arrest. It had taken a royal command for the couple to be given some space. To her relief all she got was good wishes and a sense of welcome from the people, now her people. She smiled up at her new husband who had not left her side since the ceremony. He had answered with what she had come to think of as her special smile. When they at last returned to the palace she was feeling much more relaxed. "I do not believe we were left unattended."
"We were not." With a nod of his head to the left he drew her attention to Legolas and Gimli. When he turned the other way she saw Elladan and Elrohir. "We were much safer than if the entire force of palace guards had been with us."
Faramir and Eomer were waiting for them when they rejoined the royal party. "It is a good thing you are back. I think the hobbits are going to eat us out of the city," the steward commented.
"I thought they could eat a lot on normal day," Eomer put in. "That is nothing compared to this and they are out-drinking the dwarves."
Aragorn only laughed and slid an arm around Eowyn's waist as she leaned back against him. Both men noticed the unconscious gesture but said nothing.
It was nearing midnight with the celebrations showing no signs of stopping that Eowyn began to yawn. She had been up since just after dawn. Looking around she realized that everyone was still drinking and the hobbits were still eating. Some had left, but very few.
"Do you wish to retire?" Aragorn's voice whispered in her ear.
She nodded, but as he led her out began to get nervous. In her heart she knew Aragorn would not hurt her, but she did not know what to expect from this night. All she had heard were stories, most of those from serving women and the rohirrim. And those tales had contradicted themselves. She had had no mother figure to talk it over with and neither Theoden or Eomer had shown any inclination.
Once in there room Aragorn turned to her. Lightly he lifted her face up to his. "We do not have to do anything you do not wish to do. It has been a long day and we have the rest of our lives to be together."
Unable to fully relax Eowyn nodded stiffly.
"Eowyn." Aragorn led her over the couch and sat her down before turning and walking into the bedroom. The sitting room was now done in a combination of elvish and Rohan design that was surprisngly homey. She was a shield maiden of Rohan and had fought the witchking himself. One night should not be enough to scare her. But she wanted this to be special and perfect and had no clue what to do. "Drink." Aragorn was back with a glass of wine.
Stiffly she took it, gulping it down quickly. "I am sorry. I do not know what is wrong with me."
Sitting down beside her he pulled her into his arms to rest against his chest. His heartbeat was soothing. "There is nothing to be sorry for. I am content to wait for you."
"I just want everything to be perfect," she muttered into his chest, surprisingly completely at ease in his arms.
He tilted her chin up so their eyes could meet. "Nothing in life is perfect, but I do not think we will fail at anything we try together." He place a light, almost chaste kiss on her lips, similar to the one they had shared after the ceremony. This time though there was a hint of something more. After a moment he pulled away. "Lets get some sleep."
To her relief he went into the bathing room to change and came out in pants and a robe. Not ready to face him she darted into the bathing room. When she came out, her robe wrapped tightly around her he was already in bed, his robe hung over a chair beside the bed. Swallowing hard she slid under the blankets, slipping her robe off when she was completely covered. Internally she was chastising herself. This was her husband. They would be sharing a bed for the rest of their lives. But all the common sense in the world could not make her relax.
Careful to keep his body on the far side of the bed Aragorn reached out to her with his words. "Just try to get some sleep. If it would make you feel more comfortable I will sleep on the couch."
That was enough to make her turn to face him. "No. I will get over these silly feelings."
Extending a hand to her he shook his head. "I do not think you are silly or a coward. You are one of the bravest people I have ever known."
Taking the outstretched hand she dared to move a little closer. The contact made her feel better. "Will you hold me?" she asked tentatively.
He scooted closer and opened his arms, letting her make the move to slide into his arms.
Surprised again by how comfortable she was when being held by him Eowyn laid her head on his bare chest as his arms wrapped around her. "I like this."
His arms around her tightened. "I am glad. This is our refuge from the world and I want you to be comfortable here and with me."
Allowing one hand to lightly caress his shoulder she smiled. "I like that." Laying there in the dark with his heartbeat under her ear Eowyn allowed her hand to lightly caress his arm and shoulder. She had never been this close to a half undressed man before. His muscles were well defined but not bulging, which was good. His skin was also surprisingly soft. When he did not protest or move she allowed her hand to drift over his chest. At his soft exhalation she looked up to see if she had done anything wrong. His eyes were locked on her as he held himself completely still. "Show me."
His eyes never leaving her he shifted her up slightly so she was laying half on and half off him. "Your guidelines," he whispered as he captured her lips in a soul searing kiss.
Wrapped tightly in her husband's arms Eowyn shifted a little closer. As her eyes drifted shut she thought how easy it was going to be to love this man. She was already more than halfway there.
I raised the rating not because of anything graphic but because as a married couple Aragorn and Eowyn share a bed and will have children in future chapters.
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Eowyn stared down at the plains of Rohan from Meduseld's front porch. Ever since she had come to live in the palace as a small child this had been her refuge. She never grew tired of the view. Now she had to face the fact that she was seeing it for the last time for a long time. And even when she returned it would not be the same. Rohan was no longer to be her home. Despite the fact that she had always felt caged this was her home and she loved the land. Resolutely she turned away to go back and be sure that her things were properly packed. Within the next day or two her escort to Gondor would arrive. Packing had been the primary reason why she had returned home for the two months between Aragorn's coronation and their wedding. While she knew that he would not care if she came to their marriage with nothing but herself that would not have been appropiate for the sister of the king of Rohan. Besides it would make the white city seem more like home. At least that was what she hoped.
"My lady! My Lady!" A young serving girl ran up to her. "The party from Gondor has arrived."
Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves Eowyn nodded. "Has the king been informed?"
The young woman nodded. "He rides to meet them as we speak and has requested that you meet them in the throne room."
Eowyn nodded. "Thank you." By the time she reached the throne room Eomer and his chief advisors were already gathered. There was no sign of the party from Gondor. As she entered she could hear an arguement taking place.
"It is not proper. The king himself should be here. It is a slight to Rohan. And to send an elf and a dwarf with only a small escort- it is the largest slap in the face!" Hallas, one of the youngest advisors was ranting. Around him the rest of the councillors were nodding agreement or sitting on the fence.
Looking from one to the other she walked to her brother's side. "Eomer?"
He looked at her with a harried expression. The day to day duty of a king was trying on the former Marshall who was used to being in the field almost constantly. "Aragorn was unable to come himself."
Not wanting to jump to any conclusions and knowing Aragorn would never intentionally slight her Eowyn looked at the others in the room. "Was there a reason and who did he send as escort?"
"The king offers you his deepest apologies and hopes you can find it in your heart to forgive him." A musical voice commented from the doorway behind her. "A border dispute has sprung up and King Elessar wished to solve it before it became an armed conflict. In his stead he sent us as his humble servants."
Unable to hide her smile Eowyn turned to find Legolas the elf and Gimli the dwarf, her betrothed's travelling companions throughout the War of the Ring standing together in the doorway. "Of course I forgive King Elessar. I would have been most disappointed if he had come and allowed a war, no matter how small to break out. And I take it as the highest honor that he has sent his closest companions as escort."
Gimli smiled at her. "It is our honor to act as escort to the future queen of the Reunified Kingdom."
Eomer stepped forward then. "I offer you all the hospitality of Meduseld and Edoras. We should be ready to leave the day after tomorrow."
The journey seemed to take forever. The party was slowed by the wagons full of goods, both Eowyn's personal possessions and her dowry. Many gifts had also been sent by the people of Rohan who remembered the king who had helped to save their land and the white lady who cared for all. Eowyn just wanted to get there. The last two months had flew by and now time had decided to stand still. Most of the trip she spent alone but Legolas and Gimli were almost always at her side. They were more than willing to share any and all news of the kingdom with her. This was a pleasant change from Edoras where she had often had to use trickery or eavesdropping to find out the latest news. Hopefully this would not change once they arrived at Gondor.
As they approached the castle and the waiting king Eowyn could not avoid letting her eyes scan her betrothed, focusing for an extra moment on his bare neck.
"He has not worn the evenstar since the morning of his coronation, when he announced your betrothal," Legolas commented from beside her.
She flashed him a quick glance, but he was watching the king, not her. "Thank you," she said softly. "I know she is gone, but-" here she cut off, not sure how to explain.
The elf smiled slightly, turning to look at her. "You have nothing to explain. Aragorn will be loyal to you until the day he breaths his last and beyond. He does not make commitments lightly. He would not have proposed if he did not care."
Swallowing hard Eowyn allowed her eyes to glance at her waiting betrothed before turning back to Legolas. "He needs a queen."
"No." Legolas shook his head. "I know all those reasons but I can assure you that if he did not care not all the good reasons or common sense in middle-earth would have made him propose. He may be the king of men and have lived among them for years, but he was raised in an elven house hold as an elf. Many of his beliefs mirror the Eldar rather than man."
Eowyn nodded, forcing herself to meet the archer's eyes. "I am sorry, it must be nerves."
The elf smiled at her. "That is understandable. I do believe I have seen Aragorn calmer when he was facing an army of orcs."
Lightly she laughed. "Thank you."
"I am at your service if you need anything, even just an explanation."
Under the lightness of his words Eowyn heard the genuine offer. "I just may take you up on that."
Before the elf could reply they had reached the palace and Aragorn was striding down the steps to meet them. "My lady," he greeted her with a genuine smile, assisting her from her horse. "It is good to have you back in the white city."
"I am glad to be back." To her relief the words were true. Seeing Aragorn again had relieved her anxieties. This was the right choice. She smiled back.
It was not until after dinner that they had any time alone. The wedding was only three days away and there seemed to be an endless number of details that still needed to be decided. Aragorn had seemed rather grateful that Eowyn was more than willing to make many of the decisions and answer the constant questions on details that did not seem to be that important to the king. Legolas had commented that this had been going on since she had left.
As they walked through the gardens with their obligatory escort and chaperone Aragorn said little. "Is something wrong?" she finally asked.
He looked up at her, startled. "No." Sheepishly he grinned at her. "I am just not sure how to bring up what I wanted to discuss. I can debate with councilors and negotiate with those who would rather see my kingdom destroyed without effort, but I can not figure out how to talk to my future wife. At least about this."
Lightly Eowyn laid her hand on his shoulder. "Just tell me."
"Actually it is about our rooms. Right now that are planning on putting us in the largest suite on the third floor." He stopped.
"And?" Eowyn prodded, not sure what this was about.
Sitting down on a bench he pulled her down beside him. "It has two seperate bedrooms with one common sitting room. It has been made more than clear to me that this is the way nobles, in the white city at least, have their sleeping arrangements."
Suddenly understanding Eowyn nodded. "Much of Rohan is the same way. I take it that is not the way of the elves."
With a chagrined shake of his head he looked into her eyes. "I wanted to ask your preferences."
Caught completely off-guard Eowyn could only stare at him in shock. It had never occurred to her. But then she had never really thought about the specifics of being a married couple. She swallowed hard. "What do you want?"
"To share a room," he answered with no hesitation. "I want us to have a life together, not some public farce." Seeking to offer her reassurence he took her hand and lightly caressed it. "But I will be content with your decision. I want to make you happy."
Closing her eyes against the tears those simple words evoked Eowyn knew her choice was made. When she had considered marriage before she had always been relieved at the idea of separate rooms. At least in that way she would be able to keep a little of herself rather than simply being someone's possession. But Aragorn was not like that. He wanted a life together, where they shared everything and her desires mattered as much as his. She smiled. "I think it would be better to share a room." She turned her hand over in his. "We will have a real marriage. Or," and she laughed lightly, "as real as we can make it in this glass bowl."
Aragorn returned her grin. "Now we only have to choose rooms, but I think I already have the answer to that one." Rising he pulled her to her feet, but did not release her hand as he led her swiftly through the palace. "You will have all the time you want to explore your new home," he assured her, noticing how she looked about, trying to orient herself. "There is still much I need to learn."
"Where are we going?" she asked as he led her up to the top of the palace. It was unnecessary for him to answer when they reached an end door. "Your balcony?"
With a quick shake of his head he opened the door. "Our chambers. Wait here a minute." Releasing her hand he walked into the room.
From where she stood waiting at the door Eowyn struggled to hear her betrothed footsteps, but his early training was serving him well and she was caught unaware when he lit the lamp at the far side of the room. When he held out his hand she did not hesitate to reach out and take it, her gaze sliding about the room. Despite the several times she had been up here to enjoy the view, she had never really taken the time to notice it before. The sitting room was large with very little furniture, all covered with plastic. The bedroom was even larger with a king size bed. Quickly she turned her eyes away and was relieved when Aragorn said nothing, simply followed her lead. What had once been a second bedroom was set up as a study with two desks. She turned to face Aragorn. "It is perfect, but will it be ready in time for the ceremony. I would prefer to start our life together in our own space."
He nodded. "I do not think that will be a problem. It will give all the people who wish to help with the wedding something else to do. Would you like to oversee the refurbishment?"
Thrilled at the prospect of designing and decorating her own space Eowyn nodded eagerly. "But what of your prefernces? This will be as much your home as mine."
His only response was a shrug. "Whatever you prefer will be fine. I have lived in Gondor, Rohan, the Angle, Harad, the wild, Rivendell. It does not take much for me to feel at home in a new place." For a moment his eyes were distant, looking into a past only he could see. "For most of my life I have been a hidden nomad. One place to call home and always return to, I have not had that since I was forty-nine."
"Forty-nine?" Eowyn repeated in shock. "How old are you now?" While she had known he had numenorean blood and was older than he looked, she had never thought he was that much older than her.
Smiling at her surprise he easily replied, "past eighty." His smile fading in some worry he walked over to her. "That does not make a difference, does it?"
Eowyn gave a quick shake of her head. "No. But you will have to tell me your tales some time."
"Anything you want to know. We have the rest of our lives and I do not intend to keep secrets or hide things from you."
Slowly Eowyn nodded, forcing herself not to look away from his commanding gaze. "I know." Breaking the mood she turned back to survey the room again. "Is there nothing you would prefer?"
He did not hesitate before replying. "No."
"Wrong," a lightly musical voice interrupted from the doorway.
Somehow not surprised to have been interrupted Eowyn turned to see Aragorn's brothers Elladan and Elrohir enter.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk," one of the twins commented, Eowyn could not tell which one. "The ceremony is not for a couple of days yet."
Aragorn rolled his eyes but did not answer. "You wanted something Elrohir?" he asked the twin who had spoken first.
Forcing himself not to tease his little brother Elrohir walked over to join the couple where they had unconscously moved to stand by the balcony. "Ada thought you might like a little piece of home."
In surprise the king looked back and forth between them. "This is not some kind of joke?" he demanded, having been on the recieving end of too many of the twin's jokes to trust them completely.
"No." Elrond joined them as well. "At least it had better not be." He glared at the twins, his look promising very unsavory consequances if his wishes had not been carried out correctly.
Both swallowed hard. Over three thousand years old they might be, but that was still a look they responded to. "We would not play with something this important."
"Thank you."
Looking between them Eowyn turned to leave. "I will let you talk."
To her surprise it was Elrond who reached out a hand to stop her. "There is no need. You are to be my son's wife and I would like to get to know you. And of course I am sure his brother's would be happy to share stories of Aragorn's youth as well."
A low groan sounded from her betrothed as Eowyn swallowed the lump in her throat. "I would be honored."
Before she knew it or was ready for it Midsummer had arrived and so had her wedding day. The night before, Midsummer's eve had been a night of celebration as the city eagerly waited for their beloved king's wedding. By Gondor's custom the couple had not seen each other since dinner the evening befoe. A tradition both had laughed at privately but agreed to follow for the sake of their people.
When she walked out into the courtyard Eomer was pacing nervously. "To look at you anyone would think you were the one getting married," she commented.
Her brother simply glared at her. "And you are completely calm, and radiant." Walking over her took her hand. "You are happy?"
Aware of her brother's worry she nodded with a serene smile. "Yes. I am quite content with my decision. Do not worry for me, my brother. Aragorn and I will have a good life together."
He took her hand. "You can always call on me. I am still your brother. Now," he led her toward the garden where they would be wed under the white tree of Gondor, "this event can not begin without the guest of honor."
As she walked up the aisle beside her brother to join Aragorn she felt everything else fade into the background. She was caught and held in his eyes. The ceremony, a blend of elvish, Rohan, and Gondorian customs passed in a blur she barely noticed. Immediately after the ceremony she was crowned queen of Gondor. That was when the celebration truly began. Gandalf shot off fireworks that took her breath away. While the hobbits had described them to her she had never seen a display so beautiful. Food and wine flowed freely in the streets as well as in the palace. She had not hesitated to move among the people when Aragorn had offered, although the palace guards had gone into cardiac arrest. It had taken a royal command for the couple to be given some space. To her relief all she got was good wishes and a sense of welcome from the people, now her people. She smiled up at her new husband who had not left her side since the ceremony. He had answered with what she had come to think of as her special smile. When they at last returned to the palace she was feeling much more relaxed. "I do not believe we were left unattended."
"We were not." With a nod of his head to the left he drew her attention to Legolas and Gimli. When he turned the other way she saw Elladan and Elrohir. "We were much safer than if the entire force of palace guards had been with us."
Faramir and Eomer were waiting for them when they rejoined the royal party. "It is a good thing you are back. I think the hobbits are going to eat us out of the city," the steward commented.
"I thought they could eat a lot on normal day," Eomer put in. "That is nothing compared to this and they are out-drinking the dwarves."
Aragorn only laughed and slid an arm around Eowyn's waist as she leaned back against him. Both men noticed the unconscious gesture but said nothing.
It was nearing midnight with the celebrations showing no signs of stopping that Eowyn began to yawn. She had been up since just after dawn. Looking around she realized that everyone was still drinking and the hobbits were still eating. Some had left, but very few.
"Do you wish to retire?" Aragorn's voice whispered in her ear.
She nodded, but as he led her out began to get nervous. In her heart she knew Aragorn would not hurt her, but she did not know what to expect from this night. All she had heard were stories, most of those from serving women and the rohirrim. And those tales had contradicted themselves. She had had no mother figure to talk it over with and neither Theoden or Eomer had shown any inclination.
Once in there room Aragorn turned to her. Lightly he lifted her face up to his. "We do not have to do anything you do not wish to do. It has been a long day and we have the rest of our lives to be together."
Unable to fully relax Eowyn nodded stiffly.
"Eowyn." Aragorn led her over the couch and sat her down before turning and walking into the bedroom. The sitting room was now done in a combination of elvish and Rohan design that was surprisngly homey. She was a shield maiden of Rohan and had fought the witchking himself. One night should not be enough to scare her. But she wanted this to be special and perfect and had no clue what to do. "Drink." Aragorn was back with a glass of wine.
Stiffly she took it, gulping it down quickly. "I am sorry. I do not know what is wrong with me."
Sitting down beside her he pulled her into his arms to rest against his chest. His heartbeat was soothing. "There is nothing to be sorry for. I am content to wait for you."
"I just want everything to be perfect," she muttered into his chest, surprisingly completely at ease in his arms.
He tilted her chin up so their eyes could meet. "Nothing in life is perfect, but I do not think we will fail at anything we try together." He place a light, almost chaste kiss on her lips, similar to the one they had shared after the ceremony. This time though there was a hint of something more. After a moment he pulled away. "Lets get some sleep."
To her relief he went into the bathing room to change and came out in pants and a robe. Not ready to face him she darted into the bathing room. When she came out, her robe wrapped tightly around her he was already in bed, his robe hung over a chair beside the bed. Swallowing hard she slid under the blankets, slipping her robe off when she was completely covered. Internally she was chastising herself. This was her husband. They would be sharing a bed for the rest of their lives. But all the common sense in the world could not make her relax.
Careful to keep his body on the far side of the bed Aragorn reached out to her with his words. "Just try to get some sleep. If it would make you feel more comfortable I will sleep on the couch."
That was enough to make her turn to face him. "No. I will get over these silly feelings."
Extending a hand to her he shook his head. "I do not think you are silly or a coward. You are one of the bravest people I have ever known."
Taking the outstretched hand she dared to move a little closer. The contact made her feel better. "Will you hold me?" she asked tentatively.
He scooted closer and opened his arms, letting her make the move to slide into his arms.
Surprised again by how comfortable she was when being held by him Eowyn laid her head on his bare chest as his arms wrapped around her. "I like this."
His arms around her tightened. "I am glad. This is our refuge from the world and I want you to be comfortable here and with me."
Allowing one hand to lightly caress his shoulder she smiled. "I like that." Laying there in the dark with his heartbeat under her ear Eowyn allowed her hand to lightly caress his arm and shoulder. She had never been this close to a half undressed man before. His muscles were well defined but not bulging, which was good. His skin was also surprisingly soft. When he did not protest or move she allowed her hand to drift over his chest. At his soft exhalation she looked up to see if she had done anything wrong. His eyes were locked on her as he held himself completely still. "Show me."
His eyes never leaving her he shifted her up slightly so she was laying half on and half off him. "Your guidelines," he whispered as he captured her lips in a soul searing kiss.
Wrapped tightly in her husband's arms Eowyn shifted a little closer. As her eyes drifted shut she thought how easy it was going to be to love this man. She was already more than halfway there.