Disclaimer: I do not own LOTR. I am simply borrowing the characters and am
making no money.
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Straining her eyes forward Eowyn readjusted the bundle in her arms. It felt as though they had been riding forever. She felt like a little kid and barely restrained herself from asking, "are we there yet."
"I'll take him," her husband's laughter filled voice commented from beside her as familiar hands took the precious bundle from her arms. "And yes we are almost there." His son secure in his arms he quickly darted his horse away from his wife's playful swat. "Maybe ten more minutes and we will reach the woods that border Imladris."
Eowyn moved closer to him, looking into his captivating eyes. "You can't fool me. You are just as excited as I am."
Slowly nodding his head Aragorn reached to take her hand. They rode sedately along with the guards flanking them. As they approached the woods that marked the border of his childhood home Aragorn sidled Roheryn closer to Hasufel. "I think we have been good long enough."
Eowyn looked at him with surprise that slowly changed to a matching grin. "Lets go."
As one they urged their horses into a run, Aragorn easily holding the bundle safe in his arms. Laughter rang out as the windd rushed by him. Just short of the woods Aragorn gave two short bird calls that echoed back at them."
Looking over her shoulder Eowyn was not surprised to see the king's guard not far behind them. They were learning. Just over three years of attempting to protect their king and they were finally to the point where they could anticipate him more often than not. Suddenly she was aware of riders pacing her. In surprise she looked up, instinctively moving closer to Aragorn and dropping a hand to her sword.
"I see your lovely wife has not lost her skill yet," a vaguely familiar light voice commented from her left.
She turned her head as Aragorn's voice rang out with laughter. "Will you never grow up, brother? Father will not like this behaviour."
Light laughter sounded from Aragorn's other side and Eowyn looked that way as well. Aragorn's elven brothers were pacing them. "Hah, if father was not so concerned about dignity he would have beaten us out here. I do not think I have ever seen him so happily anxious." The bright elven gaze moved down to the bundle held securely in Aragorn's arms. "Should you really be racing through the forest?"
Now it was Aragorn's turn to laugh. "It has been a long time since I dropped anything on horseback and even longer when I was not under attack of some kind." He looked meaningfully at his brothers who both immediately assumed an air of offended dignity.
"Lets race," the other twin invited.
Knowing her husband and guessing about the elven twins from her husband's stories Eowyn let Hasufel have his head. At the sound of surprised gasps she laughed merrily, sparing a quick glance over her shoulder to see the three males trying to catch her. Aragorn had just caught up with her with his brothers only a pace behind when he ordered. "Slow down."
Not questioning Eowyn did so, noticing the others did as well. "We are almost there?" she questioned knowingly. Adults they may be but all three brothers looked like little boys causing mischief that would get them in trouble.
The twin to her left nodded. She would have to find a way to tell them apart. "Father believes we are too old for such horseplay."
Aragorn laughed lightly and Eowyn delighted to see him this carefree and light. In the white city the responsibilities of his kingdom seemed to wear away his playful side. That was one of the reasons she had been so happy to accompany him on this trip. Not only would she get to see his childhood home but she would get to see him free of his cage for a time. "I think it would have more to do with this precious bundle today."
Turning her head to face forward as she felt the sun on her face as they left the shade of the trees she caught her first sight of the last homely house and caught her breath. It was light and airy and blended almost naturally with the dell surrounding it. It was so much more than she would ever have imagined. As they approached the front entrance she became aware of Lord Elrond striding quickly toward them. "My son," he greeted but his hands were reaching up for the bundle secured in her husband's arms.
"Ada," he easily dismounted, handing the precious bundle over and pulling Eowyn to his side as soon as she dismounted. He easily accepted the fact that she preferred not to be assisted from the saddle like some weakling. "Meet our son, Theorond."
The elven lord's eyes shot up to meet those of his adopted son before moving to hid daughter-in-laws. "Theorond?" he repeated, his eyes being drawn down to his first grandchild, who gurgled toothlessly at him. He felt an answering smile. It had been more than eighty years since he had held a toddler and closer to a millenia since he had held an infant. The call of the sea was almost drowned out by the small gurgles of this little life.
Eowyn wrapped her arm around Aragorn's waist, leaning her head on his shoulder. "After our fathers."
Elrond said nothing as he gently rocked Theorond, watching with a smile as his eyes closed and he drifted off to sleep. "Let us go in, we have much to catch up on."
Later that night Eowyn walked with Aragorn through the forest's of his first home. The beauty of the many clearings and waterfalls and slim carved bridges was captivating and romantic. The only thing keeping her from complete contentment was the sorrow she felt in her husband. Elrond would be travelling across the sea by the end of the month. He had requested this visit to say goodbye and see his grandchild at least once. While she knew the news did not surprise Aragorn, he had suspected as much as soon as the invitation had arrived it still hurt him. Knowing that when he was ready he would share his pain with her Eowyn simply stayed with him, lending her silent support. This, she thought, was one of the greatest strengths of their relationship. They could give silent comfort to each other without pushing for information. Both trusting that if necessary words would be spoken and help sought. "This place is beautiful."
She felt her husband's sigh. "This is one of the last spots of elven sanctuary on Middle-earth. It will be hard to see its magic begin to fail." He guieded her to a small clearing overlooking one of the many small pools with a waterfall trickling into it and sat with her against a large oak tree. "It will take years, but it will begin as soon as Ada leaves."
Turning sideways on his lap she looked away from the breathtaking view and into her husband's much more captivating eyes. "But we will always have our memories and his love." Lightly she brushed his unruly hair from his face. "And, as you said, it will be years before the magic fades completely."
His eyes full of love he lowered his head to capture her lips in a searing kiss. "Love me," he requested.
"For the rest of my life and beyond," she vowed, gladly sinking into his arms and into the grass of the elven realm of Imladris.
The next month flew by as Eowyn fell in love with the last homely house and more deeply in love with her husband. Here he was filled with light and playfulness. Yes, he still had to deal with the affairs of the Reunified Kingdom, but once they had completed those details in the morning the rest of the day was theirs. To Eowyn's delighted surprise she found that Aragorn was correct in that they had not needed to bring a nurse for Theorond. There were more than enough willing hands to take him while they attended to affairs of state or if they just wanted time to themselves. She could not count the number of times she had walked into the room to see Elrond gently rocking her son, singing elven lullabies or the twins playing with him, telling him stories of his father's childhood and their plans for him as he grew older. The elven twins had made it a point to tell them that they were not yet leaving Middle-earth. Often times she would join them. She got as much enjoyment out of hearing the stories as the twins got in telling them. If Aragorn happenend to walk in he would look at them, steal away his son, and laughing as he left remind the twins to stick to the truth. To which they always replied they never strayed. Aragorn's laughter going down the hallway was always the last thing she heard before the twins leaned conspiritially closet. "Now where were we-"
On this last day before they would accompany Elrond to the grey havens the stories did not resume when Aragorn left the room. In surprise she looked at them to see them eyeing her seriously. For a moment she was afraid of what they might be planning. She had quickly learned that solemnity and the elven twins. "What?"
"You make him happy," Elrohir stated.
She stared at him in surprise, her jaw dropping. "What?"
"You make him happy," Elladan echoed. "Do not mistake us, we are very glad. When Arwen chose Valinor and Estel accepted his inheritance we feared he would have a life of nothing but duty. You bring laughter, happiness, and sanity to his life. We thank you."
With a smile she moved to sit between the elven brothers, she had been so relieved when they had accepted her fully as Aragorn's wife, treating her with the same casual love they would a true sister. "He makes me happy too. But I can not bring the insanity that your stories make it seem that he needs."
Elrohir laughed so hard he fell back on the armrest of the couch. "I think he was somewhat relieved that he had escaped from our insanity for a while. Besides he will not miss it for long. You have Theorond for that and soon any of his siblings." Sobering he laid a hand gently over hers. "You are a sister to us as you are the beloved of our brother. Do not fear to call on us in need."
Swallowing hard Eowyn could only nod.
Not paying attention to where he was going Aragorn roamed the halls of Rivendell with his son in his arms, singing an elven lullaby from memory.
"I used to sing that to you."
Looking up in surprise Aragorn found his father watching him from his study. "I sort of remember." At his father's signal he moved into the study, sitting in one of the comfortable arm chairs.
Elrond got up and moved over to sit in the chair beside him. Without asking Aragorn handed him Theorond. "I could almost stay in Middle-earth for this." His eyes moved reluctantly away from his grandson and to his youngest child. "If it was not time for the elven rings to leave Middle- Earth, you and this child could easily overpower the call of the sea. Your wife as well. You have grown into a wonderful man and it does my heart good to see you at last found contentment. I leave with a lighter heart knowing you have a good life."
Lightly he reached over to touch his father's hand. "I know you miss Celebrian and long to see her again. Duty and responsibility have held you to Middle-earth for long years. Now as much as I will miss you I know it is time for you to put your burdens aside and go to your own contentment."
Smiling with understanding Elrond leaned back and began singing Theorond the elven lullaby as Aragorn closed his eyes in the chair next to him and allowed his Ada's soothing voice to lull him to sleep.
The beauty of the grey elven ships took Eowyn's breath away as she watched the elves slowly board. Not all the elves were leaving, but most were. Eowyn stood holding Theorond close as Aragorn said his goodbyes to the hobbits Frodo and Bilbo and to Gandalf. They had said goodbye to Elrond in private before reaching the quay. After he had embraced his sons a final time Elrond walked over to her. As he looked at her a sudden smile lit up his face as he glanced briefly down at her. "I am sorry I will not get to know you better, my daughter." He gave her a quick hug and stepped away. "Take good care of my son." He stepped away but he paused a moment more to run a loving hand over her stomach. "I do believe your next child shall be the one to inherit the evenstar." With a last smile he boarded the ship. Knowing Aragorn would need her support she walked to her husband to hand him their son and wrap her arms around him. "I love you."
Clinging to her tightly Aragorn watched the ship sail away. When it was out of sight he glanced down at her son and at her. "I love you. And I am home."
A/N Sorry about the brevity of this chapter. The next chapter is actually the second part of this one but I am having trouble with it so I figured I would go ahead and post them as two seperate chapters. Hope you enjoy. I do realize that Elrond did not remain in Middle-earth for three years but it worked better for this fic and since it is an AU postLOTR I thought I would go ahead and modify it. About the ring my feeling is that after Sauron was destroyed the placement of the elven rings was not as guarded a secret. Families would now know.
**************************************************************************** ********
Straining her eyes forward Eowyn readjusted the bundle in her arms. It felt as though they had been riding forever. She felt like a little kid and barely restrained herself from asking, "are we there yet."
"I'll take him," her husband's laughter filled voice commented from beside her as familiar hands took the precious bundle from her arms. "And yes we are almost there." His son secure in his arms he quickly darted his horse away from his wife's playful swat. "Maybe ten more minutes and we will reach the woods that border Imladris."
Eowyn moved closer to him, looking into his captivating eyes. "You can't fool me. You are just as excited as I am."
Slowly nodding his head Aragorn reached to take her hand. They rode sedately along with the guards flanking them. As they approached the woods that marked the border of his childhood home Aragorn sidled Roheryn closer to Hasufel. "I think we have been good long enough."
Eowyn looked at him with surprise that slowly changed to a matching grin. "Lets go."
As one they urged their horses into a run, Aragorn easily holding the bundle safe in his arms. Laughter rang out as the windd rushed by him. Just short of the woods Aragorn gave two short bird calls that echoed back at them."
Looking over her shoulder Eowyn was not surprised to see the king's guard not far behind them. They were learning. Just over three years of attempting to protect their king and they were finally to the point where they could anticipate him more often than not. Suddenly she was aware of riders pacing her. In surprise she looked up, instinctively moving closer to Aragorn and dropping a hand to her sword.
"I see your lovely wife has not lost her skill yet," a vaguely familiar light voice commented from her left.
She turned her head as Aragorn's voice rang out with laughter. "Will you never grow up, brother? Father will not like this behaviour."
Light laughter sounded from Aragorn's other side and Eowyn looked that way as well. Aragorn's elven brothers were pacing them. "Hah, if father was not so concerned about dignity he would have beaten us out here. I do not think I have ever seen him so happily anxious." The bright elven gaze moved down to the bundle held securely in Aragorn's arms. "Should you really be racing through the forest?"
Now it was Aragorn's turn to laugh. "It has been a long time since I dropped anything on horseback and even longer when I was not under attack of some kind." He looked meaningfully at his brothers who both immediately assumed an air of offended dignity.
"Lets race," the other twin invited.
Knowing her husband and guessing about the elven twins from her husband's stories Eowyn let Hasufel have his head. At the sound of surprised gasps she laughed merrily, sparing a quick glance over her shoulder to see the three males trying to catch her. Aragorn had just caught up with her with his brothers only a pace behind when he ordered. "Slow down."
Not questioning Eowyn did so, noticing the others did as well. "We are almost there?" she questioned knowingly. Adults they may be but all three brothers looked like little boys causing mischief that would get them in trouble.
The twin to her left nodded. She would have to find a way to tell them apart. "Father believes we are too old for such horseplay."
Aragorn laughed lightly and Eowyn delighted to see him this carefree and light. In the white city the responsibilities of his kingdom seemed to wear away his playful side. That was one of the reasons she had been so happy to accompany him on this trip. Not only would she get to see his childhood home but she would get to see him free of his cage for a time. "I think it would have more to do with this precious bundle today."
Turning her head to face forward as she felt the sun on her face as they left the shade of the trees she caught her first sight of the last homely house and caught her breath. It was light and airy and blended almost naturally with the dell surrounding it. It was so much more than she would ever have imagined. As they approached the front entrance she became aware of Lord Elrond striding quickly toward them. "My son," he greeted but his hands were reaching up for the bundle secured in her husband's arms.
"Ada," he easily dismounted, handing the precious bundle over and pulling Eowyn to his side as soon as she dismounted. He easily accepted the fact that she preferred not to be assisted from the saddle like some weakling. "Meet our son, Theorond."
The elven lord's eyes shot up to meet those of his adopted son before moving to hid daughter-in-laws. "Theorond?" he repeated, his eyes being drawn down to his first grandchild, who gurgled toothlessly at him. He felt an answering smile. It had been more than eighty years since he had held a toddler and closer to a millenia since he had held an infant. The call of the sea was almost drowned out by the small gurgles of this little life.
Eowyn wrapped her arm around Aragorn's waist, leaning her head on his shoulder. "After our fathers."
Elrond said nothing as he gently rocked Theorond, watching with a smile as his eyes closed and he drifted off to sleep. "Let us go in, we have much to catch up on."
Later that night Eowyn walked with Aragorn through the forest's of his first home. The beauty of the many clearings and waterfalls and slim carved bridges was captivating and romantic. The only thing keeping her from complete contentment was the sorrow she felt in her husband. Elrond would be travelling across the sea by the end of the month. He had requested this visit to say goodbye and see his grandchild at least once. While she knew the news did not surprise Aragorn, he had suspected as much as soon as the invitation had arrived it still hurt him. Knowing that when he was ready he would share his pain with her Eowyn simply stayed with him, lending her silent support. This, she thought, was one of the greatest strengths of their relationship. They could give silent comfort to each other without pushing for information. Both trusting that if necessary words would be spoken and help sought. "This place is beautiful."
She felt her husband's sigh. "This is one of the last spots of elven sanctuary on Middle-earth. It will be hard to see its magic begin to fail." He guieded her to a small clearing overlooking one of the many small pools with a waterfall trickling into it and sat with her against a large oak tree. "It will take years, but it will begin as soon as Ada leaves."
Turning sideways on his lap she looked away from the breathtaking view and into her husband's much more captivating eyes. "But we will always have our memories and his love." Lightly she brushed his unruly hair from his face. "And, as you said, it will be years before the magic fades completely."
His eyes full of love he lowered his head to capture her lips in a searing kiss. "Love me," he requested.
"For the rest of my life and beyond," she vowed, gladly sinking into his arms and into the grass of the elven realm of Imladris.
The next month flew by as Eowyn fell in love with the last homely house and more deeply in love with her husband. Here he was filled with light and playfulness. Yes, he still had to deal with the affairs of the Reunified Kingdom, but once they had completed those details in the morning the rest of the day was theirs. To Eowyn's delighted surprise she found that Aragorn was correct in that they had not needed to bring a nurse for Theorond. There were more than enough willing hands to take him while they attended to affairs of state or if they just wanted time to themselves. She could not count the number of times she had walked into the room to see Elrond gently rocking her son, singing elven lullabies or the twins playing with him, telling him stories of his father's childhood and their plans for him as he grew older. The elven twins had made it a point to tell them that they were not yet leaving Middle-earth. Often times she would join them. She got as much enjoyment out of hearing the stories as the twins got in telling them. If Aragorn happenend to walk in he would look at them, steal away his son, and laughing as he left remind the twins to stick to the truth. To which they always replied they never strayed. Aragorn's laughter going down the hallway was always the last thing she heard before the twins leaned conspiritially closet. "Now where were we-"
On this last day before they would accompany Elrond to the grey havens the stories did not resume when Aragorn left the room. In surprise she looked at them to see them eyeing her seriously. For a moment she was afraid of what they might be planning. She had quickly learned that solemnity and the elven twins. "What?"
"You make him happy," Elrohir stated.
She stared at him in surprise, her jaw dropping. "What?"
"You make him happy," Elladan echoed. "Do not mistake us, we are very glad. When Arwen chose Valinor and Estel accepted his inheritance we feared he would have a life of nothing but duty. You bring laughter, happiness, and sanity to his life. We thank you."
With a smile she moved to sit between the elven brothers, she had been so relieved when they had accepted her fully as Aragorn's wife, treating her with the same casual love they would a true sister. "He makes me happy too. But I can not bring the insanity that your stories make it seem that he needs."
Elrohir laughed so hard he fell back on the armrest of the couch. "I think he was somewhat relieved that he had escaped from our insanity for a while. Besides he will not miss it for long. You have Theorond for that and soon any of his siblings." Sobering he laid a hand gently over hers. "You are a sister to us as you are the beloved of our brother. Do not fear to call on us in need."
Swallowing hard Eowyn could only nod.
Not paying attention to where he was going Aragorn roamed the halls of Rivendell with his son in his arms, singing an elven lullaby from memory.
"I used to sing that to you."
Looking up in surprise Aragorn found his father watching him from his study. "I sort of remember." At his father's signal he moved into the study, sitting in one of the comfortable arm chairs.
Elrond got up and moved over to sit in the chair beside him. Without asking Aragorn handed him Theorond. "I could almost stay in Middle-earth for this." His eyes moved reluctantly away from his grandson and to his youngest child. "If it was not time for the elven rings to leave Middle- Earth, you and this child could easily overpower the call of the sea. Your wife as well. You have grown into a wonderful man and it does my heart good to see you at last found contentment. I leave with a lighter heart knowing you have a good life."
Lightly he reached over to touch his father's hand. "I know you miss Celebrian and long to see her again. Duty and responsibility have held you to Middle-earth for long years. Now as much as I will miss you I know it is time for you to put your burdens aside and go to your own contentment."
Smiling with understanding Elrond leaned back and began singing Theorond the elven lullaby as Aragorn closed his eyes in the chair next to him and allowed his Ada's soothing voice to lull him to sleep.
The beauty of the grey elven ships took Eowyn's breath away as she watched the elves slowly board. Not all the elves were leaving, but most were. Eowyn stood holding Theorond close as Aragorn said his goodbyes to the hobbits Frodo and Bilbo and to Gandalf. They had said goodbye to Elrond in private before reaching the quay. After he had embraced his sons a final time Elrond walked over to her. As he looked at her a sudden smile lit up his face as he glanced briefly down at her. "I am sorry I will not get to know you better, my daughter." He gave her a quick hug and stepped away. "Take good care of my son." He stepped away but he paused a moment more to run a loving hand over her stomach. "I do believe your next child shall be the one to inherit the evenstar." With a last smile he boarded the ship. Knowing Aragorn would need her support she walked to her husband to hand him their son and wrap her arms around him. "I love you."
Clinging to her tightly Aragorn watched the ship sail away. When it was out of sight he glanced down at her son and at her. "I love you. And I am home."
A/N Sorry about the brevity of this chapter. The next chapter is actually the second part of this one but I am having trouble with it so I figured I would go ahead and post them as two seperate chapters. Hope you enjoy. I do realize that Elrond did not remain in Middle-earth for three years but it worked better for this fic and since it is an AU postLOTR I thought I would go ahead and modify it. About the ring my feeling is that after Sauron was destroyed the placement of the elven rings was not as guarded a secret. Families would now know.
