The crowds had gathered for the coronation. All manners of people watched as the crown was placed upon the head of Aragorn. Éowyn, the White Lady, stood amongst them, a silent song in her heart for the man she greatly admired. He had been born to be King, she had seen it upon the first time her eyes touched him. Brilliant, show-white petals rained over them, their sweet scent afloat. Éowyn bowed her head to the King who walked past her. And Aragorn returned the gesture, a knowing look in his eyes. Éomer was standing next to his sister, arm protectively restraining one of hers. His head dipped to Aragorn. The Horse Master affectionately squeezed his sister's hand, a reflex of younger years.
Then came the elves. Leading them was Legolas, tall as a tree, straight and proud. Happiness radiated off of him. Legolas hadn't dared look for Éowyn, but he felt her there. They would see one another soon. As of now, his duty was to his friend of old. The elf smiled, his head tilting for Aragorn's attention to be deployed elsewhere. The banner of the house of Elrond was being brought forward, but not on its own.
Éowyn had seen elves at Helm's Deep; the warriors with long bows and gleaming armours. She'd seen them well. But this was a new experience. For the first time, Éowyn saw a female of the blessed race. She was lithe and tall, above the human woman's height. And she was lovely. Flowing ebony tresses framed a delicate face with mesmerising blue eyes and red lips. No wonder the King could love no other but her, Éowyn reflected. And it was clear by the way the elven lady gazed at Aragorn that she returned every ounce of affection. They had been made one for the other.
"There is joy in your smile," Éomer noted, his thumb pressing into the back of her palm.
"Should that be not so?" Éowyn questioned, a knowing smile on display. "I have long come to term with my feelings for the King, brother mine. I shall admire him, always. He shall be my saviour for as long as I live. I will not deny it."
"But your heart beats for someone other than he?" The King of the Mark gave his sister a look of understanding. "I would have grieved were it not so, sweet sister."
Having said his piece, Éomer retreated a few steps. He gave a stern look which surprised Éowyn as it was not aimed at her. She turned her head to the side in hopes of finding what had caused her brother's actions. She saw Legolas gazing at her intently. Éowyn gasped, yet held her place next to her brother. It would not do to move. Instead, she acknowledged him with a longing glance.
Legolas closed his eyes and seemed to listen for something. When he opened them, a yearning of his own shimmered in those orbs. He shifted lightly, barely enough for it to be perceptible.
Aragorn had reached the Halflings. Éowyn's grey eyes could see the hobbits bow. Yet the King stopped the. To the amazement of all present, he was the one to bow before them. The crowds followed his example, all bending knees. Éowyn too paid the proper respects. It was for all the kinds to thank the saviours. Had it not been for them, theirs would have been a darker world. The White Lady of Rohan also had to be thankful for all the people they had brought into her life.
"I shall never forget what you've done for me," she whispered, eyes going to the elf watching her.
