Previously:
Meduseld, Edoras, Rohan, Third Age, Girithron, 3019
"Legolas!" she called, feeling him finally release inside of her, and they fell to the blankets below, his grasp of her wrists finally easing and allowing her to turn and curl against him.
"Éowyn!" Legolas blinked, staring at her with wide eyes. "Are you...? Did I…?"
"Shh," she smiled, kissing him softly. "It is all right, my Lord. I am all right. I am wonderful, in fact."
Legolas looked at her suspiciously, his breathing slowly returning to normal. "My love, I did not mean to lose control like that. You do not deserve such a vile…"
"Legolas," she admonished him, kissing him again. "Do not be ashamed. Tonight is a night for hunters, my Lord. And you have hunted well."
He hugged her to him, kissing her hair. He began singing softly in Sindarin, lulling her to sleep.
"Next time, I may choose to conquer thee, my love," Éowyn mumbled, smiling against his chest.
Legolas laughed. "You already have, my Lady. You already have."
Chapter 11:
Edoras, Rohan, Third Age, Girithron, 3019
The Winter snow was cold, but Legolas did not mind. He could walk over it as if floating, and his skin did not feel the chill as mortals did. He wore a light Elven cloak that was warmer than most heavier garments of Men, and the same armour as he did in Summer. He watched the snow fall around him as the Rohirrim prepared themselves around him. Éowyn could only smile at her beloved as she pulled her fur lined cloak closer around her, her hair gathered in the hood over her head. The King's Guard were ready at the Gates and Éomer was already mounted. She nimbly stepped into the stirrup and swung aboard Windfola as Legolas gracefully sat atop Arod. "Elves," she muttered as she shook her head. The horns sounded and the legion began a slow trot out of Edoras.
Éomer had blessed the holiday celebrations in the Capital several days ago, and after feasting with his people, he now rode out to honour his promise to King Elessar of Gondor to spend Yuletide in the White City. Last Winter had been so much different for all of them. Éowyn could not have imagined things changing so drastically for her in the span of one year. She looked over at Legolas as they rode at a brisk pace, the air crisp around them as they tried to make as many leagues as they could before the temperature dropped further and they were forced to camp for the night.
"You are staring, Éowyn," Legolas smiled.
"I am looking adoringly at my betrothed," she replied.
"And having lustful thoughts?" he asked, looking at her knowingly.
"Of course not! I am a Lady." Éowyn huffed and turned away from him, biting her lower lip as she smiled.
They made camp after passing the Drúadan Forest, taking the main road and avoiding entering the realm of the Púkel-men. While they were all at peace, and Rohan was allowed to hunt nearby, Éomer wished to avoid any misunderstandings. They left baskets of fruit and quivers of arrows as tribute and gifts at the forest border, then rode on. Moments after they departed, a horn sounded from within the forest in reply.
They found a dry clearing to camp, the wind diverted slightly by the nearby trees and the rocky hills. They set up tents to shield themselves from the cold and lit fires to warm them. The Rammas Echor was another day's ride away, and they expected to be in Minas Tirith by dinner of the next night.
"You are shaking, Éowyn," Legolas teased as he held her close under the furs of their bed roll. They barely had time to set up camp and eat before the air itself seemed to freeze and the cold of night overtook them.
"I am freezing," Éowyn spat. "And you should be warming me, rather than delighting in my current state! Just because you do not feel the cold as harshly does not mean you should be pleased that thy wife is not as fortunate!"
Legolas smiled. Éowyn tended to use 'betrothed', 'beloved', 'wife' and 'fiancée' interchangeably, across Westron, Sindarin and Rohirric. He found it endearing and enjoyed hearing the White Lady refer to herself as his. Legolas did not need ceremony to officially mark their union. They were pledged and joined in their hearts. Surely the Valar recognized that above all else.
"If you are cold, Éowyn, then it would be warmer if we were skin to skin," he said, his eyes bright in the darkness of their tent.
"You are incorrigible! How can you even think of sex when my teeth are chattering?" she admonished him.
"Sex is for clumsy adolescents and men who pay whores in brothels," Legolas said dismissively. "I do not speak of sex. Nor do I speak of the act of making love to my betrothed, of joining my heart and body to hers, and giving her pleasure again, and again, and again. I'm only speaking of using my body to make thee warmer, in the interest of survival."
He pressed his lips to her forehead and she could not help but smile. Still, she squirmed closer to him in a decidedly non-seductive fashion and groaned in frustration.
"Such eloquent words do nothing to warm my cold feet! Stop with this 'skin to skin' nonsense and pull the furs closer."
A small fire burned within their tent, but it was dangerous to build it any higher. Legolas warned her that the smoke from the blaze was not to be trifled with, and so the heat barely filled the space around them.
"As you wish. I am thinking only of thy comfort, my love," Legolas said, laying back and holding her to him, bringing the furs around their shoulders.
She curled against him tighter. She could feel his warmth through his tunic, but her hands were still cold and a shiver ran down her back.
"Very well!" she huffed. "But if I freeze, you shall carry me the rest of the way to Minas Tirith, and explain to Éomer why I am too cold and weak to ride."
Legolas was instantly upon her, his body covering hers. He pulled the furs above their heads, smiling at her wolfishly. His fingers made quick work of her cloak, dress, shirt, skirts and corset. As he stripped each layer away, he placed light kisses across her exposed skin. Her leggings and stockings followed. He wore a tunic and leggings to bed and they were quickly removed. As he pulled her against him, she felt a warmth envelop her, and his lips found hers, kissing her tenderly.
Éowyn waited for him to move upon her, but he did not. He merely hugged her close to him, the furs surrounding them, as if in a cocoon. Éowyn tested her fingers and felt the blood rushing back to them. She felt much more comfortable as she began kissing his neck and moving her hand down between them.
"Not so cold anymore, White Lady?" Legolas said in a low voice.
"Mmm…no, my Lord. I feel rather deliciously warm," she smiled.
Legolas laughed as he wrapped a leg around her, holding her close. Éowyn nestled herself into his chest and shoulder. She kissed his skin and drifted off to a warm sleep.
Minas Tirith, Gondor, Third Age, Girithron, 3019
The legion from Rohan were received in the White City with trumpets and much fanfare. The bond between Rohan and Gondor was stronger than ever and the tales of the Battle of the Pelennor were still fresh in the minds of the citizens. Aragorn and Arwen held a reception for them upon their arrival and there was much joy as the friends were reunited and the two Kings of Men were once again at the same table.
Small tokens and gifts were exchanged between them to mark the holidays and they had reached the Capital in the middle of the several days of feasts. Éowyn and Legolas looked at each other knowingly when Prince Imrahil and his escort from Dol Amroth arrived hours after them. Éomer timidly presented a silk scarf to Lothiriel, who accepted it with a wide grin.
"That counts as a grand gesture of romance by my brother," Éowyn whispered.
"I have apparently been trying too hard," Legolas teased. "I did not realize that such a small effort was all that was required to win the heart of a Lady."
"You won my heart with great deeds and soft words, not with trinkets," Éowyn huffed. "And when it comes to romance, I am glad that there is nothing small about you at all."
They were soon drawn into conversation with other guests and Legolas was thankful for it. Éowyn often became very playful and almost brazen during these feasts and it took great restraint for him to not pick her up and carry her to their chambers. In an Elven Kingdom, he would be permitted to take private time with his betrothed any moment he wished. Mortals were more reserved in their customs, and he needed to respect that.
"So, Lady Witch-Slayer," Prince Imrahil declared as he saluted them with a raised glass. "What shall be thy next conquest? While the Kingdoms of Men have been reunited, there still remain Orcs about, and ill winds still fly in some corners of the world. Can we expect to hear a future tale of the Shieldmaiden riding to glory?"
Éowyn smiled. Mere months ago she would have defiantly risen to the challenge to prove her worth in battle. While she still drew stares and the legend of the slayer of the Witch-King ran rampant across the lands, she remembered the sage words of Legolas from the Golden Hall back when they first met, back before she knew of his love for her, and felt it in return.
"Nay, Prince of Dol Amroth," she said pleasantly. "I do not need to live in legend, and I have won a greater prize than any that could be seized in War. While all of the Eorlingas will draw swords to defend our land, there is no need for me to seek out danger and adventure. My days are full in giving counsel to my brother, the King, and in my duties to our House. My Lord also keeps me very busy, rest assured."
Éowyn sipped her drink innocently as Prince Imrahil looked at Legolas with a wide grin. Legolas smirked and tried to avoid his gaze. The implication in Éowyn's words was rather daring for dinner conversation at Court.
"How wonderful for you," Prince Imrahil replied, smiling at Legolas as he took another drink.
"Lord Faramir," Legolas called across the table. "How find you Emyn Arnen?"
"It does need work," Faramir replied. "However Ithilien is vast and resources are plentiful. I only hope the forest will one day recapture its past glory. Long has it suffered and I fear I can only devote my people to the fields and pastures that we rely upon."
"The land will renew itself, Prince of Ithilien," Éowyn answered. "My Lord and I have seen it across the Mark. With shadow lifted, our last harvest was bountiful beyond imagination."
Faramir nodded. As Éowyn and Legolas were drawn into another conversation, he observed how at ease they were with each other. He had seen it during the wedding of King Elessar and Queen Arwen and even during the funeral of King Théoden at Edoras. Their hands would sometimes wander and link together on the table, and each would look at the other adoringly as they spoke either privately or to another guest. He still did not see how Legolas could abide the Doom of Men, but there was no question of how in love they were.
The first evening in Minas Tirith was quite pleasant. They all enjoyed the delicious food and the lively entertainment that had been arranged for them. Slowly the guests retired for the evening, until Arwen caught Éowyn's gaze and they nodded to each other. Smiling, they escorted Aragorn and Legolas to a common table with Éomer and Gimli. Arwen called for the serving maids to bring them drinks at once.
"My Lord," Éowyn smiled at him. "Let us hear a story. Tell us a tale of you and King Elessar in his youth."
"Be careful which tale you choose, Legolas," Aragorn warned, only half teasing.
"Legolas," Arwen smiled. "Tell Éowyn and Éomer of how you both fought with Thengel, King of Rohan."
Éowyn and Éomer both looked to them in anticipation. They had heard that Aragorn had fought with their grandfather, but they knew nothing of the details.
"King Thengel led a legion of Eorlingas against a force of Easterlings who were raiding the Westfold," Aragorn began.
"King Elessar and a small group of rangers were riding the Great West Road and came upon the King's men riding to battle," Legolas added.
"Prince Legolas did us the honour of riding with us, as he was passing through Ithilien on his way to Mirkwood. It was a difficult battle. There were archers posted on the high ridge near The Gap of Rohan, and the cavalry charge was halted by a wedge of spearmen. Thankfully we were close enough to the Easterlings that their archers could not pick us off, but it was a stand off more than anything with neither side gaining an advantage."
"What of my uncle?" Éomer asked.
"King Théoden was but a boy then," Aragorn replied. "He did not ride with us, and remained at Edoras. When we returned, he was quite upset that he did not have a chance to claim his share of scalps."
"King Thengel was a brave warrior," Legolas said. "He directed his soldiers well, even with battle all around him."
"And what of the archers? How did you deal with them?" Éowyn asked.
Aragorn smiled at Legolas and he returned his smile ruefully.
"Why we simply left them to the wrath of our Elven Prince."
"That's not quite true," Legolas replied quickly.
"Legolas picked off three of them from the ground below, then scrambled up the ridge and killed four more before engaging the rest of them at close quarters. By the time anyone could scramble up to assist him, he was already shooting down from the ridge at the Easterlings, and the tide had turned."
"Estel," Legolas said, shaking his head.
"You singlehandedly killed a group of Easterling archers?" Éomer asked in wonder.
"Nay, I needed both hands in fact," Legolas explained. Everyone else laughed.
"Aye, he was vengeance itself unleashed upon the enemy," Aragorn confirmed. Arwen laughed as Éowyn seemed to stare at her betrothed with renewed admiration.
"Do not let his quiet demeanour fool you, White Lady," Arwen smiled. "When at the height of his powers, Prince Legolas is a force to be reckoned with."
"The tide turned very quickly without the support that the Easterlings enjoyed from above. King Thengel ordered a fresh charge through the centre, and with the flanks now busy trying to find cover from Legolas' bow, we were able to overrun the Easterlings and push through. It was a rather easy victory from there," Aragorn finished.
"That is not entirely how it went," Legolas mumbled.
"I also find it hard to believe that the Elf could have such an impact," Gimli grunted. They all laughed. "Those Easterlings must have had all the constitution of children."
The wine and beer flowed and the friends continued to tell tales, and Legolas was glad that the focus had moved from him to other stories. Truth be told, he remembered the battle with the Easterlings very vividly. The battlelust flew through his veins, and he climbed the ridge towards the enemy with the lightest of touches and lightning speed. He seemed to anticipate movements minutes in advance and Aragorn had told him many times that he was fury itself unleashed.
Éowyn stifled a yawn and rose, bowing to Aragorn and Arwen and nodding to her brother. "My friends, I must retire," she announced. "Thank you for your delightful company. We will see you all in the morning."
As Legolas rose with her, they all bid them goodnight and a fresh round of drinks were provided as Éomer and Gimli tapped their mugs together.
When Legolas emerged from the bathing room he smiled as Éowyn lay under the covers, smiling at him. Her bare shoulders drew him to the bed and he was soon at her side, the heat from her skin caressing him. She was upon him in an instant, rubbing her warm centre against him and kissing his cheek softly.
"Prince Legolas," she whispered in a soothing voice. "When you were finished vanquishing the Easterlings with my grandfather, how did you sate your battlelust then?"
Her eyes were mischievous and her hand travelled down to his length, stroking him.
"Did you find some maid or woman in Edoras and ravish them to sate thy desire? Am I not the first of my people that you have seduced?"
"Nay," he gulped, his eyes widening as her hand stroked him more firmly. "I did not return to Edoras with King Thengel. I continued on to Mirkwood. There was no…ah…there was no feasting for me."
"Truly?" she asked teasingly. "My love, would you have remained by the waterfall at Helm's Deep if I had not rode out to find you? You would have exhausted thyself in thy exercises and put thy desire aside?"
"Aye," he replied. "I did not trust myself to be around you in my…condition."
"Was it just that you feared being around me, or some other woman that you had thy eye on?" she smiled.
"Nay!" Legolas growled at her, his eyes fierce before she squeezed him harder and he gasped. "I…I only ever had eyes for you, my love."
"You would not have come to me then? You would not have sought me out in my chamber? You would not have locked the door, pinned me to my bed, given into the battlelust and taken thy pleasure from my body?"
Her words inflamed him, as did the dark lustful gaze of her eyes. Legolas blinked several times as his arousal swelled. He could not draw his eyes away from her.
"Legolas," she whispered, licking his face. "I was already yours when you saved my life in the Caves. That is why I rode out to find you, my love. I wanted you."
Legolas growled, his hips bucking as she continued to stroke him faster. She pressed her mouth over his and his tongue danced with hers. They both moaned against each other.
Éowyn moved upon him, straddling him and lowering herself as she pushed him inside of her. She braced her hands against his chest as she began moving her hips, riding him.
Legolas took hold of her hips and thrust up into her, and words were lost as they cried out with each thrust. Her head fell back as she screamed out her release, and Legolas thrust erratically into her several more times before he groaned out in pleasure.
He eased them back under the blankets and held her in his arms, kissing her forehead as sleep closed her eyelids.
"I would have enjoyed seeing you in battle, watching you fight in all thy majestic fury," Éowyn said softly. "But I find I am ever more grateful to have you here with me."
Legolas held her close. "Sleep, White Lady. I will be here with you when you wake."
"I will see you this afternoon, Legolas," Éowyn said as she kissed his cheek and rose from the breakfast table.
"Where are you off to?" he asked.
"I am going shopping with the Queen."
Legolas rolled his eyes as Éomer smiled at him.
"The reason that I had a new wardrobe crafted for you was to deter these shopping sprees."
"The clothes you had made for me are exquisite and I love them," she replied, kissing him again before whispering in his ear. "But you did not make me any nightgowns and I will need several for our wedding night and afterwards."
Legolas swallowed at her meaning and she patted his shoulder before nodding to her brother and leaving the Hall.
"What?" Legolas asked as Éomer looked at his curiously.
"You have much to learn about my sister," Éomer laughed.
Legolas only smiled. The King of the Mark would likely recoil at just how much Legolas did know about the White Lady.
When he arrived at their room, she was already seated at her vanity, brushing her hair. She was wearing a red gown that he had made for her in Rivendell. Her bracelet and ring sparkled as usual. She smiled at him through the reflection of the mirror.
"You look beautiful, Éowyn."
"Thank you," she smiled. "The neckline on this gown, just as with the other gowns you had made for me, is too low."
He looked over at her, seeing the slight edge of her cleavage at the neckline of the gown.
"I think it looks wonderful."
She rolled her eyes. "Of course you would. You would prefer if I went topless at all hours. A Lady should keep her modesty in public, my Lord."
"A gown is designed to show a woman's figure to her best advantage," Legolas replied, changing swiftly into his silver tunic. "And your figure demands to be honoured, my love."
She shook her head at him ruefully before rising. Elves, she thought. Her tiara framed her hair and she swept her long tresses behind her down her back. She took his arm and they went down to dinner.
Éowyn felt eyes upon them as they entered the hall. She was used to it by now. Even those who had seen them together in public for months still seemed to stare whenever they made an appearance. She knew that she would get several jealous glances at her choice of gown, however she did not particularly care. She was not opposed to dressing in a feminine fashion, and her time with Legolas had made her rather proud of her body, but she knew the gown was decidedly Elven, and that would only draw the ire of those who were already angry that she pledged herself to the Prince of Eryn Lasgalen.
Taking a seat beside her brother, she accepted a glass of wine from the serving maid. The food was brought out and she found herself quite hungry. Éowyn tasted the gourmet cuisine chosen by the King and Queen of Gondor with zest.
"White Lady, thy gown is exquisite," Arwen gushed when the King and Queen came over to greet them.
"Thank you, Queen Arwen," Éowyn smiled back.
"The Elven style is very flattering to your figure."
Éowyn blushed. "My Lord seems to think so. All of my new gowns seem to resemble each other in one particular feature."
Arwen laughed, before she leaned over and whispered to her. "It seems that you were keeping this feature in mind when we shopped for thy nightgowns today."
"I know how to keep my Lord happy, Queen Arwen," Éowyn replied before taking a sip of her drink.
There was great ceremony at this meal as meats were cut and served in honour of Yuletide and traditional foods of the season from Gondor and Rohan were presented. It had been years since the Rohirrim had enjoyed a proper Yuletide feast, and Éowyn delighted in explaining to Legolas the significance of each dish and how it was prepared.
When they finally retired to their chamber, she was giggling and at ease, both from drink and the merriment of the season. Legolas attempted to silence her as they walked down the hall, but she continued to laugh, and he found himself smiling at her uninhibited joy.
As he locked the door behind him, Éowyn looked at him with a seductive smile.
"That was a wonderful meal," she sighed, idly pulling at the laces of her gown.
"You seemed to enjoy the drink as well," he teased.
He smiled and came to her, helping her out of her dress. Her fingers deftly undid his clothing, and her coordination was impressive in her slightly tipsy state.
"You know, I never slept naked before I met you, my Lord," she smiled as they pulled the warm furs over them.
"It is not for every night," he said. "But it does have its advantages."
"Aye. I would find it strange if you disrobed during your nights with the Fellowship!"
"I suppose you think thyself clever?"
Éowyn yelped as he tickled her sides. They kissed and she eagerly ran her hands along his chest. Before she could take his arousal in her hand, he stopped her.
"Wait, Éowyn. I have a gift for you."
"Yes, and if you do not let me continue, I will not want it."
He laughed. "I do not mean that."
He leaned over and opened the drawer of the nightstand, taking out a small wrapped box.
She smiled as he handed it to her. "A small gift, for our first Yuletide together."
"Thank you, my Lord," she said sweetly. It had been years since she had received a Yuletide present, years since she had even celebrated the season. She opened the box and gasped in surprise.
"Oh, Legolas! It is beautiful."
She took out a gold necklace, feeling the smoothness of the metal with her fingers. An intricate pendant hung from the chain, depicting a golden shield, bearing a heart and a leaf, each in a different colour and jewel.
"It was made at Edoras. I am very pleased with how it turned out."
Éowyn swept her hair away from her neck and Legolas closed the clasp once the necklace was in place.
"It is perfect, my love," he smiled. "Even better than I imagined. I hope you will forgive the obvious symbolism. I did not really know how to go about it without the entire thing seeming rather childish."
"It is wonderful, my Lord," she smiled at him. "I shall wear it always."
"Oh no, Éowyn," Legolas smiled back at her. "That is not necessary. It's rather for special occasions."
"Well then, let me wear it for you tonight, my love."
Legolas smiled as he covered her body with his, kissing her lips as she wrapped her arms around him.
He often slept with his eyes open, and at most half-closed. It was very difficult for Éowyn to know if he was asleep or not. She would stir during the night, and he would move his arm over her or pull her close to him, and whisper to her in Sindarin. He was always awake before she was, as though he were merely waiting for her to rise.
In the months since Sauron's defeat, Legolas had become more relaxed, at her urging more than anything else. He had spent a year waking each day expecting it could be his last, and so he slept lightly and his alert Elven senses were always attuned. She sometimes caught him staring at her in the early mornings. She thought it endearing, but she later understood that there was a desperate element to his gaze, as if he needed to see her otherwise she would be gone from him. He was learning to be at ease in this new Age of peace, but she still saw him looking at her for reassurance, and she was glad for it.
When Éowyn stirred the room was dark. Starlight still filtered through the window, but she knew dawn was close at hand. She smiled to herself, about to turn into Legolas' body and sleep for the remaining moments before sunrise. Sunrise. The thought entered her mind suddenly and her eyes opened wide. She glanced up at him. His eyes were half closed and he looked peaceful. His breath was even and deep.
"My love?" she whispered and he did not move or respond. She smiled wickedly.
Easing the blanket down, she exposed more of his naked flesh to her smiling eyes. Even in the dark, she could make out his smooth skin and hard muscles. He swallowed and sighed as she brought the blanket down past his thighs. She looked up at him expectantly but his eyes remained half-closed and his breathing returned to an even rhythm.
She licked her lips as she moved closer to him. How could such a weapon ever fit inside of her, she giggled inwardly. She reached out a hand and grasped it, feeling it harden beneath her fingers. She shook her head. Elves, she thought. Are they all so large and do they all respond so quickly? She smiled. She did not need to know the answer. She already had the most powerful and passionate of them all.
She licked him slowly and he did not wake. His length swelled in her hand and stirred her own arousal. She had never thought to take a man into her mouth before, thinking it crude and a trick for sluts and whores. And yet, to perform such an act for her betrothed, the Elf who would be her husband, did not seem wrong at all. Legolas had no such hesitation in pleasuring her in a similar fashion, she had discovered quite conclusively.
"Éowyn," he mumbled, gasping as her ministrations woke him.
"My Lord," she whispered, stroking him firmly.
She resumed her attentions on him and Legolas began bucking his hips slightly, groaning and gasping her name.
"Éowyn! Oh, Valar!"
He groaned again as she took him fully inside of her. In the months they had been together, she had learned all the ways to pleasure him and what gave him joy in bed. As she took hold of him, he moaned once again.
"Éowyn!" he called as his body shook.
Éowyn pulled back and smiled, quirking her eyebrow as she noticed he remained quite aroused despite her attentions to him.
"You are always so ready and eager, my Lord," she laughed.
He rose up and took her into his arms, kissing her firmly. His hands travelled down to her buttocks as he pulled her into his lap.
"Wait, Legolas!" she warned him as his hard length brushed against her thigh. She moved out of his grasp and stood up from the bed.
"What is wrong, Éowyn? Did I do something?"
"Oh! Nay, my love, nay!" she softened her gaze as his face showed concern. "I always want you, Legolas. But there is something else I want to do now. Come, let us dress."
She held out her hands to him and he rose from the bed, confused. She pulled a simple gown over her head and tied it with a belt of green silk. He dressed casually in leather leggings and a silver tunic. He helped her into her cloak and pinned the Lórien brooch in front of her.
"Why is it," she smiled as she came into his embrace, "that you can throw on the simplest of clothes, and still look so incredibly handsome?"
He kissed her tenderly.
She led him outside their chamber, holding his hand tightly. He followed her down the hall and up the stairs to the tower outside their rooms. When they emerged, the air was crisp around them. She went to the balcony and pulled his arms around her, leaning back against his chest.
The Fields of Cormallen and the Pelennor were quiet and dark in the distance. Legolas pulled her close to him, wrapping both of them in his cloak and circling her thin waist with his arms.
"You should be resting, my Lady," he whispered. "It is not yet dawn."
"It is all right," she smiled up at him. "I wanted to share this moment with you."
The sun broke over the horizon in the distance, causing the Anduin to sparkle. The snow covered fields were slowly lit, the sunlight dancing across the frost covered land.
As the sun drifted up towards them, Éowyn smiled. She remembered another time when she had stood on this same balcony at Minas Tirith and the sun had washed over her. As light bathed the upper levels and moved on towards the Mindolluin, she pressed back against Legolas.
"Mmm…." She smiled.
"It is a wondrous sight, my love," Legolas nodded.
"Legolas," she said, turning in his arms and pressing herself against his chest. "This is where I would stand each day after thy voice roused me from the Black Breath. I would walk along the walls, or go down to the Gate, and I would come here, and look out towards the road, for some sign of thy return, for I knew you would come back for me."
"Aye, Éowyn. You were ever in my thoughts as we fought at the Black Gate, and we pushed the horses with much haste in our return to Gondor."
"The skies were ever dark and dreary, my Lord. Then I heard it. I heard thy voice. It was on the wind, and in my heart and all around me as though you were standing right here. You told me you were coming for me, and I knew that you would return, and my heart was light and my smile was wide, for the first time since I woke."
Legolas kissed her, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, smiling against his lips as she returned his passion.
"I love you, Legolas. I am very much looking forward to our wedding, but I do not need a ceremony to confirm our union. I am thy wife in the eyes of the Valar. I love thy kindness, and thy strength, and how you always make me laugh even though I am supposed to be a stern and cold Shieldmaiden. You are my one and only lover, my Lord, and thy touch stirs my arousal at all hours. Though you have taught me such pleasure in the ways of love, it is thy presence that I love the most, Legolas. Being here, at thy side, I have never been happier."
They kissed again and turned to look out over the snow covered City and the land beyond.
"There is nowhere I would rather be, my love," Legolas whispered, kissing her cheek.
"Come, Legolas," she said seductively. "There are still some hours before we need to be awake."
She led him back to their chamber and once the door was again closed and locked, she took off her cloak and gown and slipped under the blankets.
The rest of their time in Gondor was wonderful. They dined with guests from across Gondor and Rohan as the Yuletide festivities continued. There was gift giving, and friendly competitions and even a little bit of mischief. Éowyn had not laughed so much and been so merry in a very long time and it was as if all of Middle-Earth was relaxing and revelling in a holiday season they had long been without.
On the morning of the Yuletide Hunt, Legolas adjusted his pauldrons, then pulled his Galadhrim bow over his shoulders. Stretching his neck, he looked himself over once more before deciding he was ready.
"My Lady? Éowyn, are you ready?" he called out.
Éowyn came out from the bathing room in her dressing gown.
"Good hunting, my love," she smiled as she kissed him.
"Thank you, but you are quite underdressed."
She looked at him quizzically. "How so? I am going to read a bit before joining the Queen for tea. I'll change before I leave, likely into one of the lighter gowns you had made for me."
"While you look gorgeous in all of those gowns, I actually took the liberty of picking out more appropriate attire for thee," Legolas smiled, before stepping back and sweeping his arm towards the bed.
Éowyn walked over to the bed and her eyes widened. Her winter riding outfit was clean and pressed and laid out on the bed for her. Stormshatter was in its scabbard nearby.
"It will be difficult to hunt in a gown," Legolas whispered, standing behind her.
She turned and smiled widely at him. "You intend for me to hunt with you?"
"Of course," he said plainly. "I could do much worse than to have a Shieldmaiden at my side."
"But…"
"But women do not go out for the Yuletide Hunt? Really, my love, you disappoint me. Since when did you conform to such archaic traditions?" he smirked.
She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him soundly.
"Thank you, my Lord," she whispered. She began tying her hair back as she reached for her tunic. Legolas' hands came around her waist and pulled at the sash of her dressing gown, pulling it from her shoulders.
"My Lord," she warned. "Can you control thyself long enough for me to dress?"
"I shall attempt to do so," he said huskily as he pressed himself against her naked body.
"Legolas!" she breathed. "Please wait for me outside! Otherwise neither one of us will make it out to the Hunt on time!"
He laughed as he kissed her neck and went outside to wait for her to finish changing.
"Elves," she shook her head as she changed into her riding attire. "So insatiable, and yet so amazing." She smiled to herself as she fastened Stormshatter to her belt and left their chamber.
When they reached the first level where the hunting party was gathering, no one dared question Éowyn's presence at Legolas' side. She held her head high and looked defiantly from one man to another, but all remained silent.
"Shieldmaiden," Aragorn bowed, choosing to use her warrior title. "I pity the stag or boar that should come across thy path this day."
Éowyn bowed to the King in thanks. Her eyes narrowed as she nodded to her brother and he seemed to look from Legolas to Éowyn with a perplexed stare.
"Sister," he nodded finally. "We were wondering when you would show up."
They all mounted their horses and took off across the Pelennor, headed for the nearby forests, their attendants and dogs riding with them in wagons. When they reached the forest, they dismounted and divided up into groups. As the horn sounded to signal the beginning of the hunt, the dogs went forward, sniffing through the snow and cold air for tracks of their prey.
"These forests are filled with deer and wild boar," Éowyn said as she and Legolas walked along. "What do you sense, my Lord?"
"Using our abilities is an unfair advantage, Éowyn," Legolas smiled. "Let us see where the day takes us."
"My Lord! My Lady!" their attendant called as the dog began to pull at his leash.
Legolas looked at Éowyn and smiled. "Let him go, Harrison," she ordered.
The dog leapt forward and Legolas and Éowyn ran after it. The Elf seemed to glide across the snow covered ground, and she was determined to keep up with him. She found her stride quickly, and bounded past rocks and fallen branches, holding Stormshatter firmly against her hip as she ran.
The dog came to a clearing and began barking loudly. The sound was answered by a low growl and the dog backed away. Legolas reached the clearing first and whistled to the dog, sending it back to Harrison. Legolas walked carefully into the clearing.
Éowyn reached his side and swallowed as she saw the large beast standing at the other end. It was a large male stag, its antlers fully developed and imposing. It stomped the ground and grunted, picking up their scent.
"Welcome to the hunt, White Lady," Legolas smiled, keeping his gaze on the beast. "How shall we go about it?"
Éowyn looked at him quizzically, but his eyes did not leave the prey. She steeled herself. Right. She wanted to be his equal and here she was.
"It will charge. My blade will not be enough to take it down in one blow. You will need to weaken it. It will turn back, then charge again. Once it is tired, we may have an opening."
Legolas nodded. "Keep thy blade at the ready."
He stepped forward purposefully and the beast grunted again, stomping the ground. It yelled suddenly and began its charge. Legolas yelled back and ran forward, putting distance between himself and Éowyn, who was circling to the side.
The beast lowered its head, bringing its antlers forward to strike. Legolas stood firm, his twin blades forward. As the beast leaned in to him, he parried the strike and stepped to the side, the beast swinging its head menacingly away. Legolas slashed at the beast's exposed neck, barely cutting the rough hide before he had to avoid another lunge.
Legolas sank another blow into the beast's side, drawing blood. The stag turned back and circled around, crying out as he stepped forward again. Legolas ducked to one side and missed as he tried to swing back across the body of his prey. He ducked under the stag's antlers as they danced around each other once more.
When the stag's panting was audible, Éowyn stepped forward, holding Stormshatter in front of her. Legolas struck twice more and the beast was bleeding across the snow covered ground. As its head lolled slightly, Éowyn yelled out and leapt forward, bringing Stormshatter down fiercely across the beast's neck. The sword cut through the muscle and sinew and cleaved through to the bone. The beast groaned and rocked before Éowyn sank another blow, hearing the spine of the beast shatter. Legolas smiled as the stag collapsed to the ground.
Legolas stepped forward and sheathed his blades. He whispered to the beast in Sindarin and patted its lifeless head. He then straightened and smiled at his fiancée.
"Well struck, Shieldmaiden. A worthy prize indeed."
Éowyn came into his waiting embrace and kissed him. "Thank you, my Lord. Thank you for bringing me on the Hunt."
They were soon joined by Harrison and others. The beast was tied up for transport back to Minas Tirith and as they emerged back from the forest, they were congratulated heartily by the hunting party. Even Éomer smiled at her proudly as Legolas recounted the tale of how Éowyn had killed the stag.
Éowyn groaned as she dropped her bracers and armour to the ground. She walked rather ungracefully to the bathing room and moaned again as she slipped into the hot water. Legolas smiled at her as he disrobed and came into the bath behind her, sitting back and pulling her against his chest. He dutifully took up the cloth and soap and began working at her tired muscles.
"Mmm…" she sighed, resting her head back on his shoulder, her buttocks teasing against his groin under the water. "Thy hands are apparently skilled at more than archery, my Lord."
"And you are incredibly tense for someone who has just taken down the largest stag in the Yuletide Hunt."
"It took a lot out of me to deliver the killing blow. The prey put up a strong fight."
"Aye," Legolas agreed.
"What did you say to it in Sindarin?"
"I thanked the beast for its sacrifice and wished its spirit to move on freely. Elves feel a connection to all living things. Most Elves are casual in their treatment of nature. We see beasts and trees as being below us and only placed on Arda for our use. However, my Ada taught me that all living things deserve our respect, especially those that give themselves for our sustenance, our sport, our survival."
"My father was the same way," Éowyn said softly, closing her eyes as his fingers slid around her and kneaded her arms. "We often thought he loved his horse more than Éomer and I," she laughed.
She shivered despite the hot water and Legolas looked at her questioningly before running his hand across her arm, then up to her forehead.
"You are still cold, Éowyn," he frowned. "You will fall ill if we are not careful."
"Nonsense," she scoffed, although there was a slight wheeze in her throat.
"Nay," Legolas said with a concerned voice. "We must get you out of this bath and dry."
He lifted her from the bath and she whined in protest. He carried her back into their chamber and towelled her off. He then poured her into a nightgown and laid her in bed, wrapping a robe around himself as he went. She began fighting him when he placed the furs over her.
"Legolas! Stop this! I am not a child!" she glared at him. Before she could rebuke him further, she sneezed.
"Nay, you are no child, my love," he smiled at her. "A child would know to stay still."
"I am perfectly fine. It's natural to feel cold when we are in Gondor in winter," she sneezed again.
"Indeed," Legolas replied. He went swiftly to the door and called to the guard stationed down the hallway. Legolas instructed him to bring Éowyn's maids to their chamber. Soon, she heard voices outside the bedroom.
"My Lady is cold. We shall need towels and boiling water. Ask the guard to send for penicilia from the healing rooms and tell them that Prince Legolas requests leaves from the older stores."
"Aye, my Lord. It shall be done."
The maids left with their orders and Legolas came back into the bedroom. Éowyn was sitting up in bed and staring at him fiercely.
"This is ridiculous," she sneered. "We will be feasting shortly, on the stag that I killed. I shall not accept being bedridden, not even by you."
She moved to lift the furs off of her so she could rise from bed. Legolas was at her side with Elven speed, sitting on the bed beside her and effectively trapping the furs beneath him.
"If you wish to make it to the feast with thy wits about thee, then you shall rest while I apply a warm compress to thy head and boil a tea for thee to drink," Legolas replied calmly. "Otherwise, we shall see what thy brother the King of Rohan decides when I tell him of thy condition."
"Éomer would not dare confine me to my chambers during a feast!" her eyes were wide but she knew that her brother most certainly would not hesitate to order her to the healing rooms if he suspected she was ill.
"As you wish, my Lady. However, we have days yet in Minas Tirith with many events and commitments planned. It would be regrettable indeed if you had to miss so much simply because you refused to take sufficient rest before tonight's feast."
Éowyn's eyes narrowed as she lay back down and wrapped the furs around her. "Fine. But do not believe you have won, my Lord. Mark my words. For treating me this way, you shall not be taking pleasure from my body for a very long time, Legolas," she huffed.
Legolas swallowed at this rebuke and Éowyn smiled to herself that she could still affect him so. He did not reply as he went back out into the living area of their chambers to take the towels, water and herbs from her maids.
The taste of the tea was slightly bitter even though he had added honey to make it more palatable. She immediately felt drowsy and she laid back down once she finished her cup. He placed a compress soaked in boiling water and penicilia across her forehead and as the scent hit her nostrils, she closed her eyes.
"If I was sick, which I am not," she mumbled. "I would expect such a concoction to work, otherwise you have wasted my time. And you best remain with me while I sleep."
Legolas smoothed her hair from her face as she dozed off. "I would not be anywhere else, my love," he whispered.
Meduseld, Edoras, Rohan, Third Age, Gwirith, 3020
Legolas sighed as he looked outside the window for what seemed the hundredth time in the last hour.
"Unless you have further powers that you have not told me about, my Lord," Éowyn said lightly. "Looking out the window shall not make the rain disappear."
He turned away and looked at her as she sat by the hearth, the needle flying through the fabric quickly and efficiently as her fingers ran over the pattern. He found it rather intriguing that for all of her desires to go to War and take up every right that a Man was granted, Éowyn still engaged in such womanly duties as knitting.
"The downpour is too strong for horses to ride safely on the roads," Legolas grumbled. "The training ground will be soaked and unusable, and most of the merchants have closed for the day because no one is venturing outside in the rain."
"I never realized you could be so restless," Éowyn laughed.
"And I didn't know you enjoyed knitting so much, Shieldmaiden," Legolas retorted.
Éowyn held up the tapestry for him to see. "There. Good as new."
Legolas nodded in approval as Éowyn placed the tapestry on the table. She rose and approached him with a smile on her lips.
"Come, my Lord," Éowyn reached out and took his hands. "Perhaps I can find something to keep you occupied while the weather passes."
"I rather like the sound of that," Legolas said sultrily.
"Insatiable Elf," Éowyn scolded. "Keep thy thoughts from becoming so bawdy. I speak not of lust, Legolas. Come."
She led him out of their chamber and down the hall. They crossed the Golden Hall quickly, Éowyn stopping to give instructions to her maids to bring the tapestry from her bedroom back to its rightful place. She then took his hand and guided him to another set of stairs and they ascended quickly.
When Legolas emerged from the stairs, he noticed they were on the other side of Meduseld. She took him down a hallway and pausing as she smiled at him, opened another door and went through with him.
Legolas smiled. They were high above Edoras, on a small balcony overlooking the City below. Éowyn grinned as she sat down on a bench and he joined her, marvelling at the view. They were protected from the rain by the overhanging awning, and they could see clearly to the road outside the City Gate.
"Éomer and I would come here often," Éowyn explained. "It was an old guard lookout point before the walls of the City were expanded and the battlements and watch towers built."
"It is very beautiful," Legolas smiled. "Secluded, private, and the view is majestic. Thank you for bringing me here, my love."
He held her in his arms as they looked out.
"I am glad that you like it. It wouldn't do for you to be so grumpy for the rest of the day."
Great tents were pitched outside of the walls of Edoras by the Gate. With a week before the Royal wedding, the trumpets sounded from the towers to announce the arrival of the delegation from Lórien and Rivendell. They took their place in the largest tent on the field, and after allowing them to be settled, Legolas and Éowyn rode out to them with Éomer.
"Lady Éowyn!" Galadriel's greeting had become even friendlier since they had last seen each other, and Éowyn still shyly stepped into her embrace. She said several words in Sindarin to the Lady of Light and her Lord Celeborn, before greeting Lord Elrond and his sons and the other Elves from Rivendell.
"It is a fine season for a wedding," Lord Elrond smiled.
Legolas nodded and touched his heart in salute. Indeed, the flowers were in full bloom across the Mark and the people could not remember a happier time for many years. It seemed as though the land itself had finally awoken from dark slumber, and nature itself was on its best display for the royal union.
The Elves brought gifts with them, which were accepted gladly. There were glass dishes and intricate goblets forged in tribute to King Éomer, and spices, herbs and bolts of fabric were provided to the merchants of Edoras as gifts of commerce. As the Elves were diminishing and leaving Middle-Earth, there was no need for outright trade with the Rohirrim. In return, King Éomer had gems from Aglarond fashioned into vessels and bowls and provided them to the Elves. They were small mementos, but prior to this year it would have been unheard of for the Eorlingas to be so closely affiliated with the Elves, and all were glad for their building relationship.
Éowyn looked around as they had a small reception together. She did not recognize some of the other Elves who had come, and Legolas was deep in discussion with Elrohir and Elladan as they ate.
"King Thranduil is not here," Lord Elrond advised her quietly.
"Will he come?" Éowyn asked him.
"Aye."
"And what mood will he be in when he arrives?"
Lord Elrond smiled at her thoughtfully. "Do not be troubled, White Lady. Whether King Thranduil arrives full of praise or fury, I believe that thy betrothed will be able to handle him."
Éowyn nodded. She was trying to not be nervous where the father of Legolas was concerned, but she could not help it. She knew not how to receive him, or address him or speak to him without perhaps causing offence. She had begged Legolas to prepare her properly and he had waved away her concerns.
"You are my wife, Éowyn. It is Ada who will need to pay tribute to you, not the other way around," he had said confidently. She was not so sure, and his passionate attempts to ease her mind had not been successful, even though they had been a delightful distraction.
The next day, the horns of Gondor sounded across the field and were met in reply by the horns of the Eorlingas. Aragorn and Arwen arrived accompanied by a Royal Guard, and they came into the City. Éomer insisted they be sheltered in the Golden Hall, as was appropriate for the strongest ally of Rohan. Legolas, Gimli and Éomer all greeted Aragorn warmly, and Arwen pulled Éowyn into her embrace. Éowyn was glad for Arwen's arrival, for she viewed her as an ally and confidant. Arwen had helped her plan most of the wedding, and Arwen's firm resolve helped her keep her emotions in control.
The Hobbits arrived with Gandalf shortly afterward and the Fellowship was reunited once again. Éowyn was pleased to see Merry as well, and he rode into Edoras wearing his full armour as Knight of the Mark. They sat in the Golden Hall with Éomer and enjoyed a small and private lunch, laughing as though they had never been parted.
"Sir Meriadoc," Éomer called, smiling at the Hobbit. "I have a gift for you, for service on behalf of the Mark."
An attendant stepped forward and presented Merry with a fine sword, forged at Edoras. The scabbard was inlaid with silver horses and Merry smiled at the blade in wonder.
"We feared for thy safety when we were told you had to face Saruman and his dogs alone," Éowyn said softly. "A great service you have done once again to our Kingdom, for Saruman and Wormtongue were a blight on our land, and glad we are that their reach over the Shire was halted and vengeance rightfully taken."
"The bravery and courage of the Halflings shall never be questioned," Legolas continued. "For all of you have proven thy worth many times over. Accept these gifts from King Éomer and from my Lady, as tokens of our love for you and thy bond with Rohan."
Several maids came forward and presented Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin with fine leather riding coats, with the crest of Rohan embroidered on the shoulder. The Hobbits smiled, embarrassed by such attention. Gimli called for more drinks and the Fellowship resumed their banter.
Legolas and Éowyn walked down the stairs from Meduseld, speaking of which guests had arrived and which groups they still expected. As they reached the foot of the stairs, they were surprised to see Elladan and Elrohir waiting for them.
"Lord Legolas, Lady Éowyn," Elladan said, bowing slightly.
"King Thranduil and his retinue have arrived," Elrohir finished.
Éowyn breathed, her hand shaking slightly. Legolas grasped it firmly and she looked up at her fiancée.
"Let us go and greet the delegation from Eryn Lasgalen," he said plainly.
"I must change," Éowyn said, her voice quiet.
"Nay. You are beautiful as you are, White Lady," Legolas declared. He turned to the twins. "Come, we shall meet the Elven King in his tent. Ensure that Lady Galadriel, Lord Celeborn and Lord Elrond join us."
The twins nodded and went ahead. Legolas led Éowyn through the Gate and out onto the field.