Chapter 12 (begins 17 May, 3020 III)
They lingered at Dol Amroth another three days before finally bidding their families farewell and setting out on the journey over the mountain. The distraction of his lovely bride riding beside him required Eomer to put forth considerable effort in forcing his attention to his duty of scouting the route on behalf of his king. Brenross left them once they had gained the road between Linhir and Ethring. They watched him returning back the way they had come, and Eomer mused, "Though this is the most direct route from Dol Amroth, I do not know that this way will accommodate much traffic. Perhaps your father will be amenable to widening and improving it in the future."
"I am sure he will agree to any suggestions you offer, Eomer. Likely more has not been done already because we had little occasion to travel in this direction from the city – until now. But wait until we reach the end of our journey to form your recommendations. There may be other things we encounter that will influence your decisions," Lothiriel counseled, causing Eomer to smile appreciatively at her wisdom.
Two Riders rode ahead, scouting out the road before them, and the remainder trailed some distance behind, affording them what privacy they could. Eomer appreciated the gesture, knowing full well it was normal to stay more closely grouped on such a venture as this.
The company camped at Ethring on their fourth day of travel. There was a small inn within the town and Eomer seized the opportunity of taking a bed for the night with his bride. He knew she was not used to the rough nature of camping they were having to employ, and he thought a hot bath and soft bed might make some amends, though she had offered no complaints.
It took some time to heat and carry the water for her bath in the rather small tub that was provided, though she did seem to enjoy being able to refresh herself thus. Certainly he enjoyed watching her attend to the task! Supper was delayed as he restrained himself only until she stepped from the water, and then their attention was temporarily diverted from food.
Lothiriel's muscles were gradually becoming used to riding for so long a time, though she still suffered some soreness and stiffness. It had become their usual routine each evening for him to provide a massage that eased her discomfort somewhat, though it generally led to more amorous pursuits. It was difficult to be intimate while dwelling in a small tent in a camp full of men, so the privacy afforded by a room was even more welcome to them, being so newly wed.
Eomer had been rather surprised that Lothiriel found his efforts at massage pleasing. He had feared his rough, calloused hands might be more annoying than helpful, but with a good measure from her supply of lotions, she professed to enjoy the treatment very much. Already she had promised to return the favor when they reached Aldburg, despite his having no particular need of it, and he had made no effort to decline the offer.
They reached the Stone of Erech two days later, and Lothiriel studied it curiously. She had long heard mention of it, but this was her first opportunity to actually see it. She related to their company all that she knew of the history, and of King Elessar's gathering the Dead there and rallying their support against the Corsairs.
It was another full day before they arrived at the entrance to the path through the mountain, and even Lothiriel greeted it with some trepidation. Though not so familiar with the tales of it as the Rohirrim were, she was knowledgeable of the history. Just as Aragorn had said, they met no hazard along the way, and Eomer judged it would be wide enough for small wagons with only a little effort being applied to clear rocks off to the side to make for a smooth roadbed.
And then they exited the northern end and rode forth into Rohan via the valley of Harrowdale. Lothiriel gave a gasp at the glorious view they had from this vantage, as Eomer explained to her that this had been the encampment of those that retreated from Edoras during the War, led by Eowyn.
As it turned out, the switchback trail down the mountain which made the location so defensible was likely to be their major obstacle in the trade planning. It was not really wide enough for anything larger than small carts, and could not be altered further. Additionally, the sharp turns would be difficult to negotiate, and risk dumping a cart laden with goods over the steep sides. Considering this, Eomer realized they would probably have to arrange receiving and sending of goods from Dunharrow, and then pack them up and down the mountain on horses. That would limit the size of the goods they could transport over this route. Larger items would still need to come overland from Minas Tirith.
Lothiriel had kept silent as they passed a couple of the stone statues hunched at each turning of the zig-zag path, but by the third one, she could no longer contain her curiosity. "Eomer, what are these? Ancestors of the Rohirrim?"
"No. They were the Druedain who lived in the White Mountains long ago – in the First Age. They were driven out by the wicked Men of the Mountains. The Druedain were known for carving stone images of themselves, and they placed these here. Time and weather has worn away the features of their faces, but they did serve a useful purpose. The Orcs feared them and were reluctant to pass them to climb the mountain. We Eorlingas do not pay them much mind, but if they keep Orcs at bay then they are worthwhile."
When they reached the next one after his explanation, she halted her horse and studied it more closely for a few moments, then told her husband, "I rather feel sorry for them. They look so…sorrowful, sitting here with unseeing eyes."
He gave a small smile in response. "The Hobbit Merry said much the same thing."
Rather than arrive at Edoras in the evening, they accepted the invitation of Dunhere's widow to overnight in her home and continue their journey in the morning. As they had approached the manor house to pay their respects, Eomer told his wife of Lord Dunhere's contributions, coming to the aid of Grimbold at the Isen but then perishing on the Pelennor. "He was a good friend," Eomer said quietly. Then, to divert himself from morose thoughts, he added, "He was a nephew to Erkenbrand, whom you have met."
Over supper, it was evident that Deorlyft was enjoying their visit immensely, and she subtly made several mentions that she would be glad to host them for more than a single night. At the time, they had declined, but by the next morning Eomer had changed his mind. He was up and dressing early, to advise Deorlyft of the change in plans and notify his company of the same.
"Should not you be getting to Edoras to report to the king?" Lothiriel asked, watching him dress.
"My meddling king can wait!" he replied with a grin. "After all, it is his own fault I am delayed! I would have been home nearly a fortnight sooner had he minded his own business and stayed out of mine."
Lothiriel cast a reproving eye on him. "Come now, admit it! You should thank him for what he did! Would you have ever approached me without his 'meddling' to force your hand?"
He moved over to the bed, kneeling beside her to give her a fervent and lingering kiss. When it finally ended, he confessed, "Likely not, and I do thank him for that. But that is not to say I will not punish him all the same! He must know he cannot do with me as he pleases – king or not!"
She laughed as he stood again. "Very well. But as for me, I shall thank him profusely for his interference!" she retorted, sprawling back against the pillows.
"Aye," he murmured, his gaze raking over her. "Aye," he repeated, swallowing hard. "I must go. I will see you later, love."
xx
Dunhere's home lay near the foot of the mountain path to Dunharrow, in a quiet, secluded spot. Though the valley was well populated with homesteads, there was a sizeable amount of open land around the manor and Eomer took his bride for a long walk after the midday meal. With May nearly ended, sufficient warmth had come, even this close to the mountain, that the meadows were filled with wildflowers, and Lothiriel plied him with queries about those she did not recognize, as she gathered an armload to brighten Deorlyft's house. Eventually, however, her thoughts turned to their journey. "We reach Edoras tomorrow?" she verified, presuming they would actually depart.
"Yes. We should be there by noon, if we start early enough," Eomer replied, reaching for her hand and lifting it to his lips. Since their betrothal and subsequent wedding, he had found it difficult to resist the desire to be near her and touch her. He suspected a part of him still did not believe the truth of it, that she was his now and would not disappear upon waking.
As Lothiriel had long desired such attention from him, she eagerly accepted his touches and glances, even encouraging them. In Gondor, such intimacy in view of others would be frowned upon, but Eowyn had told her the Mark was not so inhibited. She very much suspected that Eowyn would be taking her place in scandalizing staid Gondorian society with her behavior. Certainly Eowyn would do nothing too shocking and thus embarrass her husband or his position, but neither was she likely to hide who she was or ignore her own views and preferences. In that, Lothiriel thought it probable she would find an ally in Queen Arwen, who already had set her own standard for behavior.
"And will we remain there long?" Lothiriel questioned, pursuing her previous thought.
"No, probably only overnight. I wish to take you to my home as my wife. Already I think Betersel likes you, but I would have her fully approve of my choice," Eomer confessed with a rueful smile.
"Of course you would," she reassured him. "She has been almost a mother to you these many years. It is only right that you include her in the special moments of your life. And know that I liked her very much when we met. I do not anticipate any difficulty."
xx
They got the early start Eomer had desired and it was only a little while after dawn when they reached the crossroads, and continued on north. They passed through the two most sizeable towns of the valley, Underharrow and then Upbourn, only a mile apart, before beginning the final stretch to Edoras. It was evident the men were excited to be getting home after so long, breaking into singing shortly after they started out. It was now almost two months since they had departed the Mark for Eowyn's wedding, and they had covered many leagues during that time.
As they approached the gate, Eothain moved forward to join the couple and commented, "Now we shall see how the king reacts to your wedding. I do not think he will be much surprised."
Eomer grinned. "If he is, then he is a simpleton, considering all the effort he has put in to bring it to pass! However, I do not intend to grant him immediate satisfaction. With any luck I can sneak in unannounced and chastize him soundly before he realizes his success."
Eothain laughed loudly at his intent, but Lothiriel scolded him. "You are too cruel! Theodred was only acting in your best interest, as you well know!"
The two laughed all the harder, but Eothain offered, "I will see to the horses and the baggage, my lord, so you may go straight in."
Greetings were called out to them by many as they made their way up the main thoroughfare. It pleased Eomer that the people of Edoras seemed more cheerful as time went on. Successfully making it through the winter had helped, and then to have the king married had added to their optimism about the future.
The climb up the steps to Meduseld was quickly made. "Welcome back, Lord Eomer," the door guards greeted him. "My lady," they added, acknowledging Lothiriel on his arm.
"Thank you," Eomer replied. "The King is here?"
"Yes, my lord. His steward will know where to find him," they answered.
With a nod, he led Lothiriel into the dark interior, and made his way the length of the room. Fortunately for Lothiriel she was also tall, and her long legs enabled her to keep pace with her quick-moving husband. Swidhelm looked up at them and smiled. "My lord Eomer. Lady Lothiriel. Welcome," he hailed.
"Thank you," Eomer said absently. "Where is Theodred King?"
"He is in his study, my lord."
"Alone?"
"Yes, lord."
Inclining his head in acknowledgement, he led Lothiriel off in that direction, leaving her outside the door, not in view from the room though he did not close the door after knocking and entering without invitation.
"Eomer!" Theodred exclaimed, setting aside his annoyance at the unexpected intrusion. "At last! I was beginning to worry when I heard so little from you and you did not return sooner." He rose and came around the desk to embrace his cousin.
After the greeting, Eomer stepped back and glared at him chastisingly. "I would have been home sooner had someone not littered my way with obstacles, mainly in the form of my sister determined to marry me off in Gondor!"
Theodred grinned unrepentantly. "Ah! And did Eowyn's efforts succeed? Are you betrothed?"
"I am not," Eomer assured him curtly.
Theodred let out a groan, returning to slouch in his chair and cover his face. "No! Tell me you did not leave Dol Amroth without a betrothal in place! Eomer! We gave you every opportunity!"
Eomer scowled at him again and reiterated, "I am not betrothed, nor do I intend to become so." He moved toward the door, his arms folded determinedly over his chest.
Stepping partly into the hall, as his cousin shook his head in disbelief, Eomer motioned for Lothiriel to join him and led her into the room, quite to Theodred's astonishment. Before he could say anything, Eomer told him emphatically, "I am married. Please meet my wife, Lothiriel of Dol Amroth."
For several moments, Theodred could do nothing more than blink in surprise, and then his face beamed with pleasure. "Excellent! I knew you were not a fool, much as you tried to pretend so of late!" The remark earned him another scowl from Eomer, but he ignored it to hurry forward and take Lothiriel's hands. "My sincerest congratulations, Lothiriel!"
Unnoticed, Retaleoth had appeared in the doorway, and she now moved in to join them, smiling broadly. "Ah! Then our efforts were a success!"
Suddenly seeing the humor in it, Eomer broke into hearty laughter and the rest quickly joined him, as they settled into chairs to share all their news. Once the pleasantries were out of the way, it was clear that Theodred and Eomer were going to discuss his purpose for being in Dol Amroth, so Retaleoth rose. "Come, Lothiriel. I will show you to Eomer's room and allow you to settle in. And perhaps we will need to make some adjustments to it so as to better accommodate his changed circumstance – and make it more agreeable to a lady!"
Laughing, Lothiriel rose to link arms with her as they exited, Eomer watching them go with a contented smile on his face. The look was not lost on Theodred. "It is good to see you at peace, my brother," he said quietly. "I could not stand idly by and allow you to miss out on that if there was anything I could do in your support."
xx
In some ways, it felt very strange to Eomer to be standing in the Hall of Meduseld with his wife at his side. His wife! Such a glorious development! No matter what he was doing, if she was in the room his eyes sought her out, only now he need not conceal it or turn away as if disinterested.
He had been momentarily dumbfounded when he saw his bedchamber, rearranged by the ladies to include Lothiriel as a resident. It was the same, and yet very different. Small touches had softened the austere room, causing a smile to tug at his mouth. A jug of flowers sat on the dresser, and the stand for his armor no longer took precedence in the room. The chamber had been thoroughly cleaned and a hand-made comforter was now spread over the more functional sheets and blankets on his bed. Lothiriel's hairbrush and a few other personal items rested next to his beside the flowers, and he went to finger them thoughtfully before taking another glance around the room. Perhaps more than anything, this brought home to him the reality of his new circumstance – he was married!
The couple lingered only the one day, enjoying the company of the royal family. Tilleoth in particular had been pleased to snuggle into Eomer's lap, and have him tell her stories about the seashore as they examined the shells he had brought to her. It touched Lothiriel's heart to see him thus. Hopefully soon they would have children of their own. She had no doubt Eomer would be a good father, for she had watched him with young Alphros and other children they had met in Dol Amroth who came forward to greet them.
Standing on the front terrace of Meduseld the next morning, they prepared to depart as soon as farewells were said.
"I am leaving now and taking my bride to her new home. I do not wish to be summoned for at least a month," Eomer told his cousin firmly, pulling on his gloves.
"A month!" Theodred exclaimed, with feigned shock. "I think not!"
Linking arms with her husband, Retaleoth interjected, "I shall see it done, Eomer. Your king will leave you in peace!"
Theodred glared at her assertion and groused, "Not unless I am allowed to bring my own wife and join you in seclusion!"
Eomer chuckled in sympathy, then said, "By all means, join us whenever you are able to escape. You will find no finer doorward than Betersel. She excels at defending her chicks! She will even see to Tilleoth if you wish to bring her also."
In his words, Theodred knew he was forgiven for his meddling and smiled at his cousin. Then the two men silently embraced. "I shall not disturb you, I promise," Theodred told him quietly. "You have more than earned this time away."
Eyeing the couple as they rode down the hill, Theodred murmured, "Why do I feel as though I watch a part of me riding away?"
"Because," his wife said, pressing a kiss to his arm where it encircled in front of her shoulders, "in some ways Eomer is as a son to you. You have seen the second of your two chicks fly from the nest in quick succession. Now it will be our task to refill the basket!"
He chuckled and looked down at her teasing tone. "With pleasure!" he replied, leaning to press a kiss to her delicious mouth.
As they returned inside, he smiled with contentment as he acknowledged to himself how well she had fit into his life. She had stepped into Eowyn's place as lady of the Hall almost seamlessly. Though a few of the servants might have been hesitant in responding to her instructions, she soon had them in hand and he had often heard snatches of conversation indicating she was admired and respected.
Tilleoth, too, had been a joy to have here. For too long Meduseld had been a bastion of men and warriors. Now there was a woman's touch softening it quite agreeably, and childish laughter gave it a feeling of homeyness. He knew his people were eager for an heir, and he was hardly less so. The future and strength of the Mark would lie in its children. All about him there were weddings and babies, and he very much wanted to join in their number. Half of that goal was achieved, and the other half being pleasantly attended to at every opportunity!
For many of the recent years, Theodred had spent more of his time in the Westfold than at Edoras. Threats of war and Grima's growing influence had not made this feel much like his home. That was changing now, and he and Retaleoth counseled on how to improve it in that regard. Just as the people of the Mark were taking on new life, their homes and businesses also were gradually being freshened and the town reestablishing itself.
xxxxx
Surprisingly, Eomer felt a little nervous approaching Aldburg. His household had already met Lothiriel on one occasion, and seemed to like her, but whether they would desire her as their mistress could be another matter. He forced his worries aside – Lothiriel would win them over, he felt sure. She had said that she sometimes thought she should have been born in the Mark rather than in the more rigid environs of Gondor, and he well knew that she had a warm, appealing manner that drew people to her.
Much of the household again gathered in the yard at their arrival, though this time was quite different than the last. He had not sent word of his marriage on ahead, so his announcement would be a surprise to them all. Before he dismounted, he smiled at the group, and said, "I come bearing a great gift – may I present my wife, Lothiriel of Dol Amroth."
Involuntarily, he held his breath awaiting a response, and it was not long in coming. After a few startled looks and whispers, an enthusiastic cheer was given. Betersel stepped forward and gave him a knowing nod. "It is about time. Welcome, my lady. Now I need not hold my tongue, and may tell you much about Lord Eomer that I could not say when he only admired you from afar and would not acknowledge his feelings!"
Lothiriel snickered at the remark, caught off-guard by its straightforwardness, and Eomer scowled down at his housekeeper. "Keep your lies to yourself, old woman!"
She raised an eyebrow and folded her arms over her chest in challenge. For several moments they held a silent battle of wills until finally Eomer grinned. "I never could defeat you! Tell her whatever you wish! I am too happy to care!"
He dismounted and swept Betersel into a startled embrace, causing her to blush. Before he released her, though, she said softly, for his ears only, "Well done, Eomer. She will be good for you, and I can see the joy in your eyes."
He swallowed hard, and gave her a brief nod of acknowledgement at her approbation. "So, is there a meal I may provide to my wife? We ate little along the way and she tells me it is now my duty to see to such needs."
Several chuckles erupted around them as the group began to disperse. Turning toward the house, Betersel waved them in. "I will have something prepared while you get settled." Servants were stepping forward to take their horses and begin unloading their baggage, so Eomer helped his wife down and led her into the house on his arm.
Lothiriel had seen the house before, and been approving, but Eomer again looked at his home curiously as he wondered what her reaction would be. She did not keep him in suspense, seeming to sense that he would desire her opinion. "I know I told you this was a comfortable home, and good one in which to raise children, but I did not say how much I hoped to make it my home! I am pleased you finally felt a similar inclination!" She grinned teasingly at him and he laughed.
"My inclination was never in doubt," he told her firmly. "It was only my willingness to act on that inclination that was questionable."
They spent nearly an hour settling into their room, trying to determine how to include Lothiriel and her belongings. When finally a servant came to inform them that the early supper was ready, they headed for the dining room, arm in arm. After seating his wife, Eomer took his chair while Lothiriel began to uncover the dishes. He raised a surprised eyebrow when she softly exclaimed, "Oh! Pork in that mushroom gravy that I liked so well last time we were here! How lovely!"
Betersel was just entering to make sure all was acceptable and Eomer cast a questioning look at her. "You managed, on such short notice, to produce one of her favorite foods?"
The housekeeper smirked at him in satisfaction. "I paid attention last time she was here, and noted her enjoyment of this dish. The pork was already at hand, and it was simple enough to make the gravy to go with it."
Eomer shook his head in disbelief as he began to serve himself. "You never cease to amaze me, Betersel! My mother certainly knew what she was doing when she took you on."
The couple enjoyed an agreeable meal, their first together in their home. Eomer found his gaze wandering frequently to his wife, unable to get enough of her presence here with him. After eating, they spent the remainder of the evening discussing possible changes to the household overall and their bedchamber in particular.
Both knew that Eomer would need to return to the business of the Mark the next day, despite what he had told Theodred. He was Marshal of the East-mark, and already he had been absent for nearly two months time.
Eomer rose reluctantly from their bed at first light, following his normal habit. Though she had lingered in bed during the course of their marriage, when they had no specific plans, Lothiriel also was up and about to see him off and begin her day learning of her new domain.
Betersel brought them a tray of breakfast before they could leave the room, and they were able to dine in private. "She is very thoughtful," Lothiriel observed, sipping her tea. "I must thank her for allowing me this one final intimacy with you before we fall into some sort of usual routine. For a little longer, we are 'just wed' and the world is of no consequence to us!"
Eomer grinned. "Aye!" Then he pensively added, "Betersel has always been a blessing to us, though I do not think I fully appreciated her until I was much older and returned from Edoras to live here again. We visited occasionally, when Uncle or Theodred would travel and come this way, bringing me and Eowyn along, but we were too concerned with seeing our old friends in the town to think much about the household staff. Only when I became master of the house did I come to realize all she did in making things run smoothly, and see to my needs before I even knew I had them."
At length, there was no avoiding the separation, so Eomer kissed her goodbye and set off. Taking the tray with her, Lothiriel reported to the kitchen, to find Betersel and start her own day.
Though each kept busy for the next few hours, Eomer found his thoughts turning to his bride with taunting persistence. He tried to keep the thoughts at bay and focus on what needed doing, reminding himself he would see her soon enough. By late morning, he had returned to the house, heading straight for his study. He shuffled through some papers, and began a letter to Theodred reporting on his morning activities, but his mind would not settle. Not entirely sure what he was looking for, he wandered upstairs to his bedchamber.
He had not expected to find his wife there, but she was presently seeing the room cleaned and rearranged. She looked up, offering a warm smile as he entered, and he returned it while trying to conceal his embarrassment. Idly he wandered to a desk that stood in the corner and pretended to look through the contents of the drawers.
Though seeming to take no particular notice of him, Lothiriel told the servants, "Let us finish this after dinner. I am in need of a rest from our labors." She watched them leave, closing the door behind them and then turned to her husband, and asked with a glitter of amusement in her eyes, "Is there a reason you are here, my love?"
Eomer hesitated, not looking at her as he tried to come up with a sensible explanation for his behavior, but finally shrugged and sheepishly told her, "No, I suppose not. I am just…restless." His voice trailed softer and he looked around before adding, "I can scarce believe that you are here, and you are mine. I suppose I am just come to reassure myself it is not a dream." He dropped his head with embarrassment, waiting for her response.
"I thought as much," she murmured, moving over to stand in front of him. "That is reason enough, and you are welcome at any time!"
Instantly he stepped closer to Lothiriel, and her hand moved to tenderly stroke his cheek, before pausing along his chin as her thumb brushed over his lips. "Yes, very welcome indeed!"
He needed no further prompting, and drew her into a kiss. In that instant he knew what he had been seeking. Perhaps in time it would not always seem so urgent that he have his wife near and often in his arms, but he rather hoped the desire for it would never entirely go away.
TBC
2978 Theodred born
2988 Retaleoth born
2991 Eomer born
2995 Eowyn born
2999 Lothiriel born
3002 Eomund killed, Theodwyn dies
3019 Theodred-41, Retaleoth-31, Eomer-28, Eowyn-24, Lothiriel-20, Tilleoth-5
Original Characters:
Athelhad – "noble person" – injured Roh. at M.T.; Thd knew him from his serving at H.D.
Betersel – "more happiness" – Eomer's housekeeper at Aldburg
Brenross – "bold rain" – Swan Knight who guided Eomer from M.T. to Dol Amroth
Cuthwine – "known friend" – Retaleoth's deceased husband; Tilleoth's father
Deorlyft – "precious sky" – Dunhere's widow
Eadgif – "rich gift" – servant at Aldburg in Eomer's house
Eanswith – "one strength" – Erkenbrand's wife
Freobyrne – "free fire" – injured Roh. at M.T.; Thd knew him from his serving at H.D.
Fylscinan – "shine plentifully" – child at H.D.; Tilleoth goes to play with her
Harding – Elfhelm's second in command; carries wounded Theodred to H.D.
Retaleoth - "cheering or comforting song" – eldest daughter of Erkenbrand
Seftebeorn – "pleasant man" – leech at Helm's Deep
Swidhelm – "strong fortress" – Theodred's steward
Tilleoth – "good song" – daughter of Retaleoth
Walda – "power" – Rider in D.A. with Eomer, sent with message to Theodred
Wermund – "protector of truth" – rider in Theodred's escort to M.T.; sings/composes songs
Footnotes: There is nothing definite given in Tolkien as to how long it would take to go from Edoras to Dol Amroth via the Paths of the Dead. I noted what passages of time were given for certain stretches of some of it, allowing for Aragorn to be traveling in a hurry as opposed to a more leisurely pace by the average traveler, and then I just had to guess on the remainder. There is also a website that gives some distances they have culled from various Tolkien sources that I used for part of this. Keep in mind that there is no evidence of a substantial road from Ethring to Dol Amroth. In fact there is no indication of a road going directly to Dol Amroth at all, though likely there is at least some sort of path that is frequently used. But how quickly it could be traveled is uncertain.
Edoras to Paths of Dead (up winding mtn road to entrance) - ? - poss. 1 day
Paths ("from dawn to two hours before sunset" – abt 10 hrs?) - so, 1 day
exit Paths to Stone of Erech ("2 hrs before sunset until midnight") - so, 8 hrs/1 day
Erech to Ethring (by road)(poss. abt 100 mi) - so, abt 2 days
Ethring to Edhellond (follow River Ringlo, abt 130 mi) - abt 3 days (1.5-4 da)
Edhellond to Dol Amroth (abt 50-65 mi, along beach) - abt 1 day (6 hr-2.5 da)
TOTAL = abt 9 days (Aragorn started on the Paths on 8 Mar and reached Pelargir on 13 Mar – about 5.5 days)