Epilogue

Our ride back to Edoras was longer than our ride away from it. As we came in sight of Edoras, my heart was again split in two. The further we rode from Edric, the more I felt his loss, although the closer we came to Meduseld, the more I felt drawn home, looked forward to a hot meal and a warm, welcome embrace. I supposed it would always be this way and I resolved to simply get used to it.

My heir met me in the stables, taking my saddle and tack as I rubbed down my mount. At seventeen summers, he was almost at his full height, the length of his leg and deft touch at the reins marked him Rohirrim, although he greatly favored my father-in-law, with his dark, curling hair and brown eyes. "Had you waited a day, I would have joined you." When Edric arrived, he had been at the Dunharrow, riding with a group of builders and yes a few dwarves, to gather notes and suggestions for improvements and new fortifications to the hidden fortress. It dawned on me Edric would enjoy the company of the race of Aulë, Mahal, as they called him. With his love of the smithy and keen eye, I had a sneaking suspicion the Rohirrim would be seeing dwarves for a long, long time.

I wondered if there were caves nearby. If that was the case, some dwarves might choose to spend their lifetime here.

"I did not have a day." I finished brushing down my mount, now turning my full attention on Elfwine. "The Eastemnet is a beautiful, wild place. I have commanded a garrison to be built there in the spring and I will spend the winter going over the land deeds in Aldburg, as well as hiring carpenters and masons for the work."

"Hire the dwarves," he grinned. "They have a certain love for our coin."

"I most definitely will!" I clapped him on the shoulder and pulled him in for a hug. I was demonstrative with my wife and children. I always have been. I never wanted them to think I did not love them or feel I was cold. If it embarrassed them, they never mentioned it. "There is a river where the orcs crossed. The fishing is superb!"

"Truly?" Elfwine had inherited his love for the sea, any body of water, to be honest, from his mother, and I had not lied to Edric; my sons did love to fish!

"Truly! There is a garrison to be built there. Perhaps you and your siblings should like to try it out?" We left the barn and walked into bright sunshine. A truly blessed day, thank Béma!

"As long as we leave the little princess at home!" I had to stifle a laugh. I knew my sons referred to their sister as 'The Runt'. I suspected of the four, she would be the most difficult to rein in and possibly to marry off. She reminded me much of my sister, Éowyn, and I no longer saw her as often as I would like.

As always, my wife stood on the steps, the smell of venison rising in the air, and the promise of a warm, victorious welcome waiting for me inside. Elfwine joined them, our children now stood next to her and for not the first time, I looked with pride on my off-spring. Fine Riders and Shieldmaidens they would be.

Including Edric.

"All is well?" Lothiriel allowed me to pull her to me. If she harbored any ill-will and anger towards me, it was not noticeable. The children filed into the Golden Hall, ready to begin the feast. As was our wont, I straggled behind with their mother. It was well known that the King of Rohan loved and doted on his queen well, and after the past two weeks, I realized simply how much I loved her.

"All is well," I responded. "There will be many changes for the Eastenmet in the coming moons." Now she stiffened up. "A garrison for starters," I reassured her. I leaned over and whispered in her ear. "You have nothing to fear from her. If there had been any doubt, whatsoever, I would not have returned home." I swiftly changed the subject. "You should see Gamling. A more besotted fool, I have never met! He took an arrow to the shoulder." Lothiriel stiffened up in horror. "Wudurose and their daughter had him in bed, trussed up and meek as a lamb!"

"You lie!" my wife laughed. "I have known Gamling for some time and that man is no lamb!"

"This is true. I do lie." I made a sorrowful face. "But I say true they did have him laid out and ordering him about as if he were a lowly squire. Truly, a sad state of affairs. All that grumping about for naught. I will have to do my damnedest to keep him alive as long as possible. She loves him much and he adores her."

"She has seen enough sorrow."

"Yes."

"Strange," the queen's face scrunched up in thought. "After spending time with Edric, I think I might like to meet her." This startled me and I gasped. "If for no other reason than to gang up on you! However, as you are not wilting about, I would assume you and your first-born have come to an agreement," I nodded, "and you have plans to introduce him to our children."

"There is wonderful fishing; fat trout and sparkling waters."

"Éomer! Now I must go. The fishing here is rank with small minnows!"

I was laughing. "There are also mud puddles-"

"NO!"

"and every barn was filled with kittens-"

"Éomer!"

"and Gamling has a daughter..." I allowed my voice to trail off while my wife wailed and there was great gnashing of teeth, before I continued. "However... HOWEVER... right this moment, I wish to eat until I am stuffed and then," I began to nuzzle her ear, "I intend to take you to our chambers and show you, my Belfalas Star," I turned her chin towards me, "just how much I deeply, deeply love you."

With that, I picked her up and carried her across the Golden Hall's threshold, just as I had when I brought her as my bride to Rohan.

Fini.

Began 10/05/2014

Finished: 01/08/2015

Esolhætt – Asshat

Byldu - Arrogant

A/N Thank you all who stuck this one out.