Previously:
South Ithilien, Third Age, Gwaeron, 3021
"They all reported the same thing – a sense that they were being watched. They split up and tried different crossings, moved in pairs across different borders. They saw nothing and no one, but each time they tried to approach either of the two ancient cities, they were met with impassable blockades that prevented their progress," Éomer said.
"It could simply be that the land has reclaimed the realm," Legolas said. "To reach the ruins of the cities would require a large force and beasts to help clear the way."
"Or someone may wish it to appear that way," Éowyn said. "Build up these natural defences to deter small parties that may scout north, leaving all that occurs beyond those borders a mystery."
"King Elessar will need a great host to reclaim those lands, even if it is only to rebuild the roads and cities," Éomer nodded. "But I am not at ease advising him to ride when I do not know what we may face."
"I agree," Legolas nodded, looking at the map and the scribbled lines showing the roads to Annúminas. "In any event, Gondor is not ready for such an expedition, and I doubt that Rohan is either. Anything that Estel wishes to pursue must wait until at least the Spring. But knowing the land lies unwatched and unknown still is not comforting."
"What of the Elves? I know they are sailing, but they must surely hear and see what goes on across the land?" Éomer asked.
"The decree is that we do not involve ourselves in matters any further," Legolas shook his head. "The Dark Lord is defeated. We have no need to know what has become of the lost kingdom of men."
"A pity," Éomer said. "Still, I am grateful for those of the fair folk who remain."
Legolas nodded in acknowledgement. They bid Éomer good night and the King was escorted to his own suite of rooms.
Legolas rolled up the map and put it away. His silence was deafening as Éowyn prepared for bed. When he finally came through, she was already in her shift, lying languidly beneath the blankets.
"I wish to speak to the Lady of Light once more also, my love," Legolas said, voicing what was in both of their minds. "But they are all making plans to leave, likely this year."
"Rivendell lies beyond the Weather Hills," Éowyn said plainly. "I would trust in their scouts to bring back more than what we've learned."
"I cannot disagree with that," Legolas nodded. He leaned over and kissed her softly before she turned and he wrapped his arms around her.
"The problem with rebuilding Edoras and Minas Tirith and settling our realm here is that we have nothing and no one left to venture out into the world and see what the fall of Mordor has wrought beyond our borders," Éowyn said.
"We must wait, Éowyn," Legolas said, kissing her shoulder. "Our forces are not fit to ride on such a mission at this time. Though we may risk allowing an unknown enemy time to build his strength, we must trust that the new alliance shall prove strong and brave enough if tested."
"I am afraid we shall have our answer, my love," Éowyn said, pulling his hand to her mouth and kissing his fingers, before he settled his arm beneath her breasts. "And I hope that we are ready when the time comes."
Chapter 21:
South Ithilien, Third Age, Gwaeron, 3021
"Thy colony is a wonder, sister," Éomer smiled, walking leisurely with Éowyn down the forest path. "Never did I imagine that the trees would gain thy love over the plains and fields of the Riddermark. I am glad for thee, truly. I see now that Prince Legolas is both a warrior and leader, but most important, the Elf adores thee."
Éowyn blushed and nodded. "A Prince of Eryn Lasgalen Legolas is, but he is Lord of this forest realm, and I am happy at his side, brother. My life here has purpose. I am a Queen to these people, not merely a caretaker or a pretty bird. It is both terrifying and exhilarating, but it is an adventure, and I could not ask for more."
"Now I am curious as to whether marriage changes a Man in such a fashion," Éomer smiled. "For if it be a trap, I am walking into it full willing."
Éowyn laughed. "Lothiriel shall be good for thee, Éomer. I see that she makes thy spirit lighter, and after all that we have survived, such joy is a gift that we ought to embrace when we have it."
"I shall give thy regards to Prince Imrahil and his House," Éomer nodded as he leaped up on to his horse. "Tell thy husband to remember what we talked about."
"Surely you did not threaten him yet again?" Éowyn shook her head.
"It is my duty to keep him honest, Éowyn," Éomer smiled. "I shall write once I return from Dol Amroth."
"Be safe, and swift riding," Éowyn bowed her head.
The horns sounded and the escort of King Éomer cantered into formation before leaving through the large gate. Éowyn watched them depart and stood by until the last rider disappeared into the forest. She turned and walked back into the colony. When they were younger, Éomer and Éowyn imagined these exact visits they would pay to each other when they were older. She would welcome him into her Lord's home. He would arrive as a Marshal of the Mark. Never did they think she would be hosting him in the forest kingdom of her Elven husband. They would have laughed at the idea of Éomer being proud to see such a place.
"Life is a delightful dream," Éowyn whispered happily as she continued on her way.
Éowyn spun and thrust her sword forward, holding the grip with both hands. Shifting her weight, she stepped back into guard and slashed at the air, parrying and countering an invisible enemy as she finished her exercises. Legolas could spin his twin blades so quickly that they became a blur, and though she had not seen it for herself, there were Elves in the colony who swore they had seen Legolas parry darts and arrows with his blades, so fast could he wield them. Éowyn took several deep breaths as she increased her pace, swinging her sword violently as quickly as she could. Her arms burned in protest and her boots scuffed the ground of the training arena as she moved. With a final lunge she swung her sword powerfully in a devastating cut, finishing high above her head.
Breathing heavily, she stood up straight and replaced Stormshatter in the scabbard fashioned for her by the smiths at Edoras. It was a fitting tribute, she thought, that the craftsmen from her home wanted to create a sheath for her Elven weapon. The intricate designs and stitches in the leather grip and straps were beautiful, and reminded her of her childhood lands, while the light and firm steel of the sword made her think of her husband.
Éowyn breathed out as she calmed herself following the drills. She smiled to herself as a waterskin and a large towel were held out for her.
"Drink, my Lady," Legolas bowed. "A just reward for so skilled a session."
"Were you watching my blade, husband, or my body as I moved?" Éowyn teased.
She accepted the skin gratefully and took a long drink. Legolas cooled her brow with the towel, and wiped her forehead and neck. She raised her eyebrow to him playfully as he wound his fingers to the back of her neck, then freed her long blonde hair from the ties that held it in place.
"My love, I am not so disrespectful as to not pay attention to thy movements during thy exercises," Legolas said. "You do not think me so ravenous that I cannot look upon you without turning towards improper thoughts?"
"I say it only in jest, Legolas," Éowyn smiled, pulling her hair back over her shoulders. She kissed him lightly and took his arm. "You are the only male who is interested in my ability as a warrior, in addition to anything else I may be."
"Our colonists all respect thy skill, my love," Legolas said easily as he escorted her from the training arena. "For my part, I shall say that thy use of the two-handed parry and counter has improved greatly."
"Thank you," Éowyn nodded, pride flowing through her veins. "Thy help has been invaluable. Balancing the weight of my sword and stepping forward has made all the difference."
They both stopped and looked over at a bonfire blazing in the distance. Curious as to what was happening, they wandered through the small streets of their colony. As they approached, they came upon several families standing around the fire.
"White Lady! Lord Legolas!" a woman exclaimed, bowing respectfully.
"Good evening to you all," Legolas nodded. "We saw thy bonfire and came to see what its purpose was."
"We are having a memorial, my Lord," a man explained. "Two years ago was the Battle of Helm's Deep."
Legolas and Éowyn exchanged a knowing glance. It was common in Rohan to have annual celebrations of great battles. The Rohirrim would gather, carouse and tell tales of the feats of the brave riders and honour those that had fallen.
"A fitting idea," Éowyn nodded. "I would be honoured to speak, should all of you permit it."
"It is thee who honour us, White Lady," a woman bowed, gesturing towards the fire.
Éowyn squeezed Legolas' hand and walked over to the fire, turning and standing before the gathering.
"Helm's Deep has been the fortress of Rohan for centuries," Éowyn said smoothly. "When word arrived that the army of the White Hand was coming upon us, mad with rage and desiring only the complete fall of Man, King Théoden wisely ordered us from Edoras to Helm's Deep. A secret strategy this was not, for it is well known that in times of peril, the Rohirrim seek refuge in the great Keep. But so steadfast was the King and so strongly did he believe in his people, that he brought us there nonetheless."
Murmurs went through the group. Children sat down and stared at Éowyn in awe. The night seemed to still and the only sound was the crackling of the flames and the voice of the Lady of Ithilien.
"It is well known that the defence was barely above a thousand soldiers, facing an army from Orthanc that was ten times larger or more. From the caves our people waited and prayed, wishing strength to the few who rose up to guard us. The night was long, and dark, and cold, and we lost many loved ones, but come the dawn, the horn of Helm Hammerhand rang out, and King Théoden led the riders forward, and the enemy was thrown back," Éowyn smiled.
"Praise King Théoden!" came the call in reply.
"On this night, we pay tribute and remember those who fell, and made the largest of sacrifices for Rohan. And let us not forget those who were not born among us, but who raised sword, and axe, and bow to fight at our side. Strong are the Rohirrim, and unbending in our resolve, but we did not survive the Battle of Helm's Deep alone, and we are not alone now. My Lord pledged his life to Rohan that night years ago, and saved many of our people, including me. Give thanks this night to Lord Legolas, and Master Gimli, the Lord of Aglarond, and Lord Aragorn, King Elessar of Gondor, and Gandalf the White Wizard, and all those who gave of themselves for Rohan. Though we are different in both voice and skin, we fought shoulder to shoulder, and we live today in the same fashion here, in Ithilien," Éowyn nodded.
Cheers rang out and mugs were lifted in celebration at Éowyn's words. She and Legolas circulated among the group, giving their well wishes and hearing stories about those who were lost in battle. Many had come to Ithilien to escape painful memories in Rohan, and allowing this night to be grateful for their survival helped heal the horrible suffering during the Ring War.
"Thy people are strong, my love," Legolas said as he walked with her back towards their chambers. "I admire how they carry on with tradition."
"Custom is very revered in Rohan," Éowyn nodded. "It is a comfort to many, helping to explain parts of this world that seem strange to them."
"Such as Elves," Legolas smiled.
"Elves are not strange," Éowyn said, climbing up the stairs to the door behind the waterfall. "Just maddening and juvenile from time to time."
"Impossible. The Eldar are regal and wise, Lady Éowyn," Legolas said with mock formality. "Who are these maddeningly juvenile Elves who have made they acquaintance?"
"Just one in particular," Éowyn said over her shoulder as she led him into their bedroom. "He appears regal and reserved, the picture of composure. But in fact he is far from it."
"Perhaps it is that is not that this Elf is particularly strange, my Lady, but that being in thy presence causes him to forget himself," Legolas answered with a smirk.
"I cannot imagine what I would do to inspire such behaviour, my Lord," Éowyn said, raising her eyebrow to him. She moved towards him, smiling knowingly at him.
"What could he possibly be thinking about with regard to me?" she continued. "He is an immortal Elf. Surely he has no interest at all in a mortal woman?"
Legolas swallowed, his eyes drifting from her face down her lithe form and back up again.
"You enjoy this game, my Lady," Legolas said tightly.
"What game, Legolas?" Éowyn asked with amusement. "Elves are known for their legendary self-control. Even if I were to attempt to seduce this particular Elf, surely he would be able to resist my charms?"
Éowyn pulled the snaps of her tunic to the side, baring her pale skin to her husband's fiery gaze. She smiled as his nostrils flared. Though Legolas enjoyed the perfumes and scented oils that his wife wore from time to time, there was something entirely primal about her natural scent that caused his eyes to darken as they were now.
"I am thine to command," Legolas growled, grabbing her about the waist and pushing her back against the wall, his lips sucking the pulse point of her neck. Éowyn laughed and circled his shoulders with her arms.
"Juvenile, Legolas?" she teased, grinding her hips against him as he kissed her throat.
"Maddeningly so," Legolas replied, lifting her off the ground.
South Ithilien, Third Age, Gwirith, 3021
Legolas placed his foot on the low rung of the ladder. He vaulted himself halfway up, then pushed off with his other foot and reached the top of the platform. He calmly looked out over the field, watching the Men and Elves organize themselves in ranks.
"Archers first – twenty legions," the attendant announced as Legolas looked more closely. "Cavalry next – eight éored, as well as the elite company of the White Lady."
"We should consider pikemen," Legolas mused. "Or mounted spears perhaps. The armies are fast and flexible, but rely solely on speed to avoid being countered. In a wide open space they would be devastating, but in the enclosed chokepoints of a valley or uneven road, this advantage could be turned against us and prove fatal."
"Yes, my Lord," the attendant nodded, writing down his instructions.
Legolas placed his hands on the railing of the platform and watched as the archers and riders went through their formations. In a brief time they had succeeded in raising an adequate army to both defend South Ithilien and ride to the aid of Gondor or Rohan. Many of the men were farmers and labourers by trade, and spent part of their day training and serving as soldiers. Legolas was still unsure how comfortable he was leading such a contingent into Arnor, but he knew he would have to make such a journey someday.
"Thy orders, my Lord?" the attendant asked.
"Carry on," Legolas nodded, smiling slightly. "For now, I am pleased."
"There is a card on the table that you must sign, Legolas," Éowyn called as he came into their chambers.
Legolas wandered over to the table and found a colourful card. Taking up a quill and ink, he signed his name, then folded the card and glued the edges with his seal.
"Elanor the Fair," he smiled as he came over and placed the card on the desk in front of Éowyn. "Truly a joyous time for Sam and his wife."
"I expect that she shall be the first of many children," Éowyn grinned, tying ribbon around the present that they were sending to the Shire. "Hobbits are known for their large families."
"That is for the best," Legolas nodded, placing his hands on her shoulders and massaging her lightly. "I had never encountered a friend so loyal as Sam."
"What of thy companions and fellow warriors in Greenwood?" Éowyn asked, placing her hand over his. "Surely there were cohorts and minions following thee throughout thy days, my love?"
"Truly, Aragorn was my closest ally, though I did not see him often," Legolas said quietly. "There was always a…separation…between other Elves and our House. Ada did not want me to waste hours sitting idle. There was always something to do, and obligations to fulfil."
"Legolas," Éowyn frowned, turning in her chair and looking up at him curiously. "You did not have…friends?"
"The ways of the Elves are different…" Legolas explained. "There was Arwen, of course, and her brothers, and those that I trained with and fought alongside, others who I saw at Court and everyone who always greeted me when they saw me in Ada's Halls."
"However?" Éowyn asked, urging him to continue.
"Everyone was always so…polite," Legolas shook his head. "Even Arwen, who knows me best of any of my people, seemed to be holding back in my presence from time to time. I did not truly know anyone who I could be…myself…with, until…"
"Until you met Gimli," Éowyn nodded.
"Aye, he is a friend," Legolas laughed. "But there are still subjects that we cannot discuss. Ada and I once imprisoned his father. It is not something we choose to talk about."
Éowyn nodded in understanding.
"I am often terrified about what I may reveal to you, my love," Legolas said, leaning down and kissing the top of her head. "But you know me most of all. I shall hold nothing back from thee, no matter how horrid."
"There is nothing horrid about thee, Legolas," Éowyn said firmly, reaching her hand and up and caressing his cheek. "Thank you."
"Enough of that," Legolas said. "I shall call for the messenger to bring our package to Sam and Elanor."
Éowyn watched as Legolas left the chamber. She stared at the wrapped gift and placed the card in the folds of the paper. From the moment they first met, Éowyn found Legolas intimidating. At first, it was due to him being an Elf, and mysterious and imposing. After she got to know him, she was in awe of his experience, the battles he had fought, the ends of Arda he had travelled to and all he had seen in his nearly three thousand years of life. He knew so much more than she did – about archery, and War, and sex. Even after she fell in love with him and became his wife, there were moments when Éowyn feared she was doing something wrong, and that he was always the confident and composed one.
She rose from her chair and took the package with her, her mind still in contemplation. Had she not enjoyed far different experiences in her youth than Legolas had? Despite being always a part of Court, Éowyn lived moments that most women never imagined. Perhaps Legolas was now living new experiences himself, as a result of being with her? The thought made her smile. Being his wife in title only was one thing, but he had gone to great lengths to show her not only the depth of his love, but how he saw her as an equal. She always assumed he acted in such a rare fashion because he wanted her to feel safe and valued by him, and that was all likely still true. But now Éowyn could see something else about her husband. He genuinely needed her help, the value that her different upbringing gave her, the experiences that she always assumed he had lived through far earlier than she had. To know that he was unsure and fallible in some things pleased her immensely. They were not only equals, but they depended on each other, and she finally realized something that he had been trying to tell her for some time – that he not only desired her, but needed her.
"It is not proper to ask a Lady such things, my Lord," Éowyn frowned, running her fingers across his bare chest. "Particularly on the anniversary of our wedding."
"The rules of courting no longer apply to us, Éowyn," Legolas smiled. "You are my wife, and I am permitted to ask of thee whatever I wish, for such is a husband's privilege."
Éowyn looked up at him and smirked playfully. "You may ask, yes, but I have no duty to answer."
"Thy arguments are merely for the sake of distraction," Legolas said pointedly. "My question is simple enough."
"Legolas," Éowyn grumbled, resting her head against him again. "Thy question is far from a simple one. I was different then, my love. Though thy words and thy touch rescued me from shadow, I still did not know my own heart. And tradition and custom would have forbid me from acting upon my feelings."
"So if I had not sought thee out in the caves before the enemy arrived," Legolas said. "And if I had merely left Rohan with the Fellowship days later, nothing would have come out of our days together? You would have been content to allow whatever it was that we shared to languish into memory?"
"I would not have been content at all!" Éowyn said fiercely. "Thy question is unfair, my Lord. My answer makes it sound as though I would not have fought for thee, for us. Do not forget that a union between an Elf and a woman was unheard of to my people, Legolas. I did not see thee as a mate when thy presence first arrived at the Golden Hall. If this disappoints thee, my Lord, then I beg for thy forgiveness."
"Do not despair, Shieldmaiden," Legolas chuckled, hugging her closer. "I am only wondering just how far the White Lady would have gone to pursue me."
"It was I who sought thee out at the waterfall, my love," Éowyn said pointedly. "To offer myself to thee so boldly was entirely improper, and yet I did just the same. Recall that I had no expectation that we would have any future together and still I placed myself at thy mercy."
"Aye," Legolas smiled, running his hand along her bare back. "I could scarcely believe that my dreams were coming true."
"Little did I know the lustful thoughts you had of me even from our first meeting," Éowyn smiled, turning her head and kissing his chest. "I wonder if thy desire would have led thee to carry me off when the Fellowship left Edoras. Would I have been taken as compensation for thy service to Rohan, my Lord?"
"Never, Éowyn," Legolas shook his head. "Though I am reminded that King Théoden correctly noted that I sought the most precious jewel in the Mark when I asked for thy hand."
She moved closer to him, pressing her breasts against his chest and kissing him lightly. His hands held her by her waist, the heat of their bodies delightful in the still of the night.
"Did you enjoy our anniversary?" Legolas smiled.
"Mmm," Éowyn nodded. "I can scarcely believe it has been a year already. It seems mere months that we were at the Pelennor in the battle of the Age. So much has changed, and yet I cannot recall a happier time in all my life."
"Nor I," Legolas laughed. "And such words must be true for I have lived far longer than thee."
Éowyn smiled and shifted in his hold. She straddled him and slid her body back and forth along his. She smiled further as he was soon hard and firm against her.
"Legolas," she breathed as he pushed inside of her. She moved with him for several moments, then gave in to his relentless pace, burying her face in his shoulder and hanging on to him, gasps and moans flowing from her mouth.
After the feast in the Gathering Hall and the evening dance and activities, they had retired to their chambers. Éowyn took her time in removing his clothes, kissing every part of him before allowing him the same privilege. Their lovemaking had been slow and beautiful. But now, there was a change in them both. They had no energy or patience for a slow build this time.
"My love," he whispered, quickly turning them over. She wrapped her legs around his hips, her arms falling above her head in surrender.
He kissed her hard, his thrusts strong and firm, each one seeming to draw another cry from her lips. Her eyes snapped open as she felt him suddenly within her mind, their link strong and giving her the strangest sensation of feeling him all around her, inside and out, as though she were drowning in him.
There were no words spoken or exchanged in their joined minds. She felt only raw emotion – an indescribable wave of feeling that seemed clearer to her than words.
Desire. Need. The urge to dominate. Love.
Legolas' love melted her under him. Even as he growled and moved faster, his eyes narrowed in determination, his body tense with the effort of driving her to a higher peak, she felt his comfort and care. He was her husband, and for all his aggressiveness and how he loomed large above her as they made love, she felt safe and adored in the most powerful of ways.
She whispered his name over and over, a chant that grew louder as he thrust harder. Her mind echoed her words, a single thought that she sent to his mind.
'Take me, Legolas.'
She crashed soon after, coming apart as her body arched towards him. He drew out her pleasure deliberately, allowing her a brief respite before resuming his movements brought her to the precipice again.
Finally he was there, crying out and fiercely calling her name with his mind. She pulled him closer just as she felt him spending inside of her. He was able to roll them on to their sides, holding her close as they rode out the aftershocks of their pleasure.
"A new Age is dawning, Éowyn," Legolas whispered. "Having thee at my side as we go forward together is more than I believed I deserved."
"I love you, Legolas," Éowyn said, stirring slightly as she settled against him. "All that the new Age shall bring, we shall face it all together."