Yay! Coronation time! I already had the first part of the chapter pre-written because I wanted this to happen so badly hehe Anyway, I do not own LotR or the dialogue from the movie! Thank you so much to those who have read, reviewed, and added this fic to alerts and favorites! :D This chapter is longer and I hope you enjoy!
Chapter Twenty-Five
Rowan grabbed the necklace Éowyn made her and looked at herself in the mirror. Her gown was a deep red, almost burgundy color, and the neckline was modest. Vivian entered the room in her sky blue gown and grinned at Rowan.
"Gandalf said we could stand wherever, but I can't be with Legolas because he is an elf…and he's greeting Aragorn with his Mirkwood kin," Vivian explained and Rowan nodded.
"You have the choice of standing next to me and Éomer or Éowyn and Faramir," Rowan said, offering suggestions.
"I'll probably stand next to Éowyn and Faramir," Vivian said, hugging Rowan.
"What if we have to go back today? Gandalf said he might have an idea about how we can get back," Rowan said, fearfully.
"We have a choice, Row. You'll know when the time comes," Vivian assured her and let go.
Éowyn waited in her golden gown and greeted the girls as they entered the throne room. Faramir and Éomer were talking quietly when Gandalf entered.
"All of you may go out into the courtyard," Gandalf directed and Faramir took Éowyn's arm. Rowan linked arms with Vivian as Éomer walked behind them. He wore a black cloak around his shoulders and smiled as Rowan looked behind her. The townspeople were already waiting to see their new king and the Rohirrim and Gondorian guards and soldiers were stationed.
Éowyn, Faramir, and Vivian took their places and Rowan followed Éomer. Gandalf emerged with Gimli and Aragorn. The people grew quiet as they watched the crowning of their new king. Rowan watched in awe as the crown was presented. Once the crown was placed on Aragorn's head, Gandalf gave the new king a smile before speaking.
"Now come the days of the king. May they be blessed," Gandalf said to all and a cheer erupted as Aragorn turned.
"This day does not belong to one man, but to all. Let us together rebuild this world that we may share in the days of peace," Aragorn said and people clapped. White flower petals cascaded from the sky as Aragorn sang in Sindarin. Vivian instantly recognized the lyrics and smiled.
Aragorn then walked across the path, greeting everyone. Éowyn, Faramir, and Vivian bowed in respect for their new king. When he passed Éomer and Rowan, the two bowed respectfully and Aragorn bowed to Éomer in return. Once he passed, Éomer walked behind him, holding his arm out for Rowan. She eyed him curiously and then followed him.
Legolas greeted Aragorn with his fellow elves and they exchanged a word or two. When Legolas moved aside to reveal Arwen, Vivian approached and smiled up at Legolas. Everyone clapped when Aragorn kissed Arwen and the two proceeded to greet the hobbits. Rowan, Vivian, Éomer, Legolas, Éowyn, and Faramir stayed behind and bowed as they noticed what everyone else was doing. The four hobbits were in shock when both Rowan and Vivian looked up.
After a bit, everyone got up and Vivian turned to Rowan.
"I don't think we'll be able to go back now," Vivian realized and Rowan nodded with a smile, but then it faded.
"What about our parents? What about Ava? They probably think we're dead," Rowan said, bowing her head. Éomer was talking with his sister and Faramir. Apparently, Éomer had been recently informed of their intentions to wed.
"It might be better this way. I don't think we could return to our old lives so easily. Besides, someone will ask questions and demand answers. They wouldn't believe us if we told them about walking through some sort of portal to another dimension," Vivian explained, even though it pained her that she would never see her family ever again.
"We have a new family, though. I don't think we're allowed to go back," Rowan said and eyed Éomer. She sensed the distress on Vivian's face and wanted to reassure her.
"I'm thinking about staying here…for a little bit. I know the hobbits are going back to the Shire soon and Éomer will want to return to Rohan, but I want to spend some time with Legolas," Vivian stated and Rowan smiled.
"Say no more, I'll leave you to it. After what I saw yesterday, I can't stop what's coming. You and Legolas are a cute couple," Rowan pointed out.
"You saw us yesterday? Why didn't you tell me?" Vivian was freaking out. People walked by her and gave the girls looks of confusion.
"I didn't want you to react like this, but I see I should have told you indoors," Rowan said in a quiet voice.
Éomer turned to see Rowan and Vivian in an argument again. Legolas was making his way toward them, sensing the hostility. Rowan turned to watch as Éomer returned to them.
"We will discuss this later," Rowan said and Vivian smiled as she noticed Legolas walk over.
"Is everything alright?" Éomer inquired when Legolas joined them.
"Yes, it's resolved for the time being," Rowan assured him.
"I'm going to kill you," Vivian muttered to Rowan and Rowan bit her lip to keep from laughing.
"Let's see you try," Rowan egged her on and Vivian narrowed her eyes.
"Ladies, let's be civil," Legolas warned, ready to jump in the middle. He then watched as Éomer wrapped an arm around Rowan's waist to make sure she didn't try to attack suddenly.
"Alright, but when the sun comes up in the morning we need to talk," Vivian said to Rowan and she nodded in agreement.
Éomer guided Rowan inside and Vivian stood outside with Legolas.
"What were you arguing about this time?" Legolas asked, searching Vivian's blue eyes.
"Rowan saw us talking yesterday in the hall. I'm afraid she will tease me for it," Vivian admitted, running a hand through her lengthy blonde hair. It had grown down to her waist.
"I do not believe she will be so cruel. She is merely surprised," Legolas explained.
"I should be upset with Rowan, but you're making me feel better. Thank you," Vivian said and Legolas grinned. He held out his arm and Vivian took it as they walked back to the citadel.
Rowan was sitting at a table across from Éowyn, discussing something when she noticed Vivian enter.
"I'm not going to spontaneously attack her," Rowan told Éomer and got up. Vivian let out a breath as Rowan approached them.
Vivian stood strong as Legolas stood with her.
"I'm sorry for teasing you like that. I wasn't trying to start something. I'm just…trying to understand. I went through the same thing…with Éomer. I'm not going to torture you about it because you didn't torture me. You should sit down. Éowyn and I were just talking about our impression of Arwen," Rowan said and grabbed Vivian's arm.
The celebration of the coronation continued through the night and Rowan continued to speak with Éowyn until Éowyn decided to turn in for the night. Faramir escorted her back and Rowan yawned. She was tired, but didn't want to go to bed. Vivian, on the other side of the room, was making friends with Arwen and a few other elves. As Rowan stood up to leave, Gandalf greeted her.
"I have discovered a way for you both to return to your world," Gandalf said and Rowan nodded.
"I don't think either of us wants to go back, but…if we were to ever change our minds…would you still allow us to return home?" Rowan asked. She was hesitant about the question, but needed to know the answer.
"If you ever feel the need to return to your world, I would gladly help," Gandalf assured her.
"Thank you, Gandalf," Rowan said and excused herself. She didn't bother saying goodnight to Éomer because he was in a deep conversation with Aragorn.
Rowan returned to her room and grabbed her swords from under the bed. The two blades had been cleaned and sharpened when Rowan was out, so she unsheathed them and smiled at the polished steel. After a few seconds, she sheathed the blades and returned them to their place under her bed. She just wanted to see her swords. When Rowan passed by the window to find a nightgown, she noticed the full moon and approached the window. She stared up at it and sighed. If she returned home and Vivian didn't…what would happen? Her parents would probably suspect her of murder. Rowan wouldn't pull Vivian away from this newfound life and Rowan wouldn't leave it so quickly.
There was a knock at the door and Rowan walked over to open it. Vivian stood there with Éomer behind her. Rowan raised her brow in concern and Vivian merely laughed.
"We didn't know where you had gone," Vivian said.
"Éowyn decided to turn in for the night and I thought I should too. My leg is…well, it's my leg," Rowan said with a grin. Her leg had been hurting a bit.
"And this doesn't have anything to do with Gandalf offering to let us go home? I saw him talk to you…and he came over to talk with me about it," Vivian explained.
"As much as I would love to go home, I don't think we're done here." Rowan met Éomer's gaze and Vivian rolled her eyes. She then patted Éomer's shoulder and left them alone.
"Did Vivian drag you along?" Rowan inquired, leaning against the doorframe.
"No, I asked for her help in finding you. I wanted you to be aware that I am leaving for Rohan in two days. I would like you to join me," Éomer offered. Rowan was at a loss for words. She would have liked to stay in Gondor to spend time with Vivian, but Éomer, the one man she actually liked, asked her to return to Rohan with him.
"I would love to go with you. That way, Vivian and Legolas may have some time alone," Rowan realized with a smile.
"Perhaps, we could as well," Éomer suggested and Rowan felt her cheeks radiate heat.
"Oh, that's right. I'm a "lady" now. I'll think about that, but I will go to Rohan with you," Rowan agreed, smiling up at Éomer. He kissed her, pulling her closer and Rowan pulled away too quickly for Éomer's liking. She grinned at Éomer and shut the door. Rowan thought it might be interesting to tease Éomer and hoped he wouldn't barge into her room. After a few seconds, she heard footsteps down the hall and sighed.
Vivian was walking down the hall, humming a contemporary song, when she saw Legolas walking toward her. She smiled at him and was about to stop and say goodnight, but he placed a hand at her cheek and kissed her. Vivian was utterly shocked, but didn't remain so for long. She wound her arms around Legolas' neck and kissed him back. When the kiss ended, Vivian stared at the elf. He released her and kissed her hand.
"Goodnight, Lady Vivian," Legolas said and left her side. Vivian turned around to watch him walk away. Why did he just kiss me and not say anything about it? It was utterly confusing to Vivian, but she was too tired to delve too deep in the subject.
Vivian retired to her room and changed into a nightgown. She sighed heavily, once dressed, and closed her eyes upon hitting her pillow.
It was dark and a light mist covered the ground. Vivian was riding with a group of Gondorians to some destination. Suddenly, a screech was heard and a group of orcs attacked. Many of the Gondorians cried out as they died and Vivian spurred Wynter forward. To her horror, Wynter collapsed due to an arrow wound and Vivian had to run away. She was crawling her way through the woods, but was yanked backward by her ankle. Vivian cried out as she disappeared into the dark.
Rowan woke with a gasp. It was the first time in a while that she had a nightmare. The last included the Eye. The mere thought of Vivian being attacked by a group of orcs worried her and it made Rowan uneasy. Slowly, Rowan climbed out of bed and grabbed a cloak to place around her shoulders. She then slipped her feet into a pair of shoes and walked down the hall. Nothing stirred in the citadel as Rowan walked around. The white marble made Rowan shiver as she passed and when Rowan reached the throne room, she looked at the statues. A few days ago, she played chess with Vivian in this very room. In two days' time, Rowan would leave Gondor for Rohan.
She heard a noise behind her and noticed Éomer. Rowan exhaled and folded her arms across her chest. Why is he walking around at night? I thought Legolas would catch me, if anyone, Rowan figured to herself.
"What are you doing up?" Rowan inquired.
"I could not sleep," Éomer admitted and Rowan smiled.
"I couldn't sleep either. For the first time since Sauron was destroyed, I had a nightmare…and it was about Vivian being attacked by orcs," Rowan explained and Éomer approached her.
"What exactly happened?" Éomer asked, gazing at Rowan with concern.
"She traveled with a group of Gondorians and they were ambushed. Wynter was killed, so Vivian had to crawl away, but something grabbed her," Rowan explained with a sigh, "and I can't help, but feel like if that ever happened, it would be my fault."
"That will not come to pass. I will make sure that Vivian has an escort with her if she were to travel," Éomer assured her.
"If I have my way, I'll be traveling with her," Rowan figured with a smile.
"Perhaps we can convince the elf to come to Rohan with us. I want to bury my uncle with his son and wife," Éomer said.
"I'll leave that to you, then. I don't think Vivian would come without him…and I'm not exactly his best friend," Rowan realized and noticed that Éomer was standing very close. She folded her arms across her chest and looked up at him.
Éomer eyed Rowan. She stood confidently before him and he wanted revenge from earlier. The way Rowan was gazing at him, made it look like she was challenging him. After a few moments, Rowan exhaled and turned to walk away. Éomer reached out and grabbed her arm.
"I should get some sleep," Rowan figured and Éomer merely pulled her closer, "but I'm not tired."
No...they did NOT sleep together lol It was just a tease! Besides, Rowan isn't that type of girl. Eomer may be that kind of person, but Rowan isn't. Anyway,I apologize to all the LegolasxVivian fans! There will be more of them in the next chapter! Besides, Vivian has to pester him about that kiss! Stay tuned for the next chapter! :D