Previously:
South Ithilien, Third Age, Urui, 3021
"You never bathe in the afternoon, for one," Éowyn said. "You also never bathe without me, and stranger still, we now have been in the bath for several minutes and you have not tried to have thy way with me."
Legolas leaned over and kissed her softly.
"Thy instincts are oftentimes too sharp, my love," Legolas nodded, resting her head against his shoulder.
She slid her arm across his waist. "Talk to me, Legolas," she said. "It's the new colonists, isn't it? They represent the true ending of thy people here?"
Legolas sighed. "Aye," he said shortly. "For my lifetime, Lothlórien has stood. Though it was never my home, it was the realm of my people everlasting. To know that Lady Galadriel now leaves, along with Lord Elrond and Mithrandir, it makes it all the more final that the world is changing."
"I thought that Elves did not regret changes that they could not control?" Éowyn said playfully.
"Aye, we do not," Legolas nodded. "But this is truly the end of an Age, and the end of my people here in these lands. Now that the time has come, I find it is far different than I envisioned."
"Since you remain with thy mortal wife, and thy kin sails West," Éowyn said.
"It is my honour to remain here with thee, Éowyn," Legolas said, kissing her forehead. "However I always believed that so long as the Lady of Light and the Golden Wood survived, so too would my kin, even through the darkest days. I cannot look to Lothlórien any longer."
"Look here, Legolas," Éowyn said, taking hold of his hand and shifting it to cover her heart. "What we build here in Ithilien together shall guide thee."
Legolas smiled and kissed her.
"Now, about my having my way with thee?" Legolas teased.
Éowyn laughed as he pulled her on to his lap.
Chapter 25:
Edoras, Rohan, Third Age, Urui, 3021
The horn rang out across the plain, the sound carrying over the high walls and up the stairs to the Golden Hall. Guards called out along the wall and attendants began running around here and there, shouting instructions and answering in reply. Royal pages, who had been standing on the stone promontory all day, rose up and took up their trumpets. A loud melody rang out across the city. Soldiers, riders and citizens all looked up and smiled. It was many months since they heard the song, but all recognized it. It was the music that had been taught to all of them as children, and had endured since the early days of Eorl the Young. The sound usually announced the return of the King and his House to Edoras. Since everyone knew that King Éomer was already at Meduseld, the trumpets could only mean one thing.
The White Lady had arrived.
The great gates opened and the horses streamed through in formation. They came in two across, each pair consisting of an Elf and a Man. They wore full riding armour, the green and gold silks now easily identified with the realm of South Ithilien and those who dwelt there. With the vanguard through, a cheer rose up from the people lining the street and surrounding the courtyard below the Golden Hall. They applauded and shouted, smiled and laughed as the blond haired Elf and his Queen came through. Arod and Windfola slowed to a trot, the two horses strutting about as though they were just as familiar with this dance as their riders. The escort spread out in a diamond formation, allowing their two leaders to come forward. Éowyn raised her hand and smiled in greeting, and a roar came forward from the admiring spectators.
"It seems a great deal of effort just to welcome a wood elf to Edoras," she teased, glancing over at her husband playfully.
"The welcome would be just as warm and the cheers just as loud were I not here," Legolas smiled back. "They are overjoyed to see that their White Lady has not been corrupted by her time in the forest."
"At least as far as they can tell," Éowyn smiled.
Legolas swung his leg over his horse and dropped lightly to the ground. He came around to Windfola and held out his hand. Éowyn hated to be assisted down from her horse. Truly, Éowyn hated being assisted with anything, for that matter, but propriety required that Legolas at least make a token effort and so they had developed a compromise where he would hold up his hand and she would take it, using it only to balance her as she slid down from her horse. She looked at him knowingly as she took his arm and they went up the stairs to Meduseld, waving to the crowd as they went.
"I expected thee, sister, though I did not need the guards to announce thy arrival. Our people were loud enough," Éomer smiled as he embraced his sister and clasped hands with Legolas.
"Thy people were merely being courteous," Éowyn smiled. "I do not rule here, brother."
"A kind lie, sister," Éomer nodded. They walked together through the Golden Hall to the King's table, where food and drink were served for them to eat together in private. Legolas' escort would be eating with the soldiers in the barracks.
"What news from Gondor?" Legolas asked.
"The King's legion shall be crossing into Rohan tomorrow," Éomer said. "I have word that the Prince's party has left Dol Amroth and should arrive within the week."
"Then Lothiriel is going through with it?" Éowyn teased.
"She is brave indeed," Éomer laughed. "We will build tents beyond the walls as they have requested. The King and Queen shall stay in the Golden Hall. I have had thy chambers prepared, sister."
"I am glad for that," Éowyn said in thanks. "The sun was quite hot throughout our journey. I am glad to have rest until the King and Queen arrive tomorrow."
"My thanks for hosting Prince Erchirion, brother," Éomer nodded to Legolas. "Prince Imrahil himself wrote to me and passed along his gratitude for thy hospitality to his son."
"Prince Erchirion enjoyed his visit," Legolas nodded. "We shall be passing through Dol Amroth following the wedding."
"Ah," Éomer smiled. "Thy first time in that fair city, sister, no?"
"Aye," Éowyn nodded. "Prince Erchirion invited us to visit, and I have been told that the changing season is warm and pleasant in Belfalas."
"That it is," Éomer nodded. "It is a long journey to Dol Amroth, and shall take thee far west of the road to Ithilien. How long shall you remain there?"
"Several weeks," Legolas said. "There is an ancient Elven port to the northeast and I would see what remains of it."
The King enjoyed food and ale with his sister and her husband until his attendants came forth to take him away. The Royal Wedding was approaching at the end of the month and Éowyn smiled as she watched her brother go off to deal with making the Capital ready to welcome his bride.
"You are smiling still, Éowyn," Legolas said, turning on his side and watching his wife as she rested.
"I often have a smile on my face when laying with my husband," she said lightly, her eyes still closed.
"That is kind of thee," Legolas laughed. "But I suspect that you are delighting in the plight of thy brother the King."
"How so? Éomer is soon to be wed. It is a joyous time," Éowyn replied.
"Aye," Legolas nodded, running his hand along her bare arm. "But you surely remember all the commotion of planning a wedding, and so it is amusing to see thy brother endure it now."
"Marrying you was a pleasure," Éowyn smiled, her head turning on the pillow as Legolas' hand crept under the furs and massaged her breast. "And I expect that I shall have much to do once Lothiriel arrives."
"Truly?" Legolas asked. "For I believed that thy only duty was to stand in her procession and look beautiful."
Éowyn opened her eyes and slapped her husband playfully. "Hardly," she scoffed. "To say nothing for the fact that I shall be wearing a ceremonial gown once again."
Legolas smiled, then kissed her neck before Éowyn turned away from him and brought his arm around her as she snuggled back against his body. She hummed contentedly as he kissed her shoulder, his leg moving over hers as he fit himself to her body.
"You are still smiling, Éowyn," Legolas said, hugging her close.
"Just a few years ago, it was unheard of that I would be in bed in my chamber in the middle of the afternoon," she said.
"And what of being in bed naked with thy husband?" Legolas joked.
"Mmm, a veritable fantasy come true," Éowyn grinned, pushing back against him and delighted by his groan.
Their reverie was interrupted by horns ringing from outside the City, and the trumpets answering in response.
"By all that is sacred," Legolas growled, rolling on to his back and staring up at the ceiling.
"Behave thyself, my Lord," Éowyn smiled, sitting up and looking over at him. "It has been so long since we've seen Gimli. Come. Rise."
"I think it best if we bathe first," Legolas said, his eyes bright and playful.
"Nay!" Éowyn frowned, getting out of bed and retrieving her robe. "We will need to hurry to be outside to greet him and his people as it is!"
Legolas rolled his eyes and got out of bed. He grumbled to himself as he dressed. Éowyn sat at her vanity and brushed her hair, smiling at her husband's pique. She put her silver and jade bracelet around her wrist and set out her coronet and earrings. Legolas leaned over and kissed her cheek.
"I shall wait for thee outside, my Lady," he said, before walking outside, already dressed in his formal robes.
Eowyn's maids came into the room and went about preparing her gown and helping her dress.
When Gimli and his host of dwarves from Aglarond came through the gates, Legolas and Éowyn stood ready to receive him. Gimli did not wear his armour for once, and his long hair and beard had lightened slightly in colour, but the fire in his eyes still burned bright. He leapt down from his pony and roared with cheer as he greeted his old friend.
"The Lord of South Ithilien," Gimli grunted, clasping forearms with Legolas, then embracing the Elf, who gladly crouched down to Gimli's height. "I suppose a thicket of twigs and kindling would be an appropriate realm for such a fair Elf as yourself."
"Lord of the Glittering Caves," Legolas nodded, rising up to his full height. "Before you spew more nonsense towards me, have the decency to pay proper respects to my wife, who is far more worthy of courtesy than either of us."
"My Lady," Gimli bowed solemnly, kissing her hand. "Please I am to see thee here at Edoras once again. Thy presence not only brightens an already strong City, but also makes the appearance of others far more bearable."
"Master Dwarf," Éowyn nodded her head. "Welcome. You and your folk are all the more dear to us now as you dwell in Rohan. I must warn thee, however, that my duty to my husband requires that I not stand for too many insults."
"I speak only the truth, my Lady," Gimli replied, holding up his hands. "Though I see that even thy love has not been enough to put meat on the Elf's bones. He is still as thin as a spear."
Éowyn laughed as Legolas shrugged his shoulders.
"Lord Gimli," Éomer smiled, coming forward and embracing the Dwarf. "Welcome. I should not wish to be married without having thee and thy people present to witness it."
"My King Horsemaster," Gimli smiled. "I have come to inspect the ironworks. I suppose if thy wedding is taking place anon, then I shall stay for such a feast, so long as there is sufficient drink."
"I have tasked the brewmasters to ensure there is more than enough ale to keep thee and thy kin sated," Éomer laughed. "Come. I shall escort thee to the construction site. As you can see, the Gate is working wonderfully."
Éowyn and Legolas shook their heads in wonder as they watched the King and Dwarf head off together. Gimli was rebuilding both Edoras and Minas Tirith, repairing damage to the White City during the siege by Sauron's forces, and also fortifying the Capital of Rohan. It was strange to see so many dwarves wandering the cities of Men, and yet there was no disputing the impressive works they had built.
Legolas looked out to the road for several moments before his wife drew his attention by taking his arm.
"You wait for Aragorn and Arwen?" she asked.
"Nay," Legolas smiled. "They will arrive shortly. I look to see if the hobbits are near."
"Ah," Éowyn smiled. "I shall be pleased to see Sir Merry and his companions once more."
"As shall I," Legolas nodded. "I cannot thank him enough for going to battle with thee and being there to fight at thy side when I was not."
"Legolas," Éowyn frowned. "You could not be in two places at once. Why must you bear such a burden when I have never asked you to?"
"I am sorry, my love," Legolas smiled as they walked through the streets of Edoras. "When I think of Merry, I cannot help but think of how afraid I was when I saw Windfola galloping about the Pelennor riderless, and how I found you laying on the ground."
"And you rescued me and brought me back from darkness," Éowyn said pointedly. "You saved me, my Lord, and you loved me and allowed me to go to battle when you could have had me stopped. How can you ever doubt that you have cared for me like no one else has?"
"I suppose I simply like to hear the words from thy lips," Legolas smiled.
"Insufferable Elf," Éowyn smiled, holding on to his arm as they wandered the streets.
The hobbits arrived a day after Gimli and his dwarves. Legolas and Éowyn were already dressed this time to receive them, and much was made of Sir Merry, a knight of Rohan, and Pippin, dressed in full Gondorian armour. Sam and Frodo chose to allow them their glory, though there was much pointing and shouting as the Halflings walked up the stairs to Meduseld. Everyone knew who the Ringbearer was.
"How have you enjoyed your celebrity, Master Frodo?" Legolas smiled as they entered the Golden Hall.
"Do you remember the cloaks we were given in Lothlórien? The ones that allowed us to blend in with our surroundings?" Frodo asked.
"Aye," Legolas nodded. "Éowyn still wears mine when she goes out into the forest."
"I sometimes wear mine indoors, even at home," Frodo smiled sheepishly, shrugging his shoulders.
Legolas laughed.
"I thought that we were just doing what had to be done," Frodo said quietly. "Now, I see that it was more than that. Much more."
Legolas looked down at the hobbit curiously, then remained silent as they went through to the King's table. Serving maids came around and handed out drinks. Pippin and Merry eagerly took up their mugs and Gimli's voice sounded out. Legolas raised his glass to Frodo, who raised his in return, and they drank together as the rest of the esteemed guests laughed and were happy.
Once Aragorn and his retinue arrived, the ceremonies for King Éomer's wedding began in earnest. While Legolas and Éowyn's wedding was a grand affair, due in no small part to theirs being a union between an Elf and a woman, the marriage of the King of Rohan was an even greater spectacle. Days of games were proclaimed leading up to the expected arrival of the delegation from Dol Amroth, escorting the bride to Edoras. Until then, there were daily contests both in the courtyard below the Golden Hall and outside the Gate in the fields beyond the walls. The horse lords delighted in showing off their mounts, and engaging in competitions of mounted archery, races and feats of strength. Each day was a festive occasion, with King Éomer observing the events held in his honour.
At first, Legolas and the other members of the Fellowship kept their distance and merely watched. The games were for the Rohirrim to enjoy, and though there was the odd dwarf from Aglarond or Elf from South Ithilien to take part, Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli did not step forward. On the third day though, as they made their way out to the fields, a conversation raised their interest.
"My ladies," Merry said to Éowyn and Arwen. "What are those, pray?"
Arwen smiled at Éowyn, then looked over at the hobbit.
"These are scarves," Arwen explained, holding up several lengths of red fabric in her hand. "Mine are red and the White Lady's are green."
"Are you cold, Queen?" Legolas smiled.
"Nay, Legolas," Arwen replied easily to her old friend. "They are prizes to be given to the victors today."
Aragorn frowned as they kept walking.
"Scarves? That hardly seems a prize. What purpose would any Man, Elf, or Dwarf have for such a thing?" Gimli grumbled.
"They are merely to show who has won, Master Dwarf," Éowyn smiled. "Each champion is given a scarf by the Lady of his choosing."
"And what follows that?" Pippin asked.
Aragorn was scowling. He looked over at Legolas knowingly.
"The winner may decide on his prize; be it either a kiss or a dance," Éowyn said lightly.
"A kiss or a dance?" Gimli repeated, glancing warningly at Legolas.
"Aye, it is a tradition in Rohan. In times of old, the Queen would bless the champions of the games with such favours. It was seen as a great honour for any Man to receive such a token. It has been years since we last had such events, and Éomer wanted to revive the custom," Éowyn explained.
"And what role did you play in this?" Aragorn asked Arwen tightly.
"As the Queen of Gondor, it is my duty to serve our strongest ally, my King," Arwen said, her eyes playful. "You do not object, surely? It is merely a kiss, or a dance."
"How many events are there today?" Legolas asked carefully.
"Five," Éowyn replied innocently. "Archery, sprinting, sword duelling, wrestling, and the axe throw."
Legolas and Aragorn exchanged a look. Five events. Potentially five different champions who would have their choice of socializing with one of their wives.
The King of Gondor and the Lord of South Ithilien were not at ease when they took to their seats in the Royal Box overlooking the field.
The pages announced the beginning of the day's events, and the contestants stepped forward. All eyes turned to the Royal Box as Arwen and Éowyn stood and raised their scarves in front of them to the cheers of the crowd and the polite applause and smiles of the competitors.
While Arwen and Éowyn stood at the railing of the Royal Box, Aragorn leaned back in his chair and looked over at Legolas.
"We cannot allow this," Aragorn whispered.
"It is tradition," Legolas replied. "I would have thought you would have been well versed in such matters and prepared thyself accordingly."
"Thy Lady was correct. It has been years since there were games of any kind where such tradition was invoked. Are you so at ease to allow another Man, Elf or Dwarf to kiss thy wife?" Aragorn hissed.
"I would not command her as though she were a child," Legolas shook his head. "If she wishes to honour the customs of her people, I shall not intervene."
"Then you shall either need to win the events thyself, or stand by and watch another's lips upon thy beloved's face," Aragorn replied. "I may be King of Gondor, but I do not stand such behaviour so easily, unless it be her own kin."
Legolas frowned. He watched as Arwen and Éowyn waved to the crowd and the archery targets were set up on the field below.
"Then let us compete," Legolas said quietly. "Even if one of us should lose, then the other may win, and I should not be so aggrieved to see thee dance with Éowyn. You would be doing so anyway, due to thy station."
"I do not know if I would even be comfortable with you dancing with Arwen, given thy history," Aragorn sighed.
"Just think of how I must feel at the prospect of Éowyn dancing with the Ranger who bewitched her years ago," Legolas snarled back. "If you shall not enter with me, then I shall ask Gimli and the Halflings."
"Very well," Aragorn muttered. "I know that our wives arranged all this. They enjoy watching us scurry about and worry over such things."
"Be that as it may," Legolas whispered. "I should prefer to scold my wife over such behaviour without first having to see her dance with five different Men!"
Éowyn and Arwen finally took their seats, setting the scarves down on the table between them.
"The competitors seem quite motivated for some reason, would you not say, Legolas?" Éowyn asked lightly, turning to her right.
She frowned as she saw an empty chair where her husband once sat.
Arwen glanced to her left and saw the place of King Elessar empty as well. Merry, Pippin and Gimli were also gone from the Royal Box.
"Did you see where the others went off to?" Arwen asked, turning to Frodo and Sam.
"No, we didn't see anything, Queen Arwen," Sam shook his head vigorously.
Frodo covered his mouth with his hand, trying to stop himself from laughing.
"Wherever could they have gone?" Arwen frowned, looking back out at the field.
The archery competition proceeded, with Men and Elves all taking part. The shots were accurate and true, but no one gained a decided advantage. After a dozen competitors went through, one shaft stood on the edge of the centre target.
"Do you know that Elf?" Arwen asked Éowyn.
"Aye, he is one of Legolas' Royal guards," Éowyn nodded. "I expect he will choose a kiss if he is the winner. He is not a terribly good dancer."
Arwen smiled, then blinked several times as she looked out across the field.
"The final competitor, the Lord Legolas of South Ithilien!" the attendant called.
Arwen and Éowyn both gasped.
"What is he doing?" Arwen asked.
"Accepting the challenge, it would seem," Éowyn smiled. She bit her lower lip as she watched her husband step to the mark.
Legolas looked over at the Royal Box in the distance and glared at his wife. He then drew an arrow from his quiver and notched it to his Galadhrim bow. Murmurs went through the crowd. The very name of Legolas was already famous across Rohan, and to see him competing with the bow was surprising news that enlivened the spectators.
Legolas drew the string back to his ear, the arrow balanced lightly on his fingers. He narrowed his eyes as he spied the target, then loosed.
The arrow sailed through the air in a flash and hit the target with a resounding thump. There was a pause as the crowd caught up to the speed of the shot, then a roar went up from the stands.
"Centre!" the attendant proclaimed. "The champion of the standing bow, Lord Legolas of South Ithilien!"
Cheers went up for Legolas and he raised his bow to salute the crowd. He turned and walked towards the Royal Box. Arwen and Éowyn both stood to receive him. They each lifted their scarves for his perusal.
Legolas reached up and snatched the scarf from Éowyn's hand. He caught her eye, his disapproving stare meeting her mischievous look.
"We will talk about this…later," he warned.
"Very well," Éowyn said sweetly. "Best of luck in the remaining events, my champion."
Legolas turned and stalked away, wrapping the scarf loosely about his neck.
"Bravo," Arwen laughed as they sat back down. "Legolas was always one to take such bait."
"He is not the only one, apparently," Éowyn smiled, nodding towards the field.
The eight runners for the sprinting event lined up at the start line. There was a Dwarf, two Men from Gondor, three Men from Rohan, Legolas and Aragorn. The crowd gasped at the sight of the King of Gondor without his Royal raiment.
"Oh, this is unbelievable," Arwen scoffed.
"And entirely delightful," Éowyn smiled.
"Legolas has obviously told his Elves not to enter," Arwen frowned. "Do you not find his attitude annoying?"
"Yes, and adorable by the same token," Éowyn laughed.
Frodo and Sam exchanged knowing smiles.
The horn sounded to begin the race and the competitors took off. The Men were all fast, and even the Dwarf acquitted himself honourably, but none were a match for Legolas. His Elven speed gave him a quick lead, although Aragorn pressed him to the end, and Legolas won by two metres.
Legolas again approached the Royal Box, with Aragorn at his side. He took another scarf from Éowyn, while the King of Gondor admonished his wife across their mental link. Arwen's face remained placid and serene, taking great pleasure in seeing her husband so put out.
The remaining three events were equally entertaining. Aragorn won the sword duelling event, using a wooden practice sword and scoring more hits than his other opponents. Legolas bowed out in the semi-finals, confident that Aragorn had the measure of the other finalist. Arwen made a show of bestowing her scarf around her husband's neck, though the King's annoyance was still obvious to his friends. The wrestling event and axe throwing events were won by Gimli, who defeated Aragorn in wrestling rather easily and took but one throw to beat all others in the final event of the day. For his effort, he took a scarf from each of Éowyn and Arwen, such that the Ladies' favours were taken by the Three Hunters.
"Congratulations one and all," Éomer smiled as they all walked back to Meduseld together. "I was not aware that you would all be competing today."
"It was our honour, Majesty," Legolas replied, still glaring at Éowyn. "We only hope that we were worthy winners."
"Aye," Aragorn agreed. "It was our pleasure."
"That it was," Arwen smiled mysteriously at her husband.
"Very well done," Éowyn echoed, holding on to Legolas' arm.
The hobbits and Gimli could only shake their heads in amusement as they reached the Golden Hall and the evening meal was served.
The wedding of King Éomer of Rohan to Lothiriel of Dol Amroth took place beneath sunlit blue skies. All of Rohan arrived for the event, with crowds lining the road from the tents of the Swan Knights through to the Gate and over to the Golden Hall. Though the Elves who had attended Legolas and Éowyn's wedding were missing, the crowds still gawked in wonder at King Elessar and Queen Arwen, Prince Imrahil and his sons, the Halflings, Gimli and Legolas and Éowyn. The ceremony was long and full of traditional speeches, song and tributes. Legolas squeezed Éowyn's hand as they waited patiently through the day, grateful that she had chosen to do away with much of the same traditions for their wedding. It made for a much faster ceremony.
Finally Éowyn stood up to speak as the feast was served and the blessings given. She lifted her glass and smiled as all eyes in the Golden Hall fell upon her.
"Today, our people from across the Mark and our friends from across the lands near and far gather to celebrate the union of Lothiriel to my brother, King Éomer, son of Éomund. We all are grateful to the King for guiding the Eorlingas in this new Age of Peace, and we rejoice that he has now taken his Queen. From the time that we were children, Éomer was always my protector. Even though we would jest and squabble as siblings are wont to do, there was no one else that I relied upon more, no one else who I judged more dependable, no one else who I trusted as much. From those early days to rising through the ranks to be a trusted Marshal of our dear King Théoden, son of Thengel, Éomer has acted always with the best of our people in mind. Through darkness, through shadow, in the very face of our enemies, and all through War, Éomer has been steadfast in his love and loyalty for the Rohirrim and for Rohan. In this new era of Peace, there is no one who I, and our ancestors, would trust more as King. Today, as I welcome Lothiriel as a sister and her House as one with ours, I name my dear brother King Éomer Éadig, King Éomer the Blessed. For all that we have endured, surely the Valar shall grant us blessings through his long reign."
Legolas stood and led the applause as the distinguished guests cheered for Éowyn's toast and eloquent words. They shouted the traditional salute in Rohirric and drained their mugs and glasses. Éomer embraced his sister, and Lothiriel did as well, and when Éowyn took her seat once more, Legolas leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
"Careful, my love," he teased. "The White Lady is said to be cold and hard as the finest steel. Such talent with speech shall ruin thy reputation."
"I believe my reputation has already taken a drastic change lo these past years," Éowyn retorted, lifting her hand and waving her wedding and betrothal rings in his face.
The dancing that followed the feast was merry and joyful. Éomer, never one for dancing, was one of the more eager participants, spinning his bride about to songs both fast and slow. For her part, Éowyn saved a dance for each of the hobbits, Gimli, Aragorn, Prince Erchirion and Prince Imrahil. As she took a turn with Merry, Legolas crossed the floor and sat down next to Frodo. The two companions toasted to each other and drank in silence while they watched the happy scene before them.
"I'm going with them, Legolas," Frodo said quietly.
"I expected that you would," Legolas nodded. "You shall leave many behind who shall miss thee deeply, Ringbearer."
"I know," Frodo nodded. "But everyone has their own lives now. Even Sam. With Bilbo sailing as well, it made sense to go along. I haven't told anyone. I expect I won't until I reach the Havens."
"As you wish," Legolas nodded. "I shall not repeat it."
"Thank you," Frodo said. "Life moves in such surprising directions, does it not, Legolas? I sail into the West with the Lady of Light and Gandalf and Lord Elrond, and here you stay, living in South Ithilien with Lady Éowyn."
"Aye," Legolas chuckled quietly. "It is comforting though, is it not? The idea that life is not finished for us, that we can still have new adventures, even where we did not expect it?"
They both sat quietly, smiling as Sam stumbled about and Éowyn did her best to keep him upright, laughing all the while.
"May the Valar give thee the peace that you seek, Frodo," Legolas said. "I pray that you find in Aman what you are looking for."
"I shall have good company," Frodo said firmly. "That is enough."
Legolas looked over the map on the table, tracing the route to Dol Amroth with his fingers. It would be a long journey back around the mountains and along the Great West Road before moving over to Belfalas. It would be far faster if they could pass through the mountains and take the Blackroot Vale, but that was the Paths of the Dead, and though the Dead were now at peace, no one had ventured the Dimholt since.
He finally rolled up the map and left it, turning around and moving towards the bed.
"Have you come to collect thy prizes?" Éowyn teased, looking at Legolas, bare chested and wearing only his leggings as he came to bed.
"Aragorn is dealing with Arwen, I expect," he said. "And I am debating what thy punishment shall be. I spoke with Éomer. He admitted that the tradition in Rohan is not a kiss or a dance at all. It is merely the scarf and a nod of acknowledgment. You and Arwen planned this from the beginning."
"Perhaps instead of levelling accusations at us, you and King Elessar should ask thyselves why thy wives would seek kisses and dancing from strangers?" Éowyn challenged.
"You are doing this deliberately," Legolas said tightly, covering her body with his. "You know that I do not see thee as property, Éowyn, nor a trophy to be won in some competition."
"Every so often, a husband needs to be reminded that he must fight for his wife's regard, lest he take her for granted," Éowyn said, running her hand down his bare chest and dipping beneath the waist of his leggings. "And though you are very attentive, my Lord, every so often, a wife enjoys being….taken…by her husband."
"I did win two events," Legolas said, leaning down and kissing her neck. "And since you already danced with Gimli, I expect you shall devote thyself for the rest of the evening to giving me thy favours."
"Mmm, I suppose I shall need to judge whether my champion is worthy," Éowyn smiled, pulling him down to her and parting her legs. "Claim thy spoils, Legolas."
She closed her eyes as she heard her husband's growl, and the world outside her chamber door faded away, all that existed was the Elven Lord of South Ithilien and his White Lady.