Don't worry...I'm not dead. I'm very much alive. So...this is a big chapter and I have to admit it took me a while to get it right. Thanks so much to my beta for putting up with my constant edits. There was a particular scene where it had to be perfect and now it is just about right. I'm pretty sure there are two or three more chapters left after this...sadly. I'll attempt to get the next chapter up in a timely manner, but no promises. I do not own LotR and never will. Thanks so much to my readers, reviewers, and those who add this fic to story alerts and favorites! Anyway, enjoy!
Chapter Thirty-Six
Vivian was chasing Rowan through Meduseld, yelling at her. Legolas stepped in and grabbed Vivian before she hurt the future queen of Rohan.
"Béma be praised," Rowan said, slowing down. She placed her hands on her knees to catch her breath.
"You need to try this dress on!" Vivian screeched and Rowan's eyes went wide at the sound.
"Normally, the bride is the one who panics. I guess the maid of honor decided to go crazy today," Rowan said as she stood to her full height. All the while, Legolas kept a firm grip around Vivian's waist. There was no way she was getting away from him.
"Be still, Vivian," Legolas cautioned and Vivian relaxed as she stopped squirming.
"Please try on the dress I picked out! If you don't I'm not going to stop yelling and chasing you," Vivian begged for the millionth time, trying to bargain with Rowan again.
"If it gets you to stop chasing me and begging me constantly, making everyone think I'm insane, then yes, I will try on the dress you picked out," Rowan said, finally appeasing Vivian's demands.
"Great!" Vivian said and left Legolas' hold to drag Rowan back to her room.
As soon as the girls were in the room, Vivian closed the door and pulled a gown out of the wardrobe. It reminded Rowan of a dress Éowyn had worn that had given her the nickname 'the white lady of Rohan', but the details were more intricate.
"Where did you get this?" Rowan demanded, eyeing Vivian cautiously.
"I snuck out," Vivian said vaguely and Rowan sighed.
"You, my friend, are being very secretive," Rowan noted and Vivian grinned.
"Your wedding is tomorrow and I want everything to be perfect. I always said that I would be your maid of honor and make this day the best day ever," Vivian explained and Rowan nodded.
"When we find Éowyn, we'll ask for her opinion because she knows what colors are acceptable," Rowan resolved. Mirél entered the room and smiled at the girls.
"I wish you were getting married on Earth because I wouldn't have to deal with things I'm unfamiliar with," Vivian figured, realizing she had no idea when it came to the weddings in Middle Earth. She made a mental note to ask Éowyn about it later.
"Well, I'm not, so you have to make do with what is given," Rowan mentioned and played with the ring that was on her left hand. It was tradition for the bride and groom to exchange engagement rings and Rowan had insisted that that particular tradition on Earth be upheld.
"Mirél, could you find Éowyn?" Vivian asked and the woman left the room with a nod.
When Éowyn entered, Vivian rushed her to the two gowns that were being debated. One was Vivian's choice and the other was one that Rowan had picked.
"Mine is the white one," Vivian said proudly and Éowyn smiled.
"Do I have to wear a white dress? I mean, it's custom where we're from, but what are Rohan's customs on marriage? I didn't study those customs," Rowan mentioned and Éowyn took Rowan's choice down.
"You may wear whatever gown you want. It can be white if you wish," Éowyn explained and Rowan nodded.
"Can you explain the wedding traditions here? I'm lost and Rowan hasn't told me anything," Vivian complained, gaining a grin from Rowan.
"I'll be back. I have to take a trip to the blacksmith with Aragorn," Rowan mentioned and left before Vivian could protest.
"Where are you going?" Vivian called as the door closed.
"In Rohan, it is tradition for the bride and groom to exchange swords. Rowan will give Éomer Gúthwinë, the sword he had since he reached manhood, and he will present her with a new blade. That sword will be for their son. It appears Rowan is sharpening Gúthwinë and cleaning the steel," Éowyn explained, putting Rowan's choice of gown on the bed.
X_X_X_X_X_X
Rowan walked beside Aragorn as they made their way to the blacksmith. Gimli and Legolas were charged with keeping Éomer busy, so Aragorn took the chance to assist Rowan.
"Do I keep the newly forged sword?" Rowan asked Aragorn suddenly and he chuckled.
"No, it is passed on to your son," Aragorn replied as they continued on their way to the blacksmith. It wasn't too much further.
"This wedding is so confusing. I neglected to learn about this part of Rohiric tradition," Rowan mentioned and Aragorn nodded.
"What was marriage where you came from?" Aragorn inquired, curious to know Rowan's initial expectations.
"For one, I don't exchange swords with my husband. We exchange wedding rings and have a celebration afterwards. The bride and groom have their first dance and then the bride dances with her father. During the celebration, the bouquet the bride carries with her is thrown over her shoulder and one of the women attending the wedding will catch it. When the celebration is over, the couple leaves and goes to a different place alone," Rowan explained, trying to explain it so Aragorn could understand.
"It is so simple? I would have thought it would be more complex," Aragorn assumed, but Rowan shook her head.
"A traditional Rohiric wedding is more complex than I would have imagined," Rowan replied.
Upon entering the blacksmith, the smith bowed to the two and presented them with Éomer's sword. It was shining and Rowan grinned. The cross-guard was almost nonexistent, save for the gold that separated the grip from the steel. When Rowan had taken the sword, with Éomer's permission, the leather had been worn near the front of the grip. The smith had repaired everything and Rowan grinned upon seeing the sword look brand new. Aragorn examined the sword and took it from the smith carefully. He placed it in its scabbard and presented it to Rowan.
"Thank you for your service," Rowan told the smith and he nodded with a smile. With that, Aragorn led Rowan away from the blacksmith. As they walked, Aragorn watched Rowan hold the scabbard tightly.
"You hold his sword dearly," Aragorn observed and Rowan shrugged.
"I don't want to ruin it. The last thing I want is Éomer to be upset that his sword is not as he expects," Rowan stated with a heavy sigh. Aragorn gave her a soft smile.
"I am sure he will be pleased that you went to the smith," Aragorn assured her. Rowan nodded with a smile, looking ahead.
"I think I want to sneak in because I don't want him to know I was at the smith because this was last minute. Are Legolas and Gimli occupying Éomer?" Rowan wondered, hoping she could get the sword to her room quickly.
"I trust they are," Aragorn figured, but it was possible Éomer had wandered off, "I will enter first."
"That would be helpful," Rowan mentioned and then let out a breath, "Could I ask you a question?"
Aragorn nodded and Rowan looked at the ground as they stopped.
"I have this unreasonable fear that I won't have a son," Rowan mentioned, looking up at the King of Gondor.
"The throne cannot pass to a female," Aragorn said and Rowan bit her lip.
"I know that, but…what if I end up having three daughters and I can't have children anymore?" Rowan asked.
"That is not likely, but if that should happen, it would pass on to the next male member of the family," Aragorn explained and Rowan nodded. It surprised Rowan that Aragorn couldn't ease her mind, but he was a guy. What did she expect? She decided that she'd talk to Vivian. Her best friend might be able to give her better advice on the subject.
X_X_X_X_X_X_X
Vivian found Legolas in the throne room with Éomer and Gimli. She stood at Legolas' side and listened to the conversation they were having. The great doors opened, interrupting, and Aragorn entered. Vivian could distinguish Rowan behind him, but she hurried away. Obviously, she was avoiding Éomer.
"We were discussing your whereabouts, Aragorn," Gimli said gruffly as he smoked his pipe. Vivian coughed loudly, exaggerating her disdain for the smoke.
"You're going to get lung cancer," Vivian warned him, but he merely laughed.
"What is that, lass?" Gimli wondered, leaning forward in his chair.
"You have a hole in your throat and you can't talk…and you lose your hair," Vivian explained and that caught the attention of all four men in the room.
"Can it cause death?" Legolas wondered, but Gimli guffawed.
"She is spinning lies, laddie," Gimli doubted, but Vivian shrugged.
"Maybe I am, but I am uncomfortable with all that smoke. Legolas, would you care to walk with me?" Vivian asked, turning her attention to the elf.
"I must speak with you," Legolas said and Vivian slowly nodded, taking his arm. She had an idea what this would be about, but thinking about it made her nervous.
That left Gimli, Aragorn, and Éomer in the room. A sudden crash sounded from down the hall and a curse was voiced. Éomer eyed Aragorn and asked, "Where is Rowan?"
"I assume she is in her room," he mentioned and Gimli chuckled. Just as the chuckling ended, Rowan entered and let out a heavy sigh.
"I was in my room the whole time," she lied and met Aragorn's gaze.
X_X_X_X_X_X
Vivian gazed up at the sky as she walked beside Legolas. She was enjoying the breeze when Legolas stopped.
"What's wrong?" Vivian wondered, looking into Legolas' eyes.
"The stars do not shine as brightly as you do. I knew you were my match when I saw your face in the Golden Hall. You are the most interesting woman I have met and I do love you," Legolas said, placing a hand on her cheek. Vivian bit her lip. She wanted to squeal like a little girl, but she voiced her opinions.
"That is the most heartfelt compliment anyone has ever given me. Upon first meeting you, I fell in love," Vivian said, beaming.
"I did not realize you were in love upon meeting me," Legolas mentioned and Vivian laughed a bit.
"I waited to see if you returned the feelings," Vivian explained and Legolas nodded in understanding.
"I did not believe I could find love in that dark time, but you were sunlight," Legolas said and Vivian grabbed the hand that was resting on her cheek.
"Of all the men I could have fallen in love with, I found it with an elf. You make me want to become a better person. Thank the Valar I was able to find you," Vivian said in response.
"You are my match," Legolas replied with a loving smile.
"I thought I would return to Earth and forget about you, but when Gandalf said we could remain I was relieved. My heart aches for you when you are gone," Vivian explained with a slight chuckle.
"We are bound. Unfortunately, if either of us perishes before the other, we will fade and die as well," Legolas mentioned and Vivian's eyes widened.
"What do you mean?" Vivian wondered; startled about the idea that Legolas may die shortly after she did.
"Our souls are bound, meaning that we cannot live without the other," Legolas explained and Vivian frowned.
"Why would you give up your elven life for a human? I will die much sooner," Vivian pointed out, worried that Legolas was making the wrong decision.
"I love you, Vivian, and I care not for the risks," Legolas assured her.
"What about your father? Surely he will not like me because I am human," Vivian reasoned.
"I will speak with him. He cannot deny my soul mate," Legolas said positively. Vivian nodded and gave him a slight smile.
"What if he despises me? I refuse to stand between you and your father," Vivian argued.
"I will speak with my father," Legolas replied, attempting to rid Vivian of her worries.
"I would love you through death. I would say it transcends through death," Vivian said and Legolas smiled, kissing the top of her head. His hand then slid down to her neck and Vivian's hand followed.
"I will stay here with you instead of traveling to the Undying Lands. There is much to show you," Legolas stated and Vivian nodded.
"I have not seen Mirkwood and I would like to. Perhaps we could travel to Rivendell and Lothlorien as well," Vivian suggested, her eyes twinkling with the prospect of seeing all of the elves.
"You have seen only a glimpse of what Middle Earth is like. We may travel wherever you desire," Legolas told her.
"Perhaps the Shire later on to visit the hobbits," Vivian suggested.
"Then we shall," Legolas concluded.
Vivian grinned in response and then her smile relaxed.
"It is elven tradition to exchange rings upon a betrothal. Vivian, I know it in my heart and have been thinking. Because you have no family other than Rowan, I will ask her for permission to marry you. Will you agree to be my wife? You may consider it if you wish," Legolas offered, producing two silver rings. Vivian gasped, words escaping her. She was in shock for a few seconds before she finally replied.
"Rowan will agree to this, I have no doubt, so I would love nothing more," Vivian replied and kissed Legolas passionately. She could feel something inside her flutter as they kissed and realized it was true love. When they broke, Legolas gave her the silver rings. The intricate designs on the rings were of leaves and vines. Vivian examined hers closely after giving Legolas his.
"It is also tradition to have a betrothal feast, but perhaps we could tell everyone during Éomer and Rowan's wedding feast," Legolas suggested and Vivian nodded.
"I love you," Vivian said and hugged Legolas.
"As I love you," Legolas replied.
X_X_X_X_X_X
Rowan had settled into playing the Rohiric version of chess with Éowyn. Both women sat across from each other and Rowan let out a groan.
"I fail miserably when it comes to this," Rowan complained, but Éowyn smiled.
"You will do better. With practice, you could succeed," Éowyn said, attempting to make Rowan feel better.
"Thanks for trying to make me feel better, but maybe I'll leave this game to those who are better at it," Rowan concluded.
Vivian entered Meduseld in a bright mood. Legolas walked next to her, muttering elvish to her. When Vivian noticed Rowan sitting at the table, she ran toward the table and squealed like she used to when a cute boy would talk to her.
"I have enormous news!" Vivian said, completely excited and jittery.
"I don't think enormous is the right word, but what news?" Rowan asked, leaning forward.
"I'm getting married too!" Vivian said and Rowan's jaw dropped.
"Congratulations! I'm so happy for you!" Rowan said and stood up to give Vivian a hug.
Éomer entered the room with Aragorn at his side and they noticed Rowan and Vivian talking rapidly. Éowyn approached her brother and smiled.
"Vivian is betrothed to Legolas. He asked her on their walk," Éowyn elaborated and Aragorn smiled, walking over to Legolas.
"Congratulations, my friend. I am happy for you," Aragorn said, placing a hand on Legolas' shoulder. Éomer walked over and extended his congratulations as well.
"Do you know anything about elvish weddings?" Rowan asked Vivian as they walked away from the three men and into Vivian's room.
"Well, I did ask Legolas and it's not really going to be an extravagant event. We're bonded and we'll just do the honeymoon part," Vivian said with a shrug of her shoulders.
"When you mean the honeymoon part, do you mean what I think you mean?" Rowan asked, almost cautiously.
Vivian nodded slowly and Rowan patted her best friend on the back as they entered the room and Rowan closed the door.
"Maybe I can persuade Legolas into having a big event. I can stand in as your mom and dad, if you want," Rowan offered.
"Let's just wait and see. Your wedding is tomorrow and I can't wait for that event. Are you ready for it?" Vivian wondered and Rowan shook her head.
"I'm beyond nervous. I've never ruled or had practice at ruling people. Also, what if I can't have kids? There's that problem and what if I don't have a son? It would be a failure and I would just…I don't know," Rowan said in a tangent. Asking Aragorn had made her worry even more.
"Stop worrying so much. Every guy knows what he's getting himself into when he marries. If you don't have a son, who cares? I'm sure Éomer would be happy no matter what," Vivian assured her. Rowan let out a hesitant breath and then smiled.
"So, taking your v-card is supposed to be the marriage?" Rowan asked suddenly and Vivian's eyes widened.
"Don't even go there right now. I'll be forced to talk about you," Vivian threatened and Rowan rolled her eyes.
"Bring it on. I have nothing to be ashamed of," Rowan said with a confident grin.
"You're nervous about it. I can see it in your eyes," Vivian mused and Rowan laughed.
"What about you? I know for a fact you're scared," Rowan accused, pointing a finger at Vivian.
"Okay, let's just say both of us are scared," Vivian concluded and Rowan pursed her lips.
"You're not as scared as I am…well, I take that back. You're marrying royalty like me, but there's not as much pressure on you. I feel like I have to have a son or the world will end," Rowan said, taking a seat on the bed and falling back on it with a sigh.
"It's very likely that you'll have a son. I mean, Éomer's parents had a son as their first born and your parents had a son as their first born, so the odds are in your favor. Just relax," Vivian said in persuasion. Rowan sat up and Vivian could notice the vulnerability in her friend's eyes. It was an act Rowan had put forth; to seem like a strong person who can handle anything, but that mask was fading.
"Um, I don't think that's how the gender of children is decided," Rowan pointed out quietly and Vivian rolled her eyes.
"You know I failed Biology. It's been a few years, give me a break. Besides, I'm trying to make you feel better," Vivian said with a heavy sigh. She was trying her best to put Rowan's mind at ease. Besides, if Rowan had a girl it wouldn't be the end of the world. Rowan, at her side, had started laughing as Vivian's thoughts wandered.
"I don't know what I'd do without you, Viv. I wouldn't have made it this far," Rowan realized as her laughing ceased and Vivian took a seat next to Rowan, giving her a tight hug.
"You're my best friend and I won't let anything happen to you," Vivian assured her. The two soon separated from the hug and exchanged smiles.
So what did you think? I hope it had enough comedy. Was Legolas' proposal satisfactory? If not, I apologize. I had to do some research when it came to this. Questions, comments, concerns, you know what to do. One last thing: "Doth mother know you are wearing her drapes?" XD and... "Clench up Legolas" Tony Stark kills me!