The Wild Westfold
By: Lauthica Green Clinkenbeard
Chapter Thirty-Five: A Secret, Two Crowns, and a Surprise
A cool breeze drifted across my skin. I opened my eyes but everything was still dark. Then I realized I was staring at someone's palm. I tried to lift my arm to move the hand but pain shot through my chest and down my side. I winced. The hand moved away. Gandalf was sitting on the bed and breathed a sigh of relief.
"Gan..." I winced again.
"You have two broken ribs. Talking will be difficult. The healing sisters had to re-set the bones yesterday. You have been unconscious for eleven days. Your leg has been stitched, but the cut was quite deep. It will take a long time to heal." Gandalf said standing up he crossed the room to the window. "You should feel blessed. You touched death's very door and yet here you are."
I stared at him for a while letting everything soak in. I inhaled deeply and then slowly rolled over to my side. I groaned but held my tongue. I pushed myself up to try and sit up. Gandalf hurried over to help me.
"Thank….you," I said slowly and carefully.
"You should not hurry yourself. You need to rest and regain your strength." He said smiling.
I was in my chambers in the citadel. The window was open and the sun was shining and warm. I looked around my room careful not to twist my chest…and I saw him. Eomer was fast asleep slumped to his side in a chair, his green velvet sketch book lay open in his lap and his charcoal had fallen to the floor at his feet. I was shocked and touched at the same time. I looked to Gandalf with questioning eyes.
"He has rarely left your side," he said smiling, "But you seem to have much to say with little breath to say it. I anticipated that," he said and then he walked over to the drawing room and waved to someone else. I rose an eyebrow, thankfully, that did not hurt. Gandalf smiled at me one last time as he turned away and left the room closing the door silently.
I looked back to the drawing room waiting for whoever it was I was supposed to "talk" to.
"Déorwyrdhnes…"
My eyes widened. The voice was in my head and I knew that voice. I had heard that voice in my dreams. I turned slowly to the other side of the bed and laid my eyes on the fairest and most beautiful woman I had ever seen in my entire life. She was an elf and stood tall, and slender. Her hair was long and looked like spun gold and wore a silver tiara of vines and crystals. Her eyes were blue and kind and she gave me a warm smile.
"We can speak in thoughts, my dear. Tell me, what troubles you so?" she asked.
I glanced back over at Eomer still sleeping peacefully completely oblivious to the elf woman. I looked back at her and then looked down.
"I am confused. Eomer and I love each other, and I want nothing more than to be with him, but he is conflicted. He has dismissed me from his service, dismissed me from his country, yet there he sits, and I am certain he was the one that raced to bring me here to save my life." Then suddenly another thought came to me, why was I telling all of this to a complete stranger?
"We may not have met in the past, but you are my kin, Déorwyrdhnes. I am Galadriel, your true grandfather's sister."
I felt like a fool. She could hear my every thought and question so stopping to think what to ask was pointless. She chuckled silently at me.
"You truly are as fiery and passionate as I have been told. Those were my brother's better qualities."
"My Lady," I began, "I still don't understand all of this. My grandfather was not what I thought, my grandmother was not what I thought, and I what I thought I was? Or am I someone else entirely? Elrond spoke with me briefly and told me about the gift of foresight and Gandalf said that you all were trying to push me in the right direction, but why? Gandalf said that…oh shoot, what was his name? My real grandfather,"
"Gilgaladir," she said
"Gandalf said Gilgaladir was unstable, like my father, and that my father was denied his elvish rights…"
"As they were also denied to you and your brother," she said sternly, "Your father's conception was not that of love. Gilgaladir was a reckless fool and selfish man. The Valor cannot bless a new life such, as they had with other half-elven births. But you are the most curious of them all in that aspect,"
"How?" I asked.
"You do not have the blessing of the Valor, but you have the elvish light within you. That was something that none of us could have predicted. This light is a beautiful and powerful gift, Déorwyrdhnes. As a queen you would inspire all and be loved by all."
Emotions started to swell up within me, "I will never be a queen, nor has that ever been my intention. Eomer was never supposed to be a king anyway. I just wanted him…just him."
She smiled at me again, "My dear child," she reached out and put her hand on my cheek, "I can see in your heart the purity of your love…and also, in your belly the proof of your love grows."
I couldn't tell if I felt like I was going to pass out, or defecate myself. Perhaps both at once.
"What? No! I am not pregnant!"
"For normal people you are not far along enough for detection, but I can already feel his light pulsing from within you. He will be a true half-elven."
Well, that explains the son… and the dizziness and nausea….and Eomer was the father.
"If I tell him…he would feel only obligation, not love…" I said.
"I cannot tell you what to do, Déorwyrdhnes, but you must be true to your heart in your choices." She said.
There was a rustling. I turned toward Eomer but too quickly and winced. He was waking up and stretching his arms out. I looked back to the side of the bed, but Galadriel vanished as if into thin air. Eomer opened his eyes slowly but as soon as he saw I was awake he jumped from the chair and fell to his knees by the bed taking hold of my hand.
"Your awake….thank the stars….." he said as tears of joy formed in his eyes.
"Can't….talk…much…." I forced myself to say, but I wanted to say so much more.
"That's ok, I understand," he said reaching out for his sketchbook. He opened it to the blank pages, "You can write down what you need. I am going to take care of you," he said. My heart lifted and he read it within my expression. "But, only because it is the least I can do for you at present circumstances."
I looked away from him. He didn't say anything. He nodded at me and stood up.
"I will find you some breakfast," he said turning toward the door.
"I…" I said but had to stop and wince. He turned back towards me.
"Don't strain yourself too much," he said.
"I….love….you…" I finally managed to force out. He sighed and looked down at the floor.
"I know…" he said and he left the room. I felt my eyes gloss over. There was no changing my fate. I rested my hand on my stomach. Nothing would change Eomer's mind.
He kept his promise, and he did take care of me. He fed me, changed my bandages, helped me in and out of bed as my strength returned for over a month. Gamling and most of the Rohhirum returned home. Only Eomer stayed behind with a few men as his personal guard. I could now speak freely again. Eomer visited less and less as I began to do things on my own again.
The citadel was all in a buzz about Aragorn's official coronation. A great feast was being planned and people from every corner of Gondor were pouring into the city.
"I want you to be on my escort guard during the ceremony," Aragorn said one afternoon he came to visit. It had now been nearly two months since the ring was destroyed…and I was 'gaining noticeable weight.' I had kept it mostly hidden from thick flowy chemises and avoiding as many visitors as possible.
"I can't Aragorn," I said in low spirits, "And I can't be a solider for you…at least not for several years."
He turned to looked at me, "What do you speak of? Deya, I know you. You speak in riddles. Tell me the truth." He said.
I sighed and I grabbed the sides of my chemise and pulled them so that the fabric tightened. Aragorn saw it. He looked a little upset at first, but he looked at me and nodded his head.
"I understand," he said, "No one will ever know about this. I promise you that your life and your child's life will not be tarnished."
"I can't ask you to do that for me," I said turning away from him. I walked over to the window. Aragorn didn't say anything, because he knew he couldn't say anything. He knew I was going to do as I pleased…and I knew he was going to help me out anyway. He came over to the window and put his hands on my shoulders in comfort.
The window looked down on the citadel gardens. I had been watching the gardens closely and I pointed down to a bench where Eomer had been eating lunch with a Gondorian woman every day for the last five days.
"Who is that woman?" I asked. Aragorn leaned over and looked down.
"That's Lothiriel, she is of an ancient bloodline and nobility," Aragorn said and he sighed. He knew what I was feeling.
"Leave me," I said barely above a whisper. He left and I locked the door behind him. I leaned against it and slid down to the floor in a silent scream. Tears poured down my cheeks. Eomer would not die in a shack with me somewhere on the plains in Rohan. He would have a political marriage…much like my own parents.
I did not attend the coronation in person, but Aragorn acquired a room for me in one of the towers overlooking the courtyard to watch from a window. The entire citadel platform was packed with people. Aragorn was wearing his absolute best armor. Gimli was dressed in a fancy blue tunic and was given the honor of being the crown bearer. Legolas had come with kin from his kingdom in Mirkwood and even wore an elvish crown of his own.
Aragorn knelt down by the door to the throne room. Gandalf lifted the crown from its pillow and lifted it into the air. He slowly lowered it upon Aragorn's head.
"Now come the days of the king." Gandalf announced. Aragorn looked up at him and smiled. "May they be blessed," Gandalf said smiling back.
Gandalf stepped back as Aragorn stood and turned to face the crowd. The entire platform cheered and clapped their hands for him.
"This day does not belong to one man," Aragorn said, "But to all. Let us together rebuild this world that we may share in the days of peace."
The crowd cheered again. The white tree had sprung to life and its blossoms fell like rain in the gentle summer breeze. Aragorn closed his eyes as the crowd quieted and started to sing a soft, gentle song in elvish. After his song was done he began to walk down the platform. Eowyn stood next to Faramir, who apparently were now engaged if the word of mouth was correct, and they bowed their heads to Aragorn. Eomer was dressed in the most regal, and royal robes along with his breast plate and stepped forth from his guards to bow his head as well. I was to travel, by cart thankfully, with them back to Edoras to acquire the rest of my belongings before I would be forever exiled. That was a journey I was not looking forward to.
Legolas stepped forward with his kin and they all paid their respects to him. Aragorn and Legolas shared a brotherly, elvish shoulder hug. Legolas smiled and then looked behind him gesturing Aragorn to look as well. When Aragorn looked I realized that Lord Elrond had come to the coronation as well. And then I saw her. There are no words to express the emotions on Aragorn's face when he saw her. A smile came to my own face. It was Arwen. I was more than happy for him and tears of joy came to me when they embraced and kissed…but I had to turn away from the window. Aragorn faced his fate and demons to earn the right to live in peace with his love…my love had given me a bastard and would marry some Gondorian noble while I disappeared from sight and from mind.
Eomer and his party would depart that next day. I woke up that morning to find a box sitting on my dining table. It was painted navy blue and had intricate gold swirls painted around the edges. I opened it to find a magnificent gown. I pulled it out and looked it over. It took my breath away.
"You should try it on, my lady." Namidien said to me. Namidien had been assigned as my personal servant and would be my mid-wife when the time came. Aragorn sent her himself and she held up my secret in the strictest of confidence. She helped me into the gown and I stood in front of the mirror looking at myself.
The gown was beautiful. It was a deep emerald silk that was adorn with intricate patterns of gold and silver beads and pearls. It was also made to have the waist above my belly and the fabric cascaded down hiding my growing son.
"There was a note under the gown, my lady," Namidien said handing it to me. I assumed the gown was from Aragorn but the seal was of Rohan. I opened it quickly reading it aloud,
"Upon our arrival in Edoras, Eomer will also have his official coronation. The city is already preparing. He will be crowned at the gate and then the entire party will parade up to the Golden Hall and feast in celebration. I managed to convince Eomer to let you attend before you gather you things and depart. I thought you would need this, sincerely, Eowyn."
I panicked and looked over at Namidien, "Eowyn should not know I am with child! Why would she commission such a dress?!"
"Don't fret, my lady," Namidien said as she began to untie the cords of the dress. "I have seen some of the new fashions and it must have been a coincidence. That's all."
Namidien's words calmed slightly, but I wanted no part of Eomer's coronation. Then later, I was sad to find that Namidien was not coming with me. I traveled instead in the same covered cart as Eowyn. I wore a loose fitting wool frock and a long, heavy cloak to hide my stomach. Eowyn did not notice and kept mostly to herself. It took four days to reach Edoras. We arrived in the early morning. I waited for Eowyn to change into her gown first and leave the cart before I changed into mine. It took a while to get it on by myself.
When I saw Eomer as I stepped out of the cart and walked toward it was like taking a blade straight to the chest. The royal tent had been waiting for his arrival and he has been washed and combed and looked the most handsome as I had ever seen. The Rohhiric counsel placed the ancient crown on his head and sang blessings in the native tongue. The gate opened and the entire city had lined the main road to cheer and throw oats at the royal party. I stood between Gamling and Friktuff just behind Eomer and kept my eyes down to try and avoid any attention to myself. Everyone was dressed in their best which seemed odd to me, but I pushed it from my mind.
The feast was just as loud and excessive as the one after the Battle of Helm's deep and I slipped away. It felt strange to be walking down these halls again. My old chambers were stuffy and dusty. I opened the window and let in the cool summer breeze. I locked the door and laid down on my old bed. My back was starting to hurt and my ankles were swollen. I could just barely still smell the hint of Eomer's musk on the sheets and pillows…but never again would we entwine in passion and love.
I accidently fell asleep and when I woke I hurried to the window. The sun was just starting to set. I cursed at myself. I would have thought that someone would have woken me. I opened the door to find two servants waiting for me.
"Lady Deya?" they asked.
"Yes?" I asked.
"We have been sent to carry your things back to the cart. Please wait here until we return and escort you back so you can journey home." They said.
I nodded at them and them came in and started to carry out my crates, trunk, and a few pieces of furniture that I had bought with my own money. I still had most of the gold Lord Mekastre had given me, and thankful for it. A baby was expensive and a secret was even more expensive.
The servants never returned. I waited near an hour, and finally stormed out of the room and down the hall. Probably one last jest of spite by Eomer. I care not. I knew my way to the gate. As I looked around the halls I didn't see a single other person. It was strange and a little eerie, but I put it past my thoughts. I went out the back door to go to the stable.
Thenhines had found his way back home and he whinnied upon seeing me. His nose went straight to my stomach and gave me a gentle nudge.
"Shhh!" I said giggling, "Don't give away my secret."
I could not ride him in my condition but I saddled him and led him from the stables. As I walked down the main road my worry grew. The streets were empty, the houses were empty, and the air was still and quiet as death. Was I still dreaming?
As I turned down the last corner and the gate came into view I saw him…Eomer. The gate was closed and he stood right of the middle of it. I rolled my eyes as I approached him.
"Let me guess, you aren't going to let me have my horse, are you?" I asked.
"You can have your horse," he said half-laughing, "But you don't have to leave so quickly. Stay a fortnight, say goodbye to your friends. Visit Théoden's grave, pay your respects to Hama's family." He said.
I could not look him the eye, "Please do not make this anymore difficult than it is, Eomer." I said sternly, fighting back my emotions.
"I'm telling you, Deya, if you walk through that gate now, your life will change forever," he said.
"Are you going to try and stop me?" I asked.
"No," he said and sighed, "I can't force you to stay."
I had had more than enough of this. Leave. Stay. Leave. Stay. If he could not make up his own mind, I would make it up for him. I walked right up to him and shoved him to the side and pushed open the gates. They were unlocked and swung freely…revealing the entire city gathered on benches around a wooden stage covered in flowers and white linens. I gasped as my hands covered my mouth in shock and confusion.
Everyone was here! Gimli and his kin, Legolas and his kin, Eowyn stood next to Faramir, Aragorn stood next to Arwen all up on the stage. Don Vonce was here in some new outlandish formal outfit that made him look more like a butterfly than ever. Rembaulk stood next to him and he even had a little bowtie around his neck looking miserable as ever. I turned to Eomer as tears flowed down my cheeks.
"Eomer….What is this? Why have they all come?" I asked. He smiled at me and then he reached into his pocket and knelt down to one knee. I was overwhelmed and started weeping and crying out in joy as he pulled a small bundle from his pocket and pulled back the cloth revealing a magnificent emerald and jade ring.
"They have come for our wedding, Deya," he said smiling at me, "If you will have me,"
I reached out with shaking fingers…and slapped him. He looked taken aback at first but then I embraced him and buried my face into his neck.
"Of course, I'll marry you, you dumb bastard!" I said crying and laughing at the same time. He embraced me back and also started to cry.
"I love you…" he whispered, "And I'll will be yours for the rest of eternity."
And so it was as it always should have been. Eomer and I were married and I became the queen. Gamling, Lady Da, and Eowyn all swore to keep our secret and the people of Rohan never learned that I was already pregnant before the wedding. Eowyn and Faramir were wed in Minas Tirith and moved to a castle in the Ithilien region of Gondor. I gave birth to our son, Renduil. Although, it took nearly the entire Rohhirum to keep Eomer from galloping to Mirkwood when he saw the baby's pointed ears and Gandalf had to come and explain in hopes of keeping Eomer from killing Legolas. Eomer and I still have our little spats from time to time but we always settle it….
"Ow! That's cheating!" Eomer yelled after I had whacked him the back of the knee with one of the blunt practice swords.
"I was not cheating! You didn't move your feet fast enough!" I yelled back throwing the practice sword down on the ground.
"That's it! I'm done with this!" he yelled as he rose to his feet and pulled the sparring helmet off of his head and threw it to the ground with his own sword. He walked over to me in a huff and pulled off my sparring helmet. He embraced me and kissed me passionately lifting me up into his arms and carrying me back up to the Golden Hall of Meduseld….we also had four more sons, and six daughters.
The End
****Author's Note: I just want to say thank you to all the fans that have been with me here on this long journey. This is the first long-term Fanfiction I have ever finished and your support and comments really keep me going. Though Eomer and Deya's story is over…there will be more to come. Several characters such as Don Vonce, Rembaulk, and Julia were based on some of my actual friend in real life and on their requests there will be one more post concerning this story. BONUS CHAPTERS! Just little funny short tid-bits for one final giggle before bidding farewell to the characters we have all come to know and love. If you like my writing style perhaps you would be interested in my newest story, Breaking into a Mountain about Thorin II Oakenshield. Also be sure to find my page on Facebook for Lauthica Green Clinkenbeard. Good Bye, Good night, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!