I am far from dead I promise! This chapter...I must say is the longest and I'm so excited. My beta, Guileless Aesthete, is awesome and so very helpful in this! I thank you so much G.A for sticking with me! If you haven't done so already, head over and check out her fic, Even This Darkness Must Pass. There are two chapters left in this fic, Head Over Heels, and I really hope you're still with me. It's been awhile and I apologize for that. Thanks so much to those who have read, reviewed, and added this fic to alerts and favorties. I get so excited! As always, I own nothing except for my characters! P.S: What do you think of the cover art? ALSO! The songs I played for inspiration were: I Am Hers, She is Mine from the Game of Thrones Season 2 Soundtrack & Chansoneta farai vencut- played in Kingdom of Heaven. There are also links to the pics of Rowan's wedding dress and the dress Vivian wore for the wedding!
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Rowan let out a shaky breath as she paced across her room. Vivian opened the door and shut it quickly, watching Rowan. The sun was barely rising over the mountains, clouds covering the bright orange globe. The thin clouds would disappear and the sun would glow a brilliant yellow.
"It's too early to be pacing, Row," Vivian said and gave her best friend an encouraging smile. Rowan let out a breath. It's never too early to pace, Rowan thought to herself.
"I'm going to visit Firestorm in the stables. Maybe that will ease my mind," Rowan figured and before Vivian could argue against her going, Rowan was gone.
"In the name of the Valar, why does she do this to me?" Vivian asked herself and went in search of Legolas. She found him speaking with Aragorn in the throne room. Upon seeing Vivian, Legolas smiled and she greeted him with a kiss.
"Where is Rowan?" Aragorn wondered and Vivian shrugged. That's the first thing he asks me? Vivian asked herself.
"She went to the stables to ease her mind. Firestorm was always a comfort to her," Vivian explained. Aragorn nodded in agreement and Legolas placed a hand around Vivian's waist.
"You did not think to stop her?" Legolas wondered, leaning toward Vivian. She felt her cheeks grow warm and she smiled.
"She left before I was able to persuade her otherwise," Vivian elaborated, looking up at her fiancé. He grinned in response, knowing how Rowan was.
"Wait for a few moments before you retrieve Rowan," Aragorn mentioned and Vivian's gaze went to him. He didn't think it was right to pull her away just yet. After all, it was her wedding and she would be nervous.
"What do you mean? Should I not request that she return?" Vivian wondered and Aragorn shook his head in response.
"She will be a wife and queen soon. It may be difficult for Rowan to grasp," Aragorn stated, giving Vivian a serious look.
Rowan patted Firestorm's muzzle and rested her head against his neck. The horse moved his head toward Rowan and stayed in place. The stables were the best place for Rowan to relax because of the calm atmosphere. The stable hands were off performing other duties.
"You have been a faithful horse and have kept me safe," Rowan said, rubbing the area between Firestorm's eyes, "and I thank you for it. Béma gave me signs I should have been aware of. You being Firefoot's brother was what connected us to begin, but it was the base. I love you, Firestorm."
"You speak to him as if you are parting," a voice said and Rowan turned around to see Éomer. She had not spoken with him and Vivian had attempted to keep them away from each other.
"Firestorm calms me. You should not be here, Éomer," Rowan said quietly and he approached her, stopping to stand before her.
"I may see my bride if I wish it," Éomer stated and Rowan smiled.
"Where I come from, it's bad luck to see each other before the wedding," Rowan countered, stroking Firestorm's mane. The stables were quiet save for a few horses neighing.
"I do not believe that. We make our own luck," Éomer replied and Rowan nodded, turning to face him. "You look worried."
"I am getting married. Two years ago, I swore I would never get married and I'd die alone and happy, but obviously that is not the case. I love you and I know that because I have never been this happy with anyone before," Rowan professed and Éomer pulled her into a hug.
"You have no need to be nervous. I know you will be perfect. We both are nervous, but I will be with you the entire time," Éomer assured her. Rowan hugged him tighter. There were footsteps and the two broke apart immediately. Vivian stood there with her hands on her hips, looking like a concerned mother.
"Rowan, you must come," Vivian urged. Rowan kissed Éomer quickly and gave him a smile before following Vivian back to Meduseld.
"You are so busted," Vivian said as they returned to Rowan's room. Rowan rolled her eyes in response and opened the door. Apparently, Vivian had been preparing everything for Rowan to wear.
"How did I know he was going to go to the stables too?" Rowan asked, lying back on the bed. She did not want a lecture from Vivian at this point. Talking with Éomer had put her mind at ease…for a bit.
"Rowan, you know very well it is bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other on their wedding day," Vivian pointed out. Rowan sat upright and let out a breath.
"Éomer would do as he wished," Rowan responded and Vivian frowned. Of course he can do whatever he wants! He's the king of Rohan, Vivian figured to herself.
"Éowyn is coming and she'll direct us to where we need to be. In the meantime, you need to bathe," Vivian directed and helped Rowan undress before sliding into the tub filled with warm water. It had been waiting for her when they entered the bedroom. Vivian had called for it before she went to retrieve Rowan.
"I'll never get used to baths," Rowan grumbled and Vivian rolled her eyes as she handed Rowan scented oils. In response, Rowan smelled them and gave Vivian an incredulous look.
"This is as good as soap is going to get," Vivian muttered and grabbed a towel to wrap Rowan in. While Rowan was out, Vivian had taken her own bath.
"If only we had hair dryers here and then we'd get my hair done much more quickly," Rowan commented and Vivian laughed, holding the towel out for Rowan.
It took a fair amount of time to dry Rowan's hair and when it was dry, Vivian helped Rowan dress. They had finally chosen a white and burgundy gown with gold stitching as Rowan's wedding dress. Since it was Middle-Earth, Rowan didn't feel the need to wear white. As Vivian finished lacing the back, Éowyn entered the room with a bright smile. She wore her gown for the occasion which was almost completely white except for the burgundy accents.
"Vivian, you are not dressed for the ceremony," Éowyn noted right away and Vivian shrugged.
"I can be quick," Vivian assured her, but Éowyn shook her head.
"No, I will assist you while Rowan retrieves Éomer's sword," Éowyn directed and Rowan nodded, walking toward the wardrobe that she had stored it in. Gúthwinë was retrieved and Rowan admired the sword for a few moments before placing it on the bed. Éowyn was almost finished with the laces of Vivian's gown and Rowan smiled. Her gown was a golden color that complimented her hair that also had a burgundy sash. At Rowan's request, the three of them would have some red on their gown because Rowan wanted some sort of unifying color. Vivian clasped the necklace Éowyn gave her around her neck and then smiled as she looked at Rowan as Éowyn finished her hair. It was down save for two pieces of her hair tied at the back in a braid and Vivian hugged her best friend lightly.
"Because your family is not here, Vivian may carry the blade to the ceremony," Éowyn informed them and Vivian walked over to the bed to lift Éomer's sword.
"This is heavier than I imagined," Vivian said to herself and Rowan laughed lightly. Watching Vivian find a comfortable way to hold the sword was amusing as she tried several different ways. Finally, Vivian settled for holding it up with both hands.
"Shall we go?" Rowan asked Éowyn, but she shook her head.
"One of the servants will tell us when it is time," Éowyn explained and Rowan nodded. Her nerves had lain dormant since speaking with Éomer, but now that she had time to think, she grew worried. Her heart pounded loudly and she tried to focus on something else.
"Viv, I'm nervous," Rowan said suddenly and Vivian merely smiled.
"Of course you're nervous, you're getting married. You shouldn't need to be nervous. Fighting at Helm's Deep and Minas Tirith should have been more nerve-wracking," Vivian rationalized, but Rowan let out a heavy sigh. That did not help her.
"You're not helping the situation," Rowan grumbled and Éowyn gave her a soft smile.
"My brother loves you, Rowan. I am sure he is as worried as you are," Éowyn assured her and Rowan pursed her lips. He had told her he was nervous too, but Rowan highly doubted it. Éomer just said that to make her feel better about the situation.
The wait went by slowly for Rowan. When the servant did arrive, Rowan sprung up from her seat and turned to face Vivian, who held Gúthwinë at her side.
"I will be by your side the entire time," Vivian promised and Rowan nodded. Éowyn exited the room first, followed by Vivian, and then Rowan.
Vivian bore Gúthwinë and one of Éomer's men carried the newly forged sword. Leofric stood before them on the dais where the thrones were. Éomer wore his crown and Rowan glanced at him from the corner of her eye. Leofric waited for everyone to arrive and then looked to Éomer.
"We have gathered on this day in joining King Éomer, son of Éomund, to Rowan. Is there any who believe there is a reason these two should not be wed?" Rowan held her breath, hoping no one would say a word.
Vivian was surveying the room, ready to strike down any who opposed this wedding. It made Rowan smile in response.
"Then let the bridegroom and bride exchange their oaths," Leofric stated in a loud voice. Éomer took the newly forged sword and presented it to Rowan. It reminded her of Gúthwinë, but it wasn't. The pommel was different and the leather was new. It was almost as big as Gúthwinë, but Rowan could differentiate between the two.
"I give you this sword to save for our sons to have and to use," Éomer said and Rowan smiled, taking the heavy sword and taking Gúthwinë from Vivian.
"To keep us safe, you must bear your blade. With this sword keep safe our home," Rowan replied and gave Éomer his newly polished sword. He gave Rowan a warm smile and took the blade. The vows were something Rowan despised. She didn't know what she wanted to say and knew that she wouldn't do it justice. Luckily for her, Éomer was to go first.
"Théodred and I went scouting only to return with two young women. My uncle advised me to marry soon and I did not expected to feel so protective of you. You are reckless and care deeply for others around you, but I believe that I why I fell in love with you. Here, in Rohan, you gained a family. Your love for all saved you from death countless times at Helm's Deep and at Minas Tirith. I would have been heartbroken if you had fallen. We were at war and I thought I might not return, but I loved you upon meeting you. You came to Rohan as a stranger and now you call it home. Middle Earth is rebuilding and Rohan needs a Queen. Your wisdom is far above what is expected of you and I know you will rule well. I vow to love and protect you with my life. Never will I abandon you. I will love you always," Éomer said and Rowan smiled brightly at him. He took a golden wedding band and placed it on Rowan's finger. Rowan then took a moment before saying her vows.
"Before I came to Rohan, I had not expected to fall in love. Vivian and I were in a place foreign to us and your family took us in. We both owe you thanks for such kindness. You saved me in more ways than I could count and I feel at home here. I remember those days when Vivian and I would go out riding with you and Théodred. You cared for my safety even then. Allowing me to fight was the greatest experience. You taught me how to kill and worried for me when my inexperience got the best of me. We grew closer as time progressed and you gave me Firestorm, the brother of Firefoot. It was no accident Firestorm became my horse. Bema brought us together for the purpose of ruling together. I promise to love and care for you until my last breath. I swear to not cause you any harm. I vow to be your faithful wife and help you rule Rohan," Rowan said, placing a golden wedding band on Éomer's finger.
"I pronounce you both married," Leofric said and Rowan kneeled before Éomer to receive her crown. There was loud cheering as Éomer kissed Rowan. She gazed into his eyes and smiled. She didn't need to worry so much. Her heart still hammered in her chest, but it was dull in comparison to the butterflies she felt in her stomach. Thank god that's over, Rowan thought as she watched everyone around her.
The festivities began and Rowan took her place next to Éomer at the head of the table. They feasted and made toasts. Aragorn made a toast to both the king and new queen.
"May your rule be blessed and happy," Aragorn said simply and Éomer nodded in thanks. Legolas stood, but it was not only to give a toast.
"May the king and queen of Rohan have a happy marriage. Their rule will last through ages. If it is agreeable to the newly married king and queen, I would like to make something known. I have known Lady Vivian for quite some time. If it is acceptable, I would like toannounce that Lady Vivian has consented to my proposal," Legolas announced and that was when Vivian blushed. She did not want all the attention. Rowan turned to Vivian and smiled.
"You can share in my revelry," Rowan commented with a devious smirk. That's never good, Vivian realized.
"I didn't think Legolas was going to announce it so soon," Vivian replied as Éomer and Aragorn extended congratulations to their friend. Vivian sunk down into her chair and Rowan shook her head.
"At least you have an engagement period. I don't know too much about elven engagements, but I think they last a while. Besides, you have to get his father's approval and from what I've heard, he's not the nicest king in the world," Rowan muttered lowly.
"Don't judge, Rowan," Vivian teased and Rowan shook her head with a smile.
Food was served to them and people mingled. Rowan and Vivian listened intently to stories told by the older soldiers who sat with them and told stories of their battles and embarrassed Éomer with tales from his childhood. After a while, Rowan had heard enough to last her a lifetime. If her parents were in the Golden Hall, she'd be under the table hiding from the horror stories of her childhood. Unfortunately, Vivian knew enough to cause Rowan to get uncomfortable.
"How about we discontinue this conversation," Rowan suggested and Vivian rolled her eyes. She just doesn't want anyone to know she was a weird child, Vivian thought as an excuse.
"I suppose if it pleases you," Vivian said dramatically and Rowan started laughing. The girls quieted down after a bit.
Éomer watched his wife interact with Vivian. It would be difficult for them to part ways, especially after hearing of Vivian's engagement to Legolas. She would live among elves. It was a rare sight to see the two away from each other, but it had to happen. Rowan's laughter erupted through the halls and she turned to look at Éomer. She gave him a grin and leaned into him, kissing his cheek.
If Merry and Pippin had been here, Rowan was sure they would be singing a song and dancing, but Rowan settled for what was given. She had opted out of dancing and watched as Vivian and Legolas attempted. Éowyn took Vivian's seat during the dance and hugged her new sister.
"I am very happy to call you my sister," Éowyn said and Rowan smiled.
"I could not have asked for a better sister. I've only ever had an older brother," Rowan mentioned and Éowyn responded with a laugh. I'm so stupid, of course she has an older brother too, Rowan realized.
"Older brothers are protective and take precedence at times," Éowyn added, gaining a nod in agreement from Rowan. She could imagine Éomer getting fussed over by the nurses that took care of them at times. Even Théoden had to give great attention to his heir.
"I know how older brothers are, but I am glad to have gained a sister," Rowan responded. In truth, Rowan wanted to be an only child, but having a sister not related to you by blood was much better.
"Éomer can be harsh at times, but he loves you," Éowyn pointed out, giving Rowan a serious look.
"I can handle him, I assure you," Rowan reassured her, "I've had dealings with men who were much worse than your brother, much like my own brother. He was harsh at times, but I'm stronger because of it."
"You will be a great Queen. You have great wisdom," Éowyn said with a genuine smile. Rowan scanned Éowyn's face and envied her. She was raised as royalty while Rowan had to endure Eadric lecturing on the history and major political advances. Those were the days when she felt like she was back in school, listening to a monotone history teacher go on and on about something meaningless to her.
"No, I was taught differently," Rowan replied and Éowyn shook her head.
"What is Earth like? Are women free to do as they wish?" Éowyn wondered and Rowan smiled. She knew this question would come up at some point.
"You could say they are. Women are allowed to go into the military and fight. We don't have kings, but women can have higher positions in government," Rowan recalled. The whole politics thing was getting away from Rowan. She didn't even remember who the Vice President was anymore.
"Women have that much power?" Éomer cut in and Rowan nodded.
"Yes, they can do much more in my world," Rowan confirmed and Éowyn was in thought.
"Why did you come here?" Éowyn inquired and Rowan bit her lip. She hadn't exactly explained what had actually happened.
"Now that you are family, I should tell you what actually happened. Vivian and I were wandering away from my house and we've come to believe that Sauron or Saruman brought us here. It would have been easier to bring us to Mordor or Isengard, but perhaps Rohan was the closest they could achieve," Rowan explained and Éomer shook his head.
"You arrived because of Saruman or Sauron?" Éomer inquired and Rowan shrugged.
"Vivian realized that they wanted to use our knowledge of Middle Earth to win, but good always triumphs over evil," Rowan said, feeling like she just told a fairy tale.
"Gandalf could have taken you back to Earth," Éowyn mentioned and Rowan nodded.
"Yes, but we would have left so much behind. The allure of Earth fades quickly," Rowan stated and Éowyn nodded.
Éowyn left Vivian's spot as soon as the dance ended and Vivian took a seat elsewhere to have a conversation with Mirél. Aragorn got Rowan's attention and she greeted him with a smile. He sat to Éomer's left and Rowan had to lean toward the table in order to have a conversation. He wished her well and Rowan asked after Arwen.
"She is well and is eager for my return," Aragorn replied and Rowan nodded.
"You must miss her a great deal," Rowan mused, eyeing Éomer.
"Of course, but she understands that I would not miss this event," Aragorn explained.
"Rowan would not allow me to leave her," Éomer mused and Rowan nodded.
"If it was important I would accompany you, but if you are only going to Gondor to meet with Aragorn, I will rule in your stead," Rowan replied and Éomer smiled.
"I am sure you would rule well, my love," Éomer said and Rowan grinned, taking a sip of her wine. I've got a keeper, Rowan thought as she put the goblet down.
Vivian sat apart with Legolas, watching Rowan and Éomer.
"They are a lovely couple," Vivian spoke up and Legolas laughed.
"She is nervous," Legolas noticed and Vivian sighed. Is it that obvious? I didn't notice it, Vivian thought, scanning Rowan's face.
"How would you feel if you knew your wedding night was approaching quickly? Row isn't too eager," Vivian explained, watching Rowan to see if she noticed her nervousness. It wasn't apparent to Vivian, so she deduced it must be because Legolas was an elf.
"I am not a mortal woman," Legolas pointed out and Vivian started laughing. The things Rowan would say in response to that, Vivian realized and laughed even harder.
"No, because if you were I would be very cross with you," Vivian replied, earning a grin from Legolas. He kissed her in response.
Aragorn had moved on to conversation with one of the soldiers and Rowan stole a piece of bread from in front of Éomer. He smiled, taking a sip of his wine.
"You are beautiful," Éomer said after a few moments.
"I would have worn white, as is tradition where I come from, but I've never liked that tradition. This was my favorite," Rowan explained and took a sip of her wine. She wasn't fond of alcohol, but it was a party and she wasn't going to refuse. Besides, she wasn't going to let herself get drunk. That was the last thing she wanted.
"It was amusing to see Vivian scold you when she found you in the stables," Éomer commented and Rowan let out a laugh.
"We are mothers to each other. I am surprised she isn't crying about what will come to pass. We will part ways. I have been aware of what it would mean and I know we can see each other," Rowan explained and Éomer nodded.
"Legolas has mentioned Ithilien as his place of dwelling," Éomer brought up and Rowan's expression brightened.
"Ithilien isn't too far from Rohan. I suppose Mirkwood is much farther," Rowan said, trying to recall her lessons on the geography of Middle Earth. If only there was a map on the wall I could just get a peak of, Rowan wished as she tried to recall the map in her mind.
"Yes, you would be free to visit Vivian when you wished," Éomer said and Rowan shook her head.
"I don't think I could go too often. I'm Queen of Rohan now and have duties, I think," Rowan said with a slight giggle. She was aware of the particular duties she would have to uphold as Queen, but hadn't given the idea much thought.
Vivian suddenly came over with a yawn. She greeted them with a bow and set her gaze on Rowan.
"If it's not too much to request, could Rowan and I retire early? She would just be walking with me back to my room," Vivian explained and Éomer nodded. Rowan kissed Éomer tenderly and got up to follow Vivian to the hallway. They linked arms and walked slowly.
"Why did you ask if I could walk you?" Rowan asked curiously and Vivian bit her lip.
"Legolas can see you're nervous. I just wanted to get you out of there so you could relax for a bit. Besides, you look tired," Vivian noticed and Rowan nodded in agreement. You have no idea, Rowan could have responded.
"Thanks for that, but is it that obvious?" Rowan wondered, thinking she hid it so well. I put on my poker face, Rowan, at the thought, quelled the giggle that threatened to surface.
"He's just really perceptive. I didn't notice it, but whatever," Vivian said with a shrug, "So are you going to hang out with me or go back?"
"I'm actually going to scope out my new room," Rowan stated. I'm going to yell at him if the room is messy, Rowan stated, giving herself the mental note.
"Well, goodnight and you'll be fine, I promise. At least there will be no walk of shame," Vivian mentioned and Rowan shook her head with a smile. She watches too many movies, Rowan resolved.
"That's irrelevant," Rowan commented and Vivian laughed before shutting the door.
The celebration had winded down and Rowan was most likely with Vivian. Éomer left to find her in Vivian's room, but it was only Vivian. He then set his sights on his room- the room he would be sharing with Rowan. When Éomer entered, Rowan was asleep, dressed in a nightgown. She was curled up on top of the blankets, breathing slowly. Éomer gazed at his wife for a few moments before moving a strand of hair from her face. Slowly, her hazel eyes opened and she smiled at Éomer. So beautiful, Éomer thought.
"I'm sorry I fell asleep," Rowan said quietly.
"No, you should sleep," Éomer said and watched Rowan's eyes close again.
Éomer fell asleep with his arm around Rowan's waist. Her head moved to rest on Éomer's chest.
X_X_X_X
Rowan opened her eyes to find that Éomer was still asleep. She gazed at his strong features and turned to get out of bed without waking him. Unfortunately, he woke and grabbed her waist before he got too far. Rowan smiled at Éomer and kissed him. He overpowered her and Rowan was on her back.
"I love you," Éomer said and kissed Rowan's jaw, trailing kisses down to her neck. Rowan smiled.
"Good morning to you too," Rowan said in reply.
Stay tuned...another chapter will be up presently. I'm in the process of revising it right now :) p.s: Avengers DVD in September! I died on the inside! And Lord of the Rings Lego sets!