The Lady and the Lord

Disclaimer: Everything is owned, with the exception of Kelley and other minor characters by the estate of JRR Tolkien and from LOTR trilogy by Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema. I am not receiving any profit off this work of fiction.

Chapter Twenty-Four: The Ascension

"Mama, mama." I was sitting in the great hall, parchment spread around me, but turned at Erlina's voice and the pounding of small feet.

Both were covered in dirt from head to toe, clothes filthy. I glanced around to find one of the kitchen staff holding a basket of fresh vegetables.

I stood, somehow managed to settle my young down, at least enough to keep most of their dirt off me. "I am sorry, I hope they were not a bother."

She smiled. "No, it is good to hear children's voices in the hall again and they were a help to us."

"We got to dig up vegetables." I wasn't quite sure if that was right as Erlina added her input.

"We have water heating for their bath." Elda said before leaving. "Should I send help?"

I shook my head. "I will take care of it."

"Very good my lady." She curtsied before turning to leave.

"What did you pick?" I asked as I began to lead them from the hall toward our quarters.

"Carrots, potatoes." Erlina answered, obviously excited about their morning.

"Me helped." Eomund piped in. "I put in seeds."

I still wondered if they were actually helping instead of making a mess and bringing more trouble.

I waited until the children were settled into the bath before pulling off their clothes, not wanting to get dirt all over the floor, at least no more than already was. Alditha came and thankfully took their soaked and dirty clothes to be cleaned.

"Da, when da coming?" Eomund asked as they played in the water.

I held back the sigh, knowing it might be a long time to we received word and even longer to when they returned but I was not sure how to explain it.

"The men have gone to Gondor, it is a long way. Da may not be home for some time."

Their little faces fell but I quickly assured them, as if I was assuring myself that he would return.

After making sure they were clean, I removed them from the water and began helping them dress for the rest of the day.

The days soon grew warmer with the children playing more outside than in, making me notice I needed to have new clothes made, particularly suited for warmer months.

I found Edwina working in her sitting room to ask her about a seamstress.

"I can send for Petra, she makes dresses for most nobility in Edoras." Was her response.

"It is the children that I need sturdy spring wear for."

Edwina nodded in understanding. "Then Garyn would be best."

"Thank you." Once I told her I would take the children myself, she told me where the shop was. After discussing a few housekeeping items, I left.

The following day, I took the children to Garyn's shop. While they did not appreciate being measured, she was patient with their constant movements. "What are you needing for them my lady?"

"I need clothes they will be comfortable playing in that wears well and easy to clean."

She smiled. "They play as hard as their father aye?"

I could not help but laugh. "Yes they do and been helping in the garden."

She chuckled slightly. "Very good my lady, I know just the material. Do you want more formal attire for them or for yourself?"

I thought for a long moment, wondering if it might be needed for a brief appearance for any returning feasts or crowning ceremony. While I owned dresses that could easily be sufficient with a few additions but they did not. "One for each of the children, I do not believe I need a new dress presently."

"Very good my lady. Is there any design you would prefer?"

I shook my head, wanting to show my faith in her abilities. "I have no preference as long as it is not too cumbersome for them."

"Yes my lady." Garyn smiled as we then completed the rest of the transaction before we left the shop.

Instead of heading straight back to the Hall, we walked around the village, talking to the people, wanting to get to know them, letting them see the children and hopefully giving them hope for the future. We also went into some of the other shops and I purchased a few toys for them. The children's attention held as Edoras was still new to them. As I purchased some food, the stall holder smiled down at them.

"This little lady will be as graceful as her grandmother and aunt and this little man will be as tall as his father one day."

"I am sure he will be, he is growing fast." I looked to my children. "What do you say?"

"Thank you." They both spoke but with nearly mouthfuls of food.

I held back the sigh as others around us just laughed. We stayed in the village for a little longer but the children began to grow tired and we returned to the Golden Hall.

The children and I enjoyed a quiet dinner and evening in our chambers. Once they were asleep in their beds, I sat at the desk, trying to work but my mind kept drifting to Eomer and how much longer it would be to I heard from him.

I was sitting in the gardens, watching the children playing, when one of the staff called for me. "My lady, come quickly. A lone rider has been spotted heading to Edoras, we think he may be a messenger from Gondor."

My heart began pounding in my chest as I quickly rounded up my children and headed into the main hall.

The household staff were already gathered with many of Edoras' people, some of the council and other nobility. Erlina and Eomund clung to my sides, suddenly unsure of all the strangers in the hall.

Needing something to do, I picked up Eomund then turned to Edwina. "If he rode from Gondor he will be tired and hungry, can you see that his needs are met?"

"Yes of course my lady." She nodded her head and went to take care of the requests.

It seemed an eternity later when the rider entered the hall, tired and dirty from a long ride. He glanced around anxiously as Lord Osric stepped forward before I could, demanding anxiously.

"What is the news boy? Speak up."

The young man only turned away and came towards me. He knelt at my feet, bowing his head. "My lady." Ever since I became of marriageable age, I been addressed as my lady and given a nod of acknowledgement, but never had someone knelt in such a manner or spoke it so reverently.

Gasps and cries were heard throughout the hall as everyone knew what it meant. Théoden King and possibly Eomer were dead.

I resisted the urge to sigh but knew I needed to speak. "On your feet." I waited till he rose and then simply stated. "You bring word from Gondor."

He nodded. "The men of the Mark and the armies of Gondor have defeated Mordor's attack, but many lost their lives. Théoden King slayed the leader of the Southrons but fell when a Nazgul took down the valiant Snowmane." Cries were heard throughout the hall as he continued the tale. "Before he joined his forefathers, Théoden King gave his standard to his sister son, biding him to lead the Mark. Unknown to the King, the Lady Eowyn after slewing the Witch King of Angaor lay nearly dead upon the battle field when Eomer, now called King, saw his sister, full of rage, charged into the enemy's lines. We all thought hope was lost when corsair ships were seen but the standard of the King of Gondor was revealed with Lord Aragorn standing proud and strong at the helm. He, with armies of rangers, men and elves, charged up from the harbor. Upon seeing this, Eomer King raised his sword and laughed in defiance. Never was there a sight to behold as Eomer King and Lord Aragorn fighting with courage and strength side by side, rallying men behind them and the victory was won."

Everyone was listening with rapt attention and my heart was beating so hard I could barely breathe. Eomer lived, my husband lived but felt so heartbroken at thought of my husband's grief, losing another father so soon after losing his brother. And finding Eowyn, nearly dead.

"The Lady Eowyn, does she live?" I inserted as he paused in his story of the battle.

He smiled, saying she was thought to be dead but Prince Imrahill of Dol Armoth saw she lived and took her to the Houses of Healing to when later Lord Aragorn healed her along with Master Merry who fought so bravely besides her.

"Sauron is defeated then?" Someone asked.

"Does this mean the war is over?" Asked another.

"Sauron still lives but many of the men are marching on the Black Gates, led by Lord Aragorn and Eomer King, along with the wizard Gandalf."

There were many questions, many mutterings, demands from several of the council members. I could feel Erlina clinging to my dress and I knew I needed to take control, but was not sure what to say. I felt Lady Elfhelm, come stand beside me, slipping her arm through mine, showing her support, keeping me steady.

"Gentlemen, please, silence if you will." I forced my voice to be calm and steady. I could not show sign of weakness, needed to stay in control.

The hall slowly quieted, then I spoke again. "What is your name solider?"

"Lunden, your ladyship."

"Thank you Lunden. Did my Lord husband bring any other messages?"

As he began pulling out rolls of parchment, Lord Osric came to stand closer to us. "I am sorry my lord, but Eomer King bids these to be taken only to her highness."

Her highness, the first spoken confirmation of my new title. I was now Queen of the Mark. I swallowed, trying to keep my face neutral of all emotion, reaching a surprisingly steady hand out to receive the parchment. Shifting my son, I began to unfurl them, one containing a preliminary list of the injured, the dead. The other my husband's instructions to us in the Mark. The last one simply said my name. I quickly tucked that one into folds of my skirt.

"Is my Lord husband expecting you to return to Gondor soon?"

He shook his head. "He thought I might be needed to help here."

I glanced around, catching Edwina's nod. "You may follow Edwina, she will see to your needs. I will call for you when I have need of sending a messenger."

"Yes my queen." He bowed his head and followed Edwina from the hall.

My queen. I took a deep breath before turning slightly to face Lady Elfhelm. "Even if it is not yet completed, we need to circulate these lists so the rest of the Mark knows what happened to their loved ones."

"My children can help with that." She looked around the hall, everyone milling around, as if waiting for more. "If you so desire I can ask some of the other ladies to help."

I gave her a smile. "Thank you."

She gave a slight bow as I handed her the list and she motioned her daughter to her as Alditha came up and took the children from me.

Then I headed to the nearest table and placing the parchment on the table, managed to unravel it completely. I could feel Lord Osric at my side as the other men and a few ladies began to crowd around.

I quickly read the document as many questions were being asked about details of the battle and why they were marching on the Black Gate.

My husband's first commands as King to his people were short and simple. They were marching on the Black Gate to defeat Sauron once and for all and I would be in charge to his return, but if they were defeated I would rule the Mark till Eomund came of age. He did not give many particulars but it must be some plan to have that much confidence in the victory. He said we needed to round up horses, as the battle saw grave losses there too, to see all the men home. However, he said it would need to wait till the battles were completed before sending the horses to Gondor.

When the men began questioning where to find the horses as we had many losses of the past seasons, I spoke.

"We do gentleman. I will have my father, Lord Aldwyn, send them." They all stared at me. "We have hidden some of the herds. All hope is not lost."

There were not many instructions to be discussed at the moment, but I continued. "Once the lists of our injured and dead are copied, we will need to send out messengers to our towns. The people need to know what has happened, but that there still is hope for a victory."

I spent the rest of the afternoon grieving with those who had lost husbands, brothers and sons. There was crying in the streets at loss of men and the loss of a beloved King, but hailing Eomer and I as their new sovereign. It was not until night when I was alone where I could finally read the letter my husband wrote me.

I clutched the letter to my chest, reading the armies were to be marching to the Black Gates in hope to end the war, that Lord Boromir's vision might be coming true. I mulled over my husband's words, slowly realizing the ring of the enemy had been found and they were seeking to destroy it. The men's march was only a diversion, a distraction. Lord Aragorn, Eomer and the men that followed were sacrificing themselves in hope Middle Earth might be saved. Their courage and bravery would become songs and tales, where their sacrifices would never be forgotten. In tears, I read the rest.

"You are my light, my strength, my beloved, the reason I will brave the darkness, to give you and our children a better future. If we do not return, know that you will be my last thought, that our love will always be in my heart, even if I go to our fathers, it will endure beyond everything tangible in this life. If I do not return, remember me to Erlina and Eomund, that is was for their future I died for, that even if I am unable to watch them grow, at least they will do so in peace, that they will never face the evil we did. Kelley, you are my heart, my soul. I never once regretted loving you, you have been my greatest joy, the reason I keep fighting, the reason I draw breath every morning. This evening as I close my eyes, I picture you standing at our door, looking across Aldburg, your hair blowing across your face, the light of the stars shinning in your eyes. I remember the feel of your body underneath mine, the soft touch of your lips against my skin, the smell of your hair, every curve, every nuance is clear in my mind, as if I could carry you into battle with me. As I compose this letter, I am looking across the fields and mountains of Gondor towards home, wondering what you are doing in this moment, perhaps singing softly to our children to soothe them into dreams. How I wish I was there with you, to kiss them gently while watching them sleep before loving you in the warmth of our bed. In the morrow we leave for the Black Gates, we march in hope to dispel the darkness, that Middle Earth will be free. Kelley, my beloved, be strong and courageous and I know you will prosper in all you do. I hope to see you, Erlina and Eomund again and soon but if I go onto my fathers, always remember I will love you all beyond my dying day. I know you would have waited till late to read this, busy with the day, so sleep well my darling wife, until we met again. Eomer."

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