A Very Gondor Christmas

By The Last Evenstar

Disclaimer: If I were indeed J.R.R. Tolkien, you can bet that this story would not be relegated to fanfiction.net and would instead be published worldwide and translated into at least twenty-six different languages. But is isn't, and from this you can deduce that I own neither the characters or the places mentioned here.

Now look, you've made me cry.

A/N: OK, OK, so I know that, especially this time of year, there are literally thousands of LOTR Christmas stories floating about, and yes, I'm aware that they didn't have Christmas in Middle-Earth. But hey – I couldn't resist. There's something about the spirit of Christmas that does that to me. Enjoy!

Chapter One: It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Arwen stood on the balcony and smiled to herself. From behind her sharp Elven ears picked up the footsteps of her husband as he made his way up to her. Just as he made to wrap his arms around her, she spoke. "I could still hear you coming."

Aragorn laughed and embraced her anyway, his arms straining to fit around her bulging stomach. "I can't fool you, can I, Lady Undomiel?"

She laughed and planted a kiss on his blue lips. "Never."

The King shivered and pulled his wife closer. "The air is changing quickly. Winter has arrived in full force."

"The snow is beautiful, isn't it?" Arwen looked out over the glistening kingdom. "It makes everything it covers appears so pristine; so perfect."

Aragorn laughed and brushed the falling flakes from her hair. "You needed no help with that, my love."

She turned, her cheeks flushed and her smile radiant. "This is Eldarion's first snowfall that he may remember. Last year he was naught but a babe."

Aragorn grinned and lovingly patted his wife's enormous stomach. "And our second will see his first winter this year."

"Or HER first."

Aragorn surveyed her face. "You really want a daughter, don't you?"

She shook her head. "A healthy child is all I need." Smiling up at her husband, she conceded. "A daughter would be nice, though."

He beamed back at her. "Our little Christmas present." Shivering, he made his way back towards the door. "Arwen, you really should come inside – even if you can't freeze, the baby might!"

She walked toward him, a mischievous smile playing across her lips. :You're standing under the mistletoe, my Lord."

He looked up. "So I am."

Legolas watched his friend Gimli grumble in the corner and sighed. A disagreement over where to spend the Christmas holidays had caused a hefty rift between the elf and the dwarf. They had been traveling together for over a year, but now that the season of Christmas had come, Legolas wished to return to the remains of Mirkwood, but Gimli was dead set of going home to his family. Neither wished to be parted for the merry festivities, but it seemed the only option as of late. Legolas winced as her recalled his harsh words earlier. "You go your way, dwarf, and I shall go mine!"

He knew that the stubborn dwarf would not be wont to reconcile easily, so of course it was up to him to make the first move. He went over and sat beside his friend. "I apologize, Master Dwarf, for my abruptness as of late."

Gimli huffed but did not respond.

"An idea has come to me – a compromise, if you will." Gimli watched the elf warily, waiting. "I propose that we spend Christmas with the King at Minas Tirith. They will be sure to have a lovely banquet and enjoyable festivities. What say you?"

Gimli smiled up at his friend. "I'd say we have a deal!"

Merry and Pippin watched Samwise grimly from across the square. It was a feast, a celebration of someone-or-other's birthday, but Sam sat solemnly, watching the merriment with tired eyes.

"What d'you reckon could be the matter?" Merry asked. Both had been worried about Sam as of late.

"He misses Frodo," guessed Pippin wisely. "Been moping about for months now since Fro's gone."

Merry frowned. He hated to see his friend so down. "What might cheer him up? After all, Christmas is approaching fast, and no hobbit should be unhappy."

Pippin spoke glumly. "I reckon he needs to get out of the Shire. A vacation, like."

"You don't suggest . . . But Pippin, where could he go? Hobbits are not travelers."

Pippin sat, thinking hard. "You know, I think a change of scenery could do us all good. I've been missing the open road as of late."

Merry groaned. "And that, my dear Pippin, is what comes of hobbits taking adventures. No peace, mind you. Only want for more!"

Pippin shrugged. "I'd still like to see Minas Tirith again. We could make a right thing out of it! Spend Christmas at King Strider's court. See old friends, have new fun . . ."

Merry considered. "I might enjoy that. It has been far too long." He thought. "You talk to Sam. I'll ask Estella; I'm sure she'll need quite a bit of talking 'round."

Pippin grinned. "Christmas in Gondor! What fun we'll have!"

Faramir wrung his hands in frustration. "Eowyn, for the last time, we are NOT going to Rohan for Christmas! Don't you remember last year at ALL?"

Eowyn glared at her husband defensively. "So the weather was a bit bad and the mood . . . not so merry. But –"

Faramir cut her off. "The very snow stunk of manure, your brother, the KING, was so drunk he decreed his HORSE his heir, and I was trapped in a snow bank for eight hours!"

Eowyn bit her lip. "Oh, Faramir, I know, believe me! But I can't –" her eyes welled up with soft tears, "I can't be away from my family on Christmas. It's too hard."

Faramir sighed, his heart melting. "I know, my dear. But the king is counting on my presence at several functions of state, and I want to be there for him when he has his child. You remember how distraught he got last time . . ."

Eowyn leaped up, a sudden happiness seizing her. "Oh, Faramir, I've the most wonderful idea! Why don't we invite my family here for Christmas? I mean, I know Eomer is the King and all, but I'm sure they'd have a lovely time staying here!"

Faramir looked doubtful. "I don't know . . ."

"Oh, darling, it will be wonderful fun! I'll go send word right now!!"

As his wife danced her way out of the room, Faramir shrugged. So the royal court of Rohan was coming to Gondor for Christmas. It wasn't like the King had any other guests . . .

Arwen snuggled contentedly against her husband as they sat by the fire, watching the snow outside the window fall. "I'm so looking forward to Christmas. Just a nice, peaceful family affair . . ."

Will Aragorn and Arwen be able do handle all of their 'guests' come time for Christmas? Do you care? Then review, and you shall reap the rewards!