Disclaimers: All characters are J.R.R. Tolkien's, well; I'm playing with
their feelings a bit :) I'm not writing to make any profit but for
writing's sake, and because I love the world of Middle-Earth.
Translation of Elvish: Nín anoriel - my sun-maiden. Cuiamin - my life. Meldiramin - my friend.
-----------------------------------------------
An Unexpected Love
Chapter 23 - The Return of the King
The festivities had already lasted for over a week. And Gondor had indeed reason to cheer. Not only had their greatest enemy perished, but once again the rumour spread that their King would return to them. Many were now talking of the greatness of the Ranger of the North, Aragorn. Those warriors who had remained at Morgul Vale had returned to Minas Tirith and were now busy telling everyone about the king. Elessar he called himself now ... the Elfstone.
Every time either of the three Lórien elves, Éowyn or Meriadoc heard these talks they would smile to themselves. He was loved by his people even before he had been crowned. Only Haldir seemed to be a bit uneasy whenever Aragorn was mentioned. No one realized it, but some part of him feared the return of Éowyn's first love. If he desired her for his queen, now that all battles had been fought and won, would she reject him?
---
It was one of the last days of April. The sun had become warmer over the last few weeks; life was stirring in the gardens and parks in and around Minas Tirith. Éowyn had just had word from Haldir that a messenger had arrived, announcing the return of the Hosts of the West. The elf, as one of the king's friends, had been asked to assist Imrahil with the preparations of the coronation that would take place in just a few days.
Faramir had not taken over all fields of his now ending reign as Steward and had left the preparations in the hands of the wise Prince of Dol Amroth. 'Come to think of it,' Éowyn mused, 'Faramir has been rarely seen these last days. Just like Rúmil.' She smiled to herself, 'Nothing has apparently changed into something. Just wait till Orophin finds out...' She still couldn't quite understand why Orophin had reacted the way he had. Was he really thinking so little of his brother to assume that he would hurt Faramir, on purpose even?
Her feet had led her to one of her favourite places in Minas Tirith, the palace gardens. The quiet of the nature consoled her and she thought of what lay ahead of her with a joyful heart. Haldir would show her Lórien. He had been talking about hardly anything else ever since the day they had heard of Sauron's fall. She could feel that he was up to something; his eyes gleamed almost wickedly whenever he spoke of their journey to the Golden Wood.
She had sunken down by the side of a small pond, her back resting against an old willow. Trees could talk, Haldir had told her. She wondered if she would ever be able to hear them. But now as she leaned back against the trunk, closing her eyes, she could almost feel the tree's spirit, its voice a murmur that warmed her heart. A smile appeared on her features. How she longed to see the Realm of the Lady of the Wood. She still marvelled at her own stupidity at times. Had she indeed tried to hate all things elvish? An elf had awoken her soul, had become the reason for her to go on living. She could still see his face contorted in pain when he had found her on the battlefield. She almost had lost him there. But thanks to Aragorn she had survived. And in only a few days time she would be able to finally thank him for it...
Lost in her thoughts, she was startled when she heard the sound of clear laughter. Elvish laughter. She opened her eyes and saw Rúmil almost running down to the edge of the pool, dragging a grinning Faramir with him. Suddenly the elf turned around and threw his arms around the Steward. When their lips met in what could only be called a passionate kiss, Éowyn decided that it might be better to leave. 'Is this nothing for you Rúmil?' she chuckled as she questioned herself thus.
But before she could make only a few steps towards the palace, she stopped, thunderstruck. Orophin came strolling towards her, smiling warmly. "My dear Lady Éowyn. Haldir asked me to tell you..." His eyes had glided beyond her to the pool and now he stood rooted to the grassy slope. His usually mild and gentle features turned to a mask of rage and anger.
Éowyn had no time to react as the elf suddenly stormed towards his brother and Faramir. She was following on his heels, calling Rúmil's name, trying not to sound too worried. Orophin had reached the two lovers and pulled his brother out of the other's embrace. "As I thought, so this is 'nothing' in your eyes?" His voice was not raised, but still sounded like thunder. He shortly turned to Faramir, "Yes, my dear brother called the thing that was between you two 'nothing'. His words, not mine..." he added seeing the surprised expression on the face of the Steward.
"How dare you," Rúmil snapped. "Go back to your beloved Míriel and trouble her. Leave me in peace..." Éowyn stood next to Faramir, smiling weakly at the Steward. "Orophin, Rúmil ... please..." she was literally begging the two brothers to refrain from a new display of hostility. It would hurt Haldir if his brothers were fighting like this, and she would try everything in her power to prevent this. "It's Rúmil's life. Please, Orophin... You're a family, think of Haldir as well..."
Orophin sighed and slowly nodded. But still he glared at his brother again. "I am not through with you yet." He was about to turn around and leave when Rúmil addressed Éowyn, "Dearest sister, would you please tell Haldir that I intend to remain in Gondor when you return to the Golden Wood? I wish to deepen the new friendship between elves and men..." Without a word Orophin walked away. But Éowyn had seen the grief in his face. What was the matter with the two brothers?
She quickly replied, "Are you sure this is wise, Rúmil?" After his shrug, she signed and continued, "I will tell Haldir, don't worry. Now, will you excuse me? My Lord," she added with a nod to Faramir. Then she ran after Orophin, who had almost reached the gates of the garden.
"Orophin, what is the matter? He's happy, don't you see?" When the elf turned towards her, she was rendered speechless for a moment. His eyes were filled with agony, and she only remembered too well the time she had felt pain equal to his. The moment she had almost lost Éomer because of his inability to accept her feelings for Haldir. "Orophin..."
"I should watch over him. He is my younger brother. I've always kept him out of harms way. How often did Haldir and I back him up in front of our parents, taking credit for the foolish things he had done. And now ... I failed." She couldn't believe her ears. "What do you mean?" she inquired. "Faramir, he is mortal..." Suddenly she understood. It made sense. Both Haldir and Orophin had not intended to hurt Rúmil's feelings when confronting him; they were worried that grief might befall their little brother.
"Then ... do you feel the same way about Haldir and ... me?" Slowly Orophin shook his head. "No, I can see the love between you, it surrounds you. I am sure that you are meant to be together, no matter what. For you there simply must be a way... But Rúmil..." She took his hands in hers, squeezing softly. "I think you really underestimate your brother's capabilities to feel. They, too, are in love. And if there should be a way for Haldir and me, why not for the two of them?" Orophin suddenly smiled and nodded. "Maybe I should stop seeing him as the child he once has been. If he wishes to stay here, we should not stand in his path. Haldir was right, Éowyn, we were in desperate need of someone, well, sensible."
---
The brothers had made their peace again that very night. Both Rúmil and Orophin had whispered to her, "If ever you should need anything..." and softly kissed her cheeks. The latter much to Haldir's annoyance. "She may be a sister to you, but in any other way, keep your fingers off her..." The threat in his voice was negated by the twinkle in his eyes. And as he took Éowyn in his arms he added, "Nín anoriel, cuiamin. You belong to me, forever..."
---
The sound of trumpets announced the return of the armies of the West. All of Minas Tirith had been emptied, the people of Gondor all once again assembled on the Fields of the Pelennor. Éowyn stood by Haldir's side. With them were Imrahil, Faramir, Orophin, Rúmil and, of course, Meriadoc. The hobbit was itching to see his friends again. When he had heard that Frodo and Sam were safe, he had cried with joy. In front of Éowyn. Now he glared at her, daring her to reveal as much to the now returning hobbits.
Faramir was almost happy not to have to rule the country. He had never been as interested in the Stewardship as his brother, Boromir had been. And now the King was returning. He would no longer be needed. And he was glad about it. He had seen his father falter under the pressure of the office. No, he had never wanted to end like him.
Finally the Captains of the West came into view. Aragorn was riding next to Legolas, of course, Éowyn thought. At long last she could feel nothing but happiness for them. They would have a difficult path to take from now on. But their love was strong enough to endure, she was sure of it. On Aragorn's other side rode Éomer, who had raised his hand to greet her at the first sight of his sister. Gandalf was also riding with them. There also were Gimli and Peregrin. And two other halflings, Frodo and Sam.
Before long they had reached those waiting for them and Éomer dismounted before any other. Quickly nodding towards Haldir he drew his sister into a tight embrace. "Sister dear, I missed you." Tears were welling from Éowyn's eyes, "Beloved brother. Éomer, King of the Riddermark. At last you return to me." The others had also dismounted and were welcomed by their friends. The four hobbits stood together, too moved to speak.
Suddenly Aragorn stood before Éowyn and took her face into his hands, softly kissing her forehead. She smiled at him, "When your time allows it, would you spare a half-hour for me?" The man inclined his head in consent. "Of course my Lady." Haldir's heart felt as if it would break into pieces soon. But for the time being he was able to brush these silly feelings aside. Finally Legolas greeted Éowyn, his fair elvish face gleaming with joy. "You look radiant my Lady," he whispered as he leaned down to his her hand. "Meldiramin ... you've been missed."
Translation of Elvish: Nín anoriel - my sun-maiden. Cuiamin - my life. Meldiramin - my friend.
-----------------------------------------------
An Unexpected Love
Chapter 23 - The Return of the King
The festivities had already lasted for over a week. And Gondor had indeed reason to cheer. Not only had their greatest enemy perished, but once again the rumour spread that their King would return to them. Many were now talking of the greatness of the Ranger of the North, Aragorn. Those warriors who had remained at Morgul Vale had returned to Minas Tirith and were now busy telling everyone about the king. Elessar he called himself now ... the Elfstone.
Every time either of the three Lórien elves, Éowyn or Meriadoc heard these talks they would smile to themselves. He was loved by his people even before he had been crowned. Only Haldir seemed to be a bit uneasy whenever Aragorn was mentioned. No one realized it, but some part of him feared the return of Éowyn's first love. If he desired her for his queen, now that all battles had been fought and won, would she reject him?
---
It was one of the last days of April. The sun had become warmer over the last few weeks; life was stirring in the gardens and parks in and around Minas Tirith. Éowyn had just had word from Haldir that a messenger had arrived, announcing the return of the Hosts of the West. The elf, as one of the king's friends, had been asked to assist Imrahil with the preparations of the coronation that would take place in just a few days.
Faramir had not taken over all fields of his now ending reign as Steward and had left the preparations in the hands of the wise Prince of Dol Amroth. 'Come to think of it,' Éowyn mused, 'Faramir has been rarely seen these last days. Just like Rúmil.' She smiled to herself, 'Nothing has apparently changed into something. Just wait till Orophin finds out...' She still couldn't quite understand why Orophin had reacted the way he had. Was he really thinking so little of his brother to assume that he would hurt Faramir, on purpose even?
Her feet had led her to one of her favourite places in Minas Tirith, the palace gardens. The quiet of the nature consoled her and she thought of what lay ahead of her with a joyful heart. Haldir would show her Lórien. He had been talking about hardly anything else ever since the day they had heard of Sauron's fall. She could feel that he was up to something; his eyes gleamed almost wickedly whenever he spoke of their journey to the Golden Wood.
She had sunken down by the side of a small pond, her back resting against an old willow. Trees could talk, Haldir had told her. She wondered if she would ever be able to hear them. But now as she leaned back against the trunk, closing her eyes, she could almost feel the tree's spirit, its voice a murmur that warmed her heart. A smile appeared on her features. How she longed to see the Realm of the Lady of the Wood. She still marvelled at her own stupidity at times. Had she indeed tried to hate all things elvish? An elf had awoken her soul, had become the reason for her to go on living. She could still see his face contorted in pain when he had found her on the battlefield. She almost had lost him there. But thanks to Aragorn she had survived. And in only a few days time she would be able to finally thank him for it...
Lost in her thoughts, she was startled when she heard the sound of clear laughter. Elvish laughter. She opened her eyes and saw Rúmil almost running down to the edge of the pool, dragging a grinning Faramir with him. Suddenly the elf turned around and threw his arms around the Steward. When their lips met in what could only be called a passionate kiss, Éowyn decided that it might be better to leave. 'Is this nothing for you Rúmil?' she chuckled as she questioned herself thus.
But before she could make only a few steps towards the palace, she stopped, thunderstruck. Orophin came strolling towards her, smiling warmly. "My dear Lady Éowyn. Haldir asked me to tell you..." His eyes had glided beyond her to the pool and now he stood rooted to the grassy slope. His usually mild and gentle features turned to a mask of rage and anger.
Éowyn had no time to react as the elf suddenly stormed towards his brother and Faramir. She was following on his heels, calling Rúmil's name, trying not to sound too worried. Orophin had reached the two lovers and pulled his brother out of the other's embrace. "As I thought, so this is 'nothing' in your eyes?" His voice was not raised, but still sounded like thunder. He shortly turned to Faramir, "Yes, my dear brother called the thing that was between you two 'nothing'. His words, not mine..." he added seeing the surprised expression on the face of the Steward.
"How dare you," Rúmil snapped. "Go back to your beloved Míriel and trouble her. Leave me in peace..." Éowyn stood next to Faramir, smiling weakly at the Steward. "Orophin, Rúmil ... please..." she was literally begging the two brothers to refrain from a new display of hostility. It would hurt Haldir if his brothers were fighting like this, and she would try everything in her power to prevent this. "It's Rúmil's life. Please, Orophin... You're a family, think of Haldir as well..."
Orophin sighed and slowly nodded. But still he glared at his brother again. "I am not through with you yet." He was about to turn around and leave when Rúmil addressed Éowyn, "Dearest sister, would you please tell Haldir that I intend to remain in Gondor when you return to the Golden Wood? I wish to deepen the new friendship between elves and men..." Without a word Orophin walked away. But Éowyn had seen the grief in his face. What was the matter with the two brothers?
She quickly replied, "Are you sure this is wise, Rúmil?" After his shrug, she signed and continued, "I will tell Haldir, don't worry. Now, will you excuse me? My Lord," she added with a nod to Faramir. Then she ran after Orophin, who had almost reached the gates of the garden.
"Orophin, what is the matter? He's happy, don't you see?" When the elf turned towards her, she was rendered speechless for a moment. His eyes were filled with agony, and she only remembered too well the time she had felt pain equal to his. The moment she had almost lost Éomer because of his inability to accept her feelings for Haldir. "Orophin..."
"I should watch over him. He is my younger brother. I've always kept him out of harms way. How often did Haldir and I back him up in front of our parents, taking credit for the foolish things he had done. And now ... I failed." She couldn't believe her ears. "What do you mean?" she inquired. "Faramir, he is mortal..." Suddenly she understood. It made sense. Both Haldir and Orophin had not intended to hurt Rúmil's feelings when confronting him; they were worried that grief might befall their little brother.
"Then ... do you feel the same way about Haldir and ... me?" Slowly Orophin shook his head. "No, I can see the love between you, it surrounds you. I am sure that you are meant to be together, no matter what. For you there simply must be a way... But Rúmil..." She took his hands in hers, squeezing softly. "I think you really underestimate your brother's capabilities to feel. They, too, are in love. And if there should be a way for Haldir and me, why not for the two of them?" Orophin suddenly smiled and nodded. "Maybe I should stop seeing him as the child he once has been. If he wishes to stay here, we should not stand in his path. Haldir was right, Éowyn, we were in desperate need of someone, well, sensible."
---
The brothers had made their peace again that very night. Both Rúmil and Orophin had whispered to her, "If ever you should need anything..." and softly kissed her cheeks. The latter much to Haldir's annoyance. "She may be a sister to you, but in any other way, keep your fingers off her..." The threat in his voice was negated by the twinkle in his eyes. And as he took Éowyn in his arms he added, "Nín anoriel, cuiamin. You belong to me, forever..."
---
The sound of trumpets announced the return of the armies of the West. All of Minas Tirith had been emptied, the people of Gondor all once again assembled on the Fields of the Pelennor. Éowyn stood by Haldir's side. With them were Imrahil, Faramir, Orophin, Rúmil and, of course, Meriadoc. The hobbit was itching to see his friends again. When he had heard that Frodo and Sam were safe, he had cried with joy. In front of Éowyn. Now he glared at her, daring her to reveal as much to the now returning hobbits.
Faramir was almost happy not to have to rule the country. He had never been as interested in the Stewardship as his brother, Boromir had been. And now the King was returning. He would no longer be needed. And he was glad about it. He had seen his father falter under the pressure of the office. No, he had never wanted to end like him.
Finally the Captains of the West came into view. Aragorn was riding next to Legolas, of course, Éowyn thought. At long last she could feel nothing but happiness for them. They would have a difficult path to take from now on. But their love was strong enough to endure, she was sure of it. On Aragorn's other side rode Éomer, who had raised his hand to greet her at the first sight of his sister. Gandalf was also riding with them. There also were Gimli and Peregrin. And two other halflings, Frodo and Sam.
Before long they had reached those waiting for them and Éomer dismounted before any other. Quickly nodding towards Haldir he drew his sister into a tight embrace. "Sister dear, I missed you." Tears were welling from Éowyn's eyes, "Beloved brother. Éomer, King of the Riddermark. At last you return to me." The others had also dismounted and were welcomed by their friends. The four hobbits stood together, too moved to speak.
Suddenly Aragorn stood before Éowyn and took her face into his hands, softly kissing her forehead. She smiled at him, "When your time allows it, would you spare a half-hour for me?" The man inclined his head in consent. "Of course my Lady." Haldir's heart felt as if it would break into pieces soon. But for the time being he was able to brush these silly feelings aside. Finally Legolas greeted Éowyn, his fair elvish face gleaming with joy. "You look radiant my Lady," he whispered as he leaned down to his her hand. "Meldiramin ... you've been missed."
