Elessar and Evenstar Tie the Knot

By The Last Evenstar

Chapter Four: The Aftermath and Apology

Arwen stopped about fifty feet down the hall. As glistening tears ran down her cheeks, she tried to think of an excuse. She waited for Aragorn to come running after her, to tell her it was all a big mistake.

But no one came.

Legolas looked worriedly at the King, slumped down over the table in a corner. "How long has he been out?"

Elladen shrugged. "Men! They cannot hold their alcohol!"

Elrohir looked up, worried. "What about my sister? Someone has to tell her . . . I mean, she looked pretty upset!"

Gandalf began to give orders. "Legolas, you take Aragorn, put him down or something so he won't have such a massive hangover tomorrow. Elladen, Elrohir, go explain to your sister what happened. And Elrond, I'm sure he will not be pleased."

Faramir came rushing up, gulping down water as if his life depended on it. "Oh, I'm trying to think straight . . . Gandalf, Elrond had a heart attack or something, but don't worry, he's resting comfortably."

The twins gasped. "Is he all right? Does he need us?"

Gandalf shook his head. "He has many people to attend to him. Go find Arwen. Faramir, you get these strippers out of here, and tell Eomer I'll be wanting a word with him!"

Everyone rushed off to do as they were told. Gandalf sank into his chair and sighed. This was not turning into a promising affair.

Arwen made her way to her room, stumbling, half-blinded by tears. There must be some excuse! Aragorn would never sink that low! Still, no matter what, he had let these . . . these strippers continue their attendance. He hadn't done anything, he hadn't sent them out . . . but then again, why would he? They had been hired for HIS party.

She entered her room, fumbling around for a candle, when she saw that it was already occupied. "Aragorn?"

Her heart sank when she saw that it was only her brothers. "Oh. I suppose he sent you, did he?"

Elrohir wrinkled his nose. "Hardly. The King has been unconscious for most of the party."

Arwen sank onto he bed. "So he missed out on his lovely strippers, did he?"

The twins sat down beside her. Elladen spoke. "Oh, sister, it wasn't Estel who hired them! He was much appalled when they appeared."

Arwen looked up through tear-stained cheeks. 'Really? But he let them stay . . ."

Her brother grimaced. "Eomer hired them. None of us could fathom why, for the King of Rohan is usually a highly respectable man. Estel was looking to send them away, but things had gotten out of hand."

"He wanted nothing to do with them," Elrohir interjected. "We elves and Gandalf were all hiding in a corner."

Arwen sat up, sniffling. "Why is he unconscious?" She began to look worried. "Oh, what happened?"

Elrohir grimaced. "He was not enjoying the party. Sought to drink away his unhappiness, I suppose. Poor foolish Estel."

"How is he? Can I see him?"

Elladen shrugged. "Legolas took him to rest and be healed. We didn't want him unwell tomorrow morn."

"Of course." They sat in silence for a bit. Finally, Elladen spoke up:

"Is Ada all right, then?"

Arwen looked guilty. "I hope so."

A/N: Thanks to all my reviewers, few though they may number! Next installment promises to be longer, funnier, and fluffier. Will Elrond's attempts to stop the wedding be successful? What sabotage will Eowyn try next? And just what kind of trouble can Merry and Pippin get into when left unchecked in Minas Tirith?