Elessar and Evenstar Tie the Knot

By The Last Evenstar

A/N: This is the last chapter. I know, I know, it ends so abruptly. But to tell you the truth, one fic is all I can handle right now. So check out "A Very Gondor Christmas", IF I ever get around to updating it (I will try or perish in the attempt), and take some custard, will you, because we've got WAY too much here. It would be wonderful if you'd review. Help to ease the pain, you know?

Chapter Eleven: The Clock Strikes Twelve

It was an evening of fun and festivity, love and levity. Arwen was dizzy with giddiness after only one drink. I'm drunk on love, she though, giggling. This is the most magical evening of my life.

Lush and delicious courses came again and again, but Arwen couldn't help notice that each meal was very light on tomatoes, and that Pippin's shirt was stained a suspicious red. There was more custard than anyone could eat, despite the fact that a substantial amount had found a home on her dress. Nearing late evening, the banquet was finished and everyone stopped to adjust their belts by several notches – Gimli required a new one. Arwen sighed with contentment and leaned her head on Aragorn's shoulder. He stroked her hair absently while listening intently to Faramir talk about Gondorian defense tactics.

"When Boromir and I were boys, we had a miniature catapult on the outer wall that was perfect for hurling water balloons. The peasant boys couldn't even get theirs across the road! But Father took it away when we accidentally soaked the Captain of Defense that one time . . ."

Arwen noticed Eowyn, watching Faramir intently and hanging on to his every word. She's smitten, Arwen realized, but I don't think she knows it. She gave the blonde girl a warm smile. Eowyn glanced briefly at her and grinned, miming throwing a water balloon at Faramir.

Aragorn interrupted the Steward with a wave of his hand. "That's nothing. Once when I was twelve, Elladen and Elrohir and I were having a snowball fight, and along wanders Glorfindel . . ."

Legolas and Gimli conversed glumly at the other end of the table. "Legolas, tell me what she's doing."

"What?"

"Well, I can't look myself! It would be too obvious!"

"Oh, Gimli, you twit, she reads minds! It's been obvious to her a long time!"

Gimli's face fell. "Then you don't think I have a chance?"

"Considering she's in the corner snogging Celeborn, then no."

Gimli whipped around frantically, only to see Galadriel talking animatedly with Pippin and Beregond.

"Made you look."

The dwarf slumped down in despair. "Oh, woe is me that I have fallen for an elf, and a married one at that."

"You just need a change of scenery. Go to those Caves you're always blathering on about."

Gimli surveyed the elf critically. "Only if you come with me."

"Ah, so now I'm your Galadriel substitute?"

"Nonsense. Her hair is much wavier than yours."

"Not when I don't blow-dry."

"How on earth could you have found the time to blow-dry when we were on a QUEST?"

"I can do it in my sleep."

"Hmph! Elves!"

Sam raced around the corner, gasping for breath. He spotted Frodo heading his way and let out a great sigh of relief. "Oh, Mr. Frodo!"

Frodo looked confused as he walked back into the banquet hall. "What is it, Sam?"

"Oh, Mr. Frodo, I thought I'd lost you!" He suddenly got very serious. "Don't you EVER do that to me again!"

Frodo sat down at their table and considered his next phrase. "Sam, I think you have a problem."

"What?"

"Look, Sam, I know Gandalf told you not to 'lose me', but that's over. The command is void now! We destroyed the Ring, and you didn't lose me. Do you think it would be possible to lighten up a bit now?"

Tears stung the gardener's eyes. "What are saying, Mr. Frodo? You want me to go away?"

"I told you, back at Amon Hen –"

"BUT I'M YOUR SAM!" His voice softened. "Don't you know your Sam, Mr. Frodo? I'm not just your friend, I'm your BODYGUARD/GARDENER/SIDEKICK/BEST-EVER FRIEND!"

Frodo sighed. "Oh, Sam, don't you think I know that? I just . . . need a little space once in a while."

Sam stared suspiciously. "How often?"

"Do you . . . do you think that just once a week, I could have an hour to myself? You could do something with Rose, or –"

"Mr. Frodo, that's fine," Sam cut in. "If it means that much to you –"

"Oh, Sam!" Frodo began to cry and enveloped his friend in a bear hug.

Across the room, Eomer watched them, shocked. "If anyone has problems, it's those two for sure."

Merry smacked him lightly. "Oh, shut up. They're happy."

Eowyn glanced at the sky. It was nearing midnight, and she had to get this over with. "Faramir –"

"Shhhh," he interrupted, and slipped his arm around her shoulders. It was warm and comforting and, against her will, she drew closer to him. "Look at the stars, Lady. Isn't it a beautiful night?"

She shifted nervously. "I suppose . . ."

"Eowyn." Faramir's voice rang out clearly, but she recognized a great uncertainty. "Eowyn, you said in the House of Healing that you would be my wife. I – I wish . . . well . . . I wish I was certain you were sincere. I know you were up to something this morning, and I'm not going to delve any further into the matter. But I'm asking you here; now –" he paused for breath, "Will you marry me on Sunday?"

Eowyn bit her lip to keep from crying out. I wish I could, Faramir! But it wouldn't be right . . .

Or . . .

As she looked into his eyes, the wheels in her mind started to turn. Why shouldn't it be all right? Why can't I? I just can't break it off . . . I love his company so much, and his humor, and his touch . . .

I think I'm in love with Faramir.

Eowyn gasped at her realization. Faramir mistook it and turned away sadly. "I knew you weren't sure."

"No!" Her own voice sounded strange to her ears. "No, Faramir, I will! I do! I love you!"

As Aragorn led her onto the floor for the last dance of the night, Arwen was overwhelmed with the magic and happiness of the night. I'm married. I'm actually married. All my dreams have come true.

She saw Eowyn dancing with Faramir. So they found each other. She turned to the Rohirric shieldmaiden with a smile. "You're next."

Eowyn grinned. "Are you kidding? After everything you went through? We're eloping!"

And they all lived happily ever after . . . until the next morning.

Fin

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