Disclaimer: Ok, you know the drill, hands on the wall...wait...that's not right...Oh yeah, still don't own anything LOTR (though after that last chapter, maybe I do....................not!)

A final, short little wrap up chapter. Thanks for sticking with me!

-Hehehe-

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Chapter 14

It had been two weeks since Alina had left Minas Tirith with Eowyn and the wounded Rohirrim, leaving Eomer and the rest of their forces to aid Lord Aragorn in what was hoped to be a productive "diversion" to allow the two small hobbits that were within Mordor's mountain walls a chance to destroy the ring of power.

Four days ago, a rider had come to Edoras bearing news that the Dark Lord had been defeated once and for all, and the ring of power was gone. Alina was disturbed by the fact that when she had asked about Eomer's welfare, the boy didn't seem to know anything. He was alive, her vision that same night had told her that, but she didn't know what his condition was. Her mind went back to that night, when he had come into her room at Minas Tirith.

"Wait, Eomer..." Alina groaned, pushing herself up so that she was looking in to his face again, supporting herself with her right arm against his chest. His need pressed against her even more as she sat up, still straddling his waist. She fought the urge to move against him. His blue eyes had darkened with his pleasure, now a deep midnight blue as he looked up at her in mock agony. "What's wrong?" he asked, flashing a boyish grin at her that told her that she'd better get to the point fast before he gave in to the thoughts in his head. To prove his point, he moved his hips beneath her slightly, and her eyes flew open wide.

"Eomer, I can't..."she hesitated, thinking that she was going to sound much too naïve if she finished her sentence, but it couldn't be helped. Seeing her frustration, Eomer laughed, pushing himself to a sitting position, keeping her right where she was.

"I know exactly what you're going to say." He kissed her chastely on the mouth, taking her with him as he stood up, and placed her on her feet. "You'd better make yourself presentable – as it were!" he chuckled, going to the door. He ran a hand through his mussed up hair in a feeble attempt to straighten it.

"What are you..."

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting, please come in." Eomer was saying as he opened the door. Alina gasped, completely not expecting what happened next. A priest came through the door, and gave Eomer a scolding look as he observed their combined state. Feeling a little ashamed at her current degree of undress, Alina grabbed for the housecoat that was on the chair next to her, pulling it on over her nightdress. It didn't do much, as it had an open front and was more like an elongated vest, but it would do.

Tears formed in Alina's eyes as Eomer shut the door with an amused chuckle and walked toward her, a smile on his lips. A few found their way to her cheeks as he knelt before her, taking her hands in his.

..........

They had been married in secret that night, and as Alina had told Eowyn, it wasn't quite like what her friend thought had happened. Eomer had decided, much against his inner urges, to not consummate their marriage that night for fear of aggravating Alina's wounds, including the wound on her side that was not completely healed. Instead, he taught her other ways of lovemaking, bringing her to the point of release more than once. She in turn had eagerly learned other ways of pleasuring him, and matched his vigor with her own.

Now, she paced the floor of the main hall, her anticipation boiling over just short of her readying her horse and riding for the White City. Alina had been bursting to tell Eowyn of their union, and on more than one occasion had almost forgotten herself and nearly referred to Eowyn as 'sister'. She wanted to wait until Eomer was there, until they would announce it to everyone and hold a formal reception.

Later in the day, a new rider came to her and Eowyn, bearing news from Eomer that he was fine and aiding Aragorn with some of the restoration of Minas Tirith. He was expecting to be back within a week, and then they would all be back to Gondor for the crowning of the King Elessar after spring's first thaw. Alina took the boy aside, and gave him a message to take back to Eomer. The boy also had a separate message for her, and left after handing her the paper.

Alina took it back to her room and sat on her bed to read it. She devoured every word, written in his hand:

"My love, I am sorry to be away from you for so long. I am very much looking forward to completely fulfilling our vows, in every sense of the word." She laughed a little, a fire lighting inside her lower abdomen at the thought, "My heart will not be full until I hold you again. Yours Always, Eomer."

She sighed and placed the message in the drawer next to the bed.

A week later, Alina pulled the message out, as she had done so every day for the last seven, reading and re-reading the note. 'How much longer must I wait?' she thought. Her eyes flew to the window as she heard the ringing of trumpets, heralding the arrival of a party of travelers. She ran to the window, peering out. One, two, three, four... four lead the group, the pack in the rear was the remnants of the Rohirrim who had stayed in Minas Tirith.

Alina ran through the halls, out the doors and down the stairs as the crowd that had gathered made way for her to the group, who were just now dismounting. Eomer had barely gotten more than two steps from his horse when Alina reached him, and he caught her up in his arms, her skirts – skirts? – swirling around them as they kissed. Applause and cheers rose up from the crowded streets, and Eowyn made her way in front of them, waiting.

Their enthusiasm at finally being together again was almost too much; Aragorn and Gimli clearing their throats loudly at the same time brought them back to reality. Blushing, Alina pulled away, being set back on her feet by Eomer, who then turned to greet his sister with a giant bear hug. Alina greeted Aragorn, Gimli, and finally Legolas before Eomer grabbed her hand, leading her up the stairs. At the top step, Eomer turned, stopping the procession that was following them up to the hall. Eowyn and the others stopped, just a few steps down, curious.

Eomer nodded to Alina, who was looking at him, silently asking if this was the proper time.

"My friends," Eomer began, addressing the large group before him, making sure his voice was loud enough to be heard by all, "It is my great pleasure to finally be able to announce that I have chosen a bride." A cheer rose up again, but Eomer silenced it with a raised hand, "I would also like to announce that though we have already been wed..."a murmur went through the villagers, and Aragorn, Eowyn, Legolas and Gimli all looked at them perplexed, "We will be having a formal ceremony and reception in two days' time here in the Golden Hall." Another cheer, louder than before, echoed through the valley.

A couple months later, the new King and Queen of Rohan were standing in the gathered masses of Gondor, atop the great city of Minas Tirith for the coronation of the new high king. During the celebration afterwards, a familiar person approached Alina.

"Suilannad, Elarinya." 20

"Gwanur uinin adar."21 Alina responded, bowing her head slightly in respect.

"Geren pannod ile mandah."22 Lord Elrond said gently, his eyes going to her abdomen, a small smile crossing his face.

Alina was stunned. She hadn't told anyone other than Eomer that she was pregnant, and she wasn't even showing yet. "Nin mandah?"23 Her hand went to where he had looked.

"Innan edonnale hen ai ionnath innan garo bronadui aranarth uin ardhon abonnen an annan teli." He said. Alina's eyes widened in surprise as he finished with, "Si telin iidhrinneth hall uin abonnen."24

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Translations: 20 – "Greetings, Elarinya." 21 – "Uncle"; literally "Brother of my father" 22 – "You have filled your destiny." 23 – "My destiny?" 24 – "You will beget a child whose descendants will have an enduring kingdom in the world of men for a long time to come. Now have come the exalted years of men."

Fin.

Please feel free to let me know what you thought! Constructive criticism is allowed, but flames are not! Thanks for reading!