To Sabrina Boreanz: Yup, Faramir and Lothíriel are cousins, but Elfwine's still Faramir's nephew because Éomer and Éowyn are siblings. Therefore, Éowyn is really Elfwine's aunt, which also makes Faramir Elfwine's uncle. Thus, Elfwine = Faramir's nephew? Hehehe… complicated, but we Chinese have even weirder relations so I guess I'm getting rather experienced at thinking this through!

Chapter 34 : Elfwine's First Wedding

"Stop tugging your veil!" Éowyn chided. "There's nothing wrong with it, Maura."

Lothíriel smiled. She could still remember so vividly her own wedding day. It was hard to believe that seven years had passed so quickly. "Don't worry, Maura. Trust us, everything is fine. You'll only drive yourself crazy adjusting everything, and looking for something wrong," she said gently. "It's the same for every woman's wedding. I've been through it too."

Maura smiled nervously. "Really?"

"Of course. We've both been through it," Éowyn said with a smile. "I don't know where Arwen is right now, but if she's here, she would tell you the same."

"I saw her talking with Legolas just now," Lothíriel said. "She said that she would be coming as soon as possible."

"The Queen!" Maura started. "The Queen is coming here?"

Lothíriel laughed. "Yes, Arwen is coming here," she said. "She helped me get ready for my wedding, and I don't see why yours would be any different. She enjoys it."

"Yes, I do." The door closed behind Arwen gently, and she came forward to hug Lothíriel, then Éowyn. "It's so good to see the both of you again! Especially at such a familiar occasion."

"Queen Arwen," Maura stood up awkwardly, trying not to step on her dress.

"There's no need to be so formal, Maura," Arwen said warmly. "It's your wedding day. You are the most important woman present today. Besides, you'll be a princess of Dol Amroth soon. Call me Arwen, please."

Maura nodded dumbly. This was her very first time actually meeting her Queen, and to be greeted with so much familiarity was a little stunning. Lothíriel grinned. "Come, sit down, Maura, or are you going to be standing that way with your knees half-bent the whole time?"

Elfwine and Elboron sat on the bed in Elphir's room, watching as their fathers tried to calm him down.

"Now, nothing is going to go wrong," Faramir was saying.

"You know your vows, and you've had your speech to the people planned. Nothing can go wrong," Éomer added reassuringly. This reminded him very much of his own wedding day.

"But… but…"

"We'll have none of that," Faramir said firmly. "Don't you drive yourself crazy worrying."

"But…"

"Father, if Uncle Elphir gets frightened, Elfwine and I could always do something to distract everyone," Elboron volunteered.

Faramir smiled fondly at his little son. "That won't be necessary, Elboron," he said. "Elphir will be just fine."

Éomer nodded. "This, boys, is the most nerve-wracking moment of a man's life," he said, coming to sit on the bed next to Elfwine.

"Even more frightening than facing a thousand Orcs?" Elboron asked, wide-eyed.

Elphir swallowed. "I'm not sure about that, but it definitely seems more difficult."

"I suppose it must be," Elfwine said wisely. "Girls are very frightening. They cry a lot."

Knowing that his son was being very serious, Éomer tried to keep himself from doubling over with laughter. See the redness that came over Faramir's face, he suspected that Faramir was having the same trouble. Elphir was too busy trying to adjust his tunic to have noticed. Finally, when he had gained more control over himself, Éomer ruffled Elfwine's hair and said to the boys, "Have you ever seen your mothers crying?"

Elfwine shook his head. "I've never seen Mother cry, but Mother is different!"

"Oh? How so?" Faramir asked, amused.

"Our mothers are different from other girls," Elboron said with pride. "They're better!"

"They certainly are special," Éomer agreed. "Wouldn't you say so, Faramir?"

"Of course."

Imrahil sat in his study, alone. His head was buried in his hands as he thought of what was to come. Elphir would be married today. His eldest son and heir. Just like at Lothíriel's wedding, Imrahil was having some semblance of the jitters, and mixed feelings. There was first and foremost happiness for his son at having been able to find love. Then there was worry that there would be unthinkable problems during the wedding. Then there was a strange sort of sadness, thinking on how his children had all grown up so quickly he had barely noticed.

Once more, his thoughts drifted to memories of his late wife. If only she could see her children now, she would be so proud of them. A nostalgic smile came over his face as he thought of his precious children, on the days they were born. They had been so small, so fragile, cradled in his arms. And now they were all grown, and strong, and Lothíriel even had her own five-year-old son.

It was true what people said; time was the most mysterious illusion. It crept up behind you, and all in an instant made you realise the changes that seemed so sudden.

He stood up, adjusting his belt. It was time for him to gain a daughter-in-law.

Elfwine stood in the front between his parents. On his best behaviour, he watched quietly as his uncle said his vows, followed by Maura saying hers. He didn't understand what the vows really meant; he would have to ask his parents later. He made a little face as Elphir and Maura shared their first kiss as husband and wife, but applauded along with the rest of the people present. After all, everyone seemed happy, and there was to be a celebration.