This is a collaborative effort of a whole bunch of us - me, Elanor, Finrod, Gilrean, Holly, Lana, Nimbrethil, Witch King and Wizard. Other than the respective characters ie. me (Laurendil, Mas); Elanor (Elanor, Haldarin), Gilrean (Gilrean), Holly (Holly), Lana (Lena), Nimbrethil (Nimbrethil), Witch King (Beomir) and Wizard (Wizard), we do not own any of the other great Tolkien works. This was originally an RPG we played and have put together as a story. Hope you enjoy it.

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Éodan had been dreaming happy things when he felt tongues licking his cheek and he awoke gradually to the breath of Falas. Ellosse had laid down for a nap and Lossefalme was lying so as not to disturb Éodan. "Ayy you dogs! What do you need to bother me! I was having a nice dream too!"

In the shadows, Laurendil's eyebrows shot up in surprise … the voice was higher than before, though drowsy with sleep. She continued to stay in the shadows, listening to the exchange and wondering what "Éodan" would be revealing.

Éodan continued to play with his hounds, quietly laughing and joking, until he heard a voice from outside the stables echo: "The King Elessar is arriving! He will be here within the day! Elladan saw him!"

Another voice murmured in agreement, "Yes, and a grand escort is following. Holly said that they would be here in a few days time."

The first voice continued, "We must hurry to welcome him. And if Elladan's eyes is as sharp as ever, King Eomer will be with him, too!"

The voices faded away ... but Éodan had gasped. The King Eomer? So soon? But no one else?

"Aiyy Lossefalme!" Éodan cried in anguish, "Why must he come alone?"

Laurendil had already known about King Elessar coming, but not of King Eomer. She also let out a small gasp... but of delight. They would be here soon! She really should go, but just a little peek... she moved a drop closer so she had a clear view to the little party. The small movement started Lossefalme who sprang to her feet with Éodan at her side. On instinct, Éodan leaped up at the figure that he could only see barely in the shadows, his sword out. As he did so, the loosened helm slipped off and long, golden hair tumbled down out of it.

Laurendil was shocked at the sudden attack, but sidestepped easily. 'Éodan' or rather, the female human managed to stop right beside Laurendil, and quickly pointed her sword to the ground as a sign of peace. Her face was striken with horror, her fair hair flying about her face, "I am sorry my lady! I mistook you for someone else! "

"Who are you?" Laurendil asked the rider, studying her face intently.

But there was no time for an answer, for King Elessar had arrived. Sounds of excited cheer and the horn of Gondor echoed through the Quad, as people were chanting, "Long live King Elessar!" Laurendil and 'Éodan's' attention were diverted momentarily. Laurendil could see, however, that the arrival of King Elessar did not sit well with the young maiden.

"I will see you later," said Laurendil, looking at her intently.

She was bursting to know who this maiden was, but she had to greet Aragorn. Laurendil knew that the maiden could not be dangerous or a spy for she had arrived with the Rohirrim, and had a mearas. The mearas do not tolerate just anybody to ride them. A suspicion grew in Laurendil's mind … if she was not mistaken, other than Gandalf, only the royal family could ride the mearas. And King Eomer was among Aragorn's host … was that why the young maiden had been so worried? Laurendil pondered upon this as she exited the stables and headed towards the Quad.

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As Aragorn and his party entered the Quad, a strange feeling came over him. This had been his home so long ago, and where he also had the happiest memories of his life. It was also where the Fellowship began. Aragorn was accompanied by King Eomer, Samwise, Merry, and Pippin. Aragorn looked about him, taking in the sights when he thought he saw a rider in black withdraw into the shadows of the forest. Aragorn's eyes narrowed, wondering whether his mind was playing tricks on him as he was still haunted by the days of the past. He came to his senses and realized that that was in fact, the past, and nothing more. This was to be an occasion of joy. Even though some of the Fellowship were no longer with them.

As the host dismounted, Lady Laurendil and a great many others greeted them. They all bowed before Aragorn and Eomer before Legolas and Gimli came forward with a shout of joy and they embraced as old friends. They were quickly joined by Elladan and Elrohir, who clapped him on his back and laughed as they hugged, too. Laurendil stayed behind at first, content to watching them greet each other. There was a bond between the Fellowship that was as strong as mithril and the twins were, to all purposes, Aragorn's foster brothers since Aragorn had been brought up by Elrond. Ties which were made stronger when Aragorn married Arwen.

Aragorn saw Laurendil behind Elladan and Elrohir, and he came over to her. She curtsied, and said, "I am glad to see you, King Elessar!"

He smiled, bowing and kissing the back of her hand. "And I am glad to breathe the sweet air of Imladris agian." Aragorn answered, taking in the beauty of the secret valley. "And where is Holly? I sent her ahead to inform you that I would be delayed."

"I am here, my lord," came a timid voice from the crowd. A smile spread across Aragorn's face at the sight of the small girl, looking extremely uncomfortable and shy.

"Good to see you, Holly. Although, I did manage to complete my affairs much sooner than expected. And we're here much earlier than anticipated! Well, now that everyone has been accounted for, let's start the celebration, shall we?"

Their horses were lead away to the stables and they made their way to the House of Elrond for the great feast. Blending in with Aragorn's escort, was a man on a very familiar horse – it was the mysterious dark rider's horse. However, the rider was no longer clad in his dark cloak but his outfit was of Gondor royalty. He was standing talking with Faramir, and the two looked very similar in features. He did not, however, look much older than a boy, yet he carried with him a sword, bow, arrows, and a round shield as though he was a lord of Gondor.

Holly had hated being the center of attention, but the King had done that. She tried her best to blend in the crowd again. She was excited to see so many wonderful people, like Legolas and Gimli. She was not even a year old when the Ring had been destroyed but she'd heard the tale many times and it was exciting to see some of the hero's. She wondered where Éodan had gone... he seemed nice enough, although a little weird....

As soon as King Aragorn finished greeting his old friends, he turned around to find Lena standing next to him.

"Ah, Lena," he said with a smile, "I am pleased that you could come." He looked at her casual appearance and continued with a wink, "Although you are a bit … under dressed."

Lena grinned, hardly taking any offence. "Can't forget my roots! No life like scratchin' a livin off of noble's pockets."

Aragorn laughed heartily, and Lena continued, this time more seriously, "Is there a place where we could talk? I have some ... er... important information."

Aragorn raised an eyebrow, and looking about as he smiled at guests that were greeting him, "Now?" he asked.

"As soon as possible," Lena replied. Aragorn nodded to Lena, thinking hard and replying, "Right after I start the feast, we'll talk. We will not be disturbed then".

Lena nodded, and agreed. Right now, too many people wanted the attention of King Elessar. She watched as Aragorn left to join the others.

Everyone began to take their seats, with the Fellowship (and respective spouses) were at the main table. Laurendil and the twins were also at the main table, but Laurendil chose to sit at the end with King Eomer and Queen Lothiriel while the Elladan was beside Aragorn and Elrohir sat next to Arwen. The hobbits had arrived just before King Elessar did, and were happily chatting away. Rosie had not come as she had to make sure everything was fine at the Shire with Sam, the mayor being away - not to mention having to look after their numerous children!

"Speech! Speech!!" shouted Pippin, and his shouts were soon followed by the others.

With a slight smile, Aragorn complied. He stood up, his drink in his hand as he said, "My friends, old and new. It certainly has been a long time since we have met. Thank you to Lady Laurendil for all her work."

Everyone banged their table or shouts of "hear hear" were heard. Laurendil blushed. Elladan and Elrohir protested loudly, standing up and shouting, "What about us??! We helped, too!"

A voice boomed from somewhere else, "Yeah! Helping to eat!!"

Laughter rose all around, and Aragorn said with a twinkle in his eye, "Be as it may, we thank Lord Elladan and Lord Elrohir for allowing this reunion here at Imraldis. But come! This is not a time for long speeches but a time for feasting!"

And with that, he sat down. No one was complaining as everyone tucked in. Laurendil looked around as she ate, noting everyone and everything. Most of all, she was itching to find Éodan ... who had been a 'she' and not a 'he'! She had been unable to react to that before Aragorn came, and she had seen the fear and panic "Éodan's" eyes as she jumped at her. As Laurendil quickly side stepped her lunge, Éodan seem to have broken out of her trance and apologized, stammering an excuse that she had thought Laurendil was someone else - an excuse Laurendil didn't believe. "Éodan" had ran off the moment it was announced that King Elessar had arrived. Strange, strange indeed ...