Chapter 3 (Feb, 27 IV)
Two days later, Eomer looked up at the knock on the door of his study. Gamling put his head in at the king's summons and asked, "Are you ready for us, my lord? Everyone is gathered."
Eomer nodded and stood, moving around his desk. When all were seated in the chairs Gamling had brought in, Eomer sat down on the front of his desk with a sigh. Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, he looked up. Gamling was joined by his younger two sons, Denulf and Ethelstan, as well Elfwine and Theomund. "We have a problem," he announced, "and I have called you here to discuss how we will deal with it."
Quickly he outlined the events that had been taking place over the course of the previous months since the trothplighting of Freawine and Theodwyn. None commented since it was not news to any of them, except the last part about what Theodwyn had overheard in town. When Eomer finished, each bore a grim look of determination to end this.
"So, any thoughts?" Eomer asked.
Most of the initial suggestions, from Freawine's brothers, involved a great deal of pain and bodily harm for Haman, and anyone else who was identified as 'needing it'. While it was an appealing thought at the moment, Eomer didn't think the king could very well go around beating up his subjects, so he reluctantly dismissed those ideas.
Other ideas were put forth, but nothing anyone seemed too enthusiastic about as a solution to the problem. Then, hesitantly, Theomund cleared his throat. As the youngest in the room at just sixteen years, he wasn't sure anyone would give much credence to what he had to say, but he would risk it for Theodwyn.
Eomer cocked an eyebrow at him questioningly, and Theomund said, "I...there is a piece of land that you own, Father, over along the western wall. It has been sitting idle for many years...I just thought…perhaps it would serve as an appropriate dowry for Theodwyn, along with a cottage that the six of us could build there."
For a moment, no one seemed to grasp the full meaning of his words, but then Elfwine perceived his point. "Yes! That would be perfect, Father. To do such a thing, and announce it now, would make it clear to all that you support their betrothal completely, as do all of us, and that you fully intend for your daughter to marry Freawine, no matter what anyone says about it."
Gamling and his sons were looking a bit uncertain, as this gesture did not seem to directly involve them, but now that the king was nodding in approval, Theomund was emboldened to add, "Father...I...a while ago, I drew plans for building a cottage. We could use those, or you could use one of the city's builders to design it. Either way, if we do the physical labor part of it, it will show our endorsement."
Eomer still stood lost in thought, but then looked up at the other five. "A fine idea, I think. Are we agreed to do this?" The others readily nodded, appreciating such a tangible demonstration of their stance on this issue.
"Good!" Eomer said, moving around his desk. "Theomund, bring me your design. I will have a builder go over it and if it is sound, we will use it. You might get to work on a stable as well. While we are at it, we should build both. They each have a horse and I think I just might add a horse or two to Theodwyn's dowry...ones with good bloodlines for breeding. With a bit of initiative on Freawine's part, he can improve his circumstances that way without my direct involvement."
He paused, then looked closely at Gamling. "Are you agreed with this, my friend. I would not do anything to insult or offend you."
Gamling gave him an inscrutable smile. "I can hardly find fault with your generosity, my lord, and in truth I know that you would act similarly regardless of who your daughter was to wed. I take no offense, though I am pleased to be allowed to help."
Eomer grinned. "You and your sons may help more than you know. Likely they will have more time to work on the building than I will!"
At supper that evening, when Eomer made their plans known, Lothiriel and Dariel enthusiastically offered support. However, when supper ended, Lothiriel drew her daughter-in-law aside, and commented, "I do not think the men should have all the pleasure in their endeavor, do you?"
Dariel raised a questioning eyebrow. "What did you have in mind?"
Smiling smugly, the queen responded, "I am as displeased with the gossip about Theodwyn and Freawine as my husband is. I would like to make it clear that I support their union also. I do believe it is time to get to work on furnishings for this house that is to be built!"
Dariel grinned in return. "Yes, I would agree! Theodwyn is not much for sewing, so we can do the work on the wedding garments for them, make tapestries and embroider linens as well. And I believe Morwen would probably wish to assist us in this undertaking."
The two women smiled conspiratorially and began to make plans for the shopping they would need to do.
By the next day, the entire family was caught up in the scheme. It pleased Eomer greatly when later discussions with a builder in Edoras indicated that Theomund's design was not only sound, but extremely well done. The man had been astonished to learn it was drawn by someone so young as the king's son.
Once the design was approved, along with the additional plan Theomund had produced for the stables, the materials began to be purchased. The rainy spring weather meant they could not start work until late March, but at least the wheels had been set in motion and Eomer looked forward to putting their plan into action.
Just before the end of February, Eothain went to see Eomer privately. "I have found the replacement for the king's guard," he said quietly.
Eomer's eyes narrowed at his tone. "And?"
Eothain sighed. "I do not know if you will approve or not. It is...a tricky situation."
"Tricky how?"
"I give you my oath I make this decision based on merit and observation, and nothing else," Eothain began.
"Why would I question that? Who is this person you are so secretive about, Eothain?" Eomer asked, becoming a bit frustrated by his friend's vagueness.
"I would have...Freawine join us," Eothain stated firmly. "He is friends with and gets along well with all of the other men, he has proven himself dedicated and reliable, and Garod speaks most highly of him. His skill on horseback and with weaponry is impressive. I truly believe he is the best man for the position."
Understanding dawning, Eomer rubbed his chin and sighed. "You realize, of course, everyone will think I pressured you into making this choice?"
Eothain nodded. "That is part of what made the decision so difficult, but I will not punish a good soldier because of gossip. Freawine has earned this opportunity and he deserves due consideration. If I had not believed him the best choice, I would have selected someone else."
"Very well," Eomer said, rising. "I told you it was your decision and I will stand behind you on this." He paused, then grinned at his friend. "Oh, and my daughter would have me thank you profusely, I am sure! Be on your guard. When she learns of this you are apt to find her wrapped around your neck, smothering you with kisses!"
Eothain chuckled. "Not an unpleasant fate! Just so long as I do not have you doing likewise!"
xxxxx
Theodwyn had completed her time at Lissa's home, and surprisingly found it difficult to say goodbye. Even the boys, who had so often been troublesome, were sorry to see her go and she promised to visit them. When she had returned home, she had rather expected her parents to grill her on what she had learned, but nothing was said except to welcome her back. Not until a fortnight later did her mother put in appearance with intent to talk.
"You have had time to mull over all that you have experienced, dearest. What are your thoughts?" Lothiriel asked quietly.
Theodwyn considered carefully what to respond. She had indeed thought much about her time at Lissa's home, particularly in contrast to returning to Meduseld and the course of her life under her father's roof. However hard she had thought life was as the daughter of the king, there could now be no argument that the life she had always known was a life of relative ease and leisure.
Caring for a home and family was hard work, especially without the aid of servants, but there had also been a satisfaction as it became easier over time. She had discovered maternal instincts she had never thought she possessed, while caring for Lissa's children. She knew it had been hard for Lissa to sit back and allow her to comfort a child with a skinned knee or awoken in the night by a nightmare, to cuddle them until they slept and see to their every need. Lissa's children had become almost as dear to her as her own siblings, and she had felt extremely protective of them.
Further, she had seen Lissa welcoming her husband home after he had been gone with his eored for long weeks at a time, seen their love for one another and Lissa's complete lack of resentment at being left alone to fend for their family in his absence. When home, Faleth had helped with the children and the household tasks as he could, and Theodwyn had little doubt that Freawine would behave in a similar fashion.
All this and more she related to Lothiriel, and then concluded, "You were right, Mother. I had no idea how hard it would be, but it was also...rewarding. I liked the challenge of doing more than sitting around being waited on, and even as I lost sleep in the night or was tired at the end of the day, I was anxious to be so in my own home, tending my own family and hearth."
She looked cautiously at her mother for a reaction and was relieved by the warm smile she received. "I am very pleased to hear it, dearest. In some ways, this test was unfair, as it threw you into the hardest part of the work from the outset. Your life will likely unfold much more slowly with Freawine and you will ease into such difficulties, with more opportunity to prepare. But now you know within yourself that you are up to the challenge, and that is the most important thing." Lothiriel paused, then added, "I know there have been those who have questioned your skills and abilities as a wife and mother, but know this, Theodwyn. Neither your father nor I question them; and Freawine does not either. If ever you feel inadequate, know that the three of us are firmly behind you in your every endeavor. No one else matters."
Theodwyn flung herself into her mother's arms. Fighting back her tears, she whispered, "Thank you, Mama. For everything!"
xxxxx (March, 27 IV)(Theodwyn turns 19 in Nov)
March continued to be cold and rainy, but finally as the month began to wane, the weather cleared and spring finally seemed to have arrived. At last the building program could be undertaken. It was well known who owned the land where the building was taking place, and it did not take long for word to spread throughout the city as to its purpose. Still, lest any be in doubt, at the gathering for the spring festival, Eomer made it clear by announcing his intentions publicly. When he pointedly added, looking right at Haman, that it should put to rest comments by 'anyone' suggesting he disapproved of the match, he was pleased to note the expression of displeasure on Haman's face. And, even better, it was evident the boy's father knew at whom his remark was directed and looked none too pleased with his son. Not unexpectedly, no further derogatory rumors were attributed to Haman.
At the same feast, Frealaf was honored for his service in the king's guard, and it was announced that Freawine would join the company. Kialmar had taken Frealaf's place as Eothain's second in command, and Freawine would fill the vacancy he left. While there was some murmuring, the riders of the king's guard gave a loud cheer of support. Theodwyn was ecstactic at the news, though she admonished Freawine severely for not letting her know of it sooner. Freawine himself was rather stunned. He had not thought it would be given to him, considering the circumstances, though he knew the king and Eothain were longtime friends.
Not far into the evening, Eothain made a point of approaching the young man and making it clear where he stood. "You earned this position, Freawine. Do not think otherwise. And you will go right on earning it every day, as does every other man in the company. I do not play favorites, and King Eomer does not expect me to treat you differently than anyone else. Understood?"
Freawine nodded, with some measure of relief. "Thank you, Captain Eothain. I will not disappoint you!"
Eothain chuckled and cupped the man's head. "You had better not! I am sticking my neck out by even considering you. Do not prove my judgement to be flawed."
As an added show of endorsement, the riders of the king's guard turned up in shifts to help with the building of the cottage, leaving enough on hand should the king or his family unexpectedly need an escort. With the extra hands, the home quickly took shape.
Freawine was overwhelmed at all that his friends and family were doing for him. Whatever pains he had suffered by Haman's mean-spirited comments was more than compensated for by this outpouring of concern and goodwill. The effect on Theodwyn was similar. It was obvious that none of the workers had any objection to her marrying Freawine and she was assured her family believed she was capable of being a good wife.
By mid-May, the house was mostly done and the stable was progressing nicely. Freawine had taken up residence in the home and was spending his free time working on the interior. Like his father, he enjoyed working in wood, and the two of them sculpted the interior in various ways to decorate it and make it feel more homey. With the house and stable frame in place, he and his brothers planned out the use of the rest of the land. Theodwyn and her mother put in a small garden for vegetables, while Dariel worked with Eadnes, Gamling's wife, and several other wives of the riders who turned up, to help plant flowers.
At the beginning of July, all the construction was complete and the cottage stood ready. Eadnes had been pleased to be invited to help Lothiriel and Dariel in their work on furnishings, and she had focused on sewing many of the linens and wedding clothing since they had more skill than she did in working tapestries. Morwen had been thrilled to be included and get to work alongside the older women. She took great pains to do her best work. Miren also joined them when she could and often brought other wives along. The outfitting of Freawine and Theodwyn's household had become almost a community affair, and it knit the participants closer together than ever before.
If some of the nobles cast disapproving eyes on the frequent socializing between the king's family and this lower class, they wisely kept their thoughts to themselves. The king's view on the matter had been made plain and no one dared raise a voice of objection if they wished to continue in his good favor.
When the harvest festival was upon them, the many helpers had extra reason to celebrate, and Freawine and Theodwyn looked forward to thanking so many who had labored in their behalf. They had asked Eomer to voice their gratitude in his speech, and he had agreed to it, with a glint of mischief in his eyes that both overlooked.
Eomer rose to open the festivities and the crowd fell silent. First he spoke of the bountiful harvest they had been blessed with and thanked all who had made such possible, then he encouraged them to relax and enjoy themselves. Before he concluded, he added, "The past year and half have been eventful, and much has been said and done with regard to the betrothal of Freawine to my daughter Theodwyn. They are very appreciative of all who have stood by them and materially aided them in preparing for their union, and wished me to tell you so. Equally grateful are the rest of their families. I have seen much growth in my daughter over these long months, and I believe she is now ready to wed. My wife and I are happy to announce that, following Theodwyn's passing into her nineteenth year in November, her wedding to Freawine will take place. We hope you will all turn out then to help us celebrate their union. But for now, let the festival begin!"
Theodwyn stood stunned at her father's words, completely caught off-guard. A glance at Freawine told her he'd had no inkling of this announcement either. Weeping in gladness, she slipped her arms around his waist and he held her close, beaming with joy. Yes, the past few months had been long and wearisome, but at this moment all that was forgotten. Theodwyn had caught up to him. Soon she would be his wife.
THE END
8/16/05 – 1/2/06
A/N: In Chapter 1, the trothplighting is a paraphrasing of what Tolkien wrote for Eowyn and Faramir, altered to suit this situation. Some is word for word, with tiny additions/changes as needed.
Research on Medieval times indicates that they usually ate three meals: a light breakfast, a midday meal called dinner and an evening meal called supper. Not all of my stories accurately distinguish between dinner and supper, and eventually I may go back and fix that, but going forward I will try to be consistent.
Regarding the land and house that were gifted to Freawine and Theodwyn: the basis of this comes from the dowry, a common practice in medieval times, though it varied in different countries and at different times. The basic concept was that a "gift" (money, valuables, land, etc.) was given by the bride's family to the groom, primarily to enable the couple to set up a household. It also tied into the daughter's portion of inheritance from her father - received at marriage rather than upon his death. It helped to ensure that the daughter was properly cared for, and the "gift" was usually inherited by any children resulting from the marriage (it never really belonged to the groom). So, in that sense, nothing Eomer is doing is all that unreasonable or excessively generous.
I hope you all realize I spend almost as much time trying to keep timelines, characters, ages, etc., etc., etc. all straight in my sub-universe of Tolkien's world, as I do actually writing stories! I had no idea how complicated this was all going to get when I started the Elfwine Chronicles!
Family groups/ages for reference (in year 25 of IV age, at beginning of story):
Eomer 54, Lothiriel 46, Elfwine 24, Theodwyn 17 (turns 18 in Nov that year), Theomund 15, Morwen 11, Theodred 2
Gamling 56, Eadnes 54, Freawine 25, Denulf 23, Ethelstan 19
Faleth 33, Lissa 33, Theor 10, Dreng 7, Fegennes 3, Beorn 5 mos.
Kialmar 45, Miren 43
Eothain 53
End note: It is not essential that you read the Elfwine Chronicles in the order they were written, but there is an advantage to doing so. The more of them that I wrote, the more likely I was to make reference to one of the previous ones and something that happened there. If you want to read them in order, go to the top of this page and click on my name (Deandra). That will take you to my profile page. Scroll down and you will find all the stories I have written. The Elfwine Chronicles are in order from bottom to top since ffn shows them in the order they were posted. A few were posted out of number order (#15 came after #17, I think), but you can read them in posting order or number order since those few won't be affected in the story content.