HELP! Does anyone know in what part of Rohan farming was predominant? I've found farming mentioned but not any place it was particularly predominant. If anyone knows, please contact me.

A/N: Quite some time ago I had asked readers for "mischievous boy" ideas to use for the "twins" and got a couple of suggestions. Eric sent along the two that are incorporated here. I didn't think I could make anything longer of them, since it was tricky to do much with them considering the constraints of these being royalty and they would have to get up to mischief within the walls of Edoras (given the security I've already belabored in various of the Chronicles surrounding the royal family). Still, they were good ideas, and I wanted to use them in some way, so thanks, Eric! Now if I can just get you to be more specific about armor so I can do more with that…

Also, someone commented on Eomer and Lothiriel's age in their review. In this story Eomer would be 74 and Lothiriel is 66. As frame of reference, at the Battle of Pelennor Fields, Theoden was 71 and Imrahil was 64. It seems quite common for both those of Rohan and Dol Amroth to live to a very healthy 90s. There is more hard evidence for the latter, as many in Lothiriel's family were in their 90s when they died. Eomer was 92, and one of the few natural deaths in Rohan that we have to go on.

The line for the "I Love Theomund" Fan Club forms to the right. He seems to have become quite popular! Hope Fele doesn't get jealous.

Home

Chapter 2

In the aftermath of the wedding, the guests began to trickle out of Edoras, anxious to return to their homes before bad weather was upon them, and life at Meduseld resumed some semblance of normalcy.

As they began to settle in, Theodred recommenced his work interviewing townspeople, which left Esgalmir with more free time on her hands. After having worked for virtually her entire life, albeit without a choice in doing so, it felt strange to be a lady of leisure now. With winter drawing near, she could not miss the hustle and bustle of Meduseld, and Theodred had mentioned how it was common in Rohan for all to pitch in to get the work done.

She wrestled with the matter for two days and finally determined to broach the subject with the queen. After dinner one day, when only she, Lothiriel and Dariel had been in attendance, she lingered when Dariel excused herself. Before Lothiriel could leave the table, Esgalmir cleared her throat and ventured, "My lady, I wonder if I might have a word with you?"

Lothiriel's eyes lifted to chastizingly gaze upon the woman next to her, saying gently, "Esgalmir, please, call me Lothiriel. You need not be so formal unless we are in public. I already think of you as my daughter."

Esgalmir swallowed hard, still finding it difficult, even after all this time, to comprehend the love and acceptance she had found among Theodred's family and friends. No one she had met here had been anything less than kind to her, far different than the way she had been treated even in her brother's home. Taking a steadying breath, she smiled gratefully in response and nodded, "Thank you. I will try to remember. It is difficult to become accustomed to such informality."

The queen's hand reached out and stroked her cheek lovingly. "Then we will persist until it is second nature to you! Now, what did you wish to speak with me about?"

"I...I would wish for an occupation. I want to contribute in some fashion. I have been used to working all my life and I know that there is much to be done here. Theodred has told me that everyone contributes here, and I would like to do my part."

Lothiriel eyed her carefully, then said, "You do understand that we do not expect you to earn your keep?"

"Yes. I know it is not like it was in Gondor. Please do not think I consider you anything like my brother. But all of you contribute, and as part of the family, I wish to do so also."

A smile slid over the queen's face and she nodded in approval. "Very well, then I would ask you to observe."

Esgalmir's brow knit perplexedly. "Observe? How is that helpful, if I may ask?"

"It may not seem so at first, but you have little experience outside of Gondor, and I am certain you have already seen how different Rohan is. I want you to spend time carefully observing the fabric of Rohan's society. Come to understand how the people interact – the various classes between each other and between themselves, families, men and women, lords and servants. All of it. Come to understand the hierarchy of servants within the royal household, and what we as royals are allowed to do and not do within that structure. It is a bit more complicated than it might first appear, though certainly far simpler than the complex drama of Gondor, I assure you! Then once you have a better understanding of it, you will better know how you might be able to contribute to it, and what your talents and skills can offer. We have bakers and seamstresses, but still our abilities in cooking and sewing can be useful. And there are other things as well. Watch and learn, and then we will find you occupations to fill your time."

Esgalmir nodded slowly, considering all this. She had not thought it such a complicated request, but now she could see that perhaps there was a great deal more involved than she had taken into account.

And so she did as instructed and observed, taking notes for herself. Lothiriel was right. There was much more going on than was initially noticed. Durucwen ran a tight household and everyone answered to her. Even the queen answered to her in what was done here, and it made sense that it was best to have one person in charge of everything. Lothiriel obviously knew how and when to delegate authority, and knew to whom it could safely be delegated. Durucwen was more than efficient in what she did.

The more Esgalmir interacted with the household, the more she overheard snatches of comments or remarks made about Theodred by those who clearly had known him many years, if not his entire life. It gave her pause in wondering what he had been like growing up.

Ever since the wedding, the entire family had taken to gathering for supper once a week at Meduseld so they could all spend time together, feeling they were not seeing enough of each other. The newlyweds assured them they would eventually join these gatherings, but as yet they still preferred being alone together as much as possible, and considering how difficult private time was in such a busy place as Meduseld, no one begrudged them the time they shared.

During one of these meals, Esgalmir decided to do some interviewing of her own. Looking curiously around at the family members, she asked, "I know that Theodred and Arawine were close in age and played together, so much that they were called twins, but what was Theodred like as a boy?"

Elfwine shook his head and laughed, "Mischievous! Had it not been for my dear, little brother, I would certainly have had a much easier time raising my eldest son!"

The entire family chuckled in agreement, while Esgalmir eyed her betrothed in amusement as he flushed red in embarrassment. "I was not that bad!" he insisted.

"Not that bad?" Theomund asked. "Not at first, perhaps. Early on, we thought it was going to be Arawine that would be the troublesome one, and you would be the follower, but all too soon, you took over the lead in the mischief. It was you that came up with most of the brilliant ideas that got the two of you into trouble, and it was definitely you that had the fixation with wood!"

"Wood?" Esgalmir queried, looking perplexed.

"Wood!" Theodwyn reiterated. "You have seen the stream that comes out of the spring, at the bottom of the terrace of Meduseld?" Esgalmir nodded. "That runs down through Edoras to the town gate, alongside the road, but it passes several homes on the way. Naturally, shrubbery and flowers spring up along its course during the spring months and can become quite thick. Our dear Theodred masterminded the notion that it would be fun to build dams at various points along its length, and of course enlisted Arawine to help him. They managed to pilfer bits of wood from somewhere and set about their task late in the day, just as evening was coming upon us. They stayed out of sight in the shrubs so as not to be noticed. When it became too dark to work further, they called it a day and went off home, to come back the next day for more fun. What they returned to, instead, was irate homeowners with flooded, muddy yards where their efforts had diverted sufficient water to make a right mess of flower beds, gardens, and even seeped under doors in some cases. The culprits were soon identified when they blithely strolled onto the scene of the crime and were sorely dealt with!"

The family laughed heartily, as Theodred fidgeted in his seat. Finally, he defended, "We were but nine years of age and did not realize the consequences of what we were doing! And we cleaned up the mess we made!"

"But thus did not end his fixation with wood, however!" Theomund observed.

Esgalmir quirked an eyebrow at Theodred, and he grinned sheepishly at her, well able to guess what else was coming.

Theomund continued, "Not many months after that, the two of them found more wood – we still do not know for sure where – and decided to build a house in a tree. Unfortunately, their desire outmatched their skill and knowledge of such an undertaking, and the two did not have enough sense to ask for help of those who might have been wiser. They chose a tree whose branches were not strong enough for such an endeavor, and the bits of wood were cast-offs, as were the nails. Though they put great effort into their building, in the end, when they put much weight on their creation, it gave way under them and they tumbled to the ground, breaking Arawine's arm. Then the two fools thought they could hide a broken arm so that they would not get into trouble!"

Esgalmir gasped in horror at this, and Theodred covered his face with his hands. The woman would surely change her mind about marrying him now that she had learned he was completely mad! But she reached for his hand, and squeezed it reassuringly, giving him a loving smile as Lothiriel concluded, "They actually did very well at concealing it until supper, but Theodred bumped into Arawine's arm, which caused him to howl in pain, and they both burst into tears. We were very careful after that to keep the two of them well away from stray bits of wood!" She smiled fondly at her youngest, and he grinned in return.

As the family turned their attention to tales of other assorted disasters they had known amongst them, Theodred eyed Esgalmir. For just an instant, he was inclined to ask her about her childhood, eager to hear stories of her youth, but something in her eyes as she watched his siblings interact told him to keep silent. Hers had not been the happy life he had known. Perhaps one day she would share stories with him, but he would not press her to do so. It was enough that he had her, and they would make their own happy memories together.

xx

Theodred was to discover that between his own interviewing of family members and now Esgalmir's questions about his childhood, he was about to endure a great deal of embarrassment. His family suddenly began to remember every ridiculous or foolish thing he had ever done, and apparently delighted in sharing it with his betrothed. Theomund and Theodwyn especially thought this was great fun, perhaps seeking some retribution for all the trouble he had caused them when he was younger. At least, as a man, Theomund showed some decorum and held back some of the worst tales to let him save a little face. Theodwyn was not so generous.

When he was a boy, he unfortunately had enjoyed teasing his sisters. Admittedly, he preferred tormenting Morwen since she was a safer target, but there had been things he could bring up at just the wrong time to annoy Theodwyn also. Clearly she had not forgotten a single instance of his indiscretions on her behalf, and fully intended to see that each and every one of them was repaid in kind!

One afternoon, as he returned from interviews in town, he found his sister in the family dining chamber with Esgalmir. When he entered, Theodwyn rose and moved toward the door, grinning wickedly at her brother as she passed him. "Since you are so eager to have us all share our stories, I have just been passing along some tales to Esgalmir. I thought she might be particularly interested in stories regarding our family, and your early years."

Her eyes twinkled and Theodred's narrowed suspiciously. "Indeed? What sorts of stories have you been sharing with my betrothed, if I may ask?" He was rather dreading the response. He knew Theodwyn too well. She was clearly up to no good.

With an innocent quirk of her eyebrows, she smiled and sweetly replied, "Why just tales about you and Arawine as you were growing up…and all the fun times you shared with Morwen!" With a snicker, Theodwyn ducked quickly past him and out the door, before he could move against her.

Esgalmir was fighting to contain her own laughter, and Theodred collapsed against the door frame with a groan, closing his eyes in mortification.

Morwen had been the bane of his and Arawine's existence for several years, until the two of them had gotten big enough to defend themselves against her assaults on their dignity.

Nurse had found Morwen's behavior to be 'cute', and even encouraged it, so the boys got no help there as they were made to endure wearing every manner of clothing Morwen could procure, suffer treatment of all the ailments she concluded had seized them, and were tortured with endless activities of her devising, usually tea parties where they were meant to sit and 'act properly'.

Eventually, they had grown too big for her to force her will upon them, and no amount of pouting and complaining would induce them to play with her after that. Their mothers had been aware of their less-than-enthusiastic participation prior to this, and felt they had endured long enough not to be made to continue now that they were older. Morwen had no choice but to make new friends and find other pursuits to occupy her time.

His eyes still closed, Theodred mumbled, "I suppose it is too late to insist you stay away from my family and not speak to them ever again?"

Esgalmir could no longer restrain her amusement as she rose to move over and slip her arms around him. By now his face was bright red and he stood rigidly in her arms, though he could not help folding his own around her shoulders. When she regained a bit of control, she tickled his sides lightly, making him squirm. "Do not be so serious, beloved! I think the stories are charming! And I can see Morwen acting so! Just as I can see you and Arawine resisting it with every part of your being!" She broke up into fresh laughter. "Oh, how I would love to have seen it! I am sure you were a most adorable child, no matter how much trouble you caused or what Morwen made you suffer!"

At last he relaxed in her embrace, finding the humor in it and laughing with her. "Well, I was rather cute!" he admitted, causing her chuckles to increase and an eyebrow to raise in amusement at the comment.

After that, Theodred resigned himself to hearing his most embarrassing moments dredged up and replayed. Although, considering the warm, comforting kisses Esgalmir gave to offset his discomfiture, he could not altogether complain too much about the situation. It was almost worth it to enjoy such solace! The only thing he found annoying was that his siblings seemed only keen to share these tales with Esgalmir; there was no equal desire to regale Kata with the same tales even though Arawine had been just as much a part of each and every one of them. For some reason, he was their only target, and his twin enjoyed smirking superiorly at him periodically to drive home that point.

Despite that, Theodred was sorry to hear when Arawine and Kata announced their plans. The couple had determined to return to Dale come the spring and to remain there for the next few years with her family. Arawine would continue acting as the liaison between Rohan and Dale, working on improved travel and communication between the two places, but he knew that eventually he would need to settle in Edoras, and that would put Kata far away from her family. Once they began to raise a family, it would be more difficult for her to make visits home to see them, and as her siblings had families of their own, travel would be more difficult for them as well, so he wanted to give her as much time with them as he could while it was still reasonable and feasible. At present, he was not needed to reside in Rohan, and he could easily make visits whenever he wished to come home.

Still, Theodred knew that even if Arawine and Kata were to remain in Rohan, he would not see that much of them anyway, since he likely would be based in Minas Tirith for some time while he continued his work. Once he and Esgalmir were married in the spring, they would return there and set up house, and he would continue with the various projects he had begun, only now with her full attention and help.

As a wedding gift, Eomer was arranging to buy a house in Minas Tirith for their use. Although eventually Theodred might wish to return to Rohan to live, the house could be kept and used for when the family visited the city, or it could be sold, but since Theodred was the one most apt to have need of a house there on a regular basis, it was to be in his name. Faramir had agreed to serve as their agent, and Theodred had encouraged him to act without hesitation in his behalf, readily willing to trust his uncle's judgement.

xxxxx

As November progressed, Esgalmir had learned enough of Rohan to know that inclement weather would soon be upon them. In checking Theodred's stash of materials, she decided it might be best to get an order sent off to Elbragol, and get a goodly supply laid in for the winter when it would be more difficult to procure needed items.

To that end, Esgalmir had just started into the the private family dining chamber, intending to use it for writing up the order, but had been sidetracked momentarily by a servant inquiring if she would like any refreshment brought to her there. When she turned to continue on her course, she discovered that the chamber was already occupied by Elfwine, but further that he was watching her with a fixed expression and a scowl marring his handsome face.

She had never seen him gaze upon her in such a way before, and it gave her pause. Self-consciously, she shifted in place, though he almost did not seem aware of her presence, as though he was seeing through her, and after several moments of uncomfortable silence, she turned away to leave.

"Esgalmir," he called huskily, and when she looked back, he blinked as if just waking and noticing her for the first time. "Please, join me."

"I...do not wish to disturb you, my lord," she answered quietly, unsure what she had done to upset him.

He seemed perplexed by her formal response and gestured for her to be seated, saying, "I have told you, call me Elfwine. We are brother and sister now. You need only be formal in special public situations."

She hesitantly did as he bid, but observed, "You seemed distressed, and perhaps out of sorts with me, Elfwine. Have I offended you in some manner?"

He blinked in surprise, and then sighed and shook his head, suddenly realizing the reason for her reaction to him. "No, nothing like that." He rubbed his left hand over his face and then raised the stub of his right to gaze upon where his right hand should have been.

"Theodred has told me something of what your life has been like. I have just been thinking how my own life might have differed had I been born into another family, to lesser parents, and this had happened. I do not know that I could have borne it so well." He looked at her and smiled. "I have a great deal of admiration for your courage and fortitude in dealing with your affliction for so long in the circumstances you faced, but I am very glad you are free of that now. No one should have to live like that."

She smiled at him, tears pricking her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered. "Your entire family has been a tremendous blessing in my life, but I took courage from your example even before I ever met you. Theodred spoke of you often. Your injury changed many lives for the better. It made your family more aware of such things, more helpful of those who struggle, and in turn they have helped those in need, such as me. And now I will, in turn, try to help others. Whatever you suffered, know that it was not in vain."

Elfwine smiled in understanding and held out his hand. Without hesitation, Esgalmir reached for it and they clasped hands, united in a way few would ever truly fathom.

Only later did Esgalmir truly consider what Elfwine had said. She supposed he was right – he had been very fortunate to have the sort of family that he did if he was going to lose his hand. The world was not kind to those who were imperfect. But of more significance was Elfwine's unique position. As eventual king of Rohan, he was very much in the public eye. There was no hiding his injury, or any way that it handicapped him. That he remained cheerful and pleasant, active and involved, despite everything, was an excellent example to all, and encouragement to others who struggled with some sort of disability. It gave them hope that they, too, could rise above their impairment and live a full life. While he had the advantage of money where needed, there were some things that money could not buy, and in those things that came from within a person, Elfwine was a shining example of what a person could achieve with determination.

xxxxx

Esgalmir found she enjoyed the more relaxed nature of Yule than Gondor's celebration of Mettare. There were still parties and feasts, though not so many or so elaborate, but in general it was a much more low-keyed, family-oriented event and Theodred made sure she missed nothing.

They went with Theomund's family on the sleigh ride out to play in the snow. Even with a stiff leg, Esgalmir was able to help the smaller children build snow sculptures while Theodred was off in a snow battle with his nephews and their friends. Arawine and Kata had come also, though they seemed to find more enjoyment wandering off into the woods to be alone together, and while catching his breath between activities, Theodred thought his twin had a fine idea in that, luring Esgalmir into following their example, and assuring her it was a Yule tradition to smooch in the woods with your lover!

Having done as Lothiriel directed and observed at Meduseld for some time, she had presented herself for duty again. Most of her experience had been working in her brother's shop, a skill which did not readily translate into anything practical, but she was an eager and quick learner, willing to do anything they needed her to undertake.

As it turned out, she became quite a good seamstress very quickly, and there were always things that needed mending or clothing that wanted sewing for the needy, so she was kept busy working at that.

She had never spent any appreciable time in a kitchen, but cook had been happy to teach her, since she wished to be able to know something of it for when she was married, and she had become a capable cook as well, occasionally lending a hand when needed.

Consequently, she assisted with the food for the Yule feast as she had earlier done in preparing clothing to be distributed to the needy at the Yule gathering. Since many would be coming to Meduseld anyway, they made sure to have much on hand for anyone who was in need, so they could take away whatever they lacked when they departed. The clothing was roughly sorted by male and female, age and size, and then set off in the alcoves so as to be inobtrusive. Anyone wishing to take something could do so without much attention being drawn to themselves, though there was usually someone standing nearby that they could ask for assistance if they needed to do so.

When the feasting began, Esgalmir found herself looking around the room. Though most of Theodred's family members were again present, as they had been her first night here, this time they were scattered about the room, sitting with friends in ever-changing groups. And yet, there was still a family feel here, as there always seemed to be in Meduseld. She had been to Merethrond on several occasions with her brother, and though the King and Queen of Gondor were fine and warm people, they could not thaw the Gondorian crowds like this. This felt like nothing more than a huge family gathering, and the thought made her smile.

Theodred caught up with her once the meal was done, and the dancing and entertainment was beginning. Taking her hand, he drew her after him toward the terrace. He had already fetched their cloaks, and they stepped out into the starry night, staying close to the building for warmth.

Wrapping his arms around her from behind, he leaned against the wall, silently holding her in the moonlight for some time before venturing to inquire what she thought of his homeland and family. She had been warm in her praise upon her first arrival, but now that she had been here a few months she had had more opportunity to come to know the place.

Esgalmir considered his question a moment, then told him, "Almost from the first moment I met you in the shop, I thought you were an exceptional young man, Theodred. After I met Freahelm, it was clear that you associated with at least one good companion. Now I see that it is not just one, but many. You are surrounded by some of the finest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, both family and friends." She turned and looked lovingly up at him, touching his cheek with a gentle hand.

Laying his own hand over hers, he teasingly replied, "And now you have joined their number!"

For an instant, she looked startled, never having pondered that notion, but then she smiled slightly and blushed. "If you say so, dearest."

"I do!" he insisted, pulling her to him and kissing her tenderly. When he drew away, he added, "And soon, we will be wed and then you will give me many fine children to increase that population of fine people with whom I associate!"

Her face grew shadowed at his words and his brow knit questioningly. "Is something the matter? Do you not want children, beloved?" They had never discussed the subject, but she had seemed fond of children, and he had always assumed they were in accord on the matter.

"Of course. It is not that... I just..." She paused, trying to think how to explain her feelings and thoughts on this, and then hesitantly ventured, "For so long, I did not allow myself to believe there would ever be a man who would look upon me as a potential wife, or mother to his children. I fully expected to live my entire life under my brother's roof...alone. I have only just now fully realized that will not be the case. A mother!"

"Indeed!" Theodred grinned.

"I...I hope I will be up to it," she added, biting her lip nervously.

Theodred tightened his arms around her. "You will do fine! Well, unless we have many sons who are like their father was as a boy – that will prove a challenge! But I will help, and I will make certain I can afford a servant to help you when I cannot be there. Do not fret! All will be well! And," he added, a wicked gleam coming into his eyes, as his lips nuzzled at her neck, "I am most eager to explore the process of begetting with you!"

Esgalmir gave a small gasp of surprise at his comment and blushed bright red, even as a flush of pleasure shot through her that a man would find her so desirable. She let out a giggle of nervousness, and entwined her fingers in his hair as he continued kissing her, finally pulling away from her with a groan. "Alas, but not yet, my love. We have awhile to wait. So, hold that thought, dearest!"

Oh, she was quite certain she would have no difficulty doing that! In fact, she doubted very much if she was going to be able to think of anything else for quite some time! Theodred was starting to turn to lead her back inside, but she caught his arm and drew him to a stop. For several minutes, she stared at the ground, gathering her thoughts, and he waited patiently. Finally she looked up at him, and told him earnestly, "Thank you."

When he seemed about to interrupt, she stopped him. "Not for loving me, or taking me away from Anbarad. I know you did not intend to love me, and once you did, you could not leave me with him. It was not an act of charity. Just...thank you for being you. For being so wonderful, and thoughtful, and special that I could not help but love you in return. If I had not loved you also, I would not have let you rescue me, Theodred, no matter how convenient it would have been. I could not have done that to you. I wanted you to know that."

He smiled gently at her and took her hand, raising it to his lips. "I already did," he whispered. Then he slid his arm around her waist and they went home.

THE END

6/30/06 – 7/27/06

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.