A/N: Gee, not too many of you want to venture a description of the guys! Only 4 of you have made any suggestions. Looks like I'm on my own with this one. It could take a while. (LothirielofRohan suggested "hot" for all 4 of the guys, but while that is accurate, I pointed out to her that it didn't generate much of a storyline!)

Détente

Chapter 3

When Elfwine and Dariel returned to Edoras a fortnight later, matters were still unsettled. Eldarion continued to watch Luthiel from afar, completely at a loss as to how to win her. She was so utterly outside his experience that he found himself floundering most of the time he was in her presence. Before they departed, Elfwine recommended, "Stop trying to woo her and just be her friend. Let it build from there. Give her a chance to like you first."

And so he had, month after month. Slowly, the results were encouraging. Now, whenever there was a dance, she expected him to seek her out at least once, if not more, and she always reserved time for him. She laughed more when she was with him, and took to teasing him relentlessly. At first, he thought he could do very well without that, but over time, he came to realize how much he enjoyed it when she poked at him. Perhaps because he felt absolutely certain it was not malicious, and because it reflected how well she seemed to know him, he found it a pleasing occurrence.

By the time March arrived, Luthiel was eighteen years, Elfwine and Dariel had been wed a year and Eldarion joined Faramir's family on a visit to Rohan. Even more than spending time with Luthiel at Minas Tirith, he enjoyed being away from the city. There was less to distract her, like other men seeking her favor, and it felt deliciously pleasant to have her practically all to himself, her parents notwithstanding.

Talk had never been something he did with women. He focused primarily on their appearance and let it go at that, yet he had come to realize that Luthiel was not only beautiful, but intelligent. To his surprise, she had a fondness for healing, like her mother. It seemed incongruous, considering her skill with a bow and her expertise at riding, for her to be so intrigued by such a predominantly indoor activity. In fact, that was the problem she had with healing as an occupation. She enjoyed being outdoors so very much, that it was difficult for her to endure the idea of spending long hours inside on a beautiful day.

It was also on this jaunt to Edoras that Eldarion finally learned the secret to her skill with a bow. The subject of her incredible shot had come up, and he had congratulated Faramir on what he had taught his daughter. Faramir laughed and told him, "I was skilled, in my day, Eldarion, but I fear I cannot take credit for that feat of Luthiel's. Legolas is the culprit there. He has been a frequent visitor to our home whenever he is in Ithilien, and once he recognized Luthiel's aptitude with a bow, he was pleased to work with her during his visits. At this point, I would honestly have to say her skill is far greater than mine ever was."

As Luthiel was also skilled with a sword, Eldarion ventured to invite her to practice with him during their journey, and to his immense surprise, he discovered he did not mind when she bested him. At least, unlike many others, she gave it her best effort and challenged him. Too many men preferred to go easy on him and make sure he won, rather than risk causing him any embarrassment. He doubted that most of them could beat him, even at their best, but it was still annoying that they didn't at least attempt it. Certainly he could not hope to get better if he already surpassed everyone else's skill. Luthiel was even willing to share some of the tips Legolas had given her, and he could tell her guidance much improved his control and range in archery.

Eldarion's main purpose in visiting Rohan, aside from spending time with Luthiel, was to obtain a horse. He had reached the conclusion it was wise to give in to admonishments from both Elfwine and Luthiel on the matter. Once again, he discovered Luthiel's knowledge exceeded his own. She clearly knew horseflesh, particularly Rohirric horseflesh. However, he could hardly bristle at her greater talent when it meant spending considerable amounts of time with her, looking over prospective animals and taking them out for a ride to see how they suited.

Seeing his best friend again, visiting with his sister and spending copious hours in Luthiel's company made for an excellent excursion from Eldarion's perspective. He was sorry when they finally arrived back at Minas Tirith, knowing he would see far less of the girl than before.

xxxxx

While things were moving slowly between the two of them, Eldarion had begun to believe that Luthiel was developing a fondness for him that might eventually lead to more. Comfortable in that thought, it stunned him when she began accepting the attentions of a young nobleman of the city named Roduin, and spending time with him also.

For nearly a fortnight, it almost seemed as if they were doing something together nearly every day, and at the two dances held during that time, they danced with one another frequently. Even though Luthiel still treated Eldarion warmly, he began to wonder if he was mistaken in thinking that she would ever truly consider him a possible choice for a husband.

The crushing blow came one night, late in the evening. Luthiel had been having a fine time dancing, and whenever she was on the floor, even if Eldarion had another partner, he could not keep his eyes from straying to follow her. Sitting out a few, to catch his breath, and because Luthiel was occupied and she was really the only one he cared to dance with, he suddenly found himself overhearing a most unwelcome conversation.

Roduin had procured some wine and stood talking with a friend, unaware of Eldarion's presence nearby. "We will be wed before the year is out," he bragged with easy assurance.

His friend remarked, "I had thought Lord Faramir would not let her marry for another two years."

Roduin shook his head reprovingly. "That was merely a rumor to discourage unwelcome suitors. He will not stand in the way of his daughter's happiness, I am certain."

Eldarion's jaw tightened and he stared unseeingly at the floor. She had chosen, and it was not him. The realization was like a blow, and he hastily set down his wine goblet and stumbled outside before his emotions overtook him. He knew she had never made any declarations of love to him, and he should not have automatically expected that she eventually would, but it had seemed so very much like they had a chance together. Without his notice, his mind had become convinced she would one day be his wife, and that in their union he would find the same happiness he had seen in other couples. Now all that was lost, and he was as alone as he had ever been.

He was startled by a soft voice in the darkness. "Eldarion? Are you there?"

Why had she followed him? Did she not realize how it would torment him? Struggling for the composure he had mastered as Gondor's heir, he straightened and wrestled his features into impassiveness. "Yes, I am here." As she drew closer, he quietly observed, "I understand that congratulations are in order." He was grateful to be able to keep his face in shadow.

"Congratulations? Of what do you speak?" She sounded truly unknowing, but then perhaps she was not aware that anyone had learned of the betrothal.

"I hear you are to wed Roduin." It surprised him how normal his voice sounded, but it was a relief that it had not betrayed him.

She laughed. "Wed Roduin? Where did you hear that?"

Was she purposely toying with him? With some annoyance, he admitted, "I have just overheard him telling his friend about it."

"Indeed! So, if I understand you correctly, you are telling me that Roduin is delusional?"

His head jerked around to look at her piercingly. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that if he thinks we are to wed then he is very much delusional. He has not asked, and I most certainly have not consented. Nor would Father allow it for another couple of years anyway."

"He said that your father's restriction was only intended to keep away unwelcome suitors."

She laughed again. "Well, it did not work, did it? At any rate, you may save your congratulations for another time, my friend. I am not betrothed, nor do I ever intend to be with Roduin."

"But you have been spending much time with him, and seemed to enjoy his attentions," he commented, more than a little puzzled.

"I find him an amusing companion, it is true, but that does not mean I wish to marry him. And if he is spreading lies such as these, I am finding him less appealing by the moment. Besides, I do not love him and I will not marry where I do not love." Her statement was clearly her final word on the matter.

Relief flooded through Eldarion. While it did not mean she would be any more willing to accept him, at least the possibility was still there. "I am pleased," he murmured, both afraid she would hear him, and afraid she wouldn't.

She turned to eye him, her gaze studying him in a way that made him think she was reading his mind. Reaching over, she took his hand between hers, and simply held it for a long time. Then softly she replied, "You should know better than to listen to rumors."

Later, Eldarion couldn't say that he really remembered much of what had happened after that. They had remained on the terrace, talking for more than an hour, and then he had walked her back to her home. The only part of it all that stuck out in his mind was that she did not release his hand the entire time, until they parted at her door.

To Eldarion's immense satisfaction, Roduin was never again seen in close proximity to Luthiel. She readily knew how to get rid of odious suitors, and apparently he had managed to get himself on that list with his lies and bragging.

Even better, she began to spend more time with Eldarion. It was as if his feelings for her grew stronger every day, and it became increasingly difficult to resist the great temptation to attempt another kiss. Well aware that such a thing might ruin all his progress, he made certain to avoid being too much alone with her where the opportunities for such would be rife. If there was any chance at all, he did not want to destroy it now.

xxxxx

At a street festival that fall, Eldarion, Elboron and Luthiel wandered among the booths. A lovely young woman soon lured Elboron away from the others, and they continued on without him. They had eaten, played games and watched entertainment, so they decided to head for the fourth level where several dances were taking place. Both enjoyed the livelier folk dances, prevalent at such gatherings, to the more stately court dancing they so often engaged in.

Winded after several brisk tunes, they obtained goblets of wine and fell onto a bench against the wall. Comfortably silent, they sipped their wine and watched the other revelers while they caught their breath. Eldarion was taken by surprise when Luthiel laid her head against his shoulder. She had rarely been so familiar with him, always keeping him at an appropriate distance. Other than holding his hand on that one occasion, she had never displayed any outward regard for him.

Hardly daring to move lest he wake from this dream, he tilted his head down to look at her, just as she lifted her eyes to meet his. With a tender smile, her hand came up to his cheek and a moment later, she pressed her warm lips to his. They were sweet with wine, and Eldarion's senses were on overload with pleasure.

And still he did not dare respond much and risk offending her, so he let her lead the way. She turned slightly, for a better angle, and her hand slid up into his hair, pulling him closer. Unable to hold back any longer, his arm went around her as he let out a groan of desire. After what seemed almost an eternity, she finally withdrew, breathing raggedly. Teasingly, but in a shy manner for her, Luthiel told him, "I have been wanting to do that for some time now."

"Do not stop on my account," he murmured, his hand stroking her hair, hoping for a continuation.

With a laugh, she indulged him and her lips were promptly against his again. This time when they ended the kiss, they paused with their foreheads resting against each other. They sat in silence for several moments, and then she pulled back to look in his eyes. "The true reason I would never consider marrying Roduin was that I was already in love with you."

To the great surprise of them both, a tear slid down Eldarion's cheek. "As I love you," he whispered, placing a kiss on her forehead, and pulling her into an embrace. This victory was sweeter than any he had ever known before. Likely Faramir would still require them to wait for more than a year, until Luthiel turned twenty, but it did not matter. She loved him as he loved her. He would wait however long it took to make her his.

xxxxx

One thing Eldarion was determined to do was make it official. Even if they could not wed immediately, he still wanted a betrothal in place and have it known that he was intending to court her in earnest.

He arranged for them to meet with their fathers the next day after breakfast. Though he had known the Steward all his life, inexplicably he found he was terrified at the prospect of facing him to request his permission. A warm, knowing smile from Luthiel bolstered his courage and he cleared his throat once the four of them were alone in his father's study. "My Lord Faramir, I have come to admire your daughter Luthiel – indeed, to love her – passionately. I...I request your permission to pursue a courtship, with the view of marrying her once she is of age." He concluded and stood nervously eyeing the other man for any sign of disapproval.

Faramir studied him for a few moments, then turned to his daughter. "Do you wish to accept his suit, Luthiel?"

"I do, Father. I wish to marry him, for I love him dearly." She was rewarded for her sentiment with a squeeze of her hand by Eldarion.

Formally, Faramir turned to his king. "My lord, if you have no objections, I welcome the suit of your son for the hand of my daughter."

Elessar rubbed his chin slowly, his expression closed so as to be unreadable. Eldarion shifted uneasily. Surely his father would not oppose this match? Faramir hid a smirk behind his hand. After more than twenty years with this man, he could tell when Elessar was toying with someone.

Apparently deciding not to prolong his son's misery too long, the king nodded. "Very well, Eldarion. You have my blessing to wed Luthiel," Elessar told his son, with a warm smile.

Immediately, Eldarion turned and pulled Luthiel into his arms, kissing her soundly. When he paused for breath, heedless of the spectacle he was making before their parents, he triumphantly murmured against her lips, as he gave her a devilish grin, "I knew I would make you mine eventually!"

And then he doubled over, gasping to catch his breath, from where Luthiel had punched him in the stomach.

Elessar concealed a laugh behind his hand. Yes, Eowyn's daughter would make a fine wife for his son!

THE END

3/8/06 – 3/23/06

A/N2: Incidentally, in Manners, which posted just before this story, I was purposely vague about relationships so as not to give away anything regarding this story. If you go back and read that story now, having read this one, you are likely to see and understand more of the relationships - at that point Eldarion and Luthiel are married; Luthiel isn't just "around" due to her father being the Steward.

Ansul – wind gift; Roduin - noble river

Elfwine/Dariel married March, 22 IV; Luthiel would have just turned 17 (b. early 5 IV)

in 22 IV: Eomer, 51; Lothiriel, 43; Eldarion & Elboron, 22; Elfwine, 21; Dariel, 20; Luthiel, 17; Theodwyn, 14; Theomund, 12; Morwen, 8

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.