A/N: So - show of hands - how many think Fealides is going to win? Read on to find out... (I rather envision her as being like Caroline Bingley.)

Chapter 4

It puzzled Theomund when he reached the shop and found it open, but no one there. Renward arrived shortly after he did, and assured him he had not opened it. That meant Fele must have done so, but it was not like her to fail to lock up if she went out. Her cloak was in her room, so it was clear she had in fact been there.

Not sure why, the whole thing gave Theomund an uneasy feeling. Last night had been...wondrous! He had been certain she would be here, eagerly greeting him. What could have happened to her? He was reluctant to go to the cottage and inquire after her, fearing if she was not there it might alarm her mother, so he forced himself to bide his time and hope she would turn up soon on her own.

Two hours later, she had not put in appearance, and panic was beginning to set in. Trying to stay calm, he relented and went to find out what Frideswide might know of her whereabouts. There was no way to be vague about his inquiry, and he could see the worry in Frideswide's face as she admitted she did not know where Fele was. Her daughter had seemed in an extremely good mood when she left for the shop.

Squeezing her shoulder reassuringly, Theomund smiled at her. "Do not fret. I will find her. I am sure she is fine and has a good explanation for this."

Theomund spent the next several hours searching the city, making discreet inquiries about Fele, but no one recalled seeing her that day. As the afternoon wore on, Theomund was becoming ever more worried about her. No matter what, he couldn't imagine she would not let her mother know where she was.

In mid-afternoon, Brythild, a guard at the city gates, shifted uneasily and said to his companion, "I am worried about that woman, Theomund's friend. She still has not returned to the city."

The other man shrugged. "It is her business, not ours. She was on foot so she cannot have gone far, and there is no reason to think any harm has befallen her."

"Hmmm," Brythild murmured, not satisfied. He turned to the boy who ran messages for them. "Fetch Freawine. Tell him I must speak with him."

The boy took off up the street as Brythild's companion shook his head. "You are making too much of this, my friend."

"Perhaps, but I would rather mention it than not," Brythild avowed.

A quarter hour later, the boy returned, accompanied by Freawine. "You sent for me, Brythild?"

"Yes. This may not be of any importance, but I thought I should speak of it and let you decide whether to act." He hesitated, then explained, "Fele, the woman who works with Theomund, left the city early this morning, headed out toward the barrowfields, and she has not returned. We have seen nothing that might suggest she is in danger, but it just seems…strange."

Freawine's eyes narrowed at this information, and then he nodded. "Thank you for bringing it to my attention. I will pass it along to Theomund. He would want to know."

Briskly Freawine returned up through town. He had seen Theomund in town earlier, and been informed that he was looking for Fele. While not asking for help, Freawine had detected a worried glint in his eyes. It took nearly twenty minutes before he was able to locate Theomund, and pass along this news. Judging by the look on his brother's face, he was pleased to be advised of her whereabouts, but it did not ease his concern.

"Theomund? Is there anything you wish me to do?"

As Theomund hurriedly struck off down the hill, he signaled Freawine to follow. "Come with me."

The two strode in silence out the gates and onto the barrowfields. It took a while, with both looking, for them to locate where Fele had secreted herself. Even from a distance, there was no evidence she was hurt, though clearly she was distraught. Catching Freawine's arm, Theomund urgently told him, "Please go let her mother know that she is found and unharmed. I am sure she is worried. Tell her I am with her, but I do not yet know what is happening." Freawine nodded and moved quickly away.

Slowly, Theomund turned back and made his way to Fele's side. She was still so wrapped up in her misery, though her sobbing had mostly subsided, that she did not notice his approach until he spoke.

"Fele? What has happened, my love? What troubles you?" He dropped down on his knees and reached for her, but she lurched away from him.

"Please, go away Theomund. It…it was a mistake for us to…" Her voice choked off and she couldn't continue.

Various sentiments played over Theomund's face. What had happened to cause her to act this way after last night? Surely she could not have changed her mind so quickly about loving him.

Ignoring her resistance, he reached for her again and turned her to face him. "Tell me what is wrong. Why is it a mistake for us to love each other?" he insisted.

Hiccuping with emotion, she tried to explain, "It would never work. You are royalty, and Rohan would never accept me being with you…except…except as a mistress. And your parents could not allow such a marriage."

Theomund went cold at her words; why did they sound vaguely familiar? His mind raced, and then he knew – Fealides. "Fele, have you spoken with Fealides since last night?" he demanded.

When she did not respond, he shook her slightly. "Answer me! Did you?"

She gave a trembling nod. "She came to see me at the shop this morning. She wanted to keep me from being hurt."

Theomund took a sharp, angry intake of breath. "She wanted nothing of the sort!" he spat out. "She merely wanted to rid herself of anyone who might stand in her way!"

More roughly than he intended, he pulled her into an embrace, vehemently whispering, "Do not heed her words! They are lies – all of them! My parents adore you and they will allow our marriage. I assure you I know their minds far better than Fealides presumes to after only a week's acquaintance! You may be certain of that. And Rohan will accept you if the king and queen do. I would never – NEVER – take you only as a mistress. I want you for my wife, and if you love me and are willing to marry me, you WILL be my wife. And Fealides will find herself very unwelcome in the king's house hereafter for her mischief!"

Fele felt as though she had stopped breathing at his words. Could it be so? Were it anyone other than Theomund telling her these things, she might have doubted, but she had never known him to be wrong, and she certainly had never known him to deceive her in any way. Fearfully she lifted her eyes to meet his, hesitant to believe yet wanting desperately to do so.

As if he read her thoughts, he pulled her closer and pressed his lips to hers, kissing her fervently. Then drawing back slightly he murmured, "Believe it, dearest. I would not lie to you."

Overcome with emotion, her tears began to flow again, but she clutched him tightly as relief flooded through her.

It was a long while before the two of them slowly made their way back into the city. Not wanting her to have to answer questions so soon after her traumatic day, he decided she would spend the night at Meduseld, and he purposefully marched right up the main road with his arm around her. She had accepted him, and he fully intended that it should be known to all.

It was already suppertime when they arrived, but apparently sensing they preferred to dine alone, and perhaps having been informed by Freawine of the circumstances, Lothiriel did not press the couple to join them.

Once Fele was ensconced in his old room, after they had enjoyed a leisurely meal and talked a great deal, Theomund left her, promising to return first thing in the morning. He assured her he would stop by and let her mother know where she was for the night.

Fortunately, Eledher had already been put to bed when Theomund arrived and the two were able to talk without guarding their words. Once seated, Frideswide gave Theomund a questioning look, urging him to fill her in on the details of her daughter's day. With a sigh, he gave a recitation of the events that had transpired, and his decision to house her at Meduseld this evening.

"Eledher was distressed that his mother did not come home," she told him quietly.

Theomund frowned. "I am sorry for that, but I thought she needed time to herself. These past few days have been highly emotional for her." He raised his eyes to evenly meet Frideswide's look. "But I will do all in my power to never have her suffer so again. We will wed as soon as Father will permit it and preparations can be made."

Giving a gentle smile, a tear slid down Frideswide's cheek. "I cannot think of anything that would make Fele, and the rest of her family, happier, Theomund. We all love you dearly. You have been a tremendous blessing in our lives, and I truly thank you for loving my daughter as she has always deserved."

Moving around the table, he pulled the woman into an embrace. "You are not the only ones who are blessed," he assured her. "This is a tremendous blessing for me, as well. I am grateful that things worked out in such a manner that it is possible."

xxxxx

The next day, Fele awoke to discover a servant preparing a bath for her, and found a fresh one of her dresses laid out for her to don. She smiled knowingly – Theomund! No doubt he had thought to bring her a change of clothes when he went to advise her mother where she was.

Once she was washed and dressed, she nervously ventured forth to the Golden Hall. From her time spent at Meduseld after the fire, she was acquainted with the usual routine, but still she felt awkward being there on her own.

She should not have been surprised when Lothiriel greeted her almost instantly, and steered her to the family's private dining chamber. For a time, they ate in silence, and Fele wondered if the queen knew what had taken place the day before. As if in answer to her thought, Lothiriel spoke. "Theomund tells me you had a difficult time yesterday, dearest. I am sorry to hear it. Be assured that if anyone speaks for the King and Queen of Rohan, it is Theomund, not Fealides."

Fele could not restrain a grin at the comment, and Lothiriel smiled as well. After a moment, she asked, "Are you certain this is what you wish? I know Theomund's thoughts, and those of your mother and son, but I do not know your thoughts."

With wide eyes, Fele looked at her, blinking nervously, then said softly, "I love him, my lady. I should like very much to be his wife…if you do not object."

A warm smile lit both Lothiriel's face and eyes. "Object? Why ever would I object to the happiness of two people who are very dear to me? Theomund has long known that you held his heart. And you have long been deserving of a good man like him to love and care for you. It only remained for the two of you to work out the details, and now you have done that."

She buttered some bread, then looked up at the other woman, continuing, "I know it will feel strange to you for a while, but you will gradually get used to the changes in your life because of this. However, I must ask you to allow me to decide how the wedding will take place."

Fele's brow knit with concern. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that I suspect you would have a quiet ceremony with little more than family present. While that would be lovely, it would not make a statement. Theomund is the son of the king of Rohan, and it needs to be made perfectly clear to all that you are loved and accepted not only by Theomund, but by his family. Do not be deceived. There will be those who disapprove the match and our agreeing to it, but most will not care one way or the other. And they will readily accept it if it is obvious that we embrace it. Therefore, this event must be a very public celebration. Do you think you can manage that?"

"If I must, then that is what I will do," Fele said decisively, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves.

Lothiriel smiled. "Good! Likely we will attempt it within the week. I know my son is anxious not to delay!"

They both laughed at that, as Fele rose. "I should be getting to the shop. And I want to stop at home to see Eledher so he will not be worried about me. I thank you for your hospitality in allowing me to stay here last night."

"We were happy to have you, dearest. Go and see your son, though I have my doubts that Theomund has in mind to spend the day working!"

As Fele gazed at Lothiriel, she was suddenly emboldened and before she could check the impulse, she moved over and hugged the queen. Almost as quickly, she stepped back, blushing furiously, but Lothiriel only smiled warmly at her, obviously amused at her reticence. "I will see you later, dearest. Have a good day."

xxxxx

The Queen of Rohan knew how to make a statement. By midday, the town was abuzz at word that had been spreading, inviting all who wished to attend to meet in Meduseld for a trothplighting that very evening. Food and dancing were to follow. It meant the cooks had to hustle in getting food prepared, but it was such a happy occasion that none seemed to mind. Theomund had always been a favorite among the staff, particularly with his propensity for devising labor-saving devices for their use, and his especially affable manner.

More than one servant had managed to overhear the proceedings the previous May when King Eomer had dissolved Fele's marriage to Orgel, and his reasons for doing so, and word had quickly spread through Meduseld. All were appalled at what the woman had suffered, and no one was particularly surprised that Theomund had both befriended her, and sought to protect her from further harm. Somehow it seemed fitting that she should win the heart of such a good man.

Everything was happening so fast, and there was much to do, so Fele never really had an opportunity to sit down with Eledher and tell him what was going on. However, she did not want to rush through it, so she decided to leave it and let him learn of it with the trothplighting, and then give him a better explanation later. He would likely understand enough, and she could not imagine he would have any objections to it.

At the appointed hour, Fele was nervously pacing Theomund's room, waiting for him to come get her and take her to the Hall with him. Frideswide had been helping in the kitchen and Dariel was keeping an eye on Eledher. When the knock came at the door, Fele skidded to a halt and swallowed hard. This was it. For a moment, she stood frozen. Surely this was a dream and she would soon wake.

"Fele?" Theomund called through the door.

At the sound of his voice, she shook herself. It was not a dream. He was not a dream. And she could do this.

Taking a deep, steadying breath, she strode over and opened the door. Apparently, she did not look so confident as she was trying to appear, for Theomund broke into an amused grin at the sight of her. Kissing her cheek, he whispered, "Be easy, my love. The formalities will soon be over, and in a week's time we will be wed." Lifting her chin so he could gaze into her eyes, he added, "I love you, beloved. Whenever you feel frightened or uncertain, remember that and take courage."

With a tiny gasp, she flung her arms around his waist and held him tight, her face pressed to his chest. "I do love you, also, Theomund. I will not disappoint you!"

He chuckled, and murmured into her hair, "You will only disappoint me if you change your mind about marrying me!"

His comment had the hoped for effect, and he felt the tension in her body ease somewhat. Pulling her free from him, he offered his arm, and prompted, "Come. They are waiting for the happy couple."

Slowly they made their way to the Golden Hall, and slipped in near the throne. It took several moments for them to be spotted, and after a quick rush of whispers, the congregation began to fall silent in anticipation. Once they had reached Eomer's side, the king turned to the assembly and announced, "People of Rohan, like his parents, many of you despaired of Theomund ever taking a bride." The comment was met with much laughter, and Theomund shrugged good-naturedly.

Continuing, Eomer said, "However, he has finally found a woman to suit his discriminating taste. Theomund, son of Eomer, King of Rohan, asks that Fele, of Aldburg, be his wife, and she grants it full willing. Therefore they shall be trothplighted before you this day. The wedding will take place a sennight from today, and we invite you all to join in our celebration now, and then."

Raising his cup toward the couple he added, "Hail, Theomund and Fele!"

The assembly followed suit: "Hail, Theomund and Fele!" And then there was much laughter, congratulations and rejoicing.

Because of the hasty preparations, Lothiriel had arranged for dinner to be offered at tables along the walls, and the center was kept open for dancing. The guests could eat, mingle or dance as they chose, but doing so in an informal manner that seemed more befitting Theomund's personality. More than any other gathering Meduseld had seen, this group was a true cross-section of life in Edoras. Blacksmiths spoke with nobles, merchants joked with servants. Theomund's friendships knew no boundaries and those who came to wish him well reflected that.

Gamling moved quietly around the room, pausing occasionally, but always keeping an eye on the proceedings to make sure all ran smoothly. As a result, he found himself catching snatches of conversations along the way.

One of the first dialogues he witnessed was between Fealides and the queen. Gamling was well aware of the woman's efforts to secure Theomund for herself. There was not much within the royal family to which he was not privy. Apparently, the woman did not quite understand the disdain in which she was held for her actions toward Fele, for she had boldly approached Lothiriel to offer what were clearly insincere plaudits.

If she thought the queen unknowing of her underhanded actions, she was sorely mistaken. Lothiriel eyed the woman coldly, and then said quietly, "Fealides, those who attack people dear to me, attack me. Do not think me ignorant of your heinous behavior. You are no longer a welcome guest in the king's house."

Gamling grinned. The queen did not even have to specifically tell the woman to leave. She blanched, her face as pale as death, at being so dismissed by the queen. Why she could not have guessed the consequences of her actions, he did not know, but obviously she had not realized the damage she had done to herself when she went after Fele. Trying to maintain her dignity, Fealides gave a polite curtsy, murmured "Please excuse me" and headed for the exit.

Shaking his head, Gamling moved on a bit further, and came upon Theomund scooping Eledher up in his arms.

"Theomund, if you marry Mama, does that mean…" His voice trailed off, but Theomund knew what Eledher had probably been going to ask.

"When I marry your mama, that will make me your papa, and you may call me that, if you like, even when others can hear you!" he told the boy with a grin, and was rewarded with a tight hug about his neck.

Gamling was pleased for the child. It was clear that he desperately needed a father, and Theomund would make an excellent one. Continuing on around the hall, he was amused to see the king requesting a dance from his future daughter-in-law. She looked terrifed at the prospect. Moving closer, Gamling just barely caught their exchange.

"Do not look so frightened, Fele!" the king enjoined her softly, causing her to look up at him in surprise. Flashing her a teasing smile, he added, "I am a much better dancer than my son!"

She could not restrain a laugh at the comment and, looking at the king, she suddenly seemed to realize where Theomund had gotten that devilish grin.

As they made their way out into the dance area, Gamling could not hold back a chuckle. He had a feeling joining this family was going to be a tremendous adjustment for Fele. They were royalty, but they were like no other. He had been pleased that as Eomer grew into his role as King of Rohan, he had managed to retain who he was as a person. Likely, Lothiriel could be credited with that being so. She had fought hard to not let the crown overwhelm the man, or let matters of the kingdom tromp underfoot the matters of home life. Eomer had grown in wisdom and judgement, but he was still much the same man Gamling had known most of his life.

Heading for the food table, Gamling snuck a few bites of meat and washed them down with some wine. Frideswide was seated nearby, eating but mostly watching the proceedings with a look of contentment. When she looked up at him, he gave her an understanding wink and she smiled in acknowledgement.

Strolling on, by the time Gamling reached Theomund again, Eledher had run off to play with some other children, and the newly betrothed had been joined by his eldest sibling.

"So, little brother," Elfwine said, with a barely concealed smirk, "I trust it will not be long before Eledher has a younger brother or sister?"

Elfwine didn't have to look at his brother to know Theomund was blushing. After a moment, amusement evident in his voice, Theomund replied, "I shall give my best effort in making it so, Elfwine – for you!"

Elfwine chortled, "Ah! For me! Good lad!" Still laughing, he clapped his brother on the back, and then moved away to reclaim his wife for another dance as Lothiriel approached Theomund.

Mother and son stood silently side by side for a time, observing the lively dance in progress, and presently their hands met and clasped one another. At length, Lothiriel inquired quietly, "You are happy, then?"

He turned and pulled her into a warm embrace. "I am very happy, Mother! Thank you for everything you have done to help me, to help us."

"Your bliss is sufficient thanks, dearest. I am pleased it worked out as you wished. Now, go and dance with this remarkable woman, who does not seem the least bit intimidated by your bumbling feet!" They laughed together, and then he kissed her cheek before going to do as she bid him.

Theomund was replaced at Lothiriel's side by her husband, who moved behind her and slipped his arms around her waist. With a contented sigh he murmured, "Only one more, my love! We have been fortunate to see four of our children find happiness similar to our own. Do you suppose our luck will hold for the fifth?"

"You are called Eomer Eadig – blessed. How can our luck not hold?"

Nodding his silent agreement, Gamling moved away. Blessed indeed, and he could not think of anyone more deserving. They had given their lives to rebuilding Rohan in peace and prosperity. They had more than earned some happiness in return.

THE END

3/28/06 – 4/5/06

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.