AUTHOR'S NOTE Sorry for the little delay…there were some kinks I had to work out of this chapter. Here is where I pretty much break off from ROTK and start the work on its own. The journey back to Edoras follows the tale set forth in the book version of ROTK and takes place on July 19, but other than that, no more similarities to canon.
DISCLAIMER Don't own them. Still. Except the ones I made up, lol.
…
July 1, Year 3019 of the Third Age
It was a ceremony worthy of the King. Aragorn and Arwen were married by Gandalf in the same place as Legolas and I. Although now both were technically mortal, their marriage was blessed by the Quenya vows.
Many Gondorians were in attendance, but a small, private area was kept for us. Lord Elrond, Lady Galadriel, Lord Celeborn, Elrond's twin sons Elladan and Elrohir, Éowyn and Faramir, Éomer, Gimli, Merry, Pippin, Sam, and Frodo, joined Legolas and me. I couldn't help but feel slightly intimidated in the presence of so many that had affected my world, regardless of the fact that one was my husband, two more my guardians, and several more my friends.
When the ceremony was over, I looked into the King's eyes and I saw a look of completeness. The love that he and Arwen shared was so deep that not even her immortality had come between it. It was a moment of joy.
My baby kicked. I smiled and put a hand over the swell of my child that had started to show. 'Soon little one,' I thought. 'Soon I will introduce you to the joy that's in this world now.'
Legolas leaned close to me and whispered, "I wish the best for my friend, but he will never be as happy as we are."
I raised an eyebrow. "And why not?"
My husband smirked. "Would you want to rule Gondor and Arnor?"
I thought for a moment. "No. No I wouldn't." Legolas just laughed and pulled me into his arms.
…
Soon after the Royal Wedding, Aragorn organized a journey back to Edoras. The body of Théoden had to be laid to rest and Éowyn was now well enough to travel. It was a complicated affair to track down the surviving Rohirrim soldiers and let them know of the journey.
Calíme, Emeriel, and Colindor were no longer in Edoras. They had returned to Lothlórien after my wedding. Still, I longed to see Gauna and the land of Rohan again.
Aragorn and Éomer headed the column, followed immediately by the bearers of Théoden King. Beyond them, Lord Elrond, Lady Galadriel, Lord Celeborn, Gandalf, Elladan, and Elrohir escorted Arwen and a princess of Dol Amroth.
Legolas and I were accompanied by Éowyn, Gimli, and the four hobbits. I delighted in the hobbits' company, becoming good friends with Sam as well. Only Frodo the Ringbearer was quiet.
Éowyn walked as though in a dream. After the first day, I approached her. "Are you excited to return home?" I asked.
"Hmm?" She turned to me. "What?"
"I asked if you were excited to go home."
She didn't answer at first. Finally she nodded. "Although it is no longer truly my home."
"What do you mean?"
Éowyn's eyes did not lose their far-away look. "Faramir is the Prince of Ithilien now. Once we are married, Ithilien will be my home."
I nodded quietly. "I know. Lothlórien was my home for as long as I could remember. Now I am to live in Mirkwood."
"But I love Faramir and you love Legolas. I am willing to leave my home for him."
"As was I." I smiled sadly. "But there are still times I find myself longing for mallorn-trees over my head."
We traveled from then on in silence. The journey to Edoras was shorter than I remembered. Our arrival was marked by a series of somber ceremonies. Théoden was laid to rest beside his son Théodred. Éomer was crowned King of Rohan, beginning a new royal line. Tearfully, Lord Elrond said his final farewell to Arwen. Elladan, Elrohir, Celeborn, and Galadriel also said their goodbyes, though the twins did not seem to feel that they would not see their sister again.
The remainder of the Fellowship set out together, accompanied by Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. I bid the hobbits and Gandalf the fondest of farewell, for I did not know if I would see them again. Aragorn and Gimli I felt sure I would encounter later.
"I am sorry I must leave you, Rae," Legolas said to me before departing.
I smiled and kissed him. "You must go and keep your promises to your friends. I have stayed in Edoras before. Gauna and Daelin are here and Éowyn and Faramir still remain."
He put his arms around me and rested his cheek against mine. "As long as you will be happy."
I pulled away to look at him. "Well I will be happier once you return," I remarked.
Legolas laughed. "Then I will return quickly."
He left that evening. I passed the days quietly with Gauna and Daelin in Edoras. The boy was growing fast and had made many new friends among the children of the city. My baby grew more each day and I waited ever impatiently for the day he or she would be born.
Gradually those who had gone journeying began to return. Aragorn appeared first, only to take Arwen and depart for Minas Tirith. Once Éowyn had said a sad farewell to her brother, she and Faramir too left for Gondor.
It was long before Legolas returned with Gimli at his side. They had seen wonders beyond words, they said. Legolas came to me and was tender and loving. I knew that the wonders he had seen had not dulled his love for me.
We were in Edoras for not much longer. After saying goodbye to our remaining friends, we set out at last for Mirkwood.
