Disclaimer: All familiar characters, places and events belongs to the estate of J.R.R. Tolkien and its licensees. Anything you don't recognize belong to the authors.
Dedicated to my fanfic friends both old and new. You have kept me going, and I thank you for it!
A Hidden Hope – Chapter Six
By Dancingkatz and Rhyselle
Edoras – Late February T.A. 3019
Eowyn was on the verge of summoning the healer. Only the knowledge that he would tell her "I told you so" and do nothing was preventing her from telling the boy who was currently bringing in a fresh butt of water to fetch the old man. She bent over her cousin and begged him to squeeze her hand but he was unresponsive.
Only hours ago Theodred had lost the colour he'd gained over the past two days and his skin had since become burning hot to the touch. The few times his eyelids fluttered open the eyes beneath them were dull and empty.
Nothing she'd done seemed to help. The edges of the wound were inflamed and red streaks were appearing on the skin around it, all signs of infection.
It made no sense, if the wound was going to infect, it should have done so much earlier. She had done everything she could, given her limited knowledge, to keep the wound clean. The bandages were even boiled since she remembered overhearing Gamling telling Eomer that using boiled cloths to protect a cut on a mare's leg would keep the injury from going bad. If it worked for horses, she thought, then it ought to have worked for Theodred.
The boy had filled the ewer with the fresh water and was about to leave when suddenly Theodred started convulsing. Near panic now, Eowyn told the boy to fetch the healer and hurry! Pride or not, this was far beyond her knowledge.
"Please Theo, don't…" She wanted to wail aloud in frustration and despair. He'd been getting better, he'd been responding to her voice, following her movements with his eyes, and even speaking to her once or twice.
She had just finished bathing and rebandaging the wound when he spoke to her the first time rather than muttering what Gamling had referred to once as fever-speech.
"'Wyn?" His eyes were open and aware though weary and pain-filled.
Eowyn stopped what she was doing and touched his forehead. The fever had broken and he obviously recognized her. "I'm here, Theo."
"'Wyn… where… is…." He groped with his left hand over his heart, trying to locate something.
Eowyn realized immediately that he was searching for the lover's token and put it in his hand. "Here it is. Shhh."
He smiled as he felt the embroidered silk and hair under his fingers. "You'll… like… her…."
"I will? Then you must get well so you can escort me to meet your lady. What's her name?" Eowyn asked, as she closed the fastenings on his nightshirt and pulled the blanket back in place even though she thought she knew it from his earlier ramblings.
"Edlyn… Her name is Edlyn…." His voice had faded as he slipped back into sleep.
Eowyn blinked back tears as she remembered the emotion that had filled those whispered words. It had only been hours ago that her cousin had spoken again to her about his bride, his voice full of love and pride in spite of its weakness. It seemed impossible that his condition could have deteriorated so quickly. She knelt by the side of the bed holding Theodred's head as the convulsions continued. Where was that healer?
May T.A. 3018 – Helm's Deep
Even if he'd been blinded, Theo would be able to tell when they were getting almost in sight of Helm's Deep--Brego always seemed to suddenly pick up energy, even if he were exhausted, as if he could feel his home nearing them. Normally that wouldn't be a problem, but Brego was pulling on the reins, trying to get the bit between his teeth. And after the battle and the subsequent rebuilding of at least part of the hold, he was just too tired to want to have to hold the stallion back one handed. "Ceorl, I'm riding ahead. Bring the eored in for me."
Without waiting for an answer, he gave Brego leave to move into a canter and thence into a gallop, heading home.
The lookout blew the return call as his long-sighted gaze spied a galloping horse and rider. Edlyn had emerged from the Hall at the sound of the horn and started up the steps to the wall when the guard called that it was the Second Marshall. She immediately turned and ran for the barn where Gyldenides was stabled. Within minutes she had the mare saddled and was heading out the just opened gate, ignoring the shouts of the guard captain.
The wind was blowing the right direction to allow Theodred to faintly hear the horn call, and he smiled, leaning forward over Brego's neck. "Our ladies will be awaiting us, Brego." He laughed as Brego's ears twitched back toward him, and the stallion managed to put on a bit more speed.
Edlyn urged Gyldenides into a gallop towards where she saw the silhouette of Brego and Theodred. The mare scented the stallion and extended her gallop into a long run.
The sun broke out from behind the clouds and lit both Edlyn's long blond hair and the nearly identical gold coat of Gyldenides. Theo didn't have to pull Brego up as the two riders met; but the stallion overshot and looped back to come up on Edlyn's right side.
Edlyn kicked her feet free of the stirrups and launched herself at Theodred from Gydlenides' back. "You're safe!" she cried as she threw her arms around his neck.
Theo dropped the reins and clamped his good arm around her waist, pulling her onto the saddle in front of him, while Brego nickered at the mare and rubbed heads with her. He ignored the pang that shot up from his right wrist as his mouth found Edlyn's and joy filled him as he held her against him. "I've missed you," he said into her golden hair when they came up for air.
Edlyn felt her heart would burst as his lips came down on hers. She'd missed him from the very first minute when he'd left the Deep to go on patrol, but had been practically eaten alive with worry when the eored didn't return as scheduled. "I missed you, too. What happened?" Her cornflower-blue eyes looked worriedly into his and she raised her right hand to stroke the line of his jaw.
"We were ambushed when responding to a raid, and once we'd dealt with that, we still had to deal with the orcs that had raided the steading." His face saddened. "There are six horses returning riderless, and I must inform the widows."
Sympathy filled Edlyn's heart and face. "Oh, may they ride safe into Bema's arms. Do you want me to come with you?"
"Please," he whispered. He dreaded this particular duty--unlike his shield brother in Gondor, where letters would be sent to inform the families, he must do this face to face upon his return to the Deep.
"You won't ever have to give such sad news alone ever again, I promise," Edlyn told him.
He hugged her tighter for a moment in gratitude. "About half of us were injured in some manner or other. While the wounded were being tended, the rest of the eóred helped to repair and rebuild some of the buildings of the steading. We did get there in time to save most of them."
"Thank, Bema. Did they lose much of the spring plantings? Frea said that we still have plenty of seed left over. It would be a late harvest; but better than none at all."
"When Ceorl gets here, he'll know. I managed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time," he made a face, glancing down at his sling, "and he kept filling me up with sleeping draughts the first several days after the battle."
"Knowing you, you wouldn't have slept much at all without them. I wouldn't be surprised if he had to do it to keep you from trying to rebuild everything yourself one-handed! I'll have to thank him for taking such good care of you. I was so worried."
"Who's been taking care of you?" Theo brushed his finger tips along her cheekbone.
"Frea tries to. And I'm afraid that Heornlaf is rather upset with me," she said guiltily.
Theo chuckled. "You barely let him get the gate open before you and Gyldenides were flying down the causeway?"
She slipped her left arm around his waist, careful not to jar his injured arm. "That's pretty much the way it was. I couldn't stand to wait any longer to see you."
After making certain the she was not going to slip, he caught up the reins with his left hand and coaxed Brego into turning back towards the Deep. "Come on, Brego, Gyldenides will come along with us, but you're facing the wrong direction to go home."
Brego snorted and readily turned round. Gyldenides nickered again and settled alongside him as they headed towards the keep.
The horn of the lookout rang out twice more before they reached the foot of the causeway. Theo glanced behind and grinned to see the rest of his riders gradually catching up with them.
Soon Ceorl and Erkenbrand were flanking them, Ceorl bearing Theodred's banner as he rode his dapple grey at Theo's right. Erkenbrand frowned at Edlyn as his black settled into a rocking canter next to Gyldenides. It was obvious that he suspected the manner of her departure from the keep.
"After this display, you're going to have to make things official, Theo," he said once Edlyn had looked appropriately repentant.
Theo squeezed Edlyn around the waist as he answered, "I'd intended to speak with you and Edlyn upon our return." He smiled at the man who had all but raised him. "Can you bear to take me for a son by law?"
"You're already the son of my heart. We may as well make it legal!" Erkenbrand laughed and smiled at Theo and his daughter, who was blushing like a rose.
They started up the causeway, Erkenbrand and Ceorl falling behind Brego and Gyldenides, and the troop following in pairs. Heornlaf had the gates fully open and stood just beyond them, his arms crossed and an irritated look on his face. Theodred looked up at the walls and then at the Hornburg and breathed a silent prayer to Bema in thanksgiving for bringing him home safely to Edlyn and his people. "Well met, Heornlaf, it is good to be home again," the prince said as he pulled Brego up before the irritated man.
Edlyn was reveling in the fact that Theo had made it home safely; silently promising an additional offering of mead to Bema before she went to bed that night. And tonight she'd be able to actually sleep since she wouldn't be imagining the dreadful possibilities that could have overtaken Theodred on the patrol.
Theodred relaxed in the saddle, not wanting to let go of Edlyn, but knowing that he needed to see Brego stabled and then to go see the widows of those who were now in the halls of their long-fathers.
Edlyn, understanding him without words, whispered, "Let me down, Theo."
He pressed a quick kiss to the top of her head before dropping the reins and steadying her as she slid from the saddle. When he released her she gently nudged Gyldenides away with her foot and slid down Brego's shoulder to land on the flagstones of the courtyard.
Theodred dismounted, grimacing for a moment as the impact of his feet hitting the ground jarred his fractured wrist. Brego nudged him with his whiskery nose, seeking sugarloaf. Edlyn already had some of the treat out of her belt pouch for both Brego and Gyldenides.
Theo fumbled awkwardly across his body to his belt pouch to pull out the piece he'd saved for the return from patrol, and added it to Brego's reward.
Heornlaf coughed politely, seeking their attention once the horses had been given their treats.
"Yes, Captain." Theodred handed Brego's reins to Ceorl, who had slipped up to stand next to him.
"If I might have words with the Lady Edlyn, concerning her precipitous departure?" the Rider asked, obviously not happy with the young woman.
"Her father, Lord Erkenbrand, has already dealt with that, Captain. I do not see the need to re-address it." Theo smiled at the officer, and then sobering, reached for the saddlebags that held their sad burden.
Heornlaf scowled a moment then cracked a crooked smile. "Well, I would have to say that her patience was sorely tried. Pray, my lady, next time wait for both gates to be opened?"
Edlyn blushed and nodded then turned to take the saddlebag from Theodred. It wasn't heavy but the bulk of it made it awkward for a man with only one working arm to handle. Ceorl quietly interjected that he would see Brego to the stables and settle him for the prince.
Edlyn glanced at Gyldenides and handed the saddlebag back to Theodred. "I'll be as quick as I can..." She was torn between her obligation to her mount and wanting to be with Theodred as he fulfilled his sad duty.
Around them, the rest of the eored was reuniting with their families and the injured were being taken into the keep for care. Erkenbrand nodded his head towards one of the youths who had arrived in the courtyard upon the arrival of the troop and gruffly told him to see to Gyldenides. "Just follow Brego, as her box is next to his."
Edlyn gave her father a quick kiss of gratitude and returned to Theo's side.
Theo swallowed and took a deep breath as he focused on the group of women standing on the steps to the hall, who were looking at the milling group of Riders and horses, their faces falling into grief one by one as the riderless horses were recognized.
Edlyn walked with Theodred towards the group. Two were older and a hint of resignation underlay the grief on their faces. The others were younger, some with small children by their sides, and the youngest one was visibly pregnant.
Theodred turned to Edlyn and reached for the saddlebags. He lifted the flap and withdrew a carefully folded cloak. One of the older women recognized the embroidery on its edge and stepped forward, her face a mask of pride and despair.
"Baelfas," she whispered as she took it from the Third Marshal with trembling hands. "Thank you, your highness."
"He fought bravely," Theo said quietly. "He saved five children from the Uruk-hai--" His voice broke. "I was honored to have him at my side; he went to Bema with honour."
Only after the woman clutched the cloak to her breast did her tears start to fall. Edlyn finally realized that the cloak the newly bereaved held had to have been the one her husband had wrapped her in on her wedding day. Baelfas' widow stepped back and Edlyn told herself to remember to check on the grieving woman, and the other five as well.
One by one, Theodred presented the cloaks to the new widows, and offered up words that he hoped sounded as heartfelt to them as they were to him in remembering the deeds of those who were lost.
Edlyn blinked back her own tears and, once the last of the women had left for their quarters to grieve in private, she slipped her arm around Theo's waist and laid her head against his shoulder. "I'll make sure that food is taken to them and see if they need anything."
He buried his face in her hair and fought to hold onto his composure. His emotions roiled within him. Grief tried to overwhelm the joy that had filled him upon his first sight of Edlyn.
And then, at her words, it receded a bit, and he felt comfort that he was not alone in this sad task. "I thank you, min heorte. We will farewell them this night. But I know they will not grudge us our betrothal; they would have been honoured to support us as we plight our troth."
"Come, you need to be seen by the healer, eat and rest. I'll see Frea and make things ready for the wake tonight. Though knowing her, she already has it in hand." She led him into the Hall.
Edlyn closed the door of the apartments of the last of the six widows whom she had visited after checking on Gyldenides, and the talking to Frea about the possibility of having to send seed to the holding. She glanced out one of the slit windows and saw that the sun was nearing the horizon and the sky was turning red. She'd have to hurry and change into a clean gown. When she opened the door to Erkenbrand's apartments she found her father already bathed and dressed and sitting in his chair by the fireside.
"Running late?" he asked.
She nodded but took the time to cross the room and embrace him. "I'm so glad you're home safe, father."
"There's something for you, lying on your bed. Now get changed. You don't exactly look like a lady about to be betrothed." He tugged at a strand of her hair which had tumbled free from where she'd hastily pinned it up out of her way.
She laughed at him and went to her room to discover a gown lying on top of the coverlet. It was made of layers of finely pleated white silk with a green corselet embroidered over with gold threads. She stopped in her tracks completely stunned, and then recognized the scent of the sharpwood and flowers that rose from the chest of her dead mother's belongings the few times she'd been present when Erkenbrand had opened it.
She was still staring at the gown when Frea bustled into the room. "Bema, girl! Get a move on!" She steered the younger woman away from the bed and towards the corner where hot water waited. "How will it look if you aren't there when everything begins?"
Within fifteen minutes Frea had laced her future mistress into the gown and had started to brush out her hair. "Where are your good slippers, Edlyn? I think we'll just let your hair fall free." She spotted the missing slippers under the edge of the bed and slid them onto Edlyn's feet before straightening and tipping Edlyn's face upwards. "I do wish your mother could be here. She would be so happy to see you in this gown. She wore it the night she was betrothed to your father, you know."
A knock came at the door and Erkenbrand inquired if Edlyn was ready yet.
Frea opened the door and smiled. "See for yourself."
Erkenbrand drew a sharp breath as he stared at his daughter. "You are the image of her."
His heart was in his eyes, the love he had for his wife mingled with the grief of her loss and his pride in Edlyn.
Edlyn crossed the room to her father and took his hands in her own. "Father..."
He smiled crookedly at her. "Well, I truly can't wait to see His Highness' expression when he sees you tonight."
Edlyn blushed and then Frea was shooing them out of the apartments and down the corridor to the Hall as her father tucked her arm into the crook of his elbow.
Theodred clapped a hand on Ceorl's shoulder as they left the prince's chamber. "I thank you for assisting me tonight. It has been long since I needed lacing into my clothing, but this," he indicated the green velvet robe embellished with gold embroidery of running horses about the hem and cuffs, and the White Horse of the Riddermark stitched in minute pearls at the shoulder, "isn't something to just fling on by oneself."
His aide snickered. "Well you could, but then it would look like one of those fancy table covers we saw the last time we were at the Mundburg."
Theo grinned and then sobered. "You do not think any will take it amiss and say that by my betrothal tonight I am dishonouring our glorious dead?"
"Not at all. In fact, I will bet they will have all in Bema's Hall toasting it."
Theodred increased his pace as they headed for the main hall where the keep's denizens were already gathered. Not because of the risk of being late, but because he could not wait to see his beloved once more. Theo knew that her presence would make the painful part of the evening bearable.
At the door Frea pressed a kiss to Edlyn's cheek, whispered that all would be well and crossed the Hall to where the Stirrup Cup and pitchers of mead waited.
Erkenbrand escorted Edlyn to the front of the hall near the dais where, when the King bothered to come to the Deep, the throne would sit, and where now two tables were arranged.
One was the high table for the Prince and the commanders of the Westfold and their ladies, the other stood unattended, six cups arranged thereon—each laying on its side, surrounding a loaf of bread and salt.
Frea carefully filled the Stirrup Cup and made sure that the gilded pitcher which would be used to fill the cups of the Fallen was filled with the correct amount of mead.
Edlyn stood beside her father and hoped that no one noticed her trembling.
Theodred paused outside the doorway to the hall, took a deep breath, then nodded for Ceorl to open it. He held his head high and marched, through the middle of the hall along the aisle that his people had left open for him, to the dais; straight and tall, the white of the new sling that supported his right arm picking up the light from the torches and the fire pit. He was met there by Frea who passed the Stirrup Cup into his hands with the words, "In memory of the Fallen."
The hall was silent save for the quiet sounds of shifting feet and the soft sobs of the weeping bereaved. Theodred looked into Frea's kind and sympathetic eyes as he took the cup in his left hand, using the supported fingers of his right to keep it balanced. He dipped his head once, and then looked out at the hall. He forced his eyes to skim over those assembled while various servers distributed cups of mead. When Frea nodded to him again and stepped back to the honour table, picking up the pitcher of mead set there, Theodred spoke.
"Baelfas. Lafwine. Ciaren. Anbidian. Magan. Alyfaen." He met the eyes of each of the widows in turn. "When this land was in dire need, they gave their strength to its protection, and their lives to preserve the lives of the helpless and weak. The blood of the long-fathers stirred in their hearts as they saw the enemy and put themselves in the way to keep the Uruk-hai from savaging the women and children and elderly of Sunbury Without thought for themselves, and bringing glory and honour upon their names, they made the highest sacrifice any could give for their fellow men. Hail, Baelfas!"
Edlyn kept her eyes on Theodred while a cup of mead was pressed into her hands by a server. Other servers continued to quietly provide the same for the others standing in the Hall.
Baelfas' widow stepped up to the table of honor and took up one of the cups. Frea filled it with mead and crumbled in a bit of bread and a pinch of salt. The widow stood, her head bowed, holding the cup in her hands, as Theodren named each of the others, and their bereaved wives, one by one, did likewise, until they all stood around the board.
The observers repeated "Hail Baelfas!" and each of the other names in turn, in a quiet respectful tone.
"Go you now to the Halls of Bema, to join with the warriors who have preceded you in honor. We gift you with mead and bread to sustain you, and with salt, to remind you of the tears of those who remain behind, who hope to join you one day, with honour." He lifted the cup in both hands, ignoring how it made his broken wrist hurt. "Hail the Glorious dead!"
"Hail the Glorious dead!" Edlyn repeated along with the rest of those present and drained the cup she held.
Theo closed his eyes as he drained the Stirrup cup, grieving for his lost men--friends, all of them--and shield brothers as after sipping from the goblets they held the widows processed down the open aisle and out the doors of the hall to pour out the contents of the goblets they held onto the sweet grass before the keep as a libation to Bema.
When Theo lowered the cup, he looked for Edlyn, needing to see her face. The dizzying warmth that filled him upon meeting her eyes could possibly be attributed to the large amount of mead he'd just consumed on an empty stomach, but perhaps, he thought, it could also be attributed to the look in her cornflower-blue eyes as she returned his gaze.
The hall momentarily appeared to fall into chaos as everyone moved to find their seats at the long trestle tables.
Edlyn lowered her goblet and gave Theodred a sympathetic look. He'd looked so weary when he'd lowered the Stirrup Cup; she really just wanted to take him and tuck him in, to sleep the clock round.
Frea quietly approached Theo and took the empty Stirrup Cup from him with a bow. She had to pass Edlyn as she carried it back to its place on the serving table, whispering as she stepped by her, "You will be the one doing this from now on, you know."
Erkenbrand snorted and escorted Edlyn to the high table where Theodred's commanders were taking their places along with their wives, standing until Theodred had taken his place at the center seat.
Theodred seated himself and the rest in the hall settled as the servers began to pass platters and bowls along the various tables.
Edlyn was surprised to find she felt hungry after all as she sat next to her father. This wasn't the first time she'd sat by his side at this table but lately she'd been more likely to be assisting Frea with organizing the servers and making sure the appropriate dishes got to the right tables.
"You did well, my prince," Erkenbrand said quietly. "It is a difficult duty; no matter how many times one must do it."
Frea carried a platter to Theodred, which contained plates of every dish offered, already cut up into bite size pieces so he needn't struggle with cutting his food one-handed.
"I have had to do this more frequently than I ever expected to have to," Theo responded, then smiled in gratitude at Frea as he transferred food to his plate.
"I have everything you requested ready, your highness," she said in a voice for Theodred's ears only as she waited for him to make his choices.
He nodded, "My thanks, Frea."
Edlyn accepted two slices of meat from the server who had appeared at her shoulder with a quiet "thank you." She then blinked as two other pieces made their way onto her plate.
"If you are going to be taking care of our Lord, you'll need to keep your strength up, my lady," Coerl said in an amused aside, taking several slices for himself as she turned her head to look at him.
Edlyn smiled shyly at the Rider and made sure to take more generous portions of the other dishes offered her.
Theodred conversed lightly with Heornlaf and his lady, although his Captain had a tendency to bring the conversation around to the need to up the vigilance of the rampart guard and other military matters, to his lady's not quite disguised boredom. She was more than pleased to turn her attention to Frea when that lady finished her serving duties and sat in the end seat of the high table.
Erkenbrand laughed at one of Heornlaf's comments about the brainlessness of the newest crop of recruits and reminded the man that it hadn't been all that long since he, Heornlaf, was one of those "brainless" recruits and see how well he'd turned out.
Edlyn shook her head, once her father got started on military matters, it was nearly impossible to turn the conversation to something else.
Ganotla, Ceorl's sister, leaned forward, and looking around her brother, asked, "Where did you get that lovely gown, Edlyn? I know I've never seen it before."
"It was my mother's. Father gave it to me earlier this evening." Edlyn grinned and added, "I'm terrified I'm going to spill something on it!"
Ceorl teased, "Just avoid the stew then."
"Sound advice, sir. Is that some I see on your sleeve?" she said teasing him back.
"Oh, I thought if I got hungry later, I'd have something to snack on."
Edlyn couldn't help the laughter that escaped her lips at the witty reply.
Theo smiled at hearing her laugh. Despite the volume of the conversation and laughter in the rest of the hall, he knew he'd hear it if she were in the furthest corner.
Ganotla gave her brother a pained look, having to listen to his brand of humor more frequently than anyone else, and asked sweetly, "Oh, is that why I found that most interesting stain on your tunic when you came back from the stables this afternoon?"
"You mean the applesauce that Magan dribbled on me? He was just trying to share."
"Applesauce! That stallion is as sloppy as you are!"
Ceorl gave his sister an equally pained look and threw up his hands in surrender. Turning his back on Ganotla, he asked Edlyn in a louder voice, "How are the Twins doing? I saw them before we left on patrol and they were looking well."
Theo caught the question and turned his attention to Edlyn's response as he hadn't thought to ask about them with all that was on his mind since the return that afternoon.
Edlyn was always ready to talk about the Firstborn colt and filly, and the next while was filled with talk of their growth, and quickness to learn, as well as discussions as to the best way to train a young horse without it getting burnt out. "Oh, they've grown quite a bit and they both have developed quite a mischievous streak. I think they'll take first at the Gather-Meet"
Eventually discussion about the annual gathering of the various keeps and the entrants for the various competitions absorbed the entire table, only occasionally diverted by the growing rowdiness of the general tables in the hall, which was gradually growing darker and smokier as torches began to burn down and servers brought fresh wood for the fire pit.
Frea quietly rose and directed the servers to clear away the empty plates from the head table then disappeared into the kitchens for some minutes. When she returned she carried two beautifully wrought goblets in her hands, which she set at Theodred's left hand.
Theodred caught Ceorl's eye and nodded once before getting to his feet. He took hold of one of his eating irons and thumped it hard on the pewter plate that lay in front of him, the clang piercing through the babble of the hall, which quieted as his people turned towards the sound and saw him on his feet.
"We have honoured the dead this night, but now is the time to also show that life continues even when grief stalks the land." He came around the front of the table to middle of the dais after touching Erkenbrand on the shoulder, beckoning him to rise as well. Erkenbrand rose to his feet, drawing Edlyn to her feet and leading her round the table, draping the corner of his cloak over her.
As Theodred halted, Ceorl was there, fastening the prince's cloak over the rich robes he'd worn to feast the departed, and a quite susurrus ran through the Hall as people began to realize what was happening.
Frea filled the two goblets with mead and moved to stand so she would be behind the three principals, ready to hand the cups to Theodred and Edlyn at the proper time.
Once the older man had arrived before Theodred, Erkenbrand took Edlyn's right hand and placed it on the prince's right hand, while keeping his daughter still tucked beneath his cloak. "As is the long-custom of our people I am glad to give my daughter unto the keeping of a man of honour, who will cherish her, protect her and love her."
Theo found himself nervous. He wanted this--oh, how he wanted this--but still, to stand before all of his people to publicly take Edlyn for his own... He inhaled deeply and smiled. Then looking into Edlyn's eyes, he spoke clearly, his voice ringing through the Hall, "I will take Edlyn, Erkenbrand's daughter to cherish her, protect her, and love her. I will make her the lady of my life and the queen of my heart."
Edlyn's voice wasn't as loud as his but held just as much conviction. "I will take Theodred Theoden's son to cherish him, protect him, and love him. I will make him the lord of my life and the king of my heart."
"Hearing your troths to each other, I give you Edlyn to wed before the twelve-month is out in completion of your word." Erkenbrand then gently pushed Edlyn to Theodred and out from under his cloak. Theodred drew Edlyn close to his side and draped the corner of his cloak over her.
Frea stepped forward with the two cups and Erkenbrand took them from her. He looked at his prince and daughter, smiled and handed each a goblet. "Drink to each other and your future and seal your betrothal."
Keeping the fingers of his right hand around Edlyn's, Theo took the cup handed to him and raised it up, crooking his elbow so that her left arm could entwine with his when she drank. "I drink to thee, Edlyn, with love and honour and joy."
Her eyes locked with his, and smiling joyously, Edlyn responded, "I drink to thee, Theodred, with love and honour and joy." Then both raised their goblets together and drank.
The hall erupted into cheers and all those present drank to the newly troth plighted couple.
Theo head was swimming a bit when Frea took the empty cup from him, but he just stood there and gazed down at Edlyn's face, smiling. He banished that part of his mind that warned him that his father would be furious when he found out about this, and muffled all thoughts of anything save how much he loved the woman he held beneath his cloak.
On her part Edlyn felt as though she were floating she was so happy. She never wanted to be any other place than where she was now. She handed Frea the empty goblet with a deliriously happy smile.
Frea returned the smile and took the goblets back to the kitchen, returning shortly thereafter bearing a cake rich with fruit and marzipan. The couple exchanged a kiss and then cut into the cake with the knife that Erkenbrand offered them.
Everyone in the Hall ended up with a small piece of the cake by the time all was done.
Ceorl was grinning when he and his sister came up to congratulate them. "You DO need to let her out from under your cloak at some point tonight, your highness."
"Does he have to? I rather like it here," Edlyn said.
Erkenbrand raised an eyebrow. "You won't be spending the night in his cloak until your wedding night, my girl."
Frea interrupted then, with a most practical question. "When is the wedding?"
Theodred raised an eyebrow but forbore to remind Erkenbrand that Edlyn already had spent a night in his cloak.
"How quickly can it be organized?" Theodred asked, thinking about the rapidly approaching Gather-meet and other obligations.
"Not before the Gather-meet," Edlyn said, to his amusement . "There's too much that has to be done with the foals and other entries to have wedding preparations going on at the same time."
Edlyn suddenly felt tension in the arm that Theodred had wrapped around her and glanced up to see a look of weariness flash over his face before it was replaced by a grin. She added, "Why don't we talk about that in the morning? I'm tired even if no one else is."
Theodred gave her a tiny squeeze before releasing her and stepping back; raising her hand to be kissed. "Then I will let you go to your pleasant dreams, my lady." Then he softly added before he released her hand, "I assure you, min heorte, my dreams will be pleasant, too."
TBC