A/N: I've got two more Elfwine Chronicles coming soon, possibly a third.

Epilogue

Lothiriel sat watching her husband and son splashing in the swimming hole, Elfwine's childish giggle joined by Eomer's booming laugh. At just two and a half years of age, Elfwine was not yet able to fully appreciate the water, but he was clearly enjoying himself nevertheless, and it brought a smile to see the boy's pleasure reflected in his father's face. Her hand slid down over her expanding belly, and she lowered her eyes as her smile deepened. Soon Elfwine would be joined by a brother or sister.

She had always wanted a large family, and hoped to marry a man of the same opinion. When King Eomer had proposed a marriage of convenience, it had seemed that possibility was lost, for he had made it clear he did not expect to consummate his marriage with a woman he did not love. That understanding had driven a stake through her heart on two counts – to wed without the prospect of children, to a man who did not love her as she loved him.

She had not expected to care so deeply for this man from the North. He was handsome, to be sure, and pleasant, though clearly overburdened by many cares and worries. But he had proven to be an unusual combination of strength and tenderness, and before she had known him a fortnight, she knew he had captured her heart. Still, she had not expected the proposal he offered, and was a little surprised at her willingness to accept it on the terms he specified.

Perhaps even at the outset some tiny part of her dared hope that one day his heart would lighten, and when it did he might come to find joy in her, desire her, love her. It had taken many months, during which their deepening friendship had proven bittersweet to her.

And then one day he had come to her, with love shining in his eyes. He wanted her, he loved her, and finally they were one as she had always dreamed. Eomer claimed it was extremely brave of her to have held out such hope when he gave her no reason to believe it would ever transpire as she wished. Possibly so, though she had never felt brave. She just knew she would rather settle for his friendship, standing by his side, than to be parted from him all her days. That his love had been her reward was almost too impossibly wonderful to comprehend, but so it was.

Her two men began to splash her with water, and her merry laughter rang out around the cove. Oh, yes, it had been worth it!

12/18/06