Author's Note: Sorry for the ridiculously long delay, guys. I promise I haven't dropped this story.

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A banging startled me from my focus, and I looked up to see Rose banging her forehead against the long oak table. "Why is this so hard?" she groaned.

"Because you have to get back into the habit of studying," I commented, practicing my letters on my slate. Prince Imrahil had been kind enough to hire a tutor for us as well as providing slate and chalk for us to practice on; paper was expensive in Middle Earth, and therefore too precious a commodity to waste on learning to read and write. "At least it's not like we're learning the entire language from scratch. We already know the words, now it's just a matter of recognizing them on paper."

Rose stood and began to pace restlessly. "No, it's not even that. I was always a good student. It's just that Boromir is supposed to arrive today."

I couldn't help grinning at her. We'd been here three weeks now, and my friend was getting progressively more restless the closer it came to her husband's arrival. "He's not due for several more hours, Rose. Cool your jets."

She sighed and flopped back into her chair, an impressive feat in a corset. "I feel like I'm five again and it's Christmas Eve."

I rolled my eyes with a little smile and returned to my work. After so many years in school, studying was second nature to me and long practice memorizing data meant that I was having much more luck learning the new alphabet than Rose, much to her chagrin. Plus, the desire to write letters to Eomer provided further impetus, whereas Rose could simply speak to her husband.

A little pang of envy went through me at that thought. I missed Eomer more than I thought I would, though a letter had arrived two weeks ago from him. He was still grieving the loss of his uncle and friends, but matters of state left little time to mourn. As King, it was his job now to guide Rohan through the most devastating war in its history. Exacerbating an already near-desperate situation was summer, which in populations with medieval waste management meant disease. Eomer had many advisors for these problems, but I offered what advice I could in my response. The economy needed kick-starting anyway, so I suggested he kill two birds with one stone by paying laborers to create sewage lines that would take the waste away from the cities. My hope was that it would work like President Roosevelt's New Deal had. In this vein, I had sent him schematics for a simple drainage system and instructions on how to tailor to the needs of his country.

Still, hiring laborers required money, and I could assume that the royal treasury was nearly bankrupt after the war. He mentioned that his advisors were talking about raising taxes on the already poor peasants, but I suggested another solution that would hopefully fix two problems. Rohan's crop had been destroyed by pillaging orcs, but they had an abundance of sheep in both pasture and mountain. I suggested he sell the sheep to Gondor in exchange for both grain and money, which would feed the Rohirrim and pay for the drainage systems.

Amrothos had been kind enough to write the long letter while I dictated, and it had been sent out the week before via messenger. Though Amrothos had not minded writing down my thoughts, it made me all the more determined to learn to read and write myself; I spectacularly hated being dependent on anyone.

A knock on the chamber door made both Rose and I look up. "Enter," she called.

The door swung open to admit Lothiriel, who smiled at us. "Your Grace, the Steward has been sighted. He arrives within the hour."

It looked like Rose's head would explode from the effort of containing her enthusiasm. Instead of jumping up and down and squealing like I knew she wanted to, she simply beamed a thousand watt smile and stood gracefully. "Thank you, Lothiriel. Would you like to come in, or do you have more pressing matters to attend to?"

Lothiriel grinned. "I would love to, but I must check that preparations have been completed for the Royal Guard. I shall send a maid when your husband arrives."

Rose waited until the door closed behind Lothiriel before she spun to face me. "Make me look good. I want to be beautiful when he sees me."

I laughed, but set down my chalk and stood. "You already look beautiful, but I'll do my best."

Thirty minutes later, Rose was glorious in a diaphanous lavender gown that flowed behind her when she walked, making her look almost like a butterfly. Her hair was down, the natural curls tamed somewhat by the clever use of lotion, and her already glowing face was highlighted very subtly with the barest hint of makeup. Pregnancy and happiness really did agree with her; the Steward's wife was radiant as we went down to the colossal courtyard to greet her husband. I couldn't help mentally patting myself on the back for getting her to look this good without 21st century products.

Prince Imrahil and his children were already gathered on the great steps of the palace when we joined them, and it wasn't a moment too soon that we arrived. I took my place behind her as Boromir galloped through the gates on a massive stallion, followed by a battalion of soldiers all bearing the White Tree on their chests. It was an impressive display of power as the company halted their horses at the base of the steps and began dismounting.

The impressive effect was ruined somewhat when Rose bolted down the steps and into her husband's waiting arms, and the rest of us all grinned and laughed as the newlyweds joyfully reunited. It was like something out of a movie: Boromir caught Rose and lifted her, swinging her around in the air once before setting her on her feet just long enough to plant a very thorough kiss on her, which she reciprocated with enthusiasm as she wrapped her arms around his neck. The height difference was enough that her feet dangled off the ground, but neither seemed to mind as they finally pulled away enough to smile at one another. There were joking whoops and wolf-whistles from the soldiers as the couple kissed again, but Boromir and Rose simply laughed as he set her back on her feet. Hand in hand – and beaming handsomely – they ascended the steps to where the rest of us stood grinning.

Boromir shook hands with Imrahil, who was grinning like a madman. "Welcome to Dol Amroth," Imrahil greeted as the two massive men slapped each other on the arm. "I see you've forgotten the protocol for visiting another man's keep."

"Forgive my rudeness, Uncle," Boromir said, completely unabashed. He turned to Lothiriel, standing at her father's side. "Cousin, it has been long since I looked upon your face. You look well."

She smiled up at her massive cousin and bobbed a deep curtsy. "As do you, my Lord. Marriage agrees with you."

The men released each other and the nobility followed them inside the Great Hall. Outside, Boromir's company was dismounting and the Steward's flag was being raised over the battlements. The crowd had begun to disperse.

The Steward still hadn't released his beloved wife's hand.

"It is good to see my cousin so happy," Lothiriel murmured beside me as Rose dragged her husband away, allegedly to wash up before dinner. "They are a strange couple, but they are suited as the West Wind to white sails. What joy to be together and in love."

I looked at her appraisingly, catching the wistful note in her voice. "Do you speak from experience?"

She glanced at me and smiled, lacing her arm through mine and guiding me back through the great halls. "My love is far away, and letters are no substitute for warm arms." My heart clenched as I guessed she was talking about Eomer. "Indeed, he wrote once that he owed his life to the Steward. Altir was nearly cut down by an easterling at the Black Gates, but my cousin saved him."

I blinked. "Altir?"

She nodded. "'Tis my love's name. He's the Lord of Anfalas, the territory adjoining ours. His father died in the war, or so I hear, and now he's Lord of the region."

Well, now. That was interesting information. "How long have you known each other?"

"Since birth," she replied with a little smile. "We were waiting until after the war to pledge ourselves to one another. Father will announce our betrothal in the coming month."

My mind was reeling at this innocently optimistic confession. Lothiriel was engaged, and deeply in love. Had Rose not changed Boromir's fate, Lothiriel's fiancé would have died at the Black Gates, and she would have married Eomer. But now Lothiriel was spoken for, so where did that leave me and Eomer? He and I may very well never see each other again, and talk only through letters. I felt both incredibly nervous and impossibly hopeful. I would have to speak to Rose about this.

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My chance didn't come until the next day, as Boromir and Rose were attached at the hip. The way the acted, you would think they had been apart for months, instead of just weeks.

The two of us were having breakfast on my veranda. Or rather, I had been nursing a coffee and trying to quietly wake up, and Rose had bounced in with a demand that I spend the morning with her. Boromir had just left to go meet with Imrahil and Elphir, leaving the two of us to our own devices. Over breakfast, I told her what Lothiriel had said. Rose was silent for a long moment, staring thoughtfully at the sea for so long I thought maybe she hadn't heard me.

"Well, this certainly makes things interesting," she murmured. Rose leaned back in her chair, a feat easily accomplished since she could no longer wear corsets with her small baby bump beginning to show. I couldn't help feeling a little envious, since I had no such excuse. "From what I gather of Gondorian politics, she can't break the engagement, and I doubt she would want to, from what you say." She rested pale blue eyes on me. "Looks like King Eomer is up for grabs."

I raised an eyebrow in amusement. "He's not an object, Rose. It's not like I can just call Shotgun and snag the front seat."

She grinned. "I guess you'd better start wooing the good horse lord, then."

I gave her a look. "And how do you propose I do that? Beg my fairy godmother to turn me into a Gondorian bombshell, and ride off to Edoras? I don't think I'll make it there before I turn back into a pumpkin at midnight."

Blue eyes rolled in the beleaguered manner of the deliberately misunderstood. "And they gave you a doctorate," she sighed. "No, Dr. Wiseass. I mean that you're giving valid solutions to his problems, and he's turning to you for advice. You've already earned his respect, and it's clear that he likes you. Now you just have to reciprocate and let the friendship blossom into something's more."

"I'm in an entirely different country," I pointed out dejectedly, propping my chin on my hand. "Long distance relationships rarely work even with 21st century phones and Internet connections. How is it supposed to blossom when we can only send letters?"

"Ok, I'll admit that is slightly problematic." We lapsed into silence for a moment, considering the issue.

Our quiet deliberation was broken by the arrival of a maid bearing a silver platter. "Forgive me, Your Grace. A letter has arrived for Lady Leigh."

There was only one person that sent me letters. Rose and I exchanged a pointed glance as I accepted the thick paper and broke the seal. "Should I send for someone to read it?" Rose asked.

I shook my head. "I've been making pretty decent progress with my reading and writing. Let me see how much I can read on my own." I flattened the parchment on the table, and instantly recognized Eomer's handwriting. It was clear and legible, but definitely masculine in its sharp corners and abrupt stops. Rose continued eating as I read silently.

Finally, I set the letter on the table, a little shell shocked. Rose frowned at me and straightened. "What is it? What's wrong?"

I shook my head. "Nothing's wrong. I just... Eomer asked me to come to Edoras."

"What?" Rose snatched the letter off the table, taking a little longer to read it than normal, as we were still not up to par with the unfamiliar characters. "You're a better engineer than anyone at his disposal, and your unprecedented solutions have already impressed his advisors," she paraphrased. She was silent for a moment as she continued reading, and her eyebrows flew up. "'Pending your reply, I shall formally request King Elessar send you as a Royal Emissary as a token of good faith.' Holy crap, Leigh."

"No fuckin' joke," I agreed dryly.

"Language," she chided, but her eyes were still on the letter. "Well, ignoring the massive breach of protocol, this is fantastic news. It solves all your problems."

"Does it?" I asked, my mind already on the logistics. "Even with you at my side, I'm constantly terrified of making a social blunder. What am I supposed to do in Pony Land?"

She coughed delicately into her fist. "Well, perhaps not referring to it as Pony Land, for one thing." At my dry look, she shrugged. "You're one of the smartest women I've ever met, Leigh. I have every confidence that you'll manage not to start a war between Gondor and Rohan. Besides, Eomer will look out for you, and you can do some real good there."

I ran a hand through my hair. "You're right. Will you be ok with the birth," I asked, gesturing to her slight baby bump.

That cooled her enthusiasm. "I hadn't thought of that," she murmured, running a pensive hand over her belly. "I really need you here for that. I know Boromir will be there, but I'm scared." Her eyes flickered to mine. "So many women died from childbirth."

I smiled gently and took her hand. "I'll be here, come hell or high water, and I'm not going to let anything happen to you."

She squeezed my hand then. "Well, it looks like you're going to Edoras. Let's write that letter."

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Two weeks passed quietly, and then suddenly everything changed at once. Official summons from the King came, ordering me to travel to Edoras, and a party of soldiers volunteered to escort me to the Gondor-Rohan border.

Rose surveyed my quarters with a frown, her gaze sharp as she checked for anything I may have overlooked. "Rose, we've double and triple checked everything," I said gently to the younger woman. "There's nothing left to do."

She gave a little sigh and her shoulders slumped imperceptibly. "I know. I just... No one else here speaks English," she muttered.

While it was true that we rarely spoke Common unless others were listening, I knew that it wasn't the lack of her mother tongue that had upset the girl. We were each other's only tangible connection to home. I smiled and hugged her. "We'll write to each other in English, and you know I'll be back a month before the birth."

She laced her arm through mine as we walked from the room, making our way to the courtyard where the Rohirrim messenger and my escort waited. "You're my milk," she sighed.

I squinted my eyes at her uncertainly. "Ditto?"

She laughed. "No, I mean, you're the milk to my Oreo. You're my person. Boromir may be my soul mate and the love of my life, but he'll never really understand me the way you do."

"So, that was an incredibly convoluted way of saying 'I love you and I'll miss you'," I surmised dryly. She nodded and I smiled. "I love you and I'll miss you, too."

The others were waiting in the courtyard when we arrived. Lothiriel smiled and squeezed my hand. "Be careful, Lady Leigh. I wish you well."

"I hope I get to see you before your wedding," I said sincerely. "You'll always have a friend in me."

She smiled and passed me to Imrahil. "You are always welcome in Dol Amroth," he murmured, kissing my hand formally. I curtseyed as Rose had taught me and thanked him.

Erchirion was next, and his eyes were as jovial as ever. "If anyone mistreats you in Rohan, remember that I'm not just a good poker player. I'm a good soldier, too, Lady."

I snorted. "And a good soldier to a lady," I quipped dryly, prompting a laugh from those listening.

"Your soldiering is a far sight better than your gambling, and for that I thank the Valar," Boromir retorted, rolling his eyes. He smiled when I came to him, though, and kissed my forehead. "You will be well-guarded, but pay heed to your guide. Amrothos is familiar with your course and will keep you from danger."

"I made sure Boromir put the fear of God in him about anything happening to you," Rose added.

Boromir looked like he wanted to sigh, but I could read the frustrated affection in his face. "Indeed."

I coughed into my fist to cover a laugh. "Thanks, Boromir."

Rose threw her arms around me. "Are you sure you have to leave?" she asked quietly in English.

"Eomer needs me." I squeezed her gently before letting her to. "The birth will be here before you know it, and so will I."

She blinked several times, her eyes glistening. "Keep Eomer's head from getting too big; his ego is already bigger than the GoodYear blimp. And remember that Rohan ale is stronger than the beer you're probably used to, so go easy on it." She sniffled a little, then straightened. "Oh, and I have a gift for you, before I forget." She pulled a leather messenger bag from behind her and handed it to me. "It's not much, but you'll find it useful. I made some glass goggles to go over your glasses for any experiments you may do, as well as some stone measuring cups, a ruler, a notebook, and some pencils, though I couldn't figure out how to make erasers."

"You made me science supplies?" I blinked at her in surprise as my eyes started to tear up. "That's the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. Thank you so much."

A few hours later, I stood on the bow of a massive ship, watching Dol Amroth shrink into the distance. I would be traveling with the large group of soldiers headed home to Minas Tirith, and from there, to Edoras with supplies and volunteers lending aid to Rohan.

Among them was Amrothos; as the youngest son, he wasn't needed in Dol Amroth and was eager to see the friends he had made among the Rohirrim under the guise of being my chaperone: this was still a culture that frowned on a woman traveling unaccompanied. He would be escorting me to Rohan before heading back to Minas Tirith.

"So," I said, turning to my companion and pulling a pack of cards from my pocket, "are you ready to lose more money?"

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