Chapter 72

When we arrived back at the Meduseld, I swiftly left the others. I went straight to my room after asking for a bath to be drawn for me. That would help ease my mind. I tried not to think of anything as I sank into the hot water, and for a moment, all was forgotten.

I was so happy for a bath, that I almost fell asleep in it. As I was cleaning the dirt off my arm, a raven landed on my open window. Jumping, I turned around and smiled at the large bird who promptly turned away. Getting out of my bath, I dried off and got dressed into something more appropriate for women. Taking care of my hair, I grabbed some bread, and ushered the bird inside.

"My Lady," he nodded, hopping over to the food. "I have searched far and wide for you."

"I am sorry, so much has happened in the last few days," I sighed. "I was not expecting a message. Is everything all right?"

"Yes, we have been keeping our eyes on the surrounding area of Erebor and Dale," he replied. "Dol Goldur has launched an attack on Thranduil, but he has pushed it back, with the help of the dwarves."

"Good," I answered, dropping my shoulders. "What do you need?"

"Your husband simply wishes to know that you are safe," the bird chirped, swallowing some bread. "Can I set a course you might take?"

"I am not sure. We will reside here for a few days I'm sure," I murmured, looking down. "I'd say we'd be moving across toward Gondor next, maybe. Unless I am called home."

"I will tell the King the message," he nodded.

"Tell him I love him," I blurted, unable to help the blush.

The raven cackled softly, his brown eyes lighting up with mirth. He nodded his head to me, and soon took flight again. I watched him go, and listened as the feast was prepared down in the hall below where I was staying. It was going to be a grand feast, filled with honoring those we had lost during the battle. Letting my hair dry, I finally decided it was time to show my face.

Walking down into the hall, I grabbed a seat near Aragorn as people filed in and stood facing their King. I glanced at Aragorn when he looked down, and he arched a brow at me. I gave him a sour look, not wanting to be teased.

"Apologies," he smiled. "I'm not used to seeing you in proper clothing."

"If I had my dagger I'd gut you," I growled, and he grinned.

"I was going to finish with you look beautiful," he rumbled, and I gave a slight smile.

"Tonight we remember those who gave their blood to defend this country," Theoden spoke. "Hail the victorious dead."

"Hail!"

When the party started, it truly started. I was so happy to get something to eat that was actually food. They had killed two boars and there was food everywhere. I mingled with a few people, and watched from beside Gandalf as Merry and Pippin had some fun. They were singing and dancing, making all those around me laugh. The wizard chuckled at their happiness, and I looked up when he patted my shoulder.

"Try to have fun tonight," he said gently. "It will take your mind off pressing concerns. All you need to know is that you are safe, and it is done."

I patted his hand gently, and slowly moved off after Aragorn joined them. Those two could put a damper on the mood, and for once I was feeling lighthearted. I had received word from Thorin that he was well, and so were the others, and now we were celebrating a victory. I had been to Rohan during a feast like this before, so it was nothing new to me. Men were shouting, women were dancing, and I saw Eowyn speaking with a few men here and there. I put the killing of Saruman to the back of my mind, and let the party fill my senses.

"You seem at ease, during a party like this."

Turning my head, I watched as Eomer walked over, a cup of ale in his hand. I followed him toward where the King had stood to give his speech, and I grabbed some meat from a plate.

"I am the Queen of the dwarves of Erebor," I smiled. "They would take anything and turn around and throw a feast."

"I've not heard much of Erebor," he admitted. "There was history there."

"Oh yes. Plenty of it," I nodded. "And I've been around for all of it."

"So you were present when Smaug took it?" he asked, curious.

"No, but I was there days after," I nodded. "I was present when they returned as well, and fought in the battle for the mountain. It's been a long sixty years."

"Amazing, you don't look a day over thirty."

"I'll take that as a compliment," I chuckled.

He flushed, and he sighed. "Oh, apologies."

I laughed at that. "Forgiven. And you have my thanks for being so kind to me."

"I can imagine it's been a rough road for all of you," Eomer answered, looking toward the others.

"Yes, it has," I agreed. "And I'm sure it's only going to get worse."

"Well, you are not alone, my lady," Eomer bowed his head slightly. "In place of your guards, you have my protection if your own should fail."

"You are kind," I smiled, patting his arm.

"It is all I can offer," he sighed. "I would have killed the wizard myself, but you beat me to him."

"I guess I did us all a favor," I tried musing, but my voice was tight.

"You did," Eomer said seriously. "You rid the world of an evil man, regardless of what you may think. You did the right thing. Do not let it haunt you, it does not need to."

"Thank you, Eomer," I said softly.

He nodded to me, before someone drew his attention and I was left alone. Gimli was drinking everyone under the table over in the left part of the hall, and I could hear roars of laughter from the men around him. That reminded me of home right there, and I chuckled. Fili and Kili would be tearing this place apart if they were here with us.

I managed to dodge all the men around the hall who were too drunk to remember their manners, and those I did not thankfully found themselves face to face with the King, Eomer, or Aragorn. If they were not quick enough, those men then would meet the floor. That was one thing I did not miss about the world of men. They were terrible drunks.

"Apologies, My Lady," Theoden sighed.

"I do have a sense of humor," I answered. "Trust me, I've been Queen for sixty years now and I think I still have much to learn about how to conduct myself. I should have taken lessons from a certain elf maiden I knew, but sadly that fell short. I can be about as bad as one of the men given the chance."

He laughed at that. "And I wonder where you get it from."

"Once I was taken into Erebor, I was surrounded by Thorin, his brother Frerin, and Dwalin our warmaster. There were several others in my life, but those stuck. Frerin was the worst, he brought out horrible manners. It did not help when Dis had her sons. They were terrible. Can be still. I do have manners when I need them, but I think while I'm free from Erebor I can let go a little."

Theoden had to laugh freely at that, and the sound had me smiling. The memories from what I spoke of also added to that.

"I've read many things about you," he said. "My father knew you well, as did the Kings before us."

"Brytta was my favorite," I hummed fondly. "He had a wonderful sense of humor, unlike those before him. I watched him grow up for a few years, and when I returned he was King."

"I heard he was a just ruler, earning the name Beloved by the people during that time," he answered softly.

"Aye, I think he did," I nodded. "I was not around long enough to see him reign truly. But from what I saw he was good."

"How old are you?"

"You should never ask a lady her age, Eomer," I said, glancing to my right. "It is bad luck."

He laughed at that. "Then please grace us with an answer!"

"I am just over a hundred and seventy years old, my lords," I smiled. "I'm much younger than Gandalf or Legolas."

"For your age you look wonderful," Eomer bowed, his cheeks red.

"I do believe you've had too much to drink," I smiled.

"Only to have the bravery to ask the Queen of Erebor for a dance," he grinned.

He reminded me of Frerin. I was struck with the thought and it almost took my breath away, but I managed to hide it with a smile. I sighed and took the last drink of my wine.

"Do not get any ideas, Captain. I am married, and I will gut you," I reminded him.

"You wound me," he sighed, faking offense.

Eomer smiled at me, and offered his hand to me. I took it, and he led me to the dance floor and swung me through a dance that had me laughing. It was good to laugh, after all the loss we had gone through. I knew it was not over, but this little moment was worth it. I was surrounded by good men here, and that was a relief in itself. We danced for a good while, and soon found ourselves over by the table where the ale was being given. Eomer soon put himself in charge of it, and explained the drinking game to Legolas and Gimli. The dwarf was just looking for another thing he could beat an elf at.

"Last one standing, wins," Gimli grinned.

"So...it's a drinking game?" the elf asked.

I sat on the table beside Eomer and watched as he handed mug after mug to the two. Making sure to put myself on the other side of the barrel, I laughed as Legolas finished off his tenth cup, and continued on. Gimli looked a little worse for wear, and by the fifteenth cup of ale, he was tilting. Finishing another glass, Legolas put it down and looked at his fingers.

"I feel something," he said, moving his fingers. "A slight tingle to my fingers."

"Wh...Whut dud I say?" Gimli smiled. "He canno...hold his liquor..."

Lifting a brow, Eomer looked at the elf and we all suddenly jumped as Gimli fell from his stool. I laughed, unable to contain it any longer. Legolas looked at me, and I glared at him from where I sat.

"You are so mean. You should have told him it takes much more than ale to get you wasted," I laughed.

"He asked, so I just went along with it," he shrugged, and Eomer laughed.

"Who is the best drinker in the mountain?" Eomer asked.

"Hm...who I personally know, I'd say Bofur. Thorin can hold his own pretty well. Back before Smaug, he and Frerin were the best. No one could beat them," I smiled. "I try not to engage in drinking challenges."

We spent most of the evening laughing, until there was nothing left to do but sleep. I was so tired by the end of the night, and I couldn't sleep in the hall with all the men. Turning to a wolf, I walked outside and slept while Legolas kept watch over the night. He appreciated the company, even though I slept.

I had to post this so soon because it is short. I'll update once i get back from vacation! Enjoy a double chapter!