Hi everyone! Seriously, the reviews make me want to keep updating! So keep up your good work and hopefully there will be no more month long absences! I am really enjoying producing this story! A couple things before we get started:

1) In an earlier review, someone said that I had referenced that Aragorn and Arwen were physically intimate. I found why they thought that. I used the word lovers (which is a weird word anyway) but I did not mean physically. I did not know how else to reference this. So this chapter goes with the assumption (and sticking to Tolkien's mindset) that Aragorn would have waited for Arwen.

2) Some of the customs may seem strange, but I researched some things from the Middle Ages and just went with it!

So enjoy!

Chapter Thirteen (Mareke)

"You do not have to wear it on that finger," Aragorn said to me after we had partaken in the feast in our honor. I glanced down at the ring he had given me. It was truly beautiful. I ran a fingertip over the intertwining mithril bands and the large, black oval stone. It sat right on top of the tattoo I had received the day after my wedding to Jibran.

I shook my head. "It is fine. I would not want to break any other customs."

From what I could gather half of the crowd did not approve of my gown. However, there was the younger set led by Vanya, who had shown up to the ceremony and feast in dresses very similar to the ones I had been wearing around before the wedding. Oyna had been kept quite busy and had taken a young girl as an assistant in designing the gowns and actually sewing them for the younger noblewomen who wanted them.

Aragorn frowned for the briefest of moments, before recovering. "I chose the three bands for you, Adnan, and myself," he said softly.

"You designed it?" I asked, touched at the thought he had put into it when it would have been much easier for him to have something generic made.

He shrugged. "More or less. I rambled on to Gimli for half an hour and he managed to turn my ramblings into that."

"It is absolutely beautiful."

Without warning, Aragorn reached across me and traced the sun that was tattooed on the back on my left hand. It was rather large.

"Do these all have meanings?" he asked.

I nodded. "They do. That one is just the symbol for my father's bloodline. Only the royal family has it. Only his house"

I was rather distracted from the conversation. It was only Aragorn and I sitting at the high table, but my gaze had found my son sitting with his grandparents.

I took a sip of the wine in front of me. There would be no intoxication, but the wine that Legolas had provided and that was served at official feasts and functions allowed a curtain to fall over me and allowed me to care much less of what the people were doing and saying than I should have, though the evening of my wedding it was not working as well as it sometimes did.

"There is someone here whom you have not met yet that I think you will like very much," Aragorn said when he found I was not paying attention any longer.

"Indeed?" I turned to look at him finally and it was obvious that he had been studying me.

I had not had much time before the wedding to entertain the guests that had arrived early, but many of them would be staying after the wedding so that I could become acquainted with them.

Everyone had begun mingling once more and Aragorn drew me over to a group and they all turned and greeted us, fairly informally I thought, but then Aragorn did not often demand the formality of his title.

"Mareke, this is Faramir and his wife, Eowyn. They arrived from Ithilien late last night I believe," Aragorn said.

Both of them bowed and curtsied respectfully. "Your Majesty, we might have been here earlier, but my husband does not know when to put his work away," the blonde, pale woman jested.

I gave her a smile. "I cannot say that is a bad trait for the man who has such an important role in our Realm."

The man's cheeks colored ever so slightly from my praise.

"Be careful, my brother-in-law does not handle compliments very well," Eomer-King said as he joined our group.

"Eomer-King," I bowed my head in his direction. "It seems we will just have to give him more so he is used to them. From what I understand, he has been very useful to my new husband."

I felt the warm presence of Aragorn's hand on my lower back and smiled up at him.

"Speaking of your new husband, he and I have been conspiring for your son's birthday," Eomer said. He had been in Minas Tirith for a week and had shared a meal or two at which my son was present. He was taken with the huge, blond man and his jovial nature.

"That is nothing any mother ever wants to hear, Eomer-King, so proceed carefully."

Aragorn laughed at my side.

"I thought that I might bring him one of our foals this summer," Eomer said with a mischievous grin.

"Another animal for his menagerie," I sighed. "How fitting."

"Another?" Eowyn asked curiously.

"Adnan snuck his pet leopard to Minas Tirith. He now lives in the garden."

"The leopard or your son?" Faramir asked and I was a little surprised at his sense of humor. He had seemed quite reserved.

Everyone laughed. "The leopard. Sometimes though I think it might be easier to have Adnan join him."

A look passed over the Lady of Ithilien's face at my mention of the difficulties of parenting and only I saw her hand move to her flat abdomen. It had been one of my common gestures when I had found out that I was expecting Adnan, a movement of disbelief perhaps. I quickly looked away to not give away her secret.

"I am sure he will be quite pleased with the thoughtful gift," I said and shook my head.

"I would be quite interested to see this leopard you speak of," Eowyn said, once more joining the conversation.

"Adnan would love nothing more than to show you," Aragorn replied.

I found myself smiling. Unfortunately, none of those gathered around me were residents of Minas Tirith.

"We should probably bid him goodnight before the Rohirrim show us just how boisterous they can be," Aragorn said with a jesting smile in Eomer's direction.

"We will behave according to your customs, Your Majesty," he said, returning the grin.

"I should hope not," Aragorn returned, before leading me to where Adnan was fidgeting on my mother's lap.

He reached up toward me, but I merely took one of his small hands in mine and gave it a squeeze. I could feel everyone's eyes on me and I did not want them to have anything to whisper about. Adnan fussed at me and I could see how tired he was, but still I did not lift him onto my hip.

Besides the people, I felt Aragorn staring down at me for a long moment before he reached for the boy and settled him on his own hip.

I looked up and they were both grinning at each other and I could not help but smile a little as well, despite those whispering as my son laid his head on Aragorn's shoulder.

"Are you married yet, Mama?" he asked.

I could not help but laugh. "I am."

"Good," he said with a yawn.

I looked around for Lady Belethiel and found her not too far away. I motioned for her to join us so that she could take Adnan back to the nursery for the night.

Aragorn set him on his feet and the other woman took his hand.

"You can touch him, you know," Aragorn murmured to me. "You should not be afraid to show your own son affection."

He obviously understood what the people thought of our marriage and me coming to it with a child already. He could hear their whispers just as well as I could, but it did not bother him. With that in mind, I knelt before Adnan and placed a kiss on each chubby cheek.

"Goodnight, Adnan," I whispered in Haradrim so only he could hear. "I love you and I will see you in the morning."

"Night, Mama," he replied over his shoulder as he was being led away.

I straightened up and righted the skirts of my dress and immediately looked back up at Aragorn so as not to have to face the stares of those around us.

ooooOoooo

"Can we leave yet?" Jibran murmured in my ear, leaning close. My hair so slightly rustled from his breath.

I laughed, but let my hand move to his thigh under the table. "They have only just cleared away the dishes."

"I am not seeing your point." His hand grabbed mine and pulled it higher on his leg.

The anticipation on my end had been making me nervous for weeks before my wedding to Jibran. He had only acted eager for all of the formality to be over with so we might retire. There had been assurances that there had been no one else since our engagement was announced and so he was ravenous for the physicality of our marriage.

The entire concept was foreign to me and I had no idea what to expect. I had allowed him to kiss me and his hands to travel over my body to an extent and I had enjoyed the feeling, but I was still fearful of giving him complete control.

"All of these people are here to see us," I said gently. "We cannot just disappear."

"The people are here to please your father and enjoy the free food and drink," Jibran corrected with a laugh.

"You should not be so cynical on your wedding day."

"You are right." His hand went to my chin and he turned my head so that he could press a kiss to my lips. Seemingly unaware of all of those seated around us, Jibran deepened the kiss and pulled me toward him. There was raucous applause all around us.

When Jibran pulled away he was grinning at me.

Quietly at first, the drums began in the far corner of the hall. They were joined by the long-handled lute, and then the rhythmic melody was picked up by the wooden flute.

"We should show the people how in tune we are with one another," Jibran said when the music was in full swing. "I will have my hands on you one way or another."

Before I knew it, I was pulled onto my feet, nearly tripping over the blood red skirt I wore, laughing the whole way as Jibran pulled me into the cleared space.

I had fretted over the wedding outfit for months. I had stood for countless alterations and been accidentally poked by needles all over my body.

That morning, my mother had come to help me dress and prepare myself. She tied the small, intricate top in place while I fastened my gold nose ring, the only piece of jewelry I really had.

"Children can only be conceived after nights of passion," my mother said with a teasing grin. "With this outfit, I should be a grandmother within the year."

"Mother!" I exclaimed, my cheeks burning. She merely looked at me, her eyes twinkling.

There was no one else on the dance floor and all eyes were on my new husband and I. I could not help but smile at him. The rhythm of the music pounded through my body and my hips moved of their own accord, my arms lifting above my head, wrists turning, before I reached out to take Jibran's hand and he spun me so my back was pressed against his warm chest. While there, his hand gripped my hip.

Before the War, when diplomats still visited our Realm, many of them had been shocked to see such dancing and to hear the music. There was nothing delicate about it, no practiced steps really. Every couple interpreted it how they wanted to.

Jibran was feeling aggressive, I could tell. He spun me back out and I stared at him as my hips rolled back and forth. His dark eyes drank me in and before I could tease him further he had pulled me back to him, both hands on my hips, eyes ablaze as he stared down at me hungrily as my chest rose and fell against his.

ooooOoooo

"Your Majesty," someone was trying to get my attention, but it was hard to bring myself back to the present. "Your Majesty."

I finally drug my eyes to find Gimli addressing me and holding a goblet of wine.

"You seem to be very far away, Your Majesty," he mused.

"Perhaps I was," I said honestly. "And I do not care for your formality. I had thought we were closer than that."

He gave me a rueful smile underneath his red beard.

"How are you holding up?" he asked.

"That is a rather odd question," I said as I took a sip from the goblet he had put into my hand.

"You just look rather pale is all," he said with a shrug.

I laughed his statement off. "Gimli, I believe that is the last thing anyone would ever say about me."

His comment concerned me though. I hoped it was not so obvious that I had been elsewhere in my thoughts.

"Perhaps the Queen could use some fresh air," Legolas said as he came up on Gimli's other side. "I can escort you to the terrace if you like," he said kindly.

"That would be much appreciated," I said, taking the arm he had stepped forward to offer.

"I am sure this is quite overwhelming," he said gently as we passed by the tables crowded with the important people of Minas Tirith.

Their eyes burned into me.

"They stare at me as well," he said.

"Because you are of the fairest race," I said with a smile.

There was a breath of cool spring air as we exited the stuffy hall.

"I do not think it matters. To be different here in any way is unpleasant."

I felt the Elf's eyes on me. "I suppose to be of the enemy is even worse."

I shrugged. "It could have been much worse, but you know how gracious the King is." I turned and looked into Legolas' blue eyes.

"Against all odds," he replied. "His life has been full of fulfilling duties and not reaping much reward for those acts."

I nodded. "I am trying to be more gracious as well. I know I have not been."

Legolas patted my hand that rested on his arm.

"I am feeling much better and should probably return to the festivities that are being held in half of my honor."

Legolas gave a gentle smile and began to lead me back in.

We passed a group of noblewomen with their heads bent together. "I cannot wait to see the bedding," one of them said. "I heard that underneath her gowns she is completely covered in tattoos."

They snickered.

"You can see the ones on her hands."

Unwittingly, I brought my left hand to my right on Legolas' arm and tried to covered it.

"And the poor King was hoping for his fair Elf maiden. Instead, he will have to stomach coupling with the Southron witch, who is obviously less than virginal, toting her brat around."

I wished he would not have, I tried to move past them without being noticed, but Legolas cleared his throat demanding the womens' attention. My cheeks were burning and I thanked heaven above that it was dark enough outside, and perhaps that I was dark enough, that they would not be able to tell.

"Oh Your Majesty," one said. They did not look remorseful in the least. Their cheeks were flushed with their mirth and they covered their mouths to stifle their laughter even as the bent to curtsy.

"You would do well to mind your tongues and show your new Queen more respect than that. It would be a shame if the King were to hear of your practically treasonous words." Legolas said in a deadly, quiet voice. I had only ever heard him speak kindly and warmly and his voice sent a chill down my spine even though I was not the one receiving the blow of his words.

"Of course, my lord."

"Absolutely, my lord."

They all parroted some nonsense before Legolas moved past them, dragging me with him.

I remained quiet. Embarrassment and shame washed over me in powerful waves and returning to the festivities was the last thing that I wanted to do.

"Are you alright?" Legolas asked quietly as we approached the entryway from the gardens back into the hall.

I took a deep breath. "Is it an option to not be?" My eyes found Aragorn, standing taller than most of those around him, in deep discussion with Gimli and Eomer.

"I am afraid it is not right now," Legolas said, once more guiding us through the crowd.

As we went to join the group that the King was speaking with, he turned, with Eowyn on his arm and headed for the dance floor.

We had led the first dance and that was all I had intended on partaking in.

"We will be back shortly," he promised as they passed. "Faramir is a bit shy about taking his wife onto the floor."

I smiled warmly at them both, trying to hide what had just happened.

"You will not tell him, will you?" I asked Legolas. "There is already much to worry about."

"If you do not wish me to."

I shook my head as we approached.

"Your color has returned," Gimli observed.

I imagined I had gone from very pale, to quite red in the face.

"It is quite warm with so many people in this hall," I said as way of explanation when Eomer looked at me curiously.

Legolas released my arm and went to stand next to Gimli.

"It is quite the gathering," the horse lord admitted.

Both of our gazes travelled to the dancing couples on the floor, in particular Aragorn and Eowyn.

"When Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli stayed with us in Rohan, she became quite infatuated with him. Aragorn I mean," he said quietly.

I found it a rather odd revelation to make to the woman who had just married Aragorn.

"You have nothing to fear, of course. She is quite in love with Faramir. It was a dark time for all and I believe she saw him as some sort of hero that she might worship" Eomer looked down at me. "And Aragorn was never interested in my sister in such a way. His Elf maiden was always on his mind."

As I imagined she still was.

"I am not sure why I am saying these things to his new bride," Eomer said, exasperated with himself. "Truly, I do not belong at such festivities or in Minas Tirith at all. I have lived my life on horseback and not in such a refined court."

I could see that he was truly distraught by his words.

Gently, I laid my hand on his forearm. "That would make two of us."

"I believe I was trying to make the point that Aragorn is a truly noble man. Many others would not have handled my sister half as well and look, though she was not his choice, she is still laughing with him and they are great friends."

Gimli had once told me of Eowyn's brave deeds on the battlefield and I was impressed. He had also told me how Aragorn had worked tirelessly to save her life.

"It is alright," I said calmly. "Truly."

Eomer shook his head at himself and remained quiet after that. I studied the dancing pair. What if Aragorn had known that his Elf would not return to him. Perhaps he would have made Eowyn his wife. It seemed as though there were countless better options than I. They were friends, Eomer had said.

"And what of you, Eomer-King?" I asked, shaking myself away from those thoughts. "Are you quite in love with anyone?" I did it in part to show him that I was not of the tight lipped Gondorans, who could speak of nothing intimate. The Rohirrim were proving to be very frank and honest. I felt a connection to them.

The horse lord gave a loud bark of a laugh. "I should think not."

"None of the ladies here have caught your eye?" I asked conspiratorially.

He laughed again. "I believe it will take one of my own to rule Rohan. It is a fierce place, not like your new fine city with its beautiful walls and levels."

"I hope to see it someday."

"If my advisors have it their way there will be a wedding there in the near future. Your presence might brighten such an occasion. I would welcome you and the King with open arms."

Eowyn and Aragorn approached. He smiled in my direction and I could see that they had enjoyed themselves and laughed throughout their dance.

"Brother! Did you forget your manners and not ask the Queen to dance?" Eowyn asked, cheeks flushed from her own exertion.

Eomer looked at me shame-facedly.

"That is quite alright," I said quickly. "I am not up for much dancing tonight."

Eomer gave me a look of gratitude over his sister's head.

"Not even with your husband?" Aragorn asked, reaching his hand out for mine.

I sighed, mock put-out. "I suppose I can give him one more."

"How are you holding up?" He asked, as we joined the circular movement around the floor. Even though I looked up into his face, I could see out of the corner of my eyes that several couples abandoned their dancing mid-song.

"I am doing just fine," I replied.

"Truly?"

"Truly, it is just what I expected," I said as honest as I could manage, while still veiling what I could. "It has been very nice to meet some of your friends. They are quite welcoming," I said, changing the subject.

"If we could all be a little more like the Rohirric."

"Indeed. I hope we will see more of Faramir and Eowyn in the future."

"They are not so far away in Ithilien. Perhaps you might seek refuge there when the court becomes too much," he said thoughtfully.

"And what will you do when it becomes too much for you?" I asked before I could bite my tongue.

"Stay here and rule," he replied solemnly.

When the song ended, Aragorn led me back off the dance floor and we mingled with those present for another two hours. The crowd began to die down, but many stayed, just to watch us I imagined.

"I have been trying to catch you all night!" Vanya exclaimed when she finally elbowed her way through the crowd to where Aragorn and I stood.

Beinion came behind her, exasperated as he always was when his wife was concerned. It was true that she did not quite fit the mold of a painted lady of Minas Tirith and I adored her for it. I was slowly building a group of women who were misfits like myself.

I hugged her warmly and was already prepared for the buzz of voices that brought on. It was not customary for the Queen to touch anyone in such a way, especially in public.

"You look absolutely wonderful," she said genuinely.

I looked her over. "And look at you. I love the new dress that Oyna made you." I saw one of the older couples departing. "As do they, it seems."

Vanya burst out laughing. We chatted for a few moments longer, until I felt the presence of my parents. It was as though they brought the heat of our home with them and I felt it through the thick fabric of my gown.

"We are going to retire, Mareke," my father said in Sindarin, quietly so as not be overheard. They both looked completely exhausted and I knew it was from trying to keep up with all of the rules and customs that governed such an event.

"Sleep well," I returned.

"I will tend to Adnan in the morning," my mother said in her halting way.

"Thank you."

They left without another word and I turned back to Vanya.

"Your mother is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen," she said, staring at her retreating form. It was a phrase I had grown up hearing and one that I had learned to live with when I realized I looked more like my father.

"You know that is what you are supposed to say about me now. I am the Queen after all," I said pompously.

"Of course. Forgive me, Your Majesty. I meant no offense. Please do not order my hanging."

I could not help but laugh.

"If you two are done jesting, I believe I have kept my bride here too late," Aragorn said, when he turned his attention to Vanya and I.

I slipped my arm through Aragorn's and I said farewell to Vanya. The King led us through the hall toward the door. Most had dispersed by that time, but Eomer's party was still sitting in the corner laughing raucously and I wanted nothing more than to know what was so funny, to sit with them and slam a mug of ale on the table as they did.

The silence of the corridor outside the hall enveloped me like a warm blanket after having been in the loud, uncomfortable hall all night.

Aragorn did not say a word as he led us back to our portion of the palace. When we finally came upon my door, he stopped outside of it.

"I will join you in a few moments if that is alright," he said quietly. I might have been mistaken, but I thought I could hear nervousness laced in his voice.

"Of course."

He pushed my door open for me and I disappeared. Before I could make it more than a few paces, Lady Ioreth was upon me.

"I have been waiting for you for hours. We must get you prepared."

"Prepared?" I asked as I was first drug through my lavatory and then into my large closet.

Lady Ioreth quickly stripped me from my gown and my slip, before pulling an intricate nightgown over my head that was nearly as heavy as my wedding gown. She began ferociously undoing my braid so that it hung in its natural curls around my shoulders and down my back.

I was so bewildered by everything that I could not even begin to speak.

"Hold your wrists out, Majesty," she ordered. I did as she bid and she put a splash of perfume on each one. She then pushed my hair back and put some behind my ears and down the column of my throat. The strangest part of me that was doused in perfume was the back of my knees. Lady Ioreth lifted my nightgown and dabbed the strong smelling liquid there as well.

She slipped a heavy, deep purple robe over my shoulders and then looked me over.

"You are ready."

I could not grasp what had just happened to me before I was back in my bedroom and she was pulling down the covers and getting me settled in.

"Goodnight, Your Majesty," she said and then without meeting my eyes. "I shall pray for an heir this night."

I had no time to gather myself because shortly after she had closed the door behind her, a group of people entered the room. It was a rather large group of older noblemen and women. They just stared at me and whispered amongst themselves.

My mouth went dry at the prospect of the public bedding. Lady Ioreth had explained the concept to me. The witnesses were necessary for the King's marriage so that it could not later be declared null and void. I was shocked that anyone had volunteered to witness our consummation as I imagined that the group gathered before me would want the marriage annulled if the issue ever arose, but then I guessed that they had all just wanted to catch a glimpse of me in a very intimate act. The women from the wedding had spoken of my tattoos. I could not begin to fathom the rumors that had been flying around.

There were curtains on my four poster bed and I hoped that at least we would be able to pull those closed.

My palms sweat where they lay on top of the blankets. From behind the crowdI heard the door open, but it did not close.

"Absolutely not!" I heard Aragorn practically shout. "Everyone out this instant!" His voice rose as the people did not move. "You have watched us closely all night as though we were animals in a cage! Was that not enough for you?"

My eyes widened in shock.

I heard one man timidly speak out. "But Sire, it is necessary. It is what is done."

"I am the King now! And I say it is no longer done! It will never be done again! Now remove yourselves from the Queen's chambers before I have men come out and remove you!"

Quickly, the people rushed out and Aragorn was left standing in the middle of my bedroom wearing a linen sleeping shirt that reached his knees and a robe similar to mine. His eyes had gone stony with his rage and his fists were clenched at his side.

Eventually, he moved toward my bed and pulled back his side of the covers, slipping underneath them.

"I was just hoping we could pull the curtains around the bed closed," I said, hoping to lighten the mood.

Surprisingly, it worked and Aragorn actually laughed, the skin around his mouth and eyes crinkling. "Well then I apologize for raising my voice and ruining your night."

I smiled, but then his laughter died down and I had no idea what to say or how to proceed. I was sitting next to a practical stranger and was expected to consummate our marriage.

"We do not have to do this tonight if you do not wish, Mareke," he whispered, though there was no one left to overhear us.

"Then when are we going to?" I returned. In my mind, it made no difference if it happened that night or the next or the one after that. It would have to be done at some point.

Without a word, Aragorn removed his robe and so I did the same, thinking he had made up his mind to go through with the act. He got out of the bed and snuffed out all of the torches along the wall so that there was only a very dim light from the candles on the bedside table.

Aragorn crawled across the expanse of bed until he was practically on top of me and with gentle hands pulled me so that I was no longer sitting up, but lying and looking up at him. He moved so that he was between my legs, gingerly pushing them apart with his knees. As he did so, the gem he wore around his neck came free of his sleeping shirt and I watched it glitter in the candlelight.

My heart had begun to pound in my chest and I feared he would be able to hear it. He fumbled with his own sleeping shirt and so I relieved him of the task of pulling mine around my waist.

"I must be honest with you," he said so quietly I had to strain to hear him over the blood racing in my ears. "I have never done this."

My mouth fell open. He was not making eye contact with me, but I could look nowhere else. Finally, his grey eyes met mine in the glow from the candle. That was the last thing I had expected to come from his mouth. I could not come up with anything to say in response and when he realized I was not going to speak, Aragorn lowered himself onto one forearm, his other hand going in between us. The Elf's pendant duck into my chest, crushed between us and the points dug in painfully to my flesh.

There was no sensual preamble to our consummation. I gasped at the intrusion, one I had not felt in years. One I had never felt in such a cold, unfeeling manner.

"Are you alright?" He asked, worry evident in his voice.

"I am fine," I replied, trying to relax. "Keep going."

His forearms framed my head and he buried his face in my neck. I bit my lip with the pain, but tried to not make a sound as he moved frenetically within me.

The only noise he made was one final groan as he stuttered and stopped moving completely.

After a moment his body began to shake and I felt hot tears fall into the crook where my neck met my shoulder.

My arms and legs had remained aloofly on the mattress, but when I realized that he was distraught I brought my hands to his hair and back.

"I am so sorry, I am so sorry," he repeated over and over again into my neck.

I stroked his graying hair and rubbed his back in soothing circles, allowing him to stay where he was, hidden from my view.

"I am so sorry," he said again. I remained silent. It was not me he was apologizing to.

I hope you loved it! I really enjoyed this update! Please, please, please let me know what you think! You guys are helping me to shape this story!

Happy reading,

Avonmora