The creative spark completely deserted me and I am so sorry for my long absence. I hope some of you are still around to enjoy this update. I really enjoyed writing it and I hope that comes across!

Chapter Sixty-Two (Mareke)

Twelve Years Later

"Where is your father?" I asked Gilraen where she sat at our private dining table alone, platters of food laid before her.

She shrugged, pushing her dark, wild hair off of her shoulder. My daughter wore breeches and a long tunic, boots covered in dust and who knew what else beneath the table. "I have not seen him since our swordplay just after lunch."

"Well since he is not here yet, why do you not do a better job of cleaning up for our evening meal?"

She groaned. "I am starving."

"Well as soon as you have done what I ask, you may eat. I am going to look for your father."

It did not escape my notice that as I left our rooms, Gilraen swiped a roll and went on her way. I shook my head, but said nothing.

I believed that my teenage daughter would be stubborn of her own accord, but it had not helped that her father and brothers had taught her to fight. Unlike the other girls around her, Aragorn had seen no need for the more 'frivolous' lessons that came with young womanhood such as dancing, cross stitching, and deportment. Instead, he schooled her in combat, strategy, and diplomacy.

I left our chambers and headed for Aragorn's study. I had not seen him since early that morning and found his tardiness to dinner odd. He was rarely late to anything and he had promised his daughter that he would be at dinner, my presence not being enough to satisfy her.

Gilraen often found herself alone with her father and I. Shuk kept a small court in his own chambers fairly often, building up that group that would support him when it was his time to rule. As she had gotten older, Shuk had begun to include his sister more and more. Aragorn encouraged it, knowing that his son would need solid people around him when the crown was passed.

Rainion had married Theodwyn and Rilien had married Ivriniel several years earlier and they had an absolute gaggle of children between them, their wives having several times been pregnant simultaneously. As the weight of the Realm did not rest on their shoulders, they were able to shuttle their families between Gondor and Rohan and Ithilien respectively, to visit their in-laws.

And so Gilraen, being so much younger than her brothers, was left to deal with her father and I alone, though I imagined those days were coming to an end. Our daughter had recently celebrated her eighteenth birthday. However, though there were ample suitors from both within and outside the Realm, as of yet, she had shown no interest in anyone in particular.

There were guards outside of Aragorn's study when I approached and so I knew he was in there before I opened the door. The two soldiers bowed to me, uncrossed their spears, and let me pass.

The days were lightening, but it was still gloomy in the study and I wondered why my husband had not lit more candles and torches.

"Aragorn?"

I approached the large desk, laden with papers and found that his chair was turned toward the window, rather than facing me.

Gently, I laid a hand on his shoulder, leaning over so I could see his face.

"What is the matter?" I asked alarmed, seeing that he was clearly troubled, tear tracks running into his beard.

"They are sailing," he whispered, gesturing at the piece of parchment in his lap.

Picking the letter up, I skimmed it, heart sinking as I read. Elladan and Elrohir would be taking a ship to the Undying Lands at the end of the coming fall before the weather turned and they could not make the journey.

I rested my hand on his shoulder. We had known the day was coming, but were never certain when. Both of us had hoped it would be long in the future, but apparently, Aragorn's twin brothers had heard the call of the sea.

"They are my last remaining link to that place. I would visit before they depart."

"Of course," I replied gently. "Shuk and I will tend to things here."

Aragorn shook his head. "I would have you go with me."

"Me?" I asked, glad to be standing behind him where he could not see the shocked expression on my face.

"I have long wanted to show you my travels and the places that shaped what we know of the world now."

My husband shifted in his seat and turned to me, giving me barely enough time to wipe my expression.

"As you wish," I said quietly.

ooooOoooo

The next few months were dedicated to situating Shuk to rule in his father's place while we were gone. Though he was quite capable, there had never been cause for him to act as regent in Aragorn's stead since his coming of age. After the disastrous campaign in Rhun, there had been no other need for Aragorn to spend long bouts of time away from his throne.

"Do not look so nervous," Aragorn chided our son as I entered his study with a stack of parchment.

"You shall be gone for the better part of a year and I have not led your council," Shuk replied, glancing at what I set on the desk. They were the planting reports from across the Realm and also from Rohan who sent us a significant amount of their final harvest.

Aragorn waved a dismissive hand. "This group is easy to lead. They are good men. Your mother saw to that years ago." He reached for my waist, pulling me close and pressing a kiss to my temple.

One corner of Shuk's mouth lifted in a half smile. "Thank goodness for her, then."

"Indeed," Aragorn agreed. "Now look through those things and let me know what questions you need answered before we depart."

"Come Mareke." Aragorn offered an arm and we left our son to fend for himself.

Before I could say a word, Aragorn shushed me. "He will be fine."

Upon entering our chambers, we were assaulted immediately.

"I have to pack these?" Gilraen demanded. She was holding up two of her most formal gowns that I had instructed her ladies to pack.

"Were you anticipating having formal meals in some of the most venerated of halls in your breeches and tunics?" I returned, used to my daughter's antics.

Gilraen looked quickly to her father, usually an ally.

"Your mother knows best," he replied. "Eomer will be entertaining us lavishly as will others along the way."

Gilraen huffed and went stomping back to her rooms.

"Are you sure we cannot leave her behind?" I jested.

"She would terrorize Shuk. He will have enough on his plate," Aragorn laughed.

"That is quite true," I replied with a smile. "You shall be her handler then. I cannot manage her."

"I am afraid no one can," Aragorn smiled back at me. "And before you say it, yes I know that is entirely my fault."

I laughed. "As long as you are aware."

ooooOoooo

As spring was turning to summer, the three of us and our retinue set out on our journey. Whereas normally we traveled with friends of ours or members of the court, for this trip it would be only Aragorn, Gilraen, and myself outside of our guards.

On our first day of travel, we stopped when we reached Cair Andros, a port settlement in Ithilien that had been reclaimed after the War and was used as a water transport to Osgiliath.

Few people lived on the island in the middle of the Anduin, but Faramir and Eowyn had a small home there. Graciously, they welcomed us for dinner and a place to stay.

Rilien, Ivriniel and their four children were in Ithilien as well and so we were able to spend a few hours with them. Another familiar face I was glad to see was Legolas, who had spent many years working to regrow the forests of Ithilien. We saw him occasionally as he normally accompanied Faramir and Eowyn when they traveled to Minas Tirith, but I knew it did my husband's heart good to see him.

After dinner, Eowyn and I were walking along the river, having left the men behind to discuss ruling and whatever else. "How is Aragorn?" she asked.

"He has his moments. I fear they will become more frequent the nearer we get to Rivendell. Though he was unable to see them as often as he would've liked, I believe he found comfort in his brothers still being accessible. I know he wrote the often and they had been with us through some of the most trying times of our marriage. I sighed. "A long chapter of his life will be forever closed."

"And you?"

"I will be sad to see them go, of course, but I am just along for the journey."

Eowyn stopped walking and looked at me evenly.

I sighed. "I am nervous."

We continued walking as Eowyn nodded.

"We have been married for nearly forty years and she still occasionally lingers in my mind."

"He loved her very much," Eowyn replied. "Do I not know it," she laughed and I am sure we both thought about how she had thought herself in love with Aragorn at one point. Only, of course, until she met Faramir and learned the true meaning of love, versus infatuation. "But I have not seen the Evenstar in many, many years."

I shook my head. "He threw it in a fire before Shuk was born."

"Does he speak of her?"

"Not in a long while," I replied. "He will think of her there. Of what could have been."

"What could have been," Eowyn scoffed. "Fine. If he must, give him those few days. Surely he has spent the rest of his days in gratitude for what actually is."

"How is my son?" I asked, changing the subject for both Eowyn and my sakes.

"I still cannot believe the man my daughter is married to is the same hellion boy I remember," Eowyn laughed. "I was terrified when Ivriniel said she intended to betrothe herself to him."

I joined her laughter, thinking back to the identical mischievous smiles and antics I had had to sort through for years at the hands of the twins.

"But he has turned into a loving husband and father. He is a great help to Faramir and Elboron as well. I know my men are grateful when Rilien and Ivriniel are here."

"I am glad to hear it."

As the sun began to set, Eowyn and I headed back towards their home. Our visit was brief but I was glad to have spent time with my old friend.

Our rooms were very quaint, consisting of a small sitting room and smaller bedroom. When I entered them, I found Aragorn sitting on the sofa in front of the empty fireplace.

"Good talks?" I asked.

He smiled over his shoulder and reached a hand out to me. I took it and allowed him to pull me onto his lap.

"I did not need to take part," he answered. "Rilien said verbatim what I would have."

"Eowyn continues to speak his praises," I said. "A miracle."

"I would agree, but I saw how hard you worked on the twins for all of those years." Aragorn smiled, lines wrinkling around his gray eyes.

"It nearly was the death of me," I said, laying my head on his shoulder.

"Did you know Ivriniel is expecting again?"

I pulled back quickly. "My goodness. That will make number five," I laughed. "We shall have twenty grandchildren from the twins alone."

"I am just glad they so eagerly turned their attentions to their wives," Aragorn chuckled. "I was not sure they would ever settle."

"I am exhausted," I said, rising from my husband's lap. "And there is quite the journey ahead of us."

Aragorn snatched my hand and kissed the back of it. "I shall follow shortly."

ooooOoooo

Early the next morning, we set out on the longest leg of our journey. Aragorn and I were smothered by our grandchildren and then exchanged goodbyes and well wishes with Rilien, Ivriniel, Faramir, and Eowyn.

We would stop once more on our way back to Minas Tirith, but that would be months later.

"Congratulations," I whispered, hugging Rilien tightly.

"Thank you, Mother," he said with a small smile.

As I turned to mount my horse, Legolas came to my side, pack over his shoulder. "I think I shall join you the rest of the way. I should like to see Gimli. And of course Rivendell one last time."

Aragorn was beaming as we departed on the portion of our trip that would take over a fortnight.

ooooOoooo

"I am far too old for this," I muttered, dismounting in the stables at the Hornburg. My body ached and my joints were stiff.

Gilraen and Aragorn paid me no mind, invigorated by the long days of travel and the nights spent sleeping on a pallet mattress on the ground.

While keeping up his end of a conversation on perhaps adding a few Rohirric mounts to the stables in Minas Tirith, Aragorn absently offered me his arm and we began the climb up the stone path to the fortress.

Over the years, we had visited Edoras several times, but my husband had not returned to Helm's Deep since the War. He ceased speaking as we walked and at one point stopped and turned to look at the hill that hid the Hornburg from anyone that was not looking for it.

"Tell Their Majesties that we are right behind you," I bid Gilraen when she turned to see why we were no longer with her.

Legolas walked around us from behind and cast one lingering look at his friend before following our daughter.

I stood shoulder to shoulder with Aragorn and squeezed his arm where my hand rested.

"I thought I would die here," he whispered.

I said nothing, knowing that there might be many times on our journey where he would want to share what he had kept to himself for so long.

In the long years of our marriage, we had hardly spoken about the War and what he had seen and endured.

"If it were not for Legolas, I would have been overcome and killed. Likewise, when I tried to parlay with the Uruks. I was nearly shot down."

Standing where we were, it was hard for me to imagine the bloodshed that had taken place there. The gorge was beautiful and the fortress built into the rocks looked as though it could withstand anything.

"It was the first battle of my life and I have rarely been so frightened. All I knew up to then was being a ranger. I was no military leader."

His voice trailed off and his eyes clouded over. I worried what he saw in his mind, but remained quiet by his side, hand still firmly gripping his arm so he would not forget I was with him, that he was grounded in the present many years later.

After a long while, he shook himself out of the reverie. "Do not worry, I will not bore you throughout the entire journey."

"You never bore me," I murmured, reaching up to stroke his stubbled cheek.

We made our way to where the rest of our party was waiting with Eomer, Lothiriel, Rainion, and Theodwyn.

To my great shock, Theodwyn was well with child too.

"You and your brother are going to bankrupt the treasury in Yule gifts," Aragorn laughed, hugging his son to him before moving to kiss the back of Theodwyn's hand. "You are glowing once more, my dear."

"We wished to surprise you," Rainion said as I hugged him and then stroked his dark curls.

"You surely have."

I turned my attention to Eomer and Lothiriel. "Your Majesties," I bowed at the neck before smiling broadly at them both. "It is good to see you."

"Come, come," Lothiriel urged us. "You must be exhausted. We will get you set up in your rooms and then you can join us before dinner to catch up and perhaps have an ale."

"Nothing sounds better," I said, looping my arm through hers as we made our way through the fortress.

"The King and Queen," Lothiriel held a door open and I passed through, followed by Aragorn. "Thank you!" I called after her as she led Gilraen and Legolas away to their own chambers.

I walked through the small sitting room, to find that some of our luggage had already been brought up as Aragorn and I had lingered.

I set a traveling bag on the bed and began to rummage through it for my bathing necessities, desperate to wash the weeks of travel from my body and slip into a clean nightgown for a few hours before dinner.

As I did so, Aragorn silently came up behind me and wrapped his arms about my waist, holding me tightly against him.

"Are you alright?" I asked quietly, turning in his arms.

"No," he replied, burying his face in my neck.

I held him in my arms, stroking his gray hair.

"I thought it would be cathartic to be back along this route and to see everything repaired." Releasing me, he collapsed on the bed and put his head in his hands.

Gently, I sat next to him and rubbed his back.

"It was horrific," he finally said. "Too many of the soldiers were children, boys who had not reached manhood. And many of them never would."

"I know you," I murmured. "And I know you saved as many as you could." I stroked his hair. "It was a war."

Aragorn nodded.

I did not know how exactly to help him.

"We should rest a bit before dinner," I suggested quietly.

Once more, Aragorn only nodded, slipping his rough hand into mine.

ooooOoooo

We spent a leisurely few days in Helm's Deep, not needing to take much time to discuss ruling matters with Eomer and Lothiriel. The Gondoran-Rohirric-Haradrim trade treaty had held up well over the years and was still doing so, so we were able to enjoy our time however we saw fit.

"What are you still doing in bed?" Gilraen demanded one morning, bursting into our bedchamber with all of her energy at full force.

Aragorn had long since risen and I had no idea where he was. Upon waking myself, I had sent for a pot of tea and had lingered in bed with a book.

"Enjoying myself. Is that alright?"

Gilraen rolled her eyes, not one to waste time in such a way.

"Well I am going to the practice rings with Father," she said. "But I cannot get my plait as tight as you do." She gestured to the wild mass of curls ringing her face.

I set my book on the nightstand. "Fetch my comb then and come here."

I scooted against the headboard and folded my legs so she could sit in front of me. Gently, I used the wide toothed comb to tame her locks and then separated them to begin braiding.

"Will you come and watch me later?" my daughter asked.

It was not often that I was invited into the private world of father and daughter and so I agreed eagerly.

Finishing the braid and tying it together with a leather thong, I nudged her gently from the bed. "I will be right behind you," I promised.

Gilraen flashed me a bright smile before she disappeared from my rooms. Rising, I hurried to dress and fix my own hair before heading to the training rings.

Already there was a crowd gathered and I had to search to find my daughter and husband.

Gilraen was seated on the top row of the wooden fence that surrounded the dirt ring, Aragorn leaning against it next to her.

Before I reached them, I heard a man call out from the ring, summoning whoever would challenge him next. I could only just see the struggling form of his most recent opponent crawling to the edge of the ring and standing unsteadily.

"Who will be next?"

"I will!"

I closed my eyes briefly as my daughter's clear voice rang out. I opened them to see her hopping down from the fence and turning to her father who held out her broadsword.

Laughter came from all around the ring as the challenger shook his head. "I shall not engage a foreign woman," he said, loud enough for all to hear.

"Oh come now," Gilraen said in her most arrogant tone. "I have trained with your Princess Eowyn. Consider me a shieldmaiden."

The man looked around at his comrades who were giving him uncertain shrugs. Uneasily, he seemed to agree. "Very well."

"Is this wise?" I asked Aragorn as I joined him at the fence.

"There is always wisdom in a lesson learned," he replied sagely.

Though Gilraen could often soundly beat her brothers and her fathers' soldiers, she had never practiced in Rohan and the man who stood opposite her was a perfect Rohirric specimen, tall and broad. Aragorn had boasted many times to me about how fast and cunning Gilraen was in her combat style, but I was not sure that would be enough against this unknown opponent. Of course, this was only practice so she would not be hurt too badly if things did not go her way, but I was still nervous.

The bout began and it was a close match, neither of the opponents used to the other's fighting style. Gilraen was quick on her feet, but when her opponent hit her with a blow it was with much more force than she was accustomed to.

Cheering for the man got louder and louder and I could tell that Gilraen was wearing out. Sweat was dripping from her face and she began to lose some of the swiftness in her movements.

Beside me, Aragorn was silent.

Gilraen stood her ground for a few moments longer, but the final blow came with such force that it knocked her flat on her back.

"It was a good match, Your Highness," the man said, before walking out of the ring, the spectators following him.

I watched my daughter gasp for breath, dirt sticking to the sweat on her face and I went to go to her, but Aragorn stilled me.

"Leave what remains of her ego intact," he whispered.

Movement at the far end of the ring caught my eye and I watched as another young man approached my daughter. The Crown Prince of Rohan was unmistakable for though he was built like his father, he had the dark hair and gray eyes of his sea-dwelling mother.

Gilraen was struggling to her feet and did not notice Elfwine as he approached. Gingerly, he placed his hand on her elbow and attempted to help her.

"I am fine," she growled, not looking up and jerking her arm away from him.

I winced at her faux pas.

"I am sure you are, but would I not be quite the cad if I did not offer assistance?"

Gilraen mumbled something under her breath that had the Prince laughing. This seemed to irritate her further until she looked up to see with whom she was dealing.

"Oh, Your Royal Highness," Gilraen said, cheeks flushing. "Forgive me."

"I would be short of temper too if I had just taken a beating like that." His tone was serious, but one side of his mouth lifted in a teasing smile.

"Yes well, I suppose brute strength wins the day," she replied ruefully.

I turned to Aragorn and found him watching the exchange not with amusement, but something else entirely. He was looking at his daughter wistfully, with a hint of sadness in his eyes.

So far, there had been no young man that was more interesting to Gilraen than her father and I wondered if my husband was not seeing the little girl from all those years ago; the one who had listened to him with rapt attention and had trained at his side since she was strong enough to hold a wooden practice sword.

"Come, Aragorn." I placed a gentle hand on his arm. I glanced around to see that there were plenty of people still lingering at the rings and we could safely depart within the realm of propriety. "We should leave them."

ooooOoooo

For the remainder of our stay in Helm's Deep, we only saw our daughter at dinner and even then her attention was not much held by the conversations we tried to have with her. She and Elfwine could not take their eyes off one another and they were often the first ones on the dancefloor, though I could not think of a time in Minas Tirith when she had willingly done such a thing.

One evening, out of the corner of my eye, I watched my husband. Our journey to Rivendell was becoming difficult for him in an unexpected way.

After a few more songs and chatting with Eomer and Lothiriel, I looked to Aragorn once more. "Would you escort me to our chambers? I am quite tired."

"Of course," he rose and extended his arm to me.

We bid our friends goodnight and headed for the heavy double doors of the golden hall.

"Your Majesties," we turned to find Elfwine approaching us quickly. When he stopped, he bowed respectfully.

"Your Royal Highness," I returned with a small smile, feeling Aragorn stiffen next to me. "Is there something we can do for you?"

"There is, in fact," he said, cheeks flushing. "I was hoping you might have time to discuss a matter of great importance with me in the morning."

When Aragorn did not respond to the young man, I did. "Our schedule allows for it."

"Wonderful. Will you meet me in my father's council chamber?"

I nodded. "We will. Goodnight, Prince Elfwine."

With another bow, he was gone.

Aragorn did not say another word all night.

ooooOoooo

The next morning found us entering Eomer's council chambers to be greeted by the King and Queen, their son, and Rainion.

The younger men rose and bowed as custom dictated, but I waved them away.

"Tell us, Prince Elfwine," I said as I took my seat. "Why are we all gathered?"

"I shall just get straight to the point, Your Majesties," he replied.

I could hear the nerves in his voice, but I knew I would have been nervous as well. Aragorn was looking at the poor prince with his arms crossed over his chest and staring evenly at the younger man. Anyone would have been intimidated.

"I have become quite taken with Princess Gilraen," Elfwine said. "That being the case, it is my hope that when you pass back through Rohan after visiting Rivendell, that she would be able to stay."

"Well yes. We will all stay for another fortnight or so," Aragorn said, purposely missing the point.

Elfwine shook his head, trying to master his nerves. "I would ask that she stay when you continue on to Gondor."

"I see," Aragorn replied. "You want us to leave our daughter here, unchaperoned."

"Of course not," Elfwine took a deep breath. He seemed to come into himself at that moment. "As this would be an official courtship, I know that it would not be enough for the princess to be a guest of my parents."

I glanced at Rainion who was looking uncomfortable.

"And so Prince Rainion has offered to keep his family in Rohan for as long as necessary and be Princess Gilraen's official chaperone. Which should be acceptable as he is a male in her immediate family."

Aragorn's eyes shot to Rainion at this most grievous betrayal.

"You ask much of me, Your Royal Highness," Aragorn said.

"It is an honor that he is bestowing upon your daughter," Eomer said rather harshly.

"Of course it is," I said quickly, trying to smooth the tension in the room. "We know that. We have just had so much time with Gilraen and her being so much younger than her brothers, it seemed like we would have her to ourselves forever."

Eomer softened at the earnest musings of a mother.

"And I hope you know that I admire greatly the woman you raised, Your Majesties," Elfwine said with a small smile. "I was beginning to worry that I might not ever find the woman for me, but in your daughter I have found an equal. I would like to know how she likes Rohan, how she likes me," he chuckled. "For if it were to go that far, I think she would be a formidable queen."

I turned to Aragorn. In the end, Elfwine was not asking my was considerate that he had included me at all.

Under the table, I subtly took my husband's hand.

After a long pause, Aragorn nodded. "If this is something Gilraen wishes, then it shall be."

There you go! The family is really growing up! Once again, you still need to make sure you've saved your Email Opt-In settings in your account so you're getting notifications from all your favorite authors!

Please let me know what you thought of this update (or how mad you are that it took me so long to post a new chapter)!

Happy reading,

Avonmora