Hello, hello, hello! Welcome to a new story! For those who don't know me, I started out writing "Meet the Robinsons" fanfiction about 10 years ago. I have been writing one huge crossover between the "Meet the Robinsons" world and the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" world the past two years, and I am still working on it. But then, I received a message from a reader saying how much she loved my only "Lord of the Rings" fanfiction and it inspired me to start a sequel to that fanfiction. I will probably focus on my huge crossover until it is over, but I wanted to publish this first chapter to see how well it goes.
This story is going to be a challenge for me. After this chapter, the entire story will take place in the Fourth Age, where there is actually very little information for me to use. The main character in the story, Anna (Aw-Naa) is a Half-Elf, and I have already learned her growth will be slow. I have actually already introduced her in my crossover, so I do know what will eventually happen to her at the end of this story, but if you have any ideas on any storylines or how a Half-Elf grows, please message me! I would love some guidance on how to progress with this story. I did use part of "The Return to Moria" in this chapter to describe some of Hadhod's life after the War of the Ring. But... whew. We'll see how this goes. Enjoy this introduction!
DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything related to "Lord of the Rings." I only own Anna.
P.S. Berethor, Idrial, Elegost, Hadhod, Morwen, and Eaoden are all characters from the video game "The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age." I totally forgot to mention that in my intro when I first published it! This was a game released way back in 2004, so unless you have a GameCube or a PS2, you may have to look on YouTube for more details on that. It was my absolute favorite game as a kid and I enjoy it even more 20 years later.
April 19, 3020 T.A. - Minas Tirith, Gondor
BERETHOR'S POV
"Lord Berethor."
I bowed.
"Lord Faramir! You honor me."
"Lord Berethor, it's Lady Idrial."
"Is she alright?"
"My lord, she's in labor."
My eyes widened. I knew immediately that I needed to be by my wife's side.
"I will stand watch over the guard," Faramir told me. "Go."
We bowed to each other. I was thankful the Houses of Healing wasn't far. I took my leave from the tower and ran from the Citadel down to the sixth level and to the Houses of Healing. Idrial was usually the one who healed the sick, but this time, she was the one in need. I heard her cries and felt I needed to be there with her. I tried to proceed in, but I was stopped.
"My lord, you cannot go further."
"But Lady Eowyn, that's my wife!" I yelled with fear.
"We are doing everything we can to help Lady Idrial," Eowyn tried to assure me. "I understand you are afraid. The pain of childbirth is very great. But Idrial is doing well. I promise, I will come to you when it is time."
I bit my lip. Idrial was one of the strongest women I had ever known. I knew she was going to make it, but it still hurt hearing her cries.
"May I stay here?" I asked.
"Certainly. I will tell Idrial you are here."
"Thank you."
Eowyn returned inside and all I could do was pace around the street and pray that Idrial would make it through today.
IDRIAL'S POV
My contraction finished and I took the next few minutes to catch my breath.
"You are well, Idrial," Queen Arwen assured me.
My husband was right. This was, indeed, one of the most painful trials I had ever been through in my two thousand years of life, even more painful than an arrow piercing my arm.
"Where is Berethor?" I asked with a strained voice. "Where is my husband?"
"He is right outside," Lady Eowyn spoke while walking inside. "I told him he could not come inside, but he asked to stay."
"Who is watching the guard?"
"Lord Faramir took his place. Let me assure you, my lady, everything will be alright."
A few minutes later, I felt another contraction beginning. I remembered what the mothers here had gone through to bring their children into the world and I breathed through it, moaning when I needed to. But my thoughts were with my husband. We had journeyed so much together. I knew he was very worried about me. I wished he would be allowed in just so I could encourage him.
BERETHOR'S POV
Day fell. My wife cried louder every hour. I knew childbirth was a long process, but I never imagined it would be this long.
"Lord Berethor."
I turned around.
"My king!"
I got down on my knees and bowed. I glanced up and saw King Elessar bowing to me as well.
"Why are you weary, my friend?"
"My wife's having a baby. I have not seen her at all this whole time."
"Allow me."
The king walked into the house. I stood still at the entrance. After a while, I had taken off my gloves and nervously played with them. After a few moments, the king emerged.
"Idrial has requested your presence."
I blew a sigh of relief.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
We bowed to each other before I finally walked inside the Houses of Healing. King Elessar led me to the room Idrial was laboring in, and I could not help but smile at her. Her long, dark blonde hair was not in her usual braid today. Instead, it was flowing over her shoulders over her white gown. She was beautiful.
"Idrial."
She glanced over to me, her green eyes meeting my grayish-blue ones, and she smiled at me.
"Berethor."
I walked closer to her and kneeled at her bedside. I took off my helm, revealing my copper hair. She caressed my cheek while I caressed hers. I leaned in to kiss her, and she returned it. Despite her pains, her lips tasted of honey.
"How are you feeling?" I asked her.
"I am terrified, melethron nin," she answered, biting her lip. "How are you?"
"Terrified."
I laughed.
"And I'm not even the one in pain."
"You have reasons to be afraid," Idrial assured me. "But I know this will be over soon. I have seen this many times. I will be alright, and so will our baby."
"I wish I could stay here with you. You need me."
"Yes. But you being outside the room is more than enough. I have been aware of your presence."
"Are you certain?"
"Yes."
"I'm going to be a nervous wreck-"
"Shh."
She placed a finger on my lips and smiled.
"The baby and I will be fine, Berethor. I promise. And so will you. I will rest after seeing you. Gerich veleth nin, melethron nin."
"Gerich veleth nin, melethril nin."
We kissed, and she moaned, deepening the kiss. It was the most intense kiss I ever had in my life.
"My lady, you are wet," Eowyn announced.
We pulled apart and Idrial moaned again, squeezing my hand. It hurt, but I held my breath. The pain I was having in the moment was nothing compared to what she was going through. She then started breathing out and she released my hand.
"It is time for us to take our leave," the king announced.
Idrial and I shared one more kiss before I was led out of the room. Thankfully, I did not have to go back outside. Instead, we went into a library nearby that was full of medical books. But I did not have the heart to read. Instead, I watched the sunset, and then the skies turned dark blue, twinkling with stars. I still heard Idrial's cries as I walked over to the window to pray. I did not know who I was praying to, but I had to have faith. After all, it was faith that kept me going through my many trials of life, from the moment I was stabbed with a Morgul blade to my fighting in a diversion to destroy the One Ring.
"Lord Berethor?"
I turned around and saw Eowyn standing at the door with a smile on her face.
"How is Idrial?" I asked.
"Idrial is doing well. You have a daughter."
"Oh!"
I laughed. Then I could not help but hug the king, who chuckled and hugged me back.
"Come!" Eowyn encouraged me, holding her hand out.
Eowyn took my hand and led me back to Idrial's room. She released it when I walked in the door. Words could not describe the sight I saw before me. Queen Arwen had just finished cleaning my daughter and handed her back to her mother. Idrial gazed down at her with a fond smile. I walked over to her bedside and kneeled down next to her while Eowyn and Elessar walked towards Arwen and stood by her.
"Melethron nin," Idrial whispered to me. "She is beautiful."
She lifted some of the blanket off so I could see our daughter. She had grey eyes, but that would change in a matter of time. There was no hair on her head yet, but her nose already looked like her mother's. Idrial was right. She was beautiful.
"How have I become blessed with this magnificent gift?" I whispered.
"The stars are shining down on us tonight. And I believe I have the perfect name for her. She is our anna, our gift."
"Anna."
I smiled at our daughter.
"That is the perfect name. Anna."
There was a small smile on our daughter's face as she closed her eyes and let out a yawn. Idrial and I smiled at each other and kissed once more.
April 20, 3020 T.A.
IDRIAL'S POV
"My lady."
I glanced towards the door and smiled when I saw who it was.
"Melethron nin, why are you here?
"The King has granted me leave to be with you and Anna," Berethor explained with a smile, his copper hair shining in the sun.
"For how long?"
"Two weeks."
My smile of surprise turned into one of fondness.
"Speaking of, Lady Idrial, why don't you take some leave yourself?" Eowyn suggested. "You deserve some rest after all you have done for us the past year."
"Thank you, Lady Eowyn. I will take my leave until I am ready to return."
"Let us look at you, first."
Berethor walked over to the small bed where our daughter lay and he looked down at her with a proud smile. He glanced over at me and gave me a look that said, may I?
"You may," I answered.
He gingerly picked up our baby and held her with all the love he had to give. I admired him from afar, proud of how much he had overcome to be here on this day and age.
"You have overcome much as well, melethril nin," Berethor spoke, walking over to me. "I know you well enough to know what you are thinking. And I agree with you. I do not deserve this."
"Had I decided to sail to Valinor, Anna would not be here. We must not dwell on what could have been, Berethor. But we must look to the future. We must look to Anna. Anna is our future."
"Idrial is right, Berethor."
We turned towards the door to see Gandalf standing there with a proud smile.
"Mithrandir," Berethor breathed, bowing down to him. "Please, meet our daughter, Anna."
He got up and handed Anna over to the White Wizard. Gandalf gazed down at her sweetly. Berethor walked over behind me and put his hands on my shoulders. I put my hands on top of his.
"Welcome, Anna. You have come at a good time, a time of peace, growth, and wisdom. May your days be blessed."
"I sense there is more to your presence in Gondor than meets the eye," I spoke.
"I had sensed Anna at the coronation," Gandalf explained. "I simply wanted to return to Minas Tirith to meet her and to see my good friends."
"You are most welcome, Mithrandir," Berethor replied.
"How will you raise her? Anna will be curious."
"We will both train her in our craft. I will teach her to fight."
"And I will teach her to heal," I chimed in.
"But only Anna may choose who she wants to be," Berethor explained. "We will not force our positions on her."
"Be wary, Berethor," Gandalf warned him. "Anna may also be trained in the magic of the Elves, and your magic as well. She may not be stable at first."
"No," I answered, remembering how much I had struggled learning my magic. "But we are prepared to protect her, just as we have protected each other."
April 27, 3020 T.A. - Snowbourne, Rohan
MORWEN'S POV
Eaoden and I had spent the past year rebuilding the village of Snowbourne. Compared to my life in Gondor before my banishment, my life now was full of wonder and awe.
Prior to our return to Rohan, Eaoden and I had received a letter from Samwise Gamgee asking for our help. We had taken a journey to the Shire to help the four hobbits rebuild their homes after Grima Wormtongue destroyed their fields and crops. To my delight, some orcs found their way there and had started to take the hobbits captive. Eaoden and I worked with the hobbits to drive away the orcs from their land and rebuild their crops. I found the hobbits to be a peaceful people, only wanting a simple life full of food, drinking, and laughter. It was something I had wanted after my journey through Middle-Earth, and I admired their persistence. Then, we made our way back to Rohan to start our life together. Along the way, we had reunited with Elegost and Hadhod, who insisted we visit Moria and help them drive the goblins away. I had a gut feeling it would not be our last time we would see them nor of Moria.
Over the year, we had just finished rebuilding the village. We finally collapsed onto our bed, blowing out lots of relieving breaths.
"I think I would rather kill orcs and goblins every day than labor all day," I breathed, glancing over at my beloved.
"Aye, me too, my lady," Eaoden replied, glancing back at me. "But all this hard work has led us to one thing."
"And what is that, my friend?"
He pulled me in for a tender, sweet kiss.
"That."
"I believe I see the appeal."
This time, I leaned in to kiss him.
"Shall we go hunting for game?" Eaoden asked.
"Not now. I am very tired."
"So am I, but we need to eat something. Unless..."
"Eaoden, what are you proposing?" I asked, returning the mischievous glance.
"Would you like to go hunting for rogue wargs?"
"I would love to."
Suddenly, we heard a knock on the door.
"Who is it?" Eaoden yelled.
"It is I, Gamling, my lord."
Eaoden and I got off the bed and answered the door.
"Welcome, my friend," I greeted him with a bow.
"Thank you, Lady Morwen. I trust your return to Rohan has been smooth?"
"Yes, it has. Thank you."
"What can we do for you, Gamling?" Eaoden asked.
"A letter has arrived for you both."
"Thank you."
Gamling left and Eaoden opened the letter.
"To our dear friends Eaoden and Morwen," he read the letter. "It is with great joy we announce the birth of our daughter Anna. She was born after moonrise on the nineteenth day of April. Idrial and I would like to ask if you two will become her guardians if anything happens to us. We are requesting your presence as soon as you are able so you can meet her. Sincerely, Berethor."
"Aww!" I exclaimed softly with a fond smile. "I am very happy for them. Anna is a good name."
"I would like to go to Gondor after all we have done here."
"I wonder if Elegost and Hadhod would like to come along," I suggested.
"You just want to slay more goblins!" Eaoden teased me.
I laughed gently.
"In all seriousness, I think we should greet Elegost and Hadhod and share Berethor's news with them. We are all friends on this good earth."
"I wholeheartedly agree. At dawn, we ride for Moria."
April 30, 3020, T.A. - Moria, Eregion
ELEGOST'S POV
"We have to find Hamrog!" Hadhod yelled as he tried to remove rocks from the gate.
After King Elessar's coronation, Hadhod and I had accompanied Gimli to find his kin and return to Moria to rebuild the mines so we could build a new gate for the city of Minas Tirith. There was an accident, and the Gondorian dwarf Hamrog was trapped in the mines.
"Perhaps we need to greet Hamrog at Khazad-dum," Gimli suggested.
"How can we?" I asked. "The bridge was destroyed when Gandalf fought the Balrog."
"Then we have no choice," Gimli replied. "We have to wait for Hamrog to clear the way. He was raised in the mountains of Gondor. He will know where to go."
"I hope you are right, lad," Hadhod said with a grim expression. "Moria is not a safe place to be in alone."
All we could do was sit around and build a campfire to warm us up from the harsh winds coming from the mountains of Caradhras. Suddenly, I heard a noise.
"Hadhod, my friend, let's go hunt for some orc. There's nothing else we can do here."
"Aye, Ranger. Let us go."
Hadhod and I traveled south by horse alongside the mountain, trying to find away around so we could try to find orcs at the eastern gate. But to our dismay, after night fell and the sun rose, we found ourselves at the Gap of Rohan.
"Aye-aye-aye!" Hadhod exclaimed angrily. "This was a longer walk than I thought, and now we are back in Rohan!"
"Elegost, watch out!"
I turned around to find a spear piercing the heart of a warg. Then I turned back to the south. I smiled and bowed to our rescuers.
"Thank you for your aid, Eaoden and Morwen," I greeted them.
"What brings you up here?" Hadhod asked. "Is Snowbourne not a day's ride south of here?"
"Two days, actually," Morwen explained. "We had to be granted permission from King Eomer before we came here looking for you."
"What is the occasion?" I asked.
"Berethor and Idrial just had a baby girl," Eaoden answered. "They are wishing our presence and we thought of you two."
Hadhod smiled fondly.
"I have not seen a baby in a very long time."
Then he sighed.
"My people are trying to take Moria back, but one of ours is trapped. We tried to get him out to no avail and now..."
"We spent the past night trying to find a way around the mountains to Khazad-dum to hunt some orcs," I explained. "Perhaps an adventure in Gondor would do us good. Seeing an old friend would do us better. We will join you."
Eaoden and Morwen smiled at us, and we started to follow them further south to Gondor.
May 3, 3020 T.A. - Minas Tirith, Gondor
IDRIAL'S POV
Berethor and I worked together every day to take care of Anna. My husband especially helped me get the rest I needed as I recovered. He let me sleep when the baby was not hungry. He also, to my surprise and delight, cooked every meal for us. I gasped in awe as he delivered my breakfast.
"How and where did the Captain of the Citadel Guard of Gondor learn to cook?" I asked.
"You learn a lot of things when you're banished. Elegost and Hadhod taught me how to cook when we camped. Morwen taught me some things as well. And so did you."
I took a bite of the scrambled eggs and I moaned with a smile.
"These are delicious. How's Anna?"
"Clean and asleep."
I chuckled, wondering how I ended up here of all places.
"What's so funny?" Berethor asked.
"If you had told me two years ago that I would stay in Middle-Earth to get married and have a child, I would laugh at you."
It was his turn to laugh, and it sounded so enlightening.
"I'd laugh at me, too. I am only thirty-five years of age."
"How did a man so young become a captain of the guard?" I asked with surprise.
"When it came to battle, I was gifted. Boromir and I trained together. We always won our battles against our teammates. But when Boromir and I sparred together, we were unstoppable. We always let the other win, wiling to exchange victories when we got tired. Boromir, however, was the Steward's son, so he became the Captain of the High Tower while I became the Captain of the Citadel Guard. We respected each other and always went to battle together."
"It sounds like you two were close. Perhaps that was why you were adamant in finding him during our time together."
"That entire adventure was cloudy," Berethor confessed with a sigh. "Ever since that battle in Osgiliath, I was unsure of where I was going and why. In fact, this whole time, you were the only thing that happened to me that was so clear."
We smiled at each other with a peaceful silence.
"I kept denying it many times," I confessed. "But ever since you stole my horse, all of my dreams had pointed to you. When I first looked at you, you were so... beautiful."
"Beautiful, huh?" he chuckled with surprise. "Well, then I need to confess something else. My first impression of you was your beauty. I had never met someone as beautiful as you, and I secretly hoped you would stay with me forever."
I blushed as he leaned in to kiss me. Then, we heard small cries from the next room.
"She is hungry," I spoke, breaking the kiss.
"You can tell?"
"A mother knows. Excuse me, melethron nin."
I unbuttoned my white dress as I walked into our daughter's room.
"Suilad, Anna," I greeted her in my native tongue. "Cin hungrui?"
Anna's cries turned into the most beautiful sounds of happiness at the sound of my voice. I picked her up, pulled her close to my chest, and I fed her. Suddenly, I heard knocking from a short distance.
"I got it!" Berethor yelled.
I chuckled as Anna continued to eat.
"Beregond! What brings you by?"
I tried to listen to the conversation.
"You have four visitors, my lord," Beregond answered.
"Four?" Berethor and I asked at the same time.
"I wonder who the other two are?" I spoke in the common tongue. "You get to meet your guardians today, Anna. Are you excited?"
I chuckled, knowing Anna did not know what I was talking about. Anna broke away and started crying. I held her against my chest again, but this time, I rubbed her back to try to calm her down.
"Idrial, we're about to have company," Berethor said, poking his head in the door.
"I just need to get her dressed. Please give us five minutes."
Lady Eowyn had sewn seven dresses and two white nightgowns for our daughter to wear. I could not help but dress Anna in a navy blue dress, signifying one of the colors of Gondor as well as a former color of Lothlorien. Then, I got changed into a navy blue dress as well, but this was a simple gown with buttons down my torso, should I need to feed Anna along the way. I put my dark blonde hair in my signature braid, and then, we were ready.
The three of us walked out of our house on the fifth level and made our way down to the courtyard. But when we got to the third level, we had found Beregond with, indeed, four visitors. Berethor let out a laugh of joy as he embraced one of our dearest friends.
"It's so good to see you, Ranger!"
"You also, my friend," Elegost replied, returning the hug. "You look good."
"Idrial!"
"Morwen!"
Morwen and I embraced each other with my daughter still in my left arm. Then she let out a gasp.
"Is this your little girl?"
"She is!" I answered sweetly as Anna glanced up with curiosity. "Anna, this is Morwen of Penmark, our good friend."
I handed the baby to her, and Morwen held her sweetly in her arms. Eaoden then approached me and we embraced each other.
"Thank you for inviting us," Eaoden spoke.
"Thank you for coming. It is wonderful to see all of you."
"Lass, may I hold her?"
All of us turned to see the dwarf Hadhod glancing at us with a sparkle in his dark eyes. I glanced at my husband and he gave me a smile. We then smiled at the dwarf.
"Yes, you may."
Morwen handed the baby to Hadhod and Anna gave him a huge smile.
"It looks like she has taken to you, my friend," Elegost told him.
"Aye. I have never seen a jewel so beautiful in my entire life. I am Hadhod, and I am at your service, Lady Anna."
The six of us enjoyed each other's company as we walked back up to the fifth level to our home with Anna in Hadhod's arms. But we were in for a surprise when we saw the King and Queen at our door.
"My friends," Elessar greeted us. "Berethor told me you were coming. Welcome back to Minas Tirith."
"Thank you, my friend," Elegost replied.
"Thank you," Eaoden said at the same time.
"The Queen and I would like to invite all of you to dinner in the great hall."
"We would be honored," Morwen answered on our behalf.
At dinner, we caught up with each other on our adventures. While I carried our child, Berethor often went into battle with King Elessar and the Steward Faramir to drive away any remaining orcs that occupied Gondor. Queen Arwen, Lady Eowyn, and I had reestablished the Houses of Healing, determining how we would treat the sick and wounded. Eaoden and Morwen rebuilt the lands of Rohan as well as the Shire up north. They had just settled into their new home when we sent them the letter announcing Anna's birth. Elegost and Hadhod had tried to assist Gimli in retaking Moria, but so far the efforts were in vain; one dwarf became trapped in the mines and was now on his own.
"I would like to ask all of you for advice," Berethor announced. "Idrial and I have been contemplating how to raise our daughter. What would any of you do if you had a child? Would you train her to fight?"
"Absolutely," Morwen answered immediately. "Every being, whether elf, dwarf, or man, should have the ability to defend themselves in battle. Women should not be shamed of that."
"What would you also teach her?" I asked.
"How to hunt. And sometimes, the huntress is more keen-eyed than a man."
"You speak some truth," Eaoden replied. "But I believe the most important part about life is a good education and wisdom. Your child should be able to make wise decisions as she grows up."
"Thank you," Berethor said. "Elegost, Hadhod, do you have any words?"
"I agree with Morwen," Elegost answered. "The ability to hunt is the key to survival."
"Your child should follow her passions," Hadhod chimed in. "If she wants to study the stars, then that is what she should do. And you, the father and mother, should encourage her."
"So it's unanimous," I replied. "Do you have a secondary skill you would teach her?"
"You two would not encourage it," Morwen answered. "But I learned to steal herbs in case I got hurt. Sometimes, you need to learn stealth to survive."
"I am with Hadhod on this one," Elegost said. "Astronomy can help someone find their way home."
"If there is still magic in this world, train Anna in that," Eaoden suggested. "All of us have used magic in one way or another. But Idrial, isn't the magic of the Elves fading away?"
"Yes," I answered honestly. "There will only be a few of us left after Lady Galadriel sails to Valinor. The time of the Elves will be over soon."
"So what if Anna acquires magical abilities? How will you train her in that?"
"We will do the best we can," Berethor answered.
I stared at the water in my cup and then gazed at my daughter. I had passed down half of my genes to her. But what if Eaoden was right? What if Anna fails because our magic is fading away? Then I glanced at my husband, who looked just as concerned as I was.
We finished dinner and we all went to our homes for the evening. Our four friends were granted rooms temporarily throughout the city. I had just put Anna to bed and was getting ready for bed myself, changing out of my blue gown and into my white nightgown.
"Melethron nin, how much of Gandalf's teachings did you pay attention to?" I asked.
"I paid so much attention to them that I journaled about it," Berethor answered. "I was hoping one day, I would understand what it all means. But what if the mysteries will be unraveled through our daughter?"
"I was just thinking the same thing, my husband. Perhaps if we tell her about our adventures, it would help her learn what she is truly capable of."
"That could work. But what if we hurt her?"
I frowned. I walked up to Berethor, who, too, was wearing a white nightgown. I caressed his cheek as he leaned into the touch.
"We will not hurt her, Berethor. I promise. But before we do any kind of training, we need to have her trust us."
"I think she already does, melethril nin. She is peaceful when she sleeps."
"I pray you are right."
He leaned down into my lips and sweetly kissed me. I returned the kiss with passion, knowing deep down in my heart that he was right.
April 19, 3021 T.A.
BERETHOR'S POV
The past year had been the most interesting year I had ever lived. I was unsure of which was more interesting: Anna's first days on this earth or the days that happened after Idrial and I returned to our positions.
Idrial had taken Anna with her to the Houses of Healing every day. Lady Eowyn and Queen Arwen loved her presence and she had brightened their days. They each had offered to take care of her to give Idrial a break. Eowyn loved Anna so much that she had offered to watch Anna while Idrial and I spent quality time together. It was rare that I took Anna to the Citadel, but when I did, all the guards, the Steward, and the King all gazed upon her in awe.
I did get concerned when Anna had not grown much in her first year. Idrial had to explain to me that Anna was born a Half-Elf and grew slower than Man. Nevertheless, there was one thing of Anna's that grew: her beautiful copper hair. And she had inherited her mother's green eyes. I had no doubt she was going to grow up to be the fairest lady in Gondor.
Ten months after our first reunion, the six of us reunited again to celebrate Anna's first birthday.
"So what news do you bring from the four corners of Middle-Earth?" Idrial asked as we started eating our dinner in the hall.
"We still cannot find Hamrog," Hadhod explained with a frown.
"Any luck getting into Moria?" I asked.
"No," Elegost answered. "The Balrog may be gone, but there are still thousands of goblins lurking in Moria. We were just thinking about how they may have gotten to Hamrog."
"Have you thought of a search party?" Eaoden asked.
"Who has not thought of a search party?" Hadhod gruffly asked in reply.
"We are only offering our help, my friend," Morwen explained. "There is no need to be harsh. And speaking of offerings, Eaoden and I are inviting all of you to attend our wedding in September."
I glanced over at my wife, who smiled and nodded.
"Idrial and I are honored and we accept."
"Good. Because Idrial, I was hoping you would be my maid."
"Oh!" Idrial exclaimed with surprise. "I never thought I would be asked to be an attendant to someone's wedding. I would love to be your maid!"
"Berethor, I would be honored if you would be my best man," Eaoden proposed.
"The honor is all mine, my friend. Where is the wedding going to take place?"
"Helm's Deep," Eaoden and Morwen answered at the same time.
"A very intriguing location," Elegost replied. "Why Helm's Deep?"
"We buried my family there," Morwen explained. "It's only fitting that they be a part of the wedding this way."
We all frowned, remembering how Morwen had lost her entire family in the blink of an eye to battle.
"Morwen, you need someone to walk you down the aisle," I told her.
"I can walk myself," she replied adamantly. "I am a headstrong woman."
"I believe I can help."
We all turned towards the door to find the Steward Faramir walking in.
"Morwen, we have been good friends our entire lives," Faramir spoke. "As the Steward of Gondor and as your friend, I would be honored to walk you down the aisle. That is, if Lord Eaoden is alright with that."
"It is fine with me," Eaoden replied with a smile.
Morwen stood up with a look of awe in her eyes.
"Faramir, you do not have to do this."
"Yes, I do. After everything that has happened to you, you do not deserve to walk your path alone."
I watched the two friends hugging each other as smiles returned to our faces.
"I can help decorate the keep," Hadhod suggested. "Maybe Gimli and Gloin can help me."
"I will join you," Elegost replied. "Idrial, have you heard from Legolas of late?"
"Legolas has recently returned to Moria to assist Gimli in taking Khazad-Dum back," Idrial answered. "Hadhod, perhaps you can invite Legolas to help with preparations?"
"Aye. The Ranger and I will come to the wedding with Legolas and Gimli."
September 15, 3021 T.A. - Helm's Deep, Rohan
MORWEN'S POV
"I have never been so nervous in my entire life."
"Are you certain?" Idrial asked me as she tied the bow on the back of my long white dress.
"Yes."
"You have endured much."
Idrial started to brush my red hair as I gazed at myself in the mirror.
"You were banished from your childhood home. You moved to a new realm. Your mother and father were killed by wargs. Your brothers died in battle. And yet, you persevered and you fought. You do not go down easily, Morwen of Penmark. And I am proud to have watched you all this time."
"Idrial, wait."
She stopped brushing my hair as I turned around to face her.
"I want to apologize for everything. I know I was not very friendly to you when we first met."
My elven maid put her hand on my shoulder and smiled at me.
"There is nothing to forgive, my friend. Quarrels happen. It is not uncommon. Our paths brought us together for a reason. I like to believe we all had a common purpose in this world. And now that we have a new purpose, we can share each other in harmony."
"Like what we are doing now."
"Yes."
"Idrial... I never had feelings for your husband. I was fond of him because he listened. It was pure coincidence when we discovered we were betrothed to each other, and that is all that is. I am very happy for you and Berethor. And Anna is the most beautiful being I have ever laid eyes on. You two are blessed to have each other. And I pray Eaoden and I will have that as well."
"You will, Morwen. I have to believe that. Now, let us finish getting you ready."
Idrial continued to brush my hair and this time, I smiled. My red hair was tied back in a braided bun with some strands loose, gracing my face well. Lastly, she put a white veil on top of my hair.
"You may stand, Morwen. How do you feel?"
I got up and examined myself. I wore a simple white wedding dress with a white ribbon at my waist, tied in the back with a delicate bow. I glanced at the pendant I was wearing: a silver flower that Idrial had loaned me for today. I felt like a queen, not a warrior. And for the first time in my life, I was happy with that.
Suddenly, we heard knocking. We turned around and saw Berethor standing by the door, wearing a green tunic to respect the Rohirrim.
"I was about to ask you if you two were ready," he spoke with a proud smile. "But I see before my eyes that you two are the most beautiful women in the room."
I glanced over at Idrial, who also wore a green dress with gold decorations on it and brown boots to match. Half of her dark blonde hair was tied up in a braid while she let the other half loose.
"I assume the groom is ready for us?" Idrial asked.
"Yes. Where is Anna?"
"Right here, my lord!" Eowyn suddenly said, coming out of the other room. "We are ready."
"May I hold her?" I asked her mother.
"Of course."
I took the baby away from Eowyn for one moment. Anna wore a dress that perfectly matched her green eyes. She cooed and then she smiled and laughed.
"You are so pretty, Anna!" I said sweetly. "You may be prettier than me! You are such a beautiful girl!"
I kissed her on the forehead before I handed her back to Eowyn.
"I believe we are all ready," I announced.
"Then let us go," Berethor replied.
The four of us followed Berethor out of the room. Eowyn went ahead with Anna in her arms and sat down next to her brother Eomer, King of Rohan, and his wife Lothiriel. Berethor walked down the aisle first, and then Idrial followed close behind, dropping white rose petals on the ground. As I let out a sigh, knowing my turn was going to be next, I felt a similar presence next to me.
"Are you ready, my lady?" Faramir asked.
I blew out another breath, but this time, it was full of confidence.
"Yes! I am."
He held out his arm and I wrapped my arm around his. The horns sounded when we walked up to the keep and everyone stood up and turned around. I heard gasps from all around and Eaoden dropped his jaw in awe. I giggled as Faramir escorted me down the aisle. I laughed out loud when Berethor closed my beloved's mouth, and then Eaoden simply smiled at me. He wore silver armor this time with a green cloak, and he had all of his golden hair loose. I heard Anna cooing as I got closer to the altar, and then another figured appeared behind Eaoden. I gasped when I saw Gandalf taking his place.
"I thought he was leaving for a journey up north," I whispered to my good friend.
"He must have made the journey back just for you," Faramir whispered back, giving me a kiss on the cheek.
We hugged each other before Eaoden took me the rest of the way. Everyone behind us sat back down, and Gandalf, with a fond smile on his face, started to speak.
"We have gathered together to witness the union of this man and this woman in matrimony. Marriage is not only the union between a man and his wife. Marriage is also an adventure worth exploring. Eaoden and Morwen, you have already had your fair share of adventures and have helped us defeat the Dark Lord Sauron once and for all. Marriage will come with a fair share of challenges, but your love will conquer all obstacles that are in your path. May I have the rings, please?"
Berethor dug into his pocket and took out two rings. He gave one to each of us as Gandalf started to speak again.
"Eaoden of Snowbourne, do you take this woman to be your wife? And do you promise to love her, honor her, cherish her, and protect her, forsaking all others, and holding only unto her forevermore?"
Eaoden glanced at me with a gleam in his blue eyes.
"I do."
"And do you, Morwen of Penmark, take this man to be your husband?" Gandalf asked. "And do you promise to love him, honor him, cherish him, and protect him, forsaking all others, and holding only unto him forevermore?"
I grinned and confidently told him my answer.
"I do."
"You may exchange your rings," Gandalf instructed us, and he continued to speak as we put our rings on each other. "Eaoden and Morwen are now exchanging rings, symbols of their love and commitment to each other. They mark the beginning of their long journey together. Their wedding rings are a circle, a never-ending symbol of love, and it is the seal of the vows they have taken to love each other to no end."
We gazed at each other with fondness in our eyes, feeling ready to go on this adventure together.
"And now by the power vested in me, it is my honor to declare you husband and wife. Go forth and live each day to the fullest. Eaoden, you may kiss your bride."
Eaoden and I chuckled as we leaned in, wrapped our arms around each other, and kissed each other with passion. We heard thunderous applause as we shared our first kisses as a married couple. We finally broke apart and gazed out at our friends with smiles on our faces, happy to be celebrating our big day with them.
September 29, 3021 T.A. - Minas Tirith, Gondor
IDRIAL'S POV
I got changed out of my red dress and into my white nightgown. I found my husband gazing out the window at the night sky full of twinkling stars.
"What is on your mind, melethron nin?"
"I am not an elf, Idrial," Berethor replied without glancing back at me. "But I cannot help but feel an emptiness in this world."
I walked up to him and gazed out at the night sky with him. Berethor was right. I, too, felt something missing. I closed my eyes and my mind wandered back in time.
"Lady Galadriel has left Middle-Earth for Valinor," I spoke. "Lord Elrond went with her, and so did three others: Gandalf, Frodo Baggins, and Bilbo Baggins."
"Frodo sailed to the Grey Havens?" Berethor asked with surprise. "How?"
"He carried the Ring of Power, and so did Bilbo. They have earned their place in Valinor to be at peace."
"So what will happen now?"
"Life moves forward, and so will we. We are about to enter the Fourth Age of Middle-Earth, Berethor. Nothing will ever be the same again."
"No."
We both glanced back towards our daughter's room where she slept.
"Thank the Valar we will be living in an age of peace," I spoke.
"Yes. The kingdoms of Gondor and Rohan are reunited. Sauron is no more. There will not be any more wars. No more clouds of darkness. Just the sun and the rain."
I glanced over at my husband and saw he was still frowning.
"What troubles you, Berethor?"
"She is your daughter, Idrial. She will probably have some powers and she will have to learn to control them."
"But she is also your daughter, Berethor," I assured him, caressing his cheek. "You are a fast learner and it took you no time at all to learn your powers. But I, too, have doubts."
"About what?"
"The power of the Elves is fading. What if Anna learns her powers only for her to lose them?"
"Then Anna will either adapt or she will grow stronger in the face of adversity."
I chuckled, realizing that Berethor had just described both of us. We both adapted to the ever-changing world, and yet, we both grew stronger when our adventures became challenging. I smiled, realizing that Anna was going to be alright, no matter what would happen. I leaned into my husband and placed my head on his chest. He held me in his arms as he gazed out again, looking at the stars. Then he rested his head on mine. This was home, and I felt so happy that I had stayed where I belonged.