At noon the following day the host arrived in Edoras. The people were glad for the return of King Eomer but remained reverent as the bier of Theoden passed through the street. Intermittently, stifled sobs were heard from onlookers as the reality of his death finally sunk in. The Riders of the Mark respectfully bore his body to the House of Kings where a temporary resting place had been established for him. The other travelers were guided to the Golden Hall where Eowyn patiently awaited them. She warmly welcomed all to Edoras and encouraged them to enter the Golden Hall to rest and replenish their strength with the food that was prepared for them. Her joy at seeing Eomer was evident in her expression. He had been gone over a month and she had missed their conversations at dinnertime.

Glorfindel was the last of the company to ascend the steps to the Golden Hall. He observed Eowyn as she stood speaking to Eomer. He had heard of her renown on the Fields of Pelennor and remembered the words that he had spoken to Earnur, son of King Earnil, over one thousand years before. Earnil, the then King of Gondor, sent Earnur to aid King Arvedui in the North Kingdom of Arnor. The Witch King of Angmar had descended into the lands of Arthedain seeking to overthrow King Arvedui and the northern Dunedain. Earnur and his fleet of ships arrived too late to provide aid but together with the army sent by Elrond and led by Glorfindel they were able to drive the Witch King from the land of the Dunedain. However, before the Witch King escaped into the shadow, he humiliated Earnur though the injury was primarily due to the fright of the horse that bore the King’s son and Captain of Gondor. Many say that the scathing laugh of the Witch King in response to Earnur’s mortification lingers still in that land. But his brief triumph was abruptly stemmed. For, even as he laughed disdainfully at Earnur’s expense, Glordindel rode up on his white horse and he fled before the Elf Lord and vanished into the night. Earnur had pined to challenge him but Glorfindel counseled him to stay his anger. “Do not pursue him!” he had said to Earnur. “Far off is his doom and not by the hand of man will he fall.” And lo! Before him stood the young maiden who slew the Witch King and fulfilled his prophecy. Tall and golden she appeared and her bearing was proud. He bowed to her as he passed into the hall to join his companions.

Those who were to stay in Edoras took rooms in the Golden Hall. The other companions opted to reside at the campsite since they were scheduled to continue their journey northward shortly after TheodenÂ’s burial. The consequence of their choice was not too grievous though. Amenities were still readily available to them. The Lord and Lady of Lorien along with Lord Elrond would have chosen to reside in their tents had it not been for the impropriety of declining the gracious offer of their host. They were loath to part with the pleasurable late night conversations that it was their custom to have with Gandalf along the road to Edoras. They loved to speak of ages past and of all their labors in Middle-earth and of the days to come. Any mortal who saw them thus engaged were puzzled at their appearance for they did not move and no words were spoken by them. Instead, they communicated from mind to mind and all was still save for their shining eyes that were kindled as their thoughts went to and fro. Frodo and Sam also elected to reside at the campsite. There was much mirth to be had with Glorfindel, Gandalf, the sons of Elrond and the elves of Lorien and Rivendell. Indeed the days were spent learning all they could from the elves. Sam especially found their conversations most advantageous. He had an abiding love for them as a people who shared his love for everything that grew. Pippin chose to stay with Merry in Meduseld. As esquire to Theoden, Merry was partly on duty and spent his mornings in the service of the King.

After all had eaten, Eomer invited them to explore Edoras at their will. Faramir and the Lady Eowyn wandered out of the hall wishing to converse privately together. They descended the steps insensible to all around them and passed into the grounds.

“Is it your wish then to delay my asking his consent?” Faramir patiently asked.

“No indeed,” Eowyn quickly answered. “I just think that it would be best to delay until after the ceremony.”

Faramir turned to look at her. “My lady, I cannot see what difference it would make whether I ask his consent now or then. In fact, a little happiness right now may be welcomed by your brother.” He almost took her hand but thought better of it. “Besides, I would feel more at ease walking with you as one who has claimed the right to your hand. Already your people stare at us questioningly even though we walk in broad day light.”

Eowyn blushed. She was suddenly aware of the eyes of her people upon them. Most pretended to pursue their occupation assiduously while others boldly and pointedly stared. “Perhaps you are correct my lord. If we make haste we might be able to speak with my brother. He was still in the Golden Hall before we left.”

Faramir nodded and the two retraced their footsteps to the Hall. Some of the companions loitered at the entrance while the others were descending the steps to embark on their own private pleasures. Those companions who stood immediately beyond the doors of the Hall patiently awaited GandalfÂ’s return. He had volunteered to escort them around Edoras since unexpected matters of business detained Eomer. Faramir and Eowyn passed into the Hall proceeding toward EomerÂ’s location. He was deep in conversation with three of his men concerning the erection of TheodenÂ’s tomb.

“My lord, all should be ready two days hence,” one of the men was saying.

“I will hold you to your word, Folcwine.” He bowed to Eomer and signaled for the other men to accompany him out of the hall.

Faramir and Eowyn approached Eomer bowing courteously. “My lord, King Eomer, it is with great reverence I come before you seeking the hand of your fair sister, the Lady Eowyn. Will thou grant it to one who professes undying love for her and the sworn promise of her future happiness?”

Eomer was genuinely surprised. He had never noticed anything peculiar in their interaction before now. Often he had seen them speaking together after King ElessarÂ’s crowning but there was never any signs to alert him to their mutual regard. Finally he comprehended the reason for the alteration wrought in Eowyn. It all made sense. He had never seen his sister as happy as she appeared of late. His heart was elated and his widening smile conveyed his consent.

“Is this so sister?” he asked with dwindling disbelief. “This is the source of your recent felicity?”

The color on Eowyn’s cheeks deepened. “I do love him Eomer,” she firmly said.

“Then you both have my blessing.” Eomer hugged her to him and softly whispered, “At last I shall no longer fear for you, sister. He is a worthy man”

He released Eowyn then gave Faramir a brotherly hug. “You are an honorable man, Faramir. Nothing pleases me more than to deliver into your hands the safekeeping of my beloved sister.”

Faramir nodded in acknowledgement of his praise.

“Come, I shall announce it to the others,” Eomer stated ecstatically.

“No Eomer!” Eowyn exclaimed. Eomer looked at her with a puzzled expression. “I would much rather delay until after Theoden’s burial. I will not have his time of remembrance overshadowed by my glad tidings.”

Eomer thought for a moment and acquiesced to her wish. “I will do as you desire, sister.” She beamed up at him. “But I insist on making the announcement at the end of the feast. You certainly will not rob me of that pleasure.”

Faramir and Eowyn both voiced their approval. Shortly thereafter they took leave of Eomer expressing a wish to continue exploring Edoras. Their hearts were light and their faces mirrored their happiness. The rest of the afternoon Eowyn took Faramir on a tour of Edoras showing him various points of interest that played a unique role in the history of childhood.

While the others had taken their meal in the Golden Hall, Melian, Arwen, Legolas and Aragorn decided to picnic in the hills. It was a challenging task to convince her companions to re-mount their horses after fifteen days of uninterrupted horse back riding but Melian thought that the acquisition of fresh air and some quiet would prove worthy of the undertaking. The servants had been gracious enough to prepare a generous picnic basket for them at her sudden request. They were also provided with several blankets at the insistence of the head servant. It was a lovely day though unusually cool for that time of year. The four settled on a copse located atop the crown of a green hill. The view was breathtaking. Wild flowers grew sporadically between the short stems of the green grass. Aragorn and Legolas secured the horses while the ladies spread the blankets and unpacked the food. At MelianÂ’s encouragement, all three soon walked unshod upon the velvety grass. It felt wonderful beneath their bare feet. Their hunger soon directed them back to the blankets where they satiated their appetites while conversing lightly in elvish.

“I should return within six months if my King permits it,” Legolas was saying.

“It will be wonderful to finally meet your people, Legolas,” Arwen stated while nibbling on a grape. “I have only met a few who journeyed to Imladris in the past.”

His eyes darted to Melian. “You are unusually quiet, my lady. And would you like to meet my people as well?”

Melian felt all three pairs of eyes upon her. “Why, yes of course, Legolas.” She appeared distracted. “I have met some of your people before in the city of Caras Galadhon many years ago.”

Legolas seemed thoughtful. He rose to his feet and extended his hand to Melian. “Would you care to accompany me on a walk to explore these fair hills?” She furtively glanced at Arwen and Aragorn before accepting Legolas’ hand.

“Certainly, that is, if Aragorn and Arwen have no objections.” She looked at them expectantly. They both voiced their consent with some confusion.

Legolas turned to retrieve his bow, which leaned against one of the tree trunks next to Anduril. Both Aragorn and him had brought their weapons since Aragorn had dismissed his knights in hopes of a more private gathering. He slung his bow over his shoulder and left with Melian at his side. Aragorn and Arwen stared long after them.

“What do you suppose is happening there?” she asked.

“If I were to speculate, I would say there is a mutual attraction there. Where it will lead, I cannot say.”

“Really?” Arwen was surprised. In all the decades she knew Melian, she never showed any peculiar regard to any elf in Lorien or Imladris.

“This may prove interesting Estel.” She turned to look at him smiling impishly. “Yes, it definitely will.”

Aragorn rose to his knees sitting on the back of his heels. He took one of ArwenÂ’s bare feet in his hands and began to massage it then proceeded to do the same with the other.

“That feels wonderful Estel,” As she sat, she supported her upper body on her elbows as she slightly leaned backward looking at the clear blue sky. Her long black hair blew lightly in the gentle breeze.

After some time, Aragorn cease his massage. “How about this?”

Arwen erupted into uncontrollable laughter. Aragorn held her feet firmly as he tormented her with the tip of a slender wild flower brushing lightly on the sole of her feet. She writhe in agony as tears slid from her eyes. She began to cough from her excessive laughter. At that point, Aragorn pitied her and ceased his torment.

“You cruel, cruel, man! What did I do to warrant such torture?” she teased.

Aragorn moved to rest his back against the trunk of one of the trees. He pulled Arwen with him as she settled between his legs with her back against his chest. Her complexion was still heightened from her recent distress. Aragorn wrapped his arms around her tightening his grip. She laid her head back on his shoulder with her eyes closed. He nuzzled her ear and she giggled lightly at the sensation.

“It gladdens my heart to hear your laughter,” he whispered into her ear. Her smile broadened. She closed her eyes desiring to remain lost in the security of his arms and the melodious sounds of the surrounding nature. At that moment, she felt peaceful and immensely happy. Aragorn kissed her atop her head and rest the side of his cheek against her hair. Thus it was that Legolas and Melian met them when they rejoined them one half of an hour later.

The day of TheodenÂ’s farewell ceremony dawned brilliantly. The day past they had experienced inclement weather and Eomer feared that the continuation of the torrential rain would impede TheodenÂ’s burial ceremony. Fortunately, his fears proved groundless since the rain ceased in the early morning. It promised to be a long period of mourning immediately followed by a celebration of TheodenÂ’s life. He was laid to rest in a house of stone with his arms and many fair things that he had possessed in life. The ceremony was poignant. The Riders of the Mark were attired all in green and rode upon their horses bearing a standard with a white horse upon green. It was a beautiful sight to behold all assembled around TheodenÂ’s tomb. Gandalf, Frodo, Sam and the elves stood together with the Men of the West. Pippin also stood with the Men of the West since he was still in the service of Gondor. His heart felt sorely for Merry who stood with the Riders of Rohan as esquire to Theoden. He perceived that MerryÂ’s resolve was weakening. Theoden had become dear to him in the short time he knew him. Eowyn stood beside her brother. Her face was stained with tears but not a sound issued from her. Faramir, who stood with the other Men of the West, offered her his support through reassuring eye contact. When the Riders of the Mark began singing a song of Theoden that was written by Gleowine, his minstrel, her tears fell more abundantly. Not a heart in that gathering was untouched by their song though some knew not the speech of that people. For the people of Rohan, the song re-ignited a light in their eyes as it brought to mind the thundering hooves and the voice of the Eorl above the battle on the Field of Celebrant. When the ceremony was ended, Merry succumbed to his sorrow. He knelt at the mound that was erected above the tomb of Theoden and wept sorely.

Pippin stood nearby. Most had already taken leave of TheodenÂ’s grave to return to the Golden Hall though a few lingered still. He understood MerryÂ’s sorrow. Within the past year they had made many new friends who had perished during the War of the Ring. He was appreciative that many whom he loved survived. He looked around and saw Aragorn and his lady embracing. She appeared to be wiping a tear from his cheek while whispering something to him that Pippin could not hear. Having no wish to be discovered observing them, he returned his gaze to Merry who was rising to his feet with a simbelmyne flower clutched in his hand.

For Aragorn, the death of his kinsman Halbarad was also present in his mind. When he had discovered that Halbarad had fallen on the Fields of Pelennor, through Prince Imrahil, the then acting dignitary of Gondor, he had Halbarad’s body brought to the tombs in the street of Rath Dinen. There, Halbarad still laid in honor among the kings of old. Arwen was also grieved by Halbarad’s death. Through the years she had grown to love him as one of Aragorn’s kinsmen. Never did she think that at their parting in Imladris a few months earlier that she would not see him again. Her brothers rode often into danger and always returned safely. Halbarad, she had also held in that light. But the War of the Ring was unlike any other that occurred during the Third Age and the chance of survival against Sauron’s reincarnated evil had grown slim. Many lives had been lost in Sauron’s destructive hatred and to her grief, some very close to her heart. Halbarad had borne her standard and message to Aragorn into the South without hesitation and for that act of kindness she was greatly indebted to him. “We shall meet again beyond the circles of this world, Dunadan,” she thought to herself. She looked up at Aragorn. He seldom ever grieved openly but Halbarad had been his confidante in many pivotal decisions. She mentally reasserted her vow to provide her constant support to him during times of prosperity and adversity. Her parents and grandparents had taught her well and her knowledge and wisdom was great. She knew Aragorn expected her to govern their people alongside him and she intended to put forth her best. Aragorn quietly said farewell to Theoden and they both began their ascent to the Golden Hall.

When all had repaired to the Golden Hall, the feast commenced. The time for merry making was come. The Hall rang with chatter, laughter and song until the time came that in the custom of the Mark they should drink to the memory of the Kings.

Eowyn came forward bearing a filled cup to Eomer. The reading of the names of all the Kings followed. Immediately after the reading of TheodenÂ’s name, Eowyn bid the servers to re-fill the cups of all assembled there. They then arose and drank to the new King of the Mark. When the feast drew near its end, Eomer arose and announced the tidings of Faramir and Eowyn. The two came forward and plighted their troth to each other before all gathered there.

Then Eomer said, “Thus is the friendship of Rohan and Gondor bound with a new bond and the more do I rejoice.”

“No Niggard are you Eomer, to give thus to Gondor the fairest thing in your realm,” Aragorn said.

Eowyn turned and looked into Aragorn’s eyes and said, “Wish me joy my liege-lord and healer.”

Aragorn looked at her and said, “I have wished thee joy since first I saw you. It heals my heart to see thee now in bliss.”

Eowyn smiled then took leave of him. Aragorn arose leaving the hall to seek the early evening air. He looked toward the hills rising in the West. Arwen and Elrond had left more than an hour earlier wishing to speak privately. He was not happy about leaving Arwen behind the day next. He was grateful to have Melian remain behind with her. He felt the urge to smoke but controlled his desire. His heart foreboded that the evening would be difficult for Arwen and he wanted to avoid any additional discomposure in her spirits. After pondering for a moment, he finally resolved on seeking company with those at the campsite until his lady returned.

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