In Aragorn's Safekeeping: Life in the King's House

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the recognizable characters; I am only borrowing them for fun for a little while. They belong to J.R.R. Tolkien.

Many thanks to my Beta Readers – J. and Marsha

Things continue to be very hectic for me and if you are waiting for a chapter of ‘Brothers at Heart’, I will tell you I am working on it, but it is coming along very slowly. Thanks for your patience.

Chapter 5 - Spring

Rebecca was nervous as she walked across the courtyard to the Tower. Not nervous about speaking with Faramir. But she was nervous about running into Aragorn while she was in the Tower hallways. She did not want to have to use the story she had come up with to explain her presence in the building. Aragorn would see right through it and she would end up telling him everything. Thomas had told her that Aragorn was going to be in meetings all afternoon but she knew that schedules were often changed at the last minute.

The sun was shining brightly on the early February afternoon, it was cool but the clear blue skies made it a beautiful day to be outside. Rebecca took a small detour and walked to the wall and stood leaning on it as she looked out over the Pelennor for a few minutes lost in thought. After several minutes she mentally shook herself as she remembered all of the other things she needed to do that afternoon and she turned and hurried into the Tower.

The outer office of the Steward of Gondor was quiet as Rebecca walked in. It suddenly occurred to her that if his schedule had changed, then Aragorn could actually be meeting with Faramir in this office. She wished she and Thomas had come up with another way to speak with him privately. But she knew it wasn’t proper to go to Faramir’s home without a chaperone and Thomas had been too busy in the evenings lately and the two of them had decided that this was the easiest way to speak with him. She hoped he wasn’t busy. Rebecca smiled at the man sitting at the largest desk who she assumed was the head secretary for the steward. She’d never been in this office before.

“Good Afternoon. Is Lord Faramir here? I’d like to speak with him if he has a few minutes,” she inquired politely.

Hastily getting to his feet as Rebecca began speaking, the secretary gave a little half bow before he answered her. “Yes, my lady, the steward is here.” He glanced down at an open book on his desk with a slightly furrowed brow and ran his finger down the page stopping once or twice. The man looked back up at her with a small smile, which to Rebecca seemed forced. “I will see if he has time to speak with you now.” He scurried around the desk and knocked on the steward’s door and stepped inside at Faramir’s call.

Rebecca looked curiously around the office as she waited. There were three other desks in the room where men were working diligently. She caught them giving her occasional glances as she looked around. The walls were covered with interesting tapestries and pictures. All of them were scenes of the ocean, the seashore, or of a town with a large castle on a hill overlooking both the water and the town.

“That is Dol Amroth, Lady Rebecca.”

Startled from her close inspection of a very beautiful painting she spun around, almost hitting Faramir in the chin with her forehead because he had leaned down slightly to look over her shoulder. He quickly stepped back and a small smile graced his lips. “Faramir! I mean, My Lord Steward… I’m sorry, but you scared me,” Rebecca said, flustered.

“Peace, I am unharmed. It is I who should be apologizing for startling you.” His expression showed his amusement and Rebecca smiled at him. She glanced around the room at the secretaries whose faces were hidden from sight and she knew they were probably struggling to contain their laughter. Smiling at the absurdity of the situation, she glanced at Faramir who gave a small shrug before she turned back to the picture.

“Then this is Prince Imrahil’s castle?”

“Yes. All of these are pictures of Dol Amroth or the lands around it.”

“You have a lot of pictures of it,” she observed as she looked around. There were four paintings of various sizes and another six tapestries. Though she had learned that tapestries were used to help keep a room warm as well as for its beauty, all of the ones in this office were of Dol Amroth.

“Gifts from my aunt mostly, though a few are from other people. I do have a very beautiful one in my office and another one at home, though that one was Mother’s. But I had to do something with these and I do like them well enough. I have very fond memories of my stays in Dol Amroth.”

“It does appear to be a beautiful place… I’ve never been to the ocean.” She walked alongside Faramir as they made their way into his office. When the door was closed she continued speaking as she crossed the office to look at the other painting he had mentioned. “I almost got to go to one of the Great Lakes one time, but my mom decided I was too young to go with my friend and her family. The Great Lakes are some of the largest lakes in the world,” she explained at Faramir’s questioning look. “It’s supposed to be sort of like the ocean, but I don’t know it that’s true.”

“It is beautiful,” she murmured as she took in the blues and greens of the wind-tossed ocean waves breaking on the golden sandy beach. Several large rocks dotted the ocean several hundred feet from the shore and a tall rocky outcropping topped with grass and evergreen trees was at the far end of the beach.

“It is, I spent many happy hours on that beach, both by myself and in the company of my brother and my cousins. Now, Lady Rebecca,” Faramir steered her towards a chair near the hearth, “what did you wish to speak with me about?”

“Thomas and I have a favor to ask you. Well, two favors actually.” She paused for a moment as she considered exactly how to phrase her requests.

“Which are?”

“Aragorn’s birthday is March first and we want to have some sort of party to celebrate it, but we want it to be a surprise and then we started thinking about all of these other things and so we decided we should just ask you before we made any plans.”

Faramir smiled. “What sort of problems?”

“Well, since he’s the king we wondered if it needs to be some sort of big, formal celebration… that was the biggest question we had.”

Tapping his fingers on the arm of his chair, Faramir stared into the fire for a moment. “No, I do not think this year, perhaps next year when he turns ninety, but not this year. Even if there was a formal celebration you could still have something private, Lady Rebecca,” he said with a slightly puzzled expression.

“I know, but sometimes it just gets to be… too much. There are so many formal dinners with the different ambassadors and guild masters and then if some lord comes to Minas Tirith then he must be welcomed and…” Rebecca sighed. “We thought if there was going to be a big celebration then we’d just have sort of a family dinner, but if there wasn’t then we’d have more of a party for him.”

“I see,” Faramir said with a strange little smile. “Then what do you need from me?”

“We want it to be a surprise and we really can’t do that if we do it in our house and,” she took a deep breath, “we wondered if we could have it in yours. Perhaps in your sitting room?” The Steward’s apartments were laid out much differently than the royal apartments and the sitting room was on the main floor and opened onto its own private garden.

“Yes, of course you may use that room. I seldom use it, I am more often in the library.”

“That will change when Éowyn gets here,” Rebecca said with a teasing smile and Faramir laughed.

“I imagine so, although we will not be here often once the house in Emyn Arnen is finished.”

“I suppose not,” she agreed, frowning. “I wish you were staying here, but at least that’s a lot closer than Edoras and hopefully she’ll come with you when you have to come here for council meetings and things like that.”

“You may come and visit us, Lady Rebecca,” Faramir said with a gentle smile. “You will always be welcome in our home… wherever it may be.”

“Thank you,” she said smiling shyly. “She is coming for the wedding, isn’t she? Her and Éomer? We sent out the official invitations last week… I couldn’t believe how many there were!” Hundreds had been sent out, to the lords and ladies of the Kingdom of Gondor and Arnor, to those in Rohan, Dale, Lothlórien, Rivendell, Eryn Lasgalen, Erebor, and even to the leaders of Harad, and those of the Easterlings. Their personal friends received more intimate invitations but seeing the sheer number of invitations had been overwhelming to both Rebecca and Thomas.

“I saw the list. You must remember that as wards of the king it is necessary for all of those people to be invited. There are also many people on that list that were not here for Aragorn’s wedding since it was such a… hurried affair. I suspect many of those people will make an effort to come now… as much to see your wedding as to see the king and queen.”

“Then they’ll have to come back again so soon for your wedding.”

Faramir gave a half shrug. “Most of the Gondorian nobles will simply stay here until the wedding. Many of them have homes here in the city and it will be no burden for them to stay for three months. Those that have no homes will stay at an inn or with a friend. Only a few will return home.” He smiled. “But I believe that most of them will be here for my wedding as well.”

“Good.” Rebecca grinned. “I want your wedding to have as many, if not more people than mine.” Faramir chuckled. “I didn’t mean to take up so much of your time, Faramir, I’m sure you’re busy.” She started to stand.

“You are always welcome to come and see me. I am never so busy that I will not stop and speak with you. But, did you not say you had two favors to ask me?”

Rebecca sat back down shaking her head and mumbling under her breath. “Yes, I did. This one is actually more difficult and I’m not sure it’s even possible, but Thomas and I thought we’d ask you.” Faramir motioned for her to continue when she paused. “It’s about the present we’d like to give Adar for his birthday. We’ve given him different things… mostly little things at Christmas and Mettarë and we wanted to do something special.”

“What did you have in mind?”

She took a deep breath. “Well, we were wondering if it would be possible for him and Arwen to leave the city for a few days.” Faramir’s eyebrow went up. “Maybe two or three nights since I know he can’t be gone very long. We know there are some small villages in Lossarnach on the road to Pelargir, but if they went to an inn they would be recognized and it wouldn’t be very private or relaxing so we had another idea.”

“Which is?” Faramir’s voice was decidedly neutral.

“We thought that maybe they could go to that place we went last summer. Do you remember it…the place with the waterfall?” Faramir nodded. “They both enjoyed the day we spent there and if we made arrangements for tents and things ahead of time Thomas and I thought they might like doing that as much as anything else.”

“It could still be quite cool then.”

“I know. It wasn’t too bad last year, but I’ve heard that sometimes it’s still pretty cold. If it is, perhaps we could delay it for several weeks, though that would ruin the surprise and would make it harder for you to make arrangements for him to be gone.”

Faramir nodded as he stared into the fire. “There will have to be guards,” he murmured.

“Oh, of course, but they can stay back at a little distance I think. Especially if his Rangers go with him… they understand how much getting out of the city would mean to him and would give him his privacy as well as protect him with their lives.”

“Yes, they would,” he said with a somewhat grim smile. “I see no reason why this could not be arranged, Lady Rebecca. I will speak with a few of the trusted council members and Aragorn’s secretary to make sure to keep his schedule clear for the days immediately after his birthday.”

“I’ll talk to Halbarad, then,” Rebecca said with a wide smile. “He can make arrangements for the tents and things like that… oh, and the Rangers. And I’ll work with the head cook about the food. Thank you, Faramir.”

“You are quite welcome. I think it is something that both of them will find very enjoyable.” A glimmer lit the depths of his eyes that Rebecca couldn’t interpret.

“I do need to go, Arwen and I are meeting with the tailor to start planning my wedding dress.”

Faramir escorted her to the outer door of his office. “A task I am most thankful that I will be able to avoid,” he said, smiling. Rebecca laughed lightly as she walked away.

0-0-0

Thomas put his hands on Rebecca’s waist and pulled her closer as he pressed a soft kiss on her cheek. “Hello,” he whispered as his lips moved slowly down her jaw towards her mouth. “I missed you,” he continued in a low voice. Rebecca murmured her agreement as her arms slid up around Thomas’s neck and into his hair just as his lips captured hers in a searing kiss. Silence fell in the library then as both Thomas and Rebecca were too busy to speak for a time.

Finally, Thomas pulled back a tiny bit, although he did not release his betrothed. His right hand lightly moved up and down her back as he gazed down at Rebecca with a smile lighting the depths of his blue eyes.

“How was your day?”

“Wonderful… but, better now,” she replied smiling as she reached up and kissed him one more time. Grasping his left hand she led him over to the couch near the window looking out into the garden. A small fire crackled in the hearth nearby adding warmth and light to the room. Thomas scooted Rudy, the grey tabby they had, with much amusement named after Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, a little further down the couch before he sat down. The kitten opened a lazy eye before standing, stretching, and then ambling over to curl up on Thomas’s lap where the young man absently scratched his ears as they spoke. Frosty remained in his favorite place sprawled out under a chair near the hearth.

“Did you speak with Faramir?”

“Yes, and also with Halbarad,” Rebecca replied, smiling. “We can use Faramir’s sitting room for the party and he thinks it’ll be fine for Aragorn and Arwen to leave for a few days. He’s going to speak to a few council members about Aragorn being gone and also with his secretary to make sure he doesn’t have any appointments those days.”

“What did Halbarad say?”

“He just shook his head slightly and gave me one of his little smiles… you know how he does that?” Thomas nodded with a smile of his own. Rebecca shrugged. “Anyway, he’s going to get the tents and make the arrangements for the Rangers. I have to talk with the cook about food for that and then for food for the party.”

“You were busy.”

“Well, then Arwen and I met with the tailor about my wedding dress,” she gave him a suddenly shy smile as he lifted the hand he was holding and kissed it softly. “There were so many different things to think about and chose… things I’ve never thought about before. My dress won’t be white,” she said with a slight frown.

“Why?” Thomas was genuinely startled.

“Well, I guess here it’s more a color of mourning. They don’t use it for weddings and since we’re who we are,” she said, wrinkling her nose, “we can’t use it. Arwen’s dress wasn’t white if you’ll remember.”

“I wasn’t really paying attention,” he admitted sheepishly. “What color will it be, then?”

Rebecca grinned. “You’ll have to wait and see. Maybe you’ll notice my wedding dress.”

“I doubt the color of your dress is what I’ll be noticing,” he said with a sly grin.

“Don’t you even care?” she asked, dismayed and somewhat hurt.

“Of course I care. I care because it’s important to you. But, for me, Rebecca, I just want to get married and if we could do this more simply, I would. If we could just go to a justice of the peace and have him marry us, I’d like that just as well.”

Thomas’s mention of the justice of the peace took Rebecca’s mind away from her concerns about whether or not he cared what her dress looked like. “Who is going to marry us?” she asked with a frown creasing her brow.

“Well, Aragorn… isn’t he?” Thomas asked, perplexed by the question. Who else would marry them?

“But, then who will escort me?”

“Oh. Well… I never thought about that.” He rubbed his forehead and stared out into the garden for a moment. “Maybe… Halbarad?” he suggested after a moment.

“I suppose he could… but…” She loved Halbarad like an uncle, but it wasn’t the same and she couldn’t imagine not having Aragorn at her side as she walked amidst the hundreds of people who would be staring at her.

“Or, maybe Faramir could marry us. I wouldn’t mind that, if you don’t.”

“I don’t know,” she said slowly shaking her head. “I just always pictured Aragorn doing it and it would be strange to have Faramir there instead.”

“I wonder if Adar could do both… escort you and then just step forward and do the ceremony.”

Rebecca’s face lit up. “That would work… its worth asking about anyway. If not, then I’ll have to think about which way we should do it.” She poked Thomas in the side. “And this is something you should care about and I want your help in making the decision.”

“All right,” he said with a small laugh before he nudged Rudy aside and off his lap. He leaned over and gently took Rebecca’s face in his hands. “I do care… I do… and I’m sorry that came out wrong. What I meant was that I would be looking at the person wearing the dress… not the dress itself.” He pressed a soft kiss on her lips. “Now,” he said as he pulled away, “are you ready to go? I’m hungry!” Thomas stood and helped Rebecca to her feet.

They had begun having supper at an inn at least one evening a week. And, as often as their schedule allowed, they would leave their morning studies and go down to the lower levels to eat lunch at an inn instead of in the dining room before hurrying off to their individual afternoon pursuits. It was the best way they had found to have any time alone with each other. Thomas did join Rebecca occasionally in the mornings for archery practice, but he had his young colt to work with and that took many of his mornings and some of his early evenings before supper.

“Yes,” she replied shaking her head, a smile lighting her face. “You’re always hungry, Thomas,” she added as they walked out the door and headed down the hall. “I need to get my cloak.” Thomas waited in the hallway as she went into her chambers. The faint sound of footsteps made him look around the corner and he smiled at Aragorn and Arwen.

“Good evening,” he said, directing his words mostly to Arwen whom he had not seen since breakfast.

They greeted him in return. “Where are you going tonight?” Arwen asked.

Thomas shrugged. “I’m not sure. Mistress Lothrín recommended an inn on the fourth level and Rebecca knows where it is, but I don’t know the name of it.” He turned as Rebecca’s door opened and she joined them with a smile. “Are you ready?” he asked taking her hand.

“Do you not enjoy our company anymore?” Aragorn asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Grinning, Thomas shook his head. “I do enjoy your company, however on this night I would simply prefer to spend time with Lady Rebecca… without others around.”

Aragorn smiled. “I understand, go and enjoy your evening.” He did not give into the temptation to tell them not to stay out too late.

Rebecca looked questioningly up at Thomas. “Should we ask them now or wait for another time?”

Looking down at her for a moment and seeing the slight hint of anxiety in her eyes, Thomas brushed some loose strands of hair back off her face as he nodded. “Of course we can ask them now… if they don’t mind waiting for a few minutes to eat their own supper.” He shifted his gaze to Aragorn and Arwen who were watching the two of them with slightly puzzled expressions.

Sensing Rebecca’s anxiousness and curious as to the reason, Aragorn nodded. “Should we go to the library to speak? The hallway hardly seems the proper place to discuss this.” At their nods he led them back to the library.

“What concerns you?” Aragorn asked as the four of them sat on chairs and the couch that Rebecca and Thomas had left just moments before.

“We were talking about our wedding,” Rebecca said returning Aragorn’s understanding smile with a small one of her own. “And we realized that we don’t know… well, we’re not sure how… “ she bit her lip and looked at Thomas who took over the explanation.

“We realized that you can’t escort Rebecca and do the ceremony,” he said in a low voice. “And, of course, both of us want you to hear our vows and yet it’s not right for you not to escort Rebecca either.” Understanding filled the eyes of Aragorn and Arwen. “We thought that Halbarad could escort her, but…”

Aragorn held up his hand to silence Thomas. “There is no need for that. I will simply do both things.”

“Can you do that?” Rebecca asked.

“We hoped you could,” Thomas said at the same time.

Aragorn chuckled as he nodded. “Well, I am the king and as such I do have some power,” he said grinning. “But even if I were not, it would be acceptable to do such a thing. Do you not think that this type of thing has occurred before now? That village leaders and others with the authority to hear wedding vows do not have daughters that marry?”

“From what Rebecca has told me,” Arwen said, “your wedding customs are not too different in the exchange of the vows. The wording is different, yes, but the meaning itself is the same. I am sure that this type of thing happens even in your time.”

“I’ve just never known anyone,” Rebecca muttered with a relieved look on her face. “Thank you,” she said with a brilliant smile directed at Aragorn.

“I wish all of your concerns were so easily dealt with,” he replied with a small laugh that the others quickly echoed. “Now, unless there is something else you two had questions about, I think you should go and enjoy your evening.”

“I agree,” Thomas said eagerly as he stood and pulled Rebecca to her feet. He helped her with her cloak and within a very few moments the two of them were gone.

Aragorn looked at Arwen as soon as the door closed behind the two young people. “I believe the next three and a half months are going to be… interesting… enjoyable, but interesting.”

“More interesting than the last six months?”

“Yes,” he replied as he stood and drew Arwen up alongside him, “because these types of things are just normal concerns that any young betrothed couple would have and, hopefully, will be more easily solved than some of the other things they have dealt with since their arrival.” He kissed Arwen’s hand as they walked towards the door.

“You do realize that as the day of the wedding nears, both of them will long for their mothers… especially Rebecca.”

Aragorn nodded as he held open the door. “I do. In fact, Rebecca and I spoke of it somewhat the night she and Thomas became betrothed.” He smiled at Arwen. “It was a night that I particularly longed for you and your wisdom for I felt that my words were inadequate and gave her little comfort.”

“I am sure she felt your love and compassion, Estel, and it was enough.”

“Probably,” Aragorn said with a small shrug. “But I would have liked your presence that night nonetheless.” He smiled. “But then, you were never far from my thoughts during that time and so that was not unusual.” Aragorn pulled Arwen a little closer and pressed a kiss into her hair.

“I do not believe that either of us let our thoughts drift far from one another during those days, Beloved,” she replied with a soft smile.

“No,” he agreed as they walked into the dining room. Suddenly aware that Halbarad and Camíriel were standing just beyond the table, he continued in a low voice. “Here is another young betrothed couple that is going to be interesting to watch. Then there is Faramir,” he added with amusement. Arwen laughed softly as she went to greet Camíriel.

0-0-0-0-0

“Arwen, can I ask you a question?” Rebecca asked gazing over at her uncertainly.

“Yes, of course,” she replied looking up from where she sat at the table near her sitting room window.

“I wanted to ask this before the tailor joined us,” she continued. “I… well… forgive me if this isn’t an appropriate question.” Arwen smiled at that statement. “But, when is your birthday?” Rebecca and Thomas had decided to find out Arwen’s birthday. It wasn’t right to celebrate Aragorn’s birthday and not Arwen’s. While neither of them were sure of her actual age, they knew it was close to three thousand years. A number that they could not really comprehend and usually never thought about, only occasionally did her true age strike them in the experiences that she spoke of.

Arwen gazed out into the garden for a moment before looking back at Rebecca with a small smile and amusement shining in her eyes. “Elves do not celebrate their birthdays. We remember the day of our begetting instead.”

“Begetting?” Rebecca asked, confused. She walked over and sat down across from Arwen.

“Elves know when a child is conceived and the child is born one year later, almost always to the day.”

“You know when a child…” Rebecca cheeks flushed pink and she stared down at her hands. She suddenly jerked her head up and stared at Arwen. “Elves carry their children for a year?”

“Yes. Though I am unsure how long I will carry my children. It may be less, somewhere between nine months and a year.” Rebecca noticed the uncertainty and, perhaps, grief in Arwen’s eyes and she reached over and clasped her hand, squeezing it gently. Arwen smiled and returned the squeeze before she continued.

“In any case, I do not celebrate the day of my birth but rather the day of my begetting.”

“Well, when is that? Do you usually exchange gifts and things like we do when we celebrate a birthday?”

“My begetting day is May 30th, and, yes, begetting days among elves are marked in some way. If not with gifts, then perhaps with a special meal, or with an evening of stories and song. It varies greatly from family to family.” Arwen smiled and her eyes took on a faraway look. “When I was staying in Lothlórien my grandparents would always have a large celebration for me. It was rather embarrassing after I passed my second millennium.”

Laughing, Rebecca shook her head. “Two thousand years old… it is so hard for me to imagine.” She hesitated briefly. “How old are you?”

“I will be 2, 779 on my next begetting day,” she replied with a smile. “Rebecca, why are you asking me these questions now? Is it because of Estel’s party?”

Rebecca and Thomas had realized that they needed Arwen’s help in planning Aragorn’s surprise party and had enlisted her help. “Well, um… I just thought I should know. I know when Adar’s birthday is and I thought I should know yours.” The real reason was that she and Thomas had thought to make the party for Arwen as well as Aragorn if her birthday was close to the same date. But as it was not until a couple of weeks after the wedding it was a little too far away.

“I see.” Arwen smiled and her eyes sparkled with amusement. “So that you can plan some sort of surprise party for me, perhaps?”

“It won’t be much of a surprise now,” Rebecca replied with a smile of her own. “Truly, Arwen, I was just…” she was interrupted by a light knock on the door. At Arwen’s call the door opened and a servant stepped halfway into the room.

“My lady Queen, Master Dorlas has arrived.”

“Please show him in, Nusirile.” The servant nodded and opened the door to allow the tall, thin tailor and his two women assistants to enter the room. They were followed by three men carrying large carefully wrapped bundles. The bundles, which contained various parts of Rebecca’s wedding dress and fabrics for other dresses Arwen had decided Rebecca needed, were neatly laid on the couches before the three men left the room.

Rebecca sat back with an inward sigh as she eyed the bundles. It was going to be another long afternoon.

0-0-0-0-0

Rebecca stared into the wardrobe. Frowning, she ran her fingers over the gowns hanging within as she tried to decide which one to wear. It was a special occasion and she wanted to look particularly nice when she and Thomas went out but she had worn most of these dresses many times before. Her hand came to rest on the light green gown she had worn to Aragorn and Arwen’s wedding and she wondered if it was too fancy. She had not worn it since that time because of the fine material and the intricate beading around the neckline, sleeves, and hem. If Thomas didn’t remember that it was Valentine’s Day – and Rebecca assumed he hadn’t since he hadn’t mentioned it – then she would be dressed much more elegantly than him. Well, he could always change she decided as she took out the gown.

“Is that what you’re wearing this evening, lady?”

“Yes,” Rebecca said to Lothrín as the servant quietly entered the room.

“It is more… elegant than what you usually wear when you and Lord Thomas go out.” She took the gown from Rebecca and carefully looked it over before gently laying it on the bed and smoothing out nonexistent wrinkles.

Rebecca smiled as she watched her. “It is,” she agreed, “but it’s sort of a special day and I wanted to look nice.”

Lothrín began helping Rebecca out of the gown she was wearing. “Where are you going?” she asked as she helped Rebecca step out of the gown.

“The new inn that just opened on the second level… I don’t remember the name. Something with the word dragon in it, I think,” Rebecca replied as she adjusted the sleeves of her gown so they weren’t so tight around her forearms.

“I heard about that place from my son-in-law. He had guard duty in that area and said it was a very nice inn.” Lothrín smiled as she continued tying up Rebecca’s gown. “It’s nice to see that places on the first and second levels are starting to open up again. After what happened… after what it looked like last year, I wasn’t sure it would happen for a long time, if ever.”

Rebecca took her hand and gently squeezed it. “In a few years you won’t be able to tell there was even a battle in those areas.” She moved into the bathing room as Lothrín finished with her gown.

“Some of the areas away from the main road may take longer, but at least you can walk safely through the streets throughout all the levels.”

A knock on the door interrupted Rebecca’s response and she quickly finished up as Lothrín went to answer the door and usher Thomas into the sitting room. Rebecca’s eyes lit up when she saw Thomas.

“You did remember,” she said, smiling as she looked him up and down. He was wearing his black tunic and silver shirt that he wore for formal events and that he had first worn the day that Frodo and Sam had been honored on the Field of Cormallen.

“Of course,” Thomas replied as he stepped closer and took her hand pulling her to him and kissing her full lips lightly. “I could not bring you flowers or chocolate,” his voice lowered as he said the last and she smiled and quickly kissed him. “But, I did bring you this.” Thomas handed her a long, thin decoratively carved box.

“Just the box is beautiful.” Rebecca gently rubbed the flowers that were carved into the wood. After a moment she lifted the lid off and carefully removed the cloth that was covering the gift. She simply stared at the necklace.

“I thought you might wear this dress tonight. I was hoping you would,” he whispered as his hand came up and he gently caressed her cheek with his thumb. “I thought this would go well with this dress in particular, but it will look beautiful on your neck no matter what you are wearing.” Thomas leaned down and kissed her again, a little less gently this time and Rebecca blinked and tore her gaze away from the necklace and looked up at him.

“This is… this is… I don’t know what to say… “

“Thank you,” Thomas suggested with a grin.

“It’s beautiful.” She handed him the box and he held it while she carefully removed the gold necklace with its five small square-shaped sparkling deep green emeralds; each emerald separated by short lengths of the delicate gold chain. “Thank you, Thomas.” She wrapped her arms around him and embraced him as she kissed him. Thomas was eagerly kissing her back when a discreet cough reminded them that Lothrín, who had retreated into Rebecca’s bed chamber, had returned. Thomas reluctantly stepped away from Rebecca with a resigned sigh.

“Soon we wouldn’t have to have any sort of chaperone,” he whispered.

“Only three more months.”

“And four days.”

Rebecca laughed. “Will you put this on me?” she asked, holding up the new necklace. Nodding, Thomas took it from her and motioned for her to turn around. He unfastened the simple silver chain she was wearing and set it on a nearby table. After he carefully fastened the new necklace around her slender throat, Thomas placed several tender kisses on the back of her neck before letting her hair fall back down. Rebecca shivered as he turned her around to face him.

“It’s as I thought,” he said as he lightly touched the emeralds, “it looks beautiful with this dress. Or, perhaps it’s just you,” he added with a smile that lit the depths of his dark blue eyes. “Are you ready to go?”

“Yes, as soon as you open your gift.” Rebecca crossed to the table near the window and returned with a cloth wrapped package that she handed to Thomas.

“It feels like a book,” he remarked as he untied the ribbon holding it together. Rebecca did not respond; she kept her gaze firmly fixed on Thomas’s face as the book was revealed. “It is a book,” he said with a smile as he set the cloth aside. “You know I love books,” he said teasingly as he glanced at her anxious face.

“Thomas! Just look at it before you decide whether or not you like it.”

He chuckled as he looked down at the brown leather bound book. The title on the cover was worn and unreadable. He opened it to the first page and found a very simple title, ‘The life of Culas’. Lower on the page, in much smaller print, were the words, ‘by Caladel of Dol Amroth’.

“Who is Culas?” Thomas frowned, the name was vaguely familiar to him.

“You don’t know?” Rebecca asked, surprised. “I thought he was a famous artist or painter.”

“Oh, yes, he is! I knew I’d heard his name, I just couldn’t remember where I’d heard it.” He carefully leafed through the pages of the book as he continued. “He died about two hundred years ago and two of his paintings are hanging in the throne room and, I think another is in Faramir’s quarters… there are statues too, he did both. He was very talented.” Thomas looked up from the book. “Thanks, I’m sure I’ll enjoy reading this. I remember hearing that he had an interesting life and that some of his work was considered… oh, I don’t know… daring or very different than what others did.” He leaned down and kissed her. “Thank you,” he repeated. “Now, where is your cloak?”

Rebecca picked it up from the nearby by chair and slipped it on. “I found the book down at the bookshop on the fourth level,” she said as they walked into the hallway and headed outside into the cool of the evening just as the sun was setting. “There were other books on artists and painting, but the bookseller recommended that one.”

“We’ll have to go there some time,” Thomas said rather absently as he looked ahead to the tunnel. He hoped the surprise he had planned was waiting for them. As they emerged from the tunnel, Thomas smiled at the sight of the small horse drawn cart near the stables. Carts were rarely used in the city solely for the purpose of moving people – the carters transporting goods in their wagons were normally the only sort of wheeled vehicles used in the city which were often crowded with people about their daily tasks. Thomas had had to talk Aragorn into letting him use it to make the night a special occasion.

“Here,” he said leading Rebecca to the two wheeled vehicle.

Rebecca looked from Thomas to the cart and back again. “What’s this for?”

“We’re going to ride down to the inn,” he said smiling.

“All of us?” she asked dubiously glancing back at Gílorn and Haloth, their guards.

Chuckling, Thomas shook his head. “No, I’ve already spoken with them and they’re to walk behind. The cart isn’t going to be moving very fast on these streets.” He leaned down and whispered softly into her ear. “Not like a car.” Rebecca laughed as Thomas helped her into the cart. The stable hand passed the reins to Thomas as he settled in next to his betrothed and with a soft chirp to the horse they headed down towards the second level of the city.

The crowds had thinned – it was growing dark and the street lamps were being lit - and the trip to The Eagle and Dragon Inn was made with few delays. Their passage attracted the attention of those on the streets who greeted them warmly. On the second level, Thomas turned off the main street and carefully drove down one of the narrower side roads and brought the horse to a halt in the small yard in front of the inn. The innkeeper rushed out to greet them as they stepped down from the cart while a boy came and led the horse away.

“Welcome,” he cried. The young innkeeper gestured to the open door of the inn. “Come in, come in, my lady, my lord. We’ve been expecting ya.”

“Thank you, Master Gelmir,” Thomas said as he led Rebecca into the inn. The main room of the inn was brightly lit with large hanging lanterns, the walls were covered with colorful tapestries, and a fire crackled merrily in the large hearth in the corner of the room. Tables of various sizes were scattered around the room and Master Gelmir led them to a small one near the hearth. Their two guards took a table a short distance away.

“What’ll ya have to drink?”

“Ale for me,” Thomas said.

“I’ll have wine. And a cup of water,” Rebecca quickly added. While she was slowly becoming accustomed to drinking wine it was still not something she truly enjoyed. Master Gelmir nodded and hurried away.

“This is nice, Thomas. How did you find it?”

“I was down here last week with Halbarad looking at some of the reconstruction on the walls and we ate lunch here. It’s nicer than a lot of the other places where we’ve eaten… newer, at least, so I thought we should come here since it’s sort of a special night.”

“It’s been rebuilt since the war,” remarked Rebecca.

“All of the buildings in this area were heavily damaged by fire and some were completely destroyed. The people that lived and worked here and the guardsmen have been working hard to repair things both on this level and the first level. Some of it will take years to fix. I think people helped Master Gelmir and his cousins repair this building because the people wanted an inn on this level.” Thomas smiled at the innkeeper as he arrived with their drinks.

“There’s some truth in that,” he admitted as he set the drinks in front of them. “There’s been an inn here for… well, I don’t exactly know. Hundreds of years,” he said with a small shrug. “My family’s owned it for that long. How’s the wine?”

“It’s very nice,” Rebecca said politely after she took a tiny sip of the deep red wine that was even stronger than what was served at home.

“Thanks. Now, what’ll ya have for supper? We’ve got stew, there’s some roasted chicken left, I think.” Master Gelmir glanced over toward the kitchen. “I’m sure my sister saved some back for ya.” He grinned at them. “And,” he lowered his voice and glanced around at the other tables, “if ya like fish, my cousin caught a few today and we could fry those right up for ya!”

“I’ll have chicken,” Rebecca said after a moment of thought and Thomas murmured his agreement.

“It won’t be long,” the innkeeper promised as he headed to the kitchen.

Thomas watched him leave before taking a drink of his ale. “Is it too strong?” he whispered gesturing to Rebecca’s cup. She nodded with a slight frown darkening her face. “Add some water,” he suggested.

“No, it’ll be fine, Thomas. I need to get used to it and it tastes... all right.”

He nodded and began asking about her work in the Houses of Healing. They spoke of that until their supper arrived and she asked him about his painting lessons. When they were alone they rarely spoke of the business of the kingdom, they heard… and were involved with it too much at home. Eventually their talk turned to the wedding.

“Do you think Aragorn would let us…” Rebecca paused and pushed the food around on her plate for a moment before continuing. “Do you think he might let us spend our wedding night at an inn instead of at home? I know we can’t have a honeymoon, but I thought it would be nice to be somewhere away from home the first night at least.”

Thomas frowned. He glanced around the room wondering what the bedchambers were like since the common room was so plain and simply decorated. “We can ask him,” was his slow reply, “but I imagine the answer will be no. Do you really want to stay in a place like this?” He made a small gesture around the room. “This is one of the nicest places we’ve been to and I’m wondering what the… bedchambers are like.”

“There is that place on the fifth level that we like… The Leaping Stag. That’s a nice place.” She sat back with a sigh and took a sip of her wine. “But, you’re right, I doubt we could do it anyway.”

“We’d have to have guards with us and everyone would know we were staying there. That wouldn’t be fun either,” Thomas pointed out. He drummed his fingers on the table as he thought of alternatives. “We can’t use the guest quarters because I’m pretty sure they’ll be full.” He shook his head and took her hand in his. “I think we’re just going to have to stay at home… but at least we’ll be in our new rooms. It’ll be new to us and that’ll make it special, Rebecca.” A gleam entered his eye but he held himself back from saying anything more.

“I just… sometimes… well, there are times - and this is one of them - that I get so tired of being who we are. Or, who Aragorn is… or something.” Rebecca twirled her forked absently as she stared just past Thomas. “I just want to be Thomas and Rebecca. Two people planning a simple wedding, inviting a few friends and getting married.” She turned her gaze to him. “Does that make sense? Am I wrong to want that?”

Thomas gently squeezed her hand. “Of course you’re not wrong. I wish it could be that way too. This isn’t something that either of us is used to yet. All of the formal ceremonies…”

“We’re getting better at it!”

“Yes, we are,” he said with a grin. “But you know we’re not always sure what to say or do, and so we’ll do this the same way we’ve done some of the other things we’ve had to attend… we’ll go and try to have a good time with each other and try to forget that other people might be watching us.”

“It’s going to be a lot harder to forget that this time,” she observed with a small laugh. “I’m pretty sure I’ll remember that all of the people are there for one reason – to see us get married.”

Thomas shrugged. “Yes. But they also want to see the king and queen and other members of the nobility - from both Gondor and from other lands. Our wedding is a good excuse for them to come to the city and to meet with others.” He glanced up at Master Gelmir and shook his head at the offer of more ale. “But, Rebecca, this is our wedding and I think… I hope that we’ll be able to ignore at least some of that and just focus on each other that day. None of that matters.”

“No, but… “ she paused and studied the table for a moment. “No, it doesn’t, does it?” Thomas shook his head. “Then, I can’t let the thought of it overwhelm me.”

“Rebecca, what’s wrong? This isn’t like you. You danced with Aragorn at his coronation! Everyone was watching you that night. What’s wrong?” he asked again very softly. He glanced around wondering if there was someplace more private they could go, but unless they left the inn and returned home this was as private as it could be right now. Haloth, one of their guards, gave him a questioning look but Thomas shook his head and focused back on Rebecca.

“Nothing is wrong. Well, nothing is really wrong. I think I’m just… tired of everything right now. I spent the whole afternoon with Arwen and the tailor and his assistants. And we spent hours trying on the wedding dress and I think that’s mostly finished… at least I hope so. But Arwen had also decided that I need more dresses… gowns and so I had to decide on more styles and colors and things like that. I also asked for two new pairs of leggings and some shirts and tunics and I thought the tailor was going to faint.” Thomas smiled at the look on Rebecca’s face.

“Thomas, I love wearing dresses. I’ve worn them all my life unless I was going hiking or playing in the snow and things like that. Mom and I would go shopping and I could easily pick out a dress in a store. But to have to sit in a room with a tailor and try to decide on the style and the color and… and they all have to be different because I can’t look the same at every occasion and I’m just so tired.” Rebecca gave a weary sigh and rubbed her eyes.

Taking Rebecca’s hand that he still gently held, Thomas raised it to his lips and lightly kissed it. “I’m so sorry,” he said softly. “I can’t imagine having to do that. My clothes are all basically the same…” Rebecca scowled at him. “Why didn’t you just say no? Tell them you don’t want any more dresses.”

“But… I can’t do that, Thomas,” she protested.

“Why not?”

“Be… because I don’t know everything about being here yet. I don’t want to do anything wrong… and-and I trust Arwen to know what I need.”

“Of course you trust her… and Aragorn, too. We both do. But it’s all right to disagree with them. I know it’s just clothes, Rebecca, but there are going to be things that you think differently about. There probably hasn’t been yet because everything is so new to us… well, that and because there’s been a lot of other things going on.” He gave her a sad little smile. “And what do you think you could do that would be wrong?”

“I-I don’t know,” she said, frowning. “It was just one of those things you say sometimes…” her voice trailed off. “Well, maybe… I’ve been spending a little more time with some of the younger ladies of the nobility on the afternoons that I’m not working at the Houses of Healing. I don’t fit in with any of them, Thomas, but I want to… at least a little bit. I need to be able to do that since we’re going to be living here for a long time and I guess that’s what I meant about not wanting to do anything wrong and about trusting Arwen to know what I need.”

“Are you lonely, Rebecca?” he asked softly as a thought occurred to him. It was something he hadn’t considered until just now. He had Hinluin that he was able to spend time with occasionally and he was at least able to speak with many other men that knew who he was. Rebecca had no other woman in the city besides Arwen to share her thoughts and feelings with, and Thomas suddenly realized that she probably needed someone closer to her own age that she could spend time with.

Rebecca chewed on her lip and slowly nodded as tears filled her eyes. “Yes, I am. Besides our wedding, the thing I think about the most is how long it will be until Éowyn moves here.” She blinked away the tears. “It’s not that I don’t like some of the young ladies that are close to my age - Emeldir and Alpheth seem very nice – but, I can’t really talk to them, Thomas. I-I don’t know what to say to them. They ask me about my life and I give them vague answers and I can tell it bothers them… it’s as if they know I’m hiding something.”

“They probably do,” Thomas said with a sigh. “How could they not think that? But there really isn’t any way to change it. But, go on.”

“So, then we talk about them and what they like and I find it really interesting… but, I don’t understand all of it but I can’t ask questions because I should know what they’re talking about and so I can’t really be part of those conversations and I don’t know anything about history or literature or-or…” She stopped and took a deep breath.

“Oh, Rebecca, I’m so sorry,” he said taking her hand once again and caressing it gently. He wanted to hold her in his arms but knew he couldn’t in such a public place. “I wish there was something I could do.”

She gave him a wan smile. “I wish there was, too. I know it’ll get better. I’ll learn about some of the things they’re talking about and that’ll help. And, Éowyn will be moving here in six months.”

Thomas wasn’t so sure, though he kept quiet. Éowyn living in Minas Tirith or nearby in Emyn Arnen would help tremendously, but he didn’t think that it would ever change much with the other women of the nobility. There were just too many differences between them and he didn’t see how she would ever be able to share enough of herself to make the changes that were needed to make true friendships.

“Having Éowyn here will help. Have you ever talked to Arwen about this?” Rebecca shook her head. “Maybe you should,” Thomas suggested. “She must have… well, not your exact feelings but maybe something similar. Remember what she told us when she first came here? About never having lived in a city of men… or something like that. It wouldn’t hurt to talk to her.”

“No, it wouldn’t. I’ll try and talk to her tomorrow.”

“Good.” Thomas squeezed her hand. “You know if that doesn’t help… well, I know it’s not the same as having a girlfriend, but you can at least talk to me about it.”

“I know,” Rebecca said, smiling. “Thank you.” She suppressed a yawn but Thomas saw it anyway.

“It’s getting late,” he said with a faint smile, “we should go.” Rebecca nodded as Thomas gestured to the innkeeper for their bill.

Within a very few minutes they were back in their cart and headed up through the levels of the city towards home.

0-0-0-0-0

The sky was just lightening the tips of the mountains in the east and the stables were already bustling with activity. Stable hands were preparing the horses of the king and queen while the Rangers readied their own. Aragorn and Arwen stood just outside the door taking leave of Faramir, Rebecca, and Thomas before they left for the short holiday that had been arranged for them. To say Aragorn - and Arwen - had been surprised by the gift when it had been explained to him at the party in honor of his birthday the night before, would have been an understatement. Aragorn had been hesitant to take such a trip, but the reassurances of Faramir regarding the Council had quickly persuaded him. Now he and Arwen were eager to leave the city for the two nights they would be away.

“Thank you,” Aragorn said once again to his children and to Faramir. “Arwen and I will enjoy this time together.” He peered at Rebecca. “I suspect that this was Rebecca’s idea,” he said, grinning. She shrugged as chuckles issued forth from the others.

“Yes, thank you,” Arwen echoed her husband’s words. “I will treasure this time away from the City.” She took the reins of her horse from the stable hand and mounted the brown mare gracefully.

Aragorn turned once more to the others. “Faramir, do not hesitate to come for me if there is need.” He paused and then grinned. “However, I would appreciate it greatly if you were able to leave us in peace.”

“I will endeavor to do so, my lord,” Faramir replied with a small smile.

“Thomas, Rebecca,” Aragorn said as he looked at them. “Watch over Halbarad for me, he is not pleased to be left behind.” He had decided to leave his cousin in the city to continue working on a crucial project he was overseeing down on the second level. Negotiations between the Guild of Stone Masons and the laborers were at a critical juncture and Aragorn felt it best that Halbarad stay and make sure that their issues were resolved so that the walls could be repaired as quickly as possible. One of Faramir’s Rangers, Tathor, had taken Halbarad’s place as a member of the guard detail.

“I thought he would be here,” Thomas said.

“He took his leave of us earlier,” was the only response he received in reply.

“You want us to watch over him?” Rebecca asked, incredulously. “How do we do that?”

Aragorn sighed as he took Roheryn’s reins. “I know not, Rebecca, but I believe you will know what to say and do when you see him.” He embraced her briefly and clasped Thomas on the shoulder before mounting his horse. “Farewell,” he said in response to their good-byes.

Only a few people were on the streets as they rode down through the city. The people they did pass gaped at them before dropping into hasty bows and curtseys and calling out greetings. Before long they reached the barricade that was the temporary gate to the city and after a few brief words to the Captain of the Guard, the eight riders and three packhorses were outside the walls and cantering south across the Pelennor towards Lossarnach.

0-0-0-0-0

It was several hours shy of noon when they reached the meadow. The towering cedar trees formed a protective ring around the small clearing with a stream that meandered through it on its way down to the Anduin River. There were no flowers blooming as there had been when they had been there the previous summer, but the grass was green and the waterfall was louder as more water gushed noisily over the rocks. The snow in the mountains was melting and filling the stream to the very limits of its banks.

“Where would you like your tent, my lord?” Baisael asked as they rode toward the waterfall.

Aragorn glanced around. “Do you like that area under the tree and near that rock, Arwen?” He pointed to a spot about two hundred feet from the waterfall but far enough under the trees to give additional protection from the cool night air that was sure to fall here in the mountains.

“Yes, and where will the other tents be,” she inquired as she gazed at her husband. Aragorn’s eyes twinkled as he smiled at her.

“I think we will be allowed a small measure of privacy, Meleth-nín,” he whispered before turning to Baisael.

“Out tents will be down at the end of the clearing,” the Ranger said gesturing back over his shoulder. “We’re going to try and stay out of sight as much as possible while we’re here, my lord.”

“We were told that we were not to be seen,” Eradan said, grinning.

Aragorn chuckled. “Halbarad told you that?”

Eradan shook his head. “No, my lord, Thomas did.”

Aragorn shook his head as he commented wryly, “I believe that is because it is what he would prefer if he were here with Rebecca.” He glanced sidelong at Arwen who smiled as they reined to a halt near the trees.

Baisael, Balrant, and Tathor continued on to scout the area around the meadow even though members of Faramir’s White Company had searched it thoroughly the day before. Eradan, Hinluin, and Laegrist stayed to take care of the horses and to set up the tents.

Taking Arwen by the hand, Aragorn led her to the stream where they sat upon the grassy bank overlooking the waterfall. They were quiet as they watched the water leaping over the rocks, small rainbows forming in the spray as the rays of the sun hit the water at the perfect angle. He wrapped his strong arms around her and drew her close to his side where she rested her head on his shoulder.

“This is not unlike Imladris,” Arwen finally said. “The waterfall reminds me of the small one up above the orchards.”

“Hmm, yes,” he murmured pressing a kiss into her hair. “I do remember it quite well.”

“It has been many years since we have had this kind of time and freedom together, Beloved.”

Aragorn narrowed his eyes in thought. “There have been moments… a day or two… over the years when we have had such time. But never often enough nor long enough.”

Arwen lightly traced over the scars on the back of his hands as she gazed intently at him. “Always there was the knowledge that you would be leaving and it might be years before we saw each other again. Wondering if we would ever see each other again,” she added softly. “This takes me back to Lothlórien.”

Blinking in surprise, Aragorn simply stared at her for a moment. “Truly?” he finally said. “To the days of our betrothal? It was so long ago,” he murmured, “and, yet during that first month there was no concern for the future… not like there was as the time drew near for me to leave and knowing we would be parted.”

“That is what I meant, I think,” Arwen said as she leaned into him again. “It is not that there are no concerns for the future, but we are together at last and this,” she gestured around them, “reminds me of that first month… those days of joy,” she turned slightly and kissed him tenderly. “But now there is no shadow, no fear that we will be parted.”

Aragorn smiled. “No, there is not, Meleth-nín.” Tucking a wisp of her long black hair behind her ear, he glanced over to see that the Rangers were still setting up their tent. “We are not alone,” he murmured with regret as he captured her lips in a gentle kiss. “Come,” he said as he stood and helped Arwen to her feet. “I am sure there is a more private place in these woods where we may sit and talk.” He grinned before he kissed her again. Arwen laughed lightly as he took her hand and led the way along the stream and into the woods.

----

The days passed much too swiftly for Aragorn and Arwen. They found much joy and pleasure in one another’s company during the time they spent together. The meadow was a peaceful, restful place and the only living creatures they saw were birds, squirrels, and a doe and its fawn that wandered down to the stream one evening. The only sign of the Rangers were a brace of conies one day and a few cleaned fish the next day, that were waiting for them when they arrived back at their tent after a walk. But now it was time to go home.

It was drawing close to noon when Aragorn and Arwen returned from one last walk along the stream. “It is time to leave,” he said with a small sigh as he pulled her hand to his lips and kissed it.

“I know, but we will come to this place again,” she replied with a smile. “Perhaps for my begetting day celebration?” she asked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Aragorn laughed knowing how unlikely that would be, how rare and special it would be for them to come to this place. “Perhaps we could do that… some year,” he said. He turned slightly and let out a low call to signal the Rangers to bring their horses so they could pack and return to the city. Within minutes the men arrived and were taking the tent down and attaching saddle bags and packs to the horses. It was just after noon when they rode out of the meadow and back toward Minas Tirith.

Riding across the Pelennor, Aragorn gazed up at the towering city that was glimmering in the rays of the setting sun and shook his head slightly. It was not quite a year since Sauron had been defeated – they would celebrate the New Year in three weeks - and yet there had been enormous changes since then, both for Gondor and for himself. Arwen, Rebecca, and Thomas were the most obvious changes for him… well, and becoming king he added with an inward smile.

While it would take Gondor some years to repair the damage to its cities, especially Minas Tirith, Aragorn was hopeful that trade between the northern and southern parts of Gondor might resume more quickly. It would all depend on…

“What has you so deep in thought, Beloved?”

Aragorn gave Arwen a sheepish grin. “I was thinking of the changes in our land since a year ago.” He gestured to the fields around them. “And, to the changes in my own life,” he added with a smile and twinkling eyes.

Arwen ignored that comment, focusing instead on the Pelennor where farmers were even now beginning to plow their fields. “Will these lands yield any crop this year? Do the farmers work in vain?”

“We know not,” he admitted. “No one in living memory has ever farmed land after such a battle. We are hopeful that there will be at least some produce from what is sown, especially from the fields closest to the Rammas Echor. There was good yield last fall from a few fields in those areas… and those were sown very late in the season. They tell me that even if there is not much yield this year it is good for the land to sew a crop and let it grow, it will help the soil and improve the yield next year.”

“It will be hard on the farmers, though.”

“It is already hard on the farmers, Arwen. Many of the men died and so some of these farms are being run by women alone… or by old men whose sons have died.” He grimaced. “I have sent guardsmen to help the widows with the plowing because we need the food that is produced, but that only helps them with one of many things that need to be done.”

“Are there any children in the orphanage that might help on these farms?” Arwen asked with a thoughtful expression. “It would be good for both the orphans and the widows,” she said. “The children would have a real home and those women without husbands or children would no longer be alone. Even those farmers with families might be willing to take in a child,” she added.

“They might, but you would have to make sure that it was a good home for the child,” he cautioned. “I will not have the children placed somewhere where they are only seen as a laborer and not as a child who is part of a family.”

Arwen nodded. “Yes, of course. It would need to be a safe place for the child; someone would have to make sure of that.”

Aragorn gave her a shrewd look. “Yes, someone would… someone who is able to read the hearts of others. As much as I would like to do this, I do not have the time right now. Are you willing to take on this burden? I believe it will take quite a bit of time on your part.”

Smiling, Arwen nodded. “I would like to do this, Aragorn, and I will find the time to do so. I have been concerned for the orphans for some time now and I believe this is a very good way to help them.”

“I will inform the Council. We have been discussing the orphans and have been unable to come up with a satisfactory plan. They will be relieved to have some of the children leave the orphanage and in good homes.”

“Good.” She paused and stared across the field for a moment. “I believe that Rebecca would enjoy helping me in this endeavor.”

“I imagine she would,” he acknowledged. “But does she not have… wedding things to do? The Houses of Healing keep her busy several afternoons a week and I will not have her give up her lessons in the morning.”

Arwen slowly shook her head and a small smile graced her lips. “While there are some things that she and I need to do for the wedding, there will be time for this as well. It will give her something else to think about, already she grows nervous… at least at times.”

Aragorn laughed. “Then, by all means, she must help you, Arwen.” He glanced ahead in the falling dusk to see that the barricade at the gate was still open. He had promised Faramir they would be home before full dark and they were just going to make it… if they hurried.

“I think it is the number of people that will be attending that is making her nervous, Aragorn, not the wedding itself.”

“Oh. Well, it cannot be helped,” he said with a soft sigh. “And, based on my own experience,” he said as he turned to her with a gleam in his eyes, “once she sees Thomas, nothing else will matter. She will not even realize anyone else is there. Now, we must hurry if we are going to make it home before dark.” Aragorn urged his horse into a canter with Arwen quickly joining him, the Rangers trailing slightly behind as they had done all afternoon. They made it to the gate and slipped inside the barricade just as full dark descended over Minas Tirith.


0-0-0-0-0

It had been a very long day. After spending several frustrating hours trying to understand the political maneuverings of the Kings of Gondor in the early parts of the Third Age and another hour practicing Sindarin, Thomas had sat in on the Council meeting that had gone on much longer than normal. He and Halbarad had then gone to check on the progress that was being made on repairing several sections of the wall between the second and third levels. Faramir had sent him to speak with the Master of Protocol about the New Year’s celebrations that would be occurring in two days. After that, Thomas had spent a little time working with Nartál. The colt was doing well considering how little time he had to work with it. Thomas was tired and looking forward to seeing Rebecca and enjoying a nice quiet supper with her and the rest of his family.

Thomas wandered into the library looking for Rebecca and was surprised to find it empty as she could usually be found there in the evenings before supper. When she did not answer his knock on her door either, he decided she was late returning from the Houses of Healing. He trudged wearily up the stairs. Thomas paused at the door of his chambers when he heard voices coming from the sitting room. With a start he realized who the voices belonged to and he raced across the hallway and skidded to a stop in the doorway.

“Legolas! Gimli!” he cried joyfully.

0-0-0-0-0

To be continued…

Author’s Notes: Until about 1840 the color white was not typically used as a color for a wedding dress. But that year Queen Victoria married Prince Albert wearing a white dress and it became popular at that time. Though, most people wore ‘normal’ clothes and not special gowns until quite a few years later.

The idea of having the orphans placed with the farmers comes from the Orphan Trains that ran in the United States from the 1850s to 1930. Over 200,000 children were sent from orphanages in the crowded cities of the eastern United States to the small rural towns of the Mid-West and South. While there were some abuses (as you can imagine with a program of that size.) there were also many, many success stories of children placed in loving homes and given a fresh start in life. Anyway, reading about that made me think that it might be something that Arwen and Aragorn would do with the children in Minas Tirith… making sure that the children were in good homes of course!