Maeve of Sylvania

At Mirkwood, it was as Legolas had described. A somber Maeve was in fact regaining her strength. As soon as she was able, she spent many hours practicing swordplay and other fighting skills, some of which Alaric had taught her all those many long years ago and others she had come across in her travels. Once she had recovered from the great shock of her brother's death, Maeve realized the best way to honor him would be to fight against those who had slain him.

She also spent much time with Annûn Sûl. The horse had become more than just a means of transportation, indeed, at times it seemed that the noble creature was the only one who understood her. In addition to ensuring his fitness, Maeve accustomed her steed to wearing light armor, and to many sights and sounds so that he would remain calm in many situations.

When not honing her physical strength, Maeve could be found poring over such books of lore and old songs that could be found at Mirkwood. While it was certainly nowhere near the bastion of knowledge that the House of Elrond was, the court of Thranduil contained a goodly number of volumes of Elven history and herb lore as well.

Once Maeve had completely regained her strength, she began to join the scouting parties that kept watch for enemies of Mirkwood. Lady Ithilwen and some of the others were quite concerned and thought her behavior odd, while others shrugged it off as being the ways of a foreign kingdom. King Thranduil was concerned for her safety of course, but was also quite proud of the woman he had long since thought of the daughter he'd never had. Indeed, when the time came to fight against forces of Sauron, there was no one he would have rather had at his side, excepting his son Legolas.

Many battles were waged and the elves fought long and hard. It did the warriors much good to have Maeve in their ranks. The sight of her coppery hair waving in the breeze as she fought valiantly by their king's side served to urge them on to greater bravery, and her stories and songs raised morale in the camp. She fulfilled her vow to her brother to slay many of those such as had caused his demise.

At last, the forces of Mordor were defeated throughout Middle-Earth. The Great Forest was divided between Thranduil and Celeborn and was renamed Eryn Lasgalen, The Wood of Greenleaves. There had been great fires and much had been burned. Yet as the seasons renew themselves, so did both the wood and its people, and it was not long before peace was restored to the land.

Sylvania, however, had been utterly destroyed. Some of its inhabitants had sought refuge deep in the hills, while others fled to Mirkwood. With her home gone, Maeve remained in the court of King Thranduil and continued to be daughter to him. Then there was news of two travelers approaching the kingdom. An unlikely pair - that of an elf and a dwarf. A great feast was held in honor of Legolas and Gimli, such as not had occurred in many years. After a long visit at home, Legolas began to miss his dear friend, the man who had once been a great Ranger and was now a great King. He persuaded Maeve to join him and Gimli in their travels to Gondor.

They were greeted with much joy by the King and Queen of Gondor. Wishing to present themselves well, the three had lodged at an inn the night before and dressed in fine garments.
As they were announced at court, Maeve curtsied deeply before the royal couple. It brought much gladness to her heart to finally honor Aragorn as she had wished to since learning of his destiny. Legolas and Gimli also bowed respectfully. King Elessar urged his friends to rise, "There is no need for this; I know full well where your loyalties lie. It brings me joy to see you all again, especially Lady Maeve, it has been far too long since last we met."

The five spent much time talking over recent events. The three visitors were invited to stay at Minas Tirith as long as they liked. Maeve and Aragorn quickly renewed their friendship. They could often be found sparring together or discussing this or that old rhyme. Often four riders raced across the plain, sometimes joined by Lady Éowyn. Gimli preferred not to join them...he said he had done enough riding for ten lifetimes and would keep his feet firmly on the ground as much as possible.

Arwen and Maeve greatly enjoyed each other's company as well. Aragorn marveled at the two elf women; they were like two sides of the same coin. Each had great strength, beauty, and wisdom; yet where the raven-haired one was serene and prone to much thought, the other was as fiery as her tresses and given to action. In addition, the queen's flowing lacey dresses were often contrasted by the simpler garb of Maeve, though she wore her old attire of tunic and leggings only occasionally.

After many months in Minas Tirith, Legolas, Gimli and Maeve returned to the Great Forest. It was decided that Legolas would take those who were willing south to settle in Ithilien, while Thranduil would remain in Eryn Lasgalen. Maeve settled in Ithilien as well, but occasionally returned to visit King Thranduil. Frequent trips were also made between those in Ithilien and Minas Tirith.

Often when Maeve visited, Aragorn was away attending to affairs of state. As ruler of both Gondor and Arnor, he was kept quite busy. The queen also had much to attend to, though she weclomed Maeve's company. Resultantly, Maeve spent much time with the Prince Eldarion. He had learned much from his parents of course, but also enjoyed learning such herb lore and myths and songs that Maeve could teach. The elf woman attempted to have him practice at swords and fighting, yet he declined. Until, that is, he once witnessed his father receive a sound thrashing at her hands. This event made him realize that Maeve was not like many of the other women at court who seemed to wish only to stroll through the gardens and be told how lovely and graceful they were.

After that day, he looked forward to Maeve's visits in order to show her some new skill he had accomplished. Maeve also anticipated seeing the prince with gladness. As he grew into manhood, Eldarion resembled his father more and more with each passing season. He possessed the same flowing locks, the same grey-blue eyes; even his manner and way of walking were that of the king. Maeve wondered if her growing attraction was merely a reflection of what she had felt for his father. She resolved to keep her feelings hidden, as she had no wish to influence any decision Eldarion might make, particularly if they proved not to be true. It was enough to feel at home here and to have Legolas as brother. There was no reason to risk what happiness she had.

Try as one might, there was little that could be kept secret from Queen Arwen Undomiel. She who had lived countless years and held much wisdom could read the hearts of many, much like her kinswoman Galadriel had before she had gone to the West. She knew of Maeve's affection for her son and felt it to be pure and true. However, it was not for her to mention, but for Lady Maeve to make known at such time as she wished.

One night, as Arwen lay in the arms of her love and king, she was thinking of Maeve, who had recently returned home to Ithilien. Aragorn kissed the top of her head and asked, "You are quiet this evening, lady. What is it that fills your thoughts so?" She turned to face him as she explained. "Our friend Maeve. She is in love with our son, you know." Aragorn looked startled, "Has she told you this? She has said nothing to me." The queen laughed, "No dear husband, but a woman senses these things, especially one as wise as I."

"Since my wife is so wise, I suppose she also knows that our son also fancies the lady with the copper hair."

"Has he spoken of this?" Arwen raised an eyebrow in questioning.

"No, but his eyes betray him." How long ago it had been when Elrond had said much the same about he himself.

"Yes, and she looks at him much the way she looks at you." At Arwen's words, Aragorn looked puzzled. "How can you not know? The woman has loved you ever since she met you, my love. And I must admit, she has excellent taste! But it is in the presence of Eldarion that she truly glows."

"Then we must begin plans for a great wedding feast!"

"Not just yet, Elessar...We must let them make the realization on their own. The time will come for planning when they are ready."