Maeve of Sylvania

Many months had passed when next Legolas, Gimli and Maeve next came to Minis Tirith. Maeve had forced herself to stay away for fear of acting foolishly over Eldarion. Now in Gondor, she tried to avoid his gaze and spent much time with the queen and with Lady Éowyn who was also in the city. Then one morning, the prince asked her to come and spar with him, so that he could show her some new trick he had learned. Maeve hesitated. She had planned to go out walking alone on this fine day. But she did not wish Eldarion to believe that she was angry with him, and others might think it odd if she did not go as well, so she consented.

As they fought, Maeve was glad that she had agreed. It had been a while since she had enjoyed such fine swordplay. Few of the others in Ithilien were near her skill and while Legolas was good with a sword, he much preferred archery. He also meant to keep his promise of not being one to hit a lady and did not want to risk injuring his adopted sister.

The two friends were evenly matched, but finally Eldarion had managed to catch Maeve off guard. Not expecting his blow to connect, he swung with great force. Maeve dodged a split-second too late and was knocked to the ground. In fact, she was left gasping for breath. Eldarion rushed to her side. "Maeve, I'm so sorry...I didn't mean to..."

"I'm...I'm ...all right." Maeve laid on the ground as her breathing returned to normal. She opened her eyes to see Eldarion bending over her with a look of concern. He smoothed her hair away from her face, then leaned in and kissed her. He helped Maeve to a sitting position. As he embraced her, Maeve felt a burden lift from her heart...she knew then that her love for Eldarion was true.

Eldarion drew back, embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

Maeve touched his lips gently. "Shhh, it's okay, it's alright."

"I don't know how to say this, and I don't know what you'll think, but I have to tell you...I want to spend my life with you...I...I love you, Maeve." Eldarion looked away, not wanting to see her reaction. He feared she would laugh at him.

Maeve reached out and turned his face toward hers. Her brilliant green eyes sparkled with joy as she smiled. "That is good to hear, as I love you as well, my dear prince."

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The two spent the rest of the afternoon making plans and enjoying the fine weather. Upon returning to court, Eldarion spoke privately with the king and queen. Aragorn and Arwen approved of the pairing as they knew the two would be happy for many years. It still fascinated Aragorn that both Maeve and Arwen looked much the same as in the days when he had met them. Yet if he looked deep into her eyes, he could see the scars left on Maeve's heart by the loss of her brother. He was glad she would finally have happiness, though he would never have guessed it would be with his son. It would be good to have her as part of the family.

The prince then went to Legolas to ask for his blessing. The elven prince gladly consented. Eldarion had become noble and strong, learning the way of the woods from his father. From his mother he possessed wisdom, compassion, and love of knowledge. In Maeve he found his match.
If it were Maeve's wish, then Legolas certainly would not stand in her way. He remembered how it had been when Elrond had found out Aragorn's love for Arwen. It seemed that Eldarion was following in his father's footsteps in more ways than one!

Word was also sent to King Thranduil, as well as many other friends and dignitaries. Within days it seemed the entire city knew the news and eagerly began preparing for the wedding. It proved to be a great occasion, many remarked it the biggest event since King Elessar's crowning and marriage to Arwen.

The happy couple decided to remain at court, where Eldarion could continue to learn much about the kingdom he would one day rule. After many happy years, King Elessar felt his life beginning to ebb. He knew that his son would be a proper king and that his time had drawn to a close. He spoke a final time to those that he loved dearly and then entered the House of the Kings. There he relinquished the winged crown of Gondor and the scepter of Arnor to Eldarion. At long last, Arwen alone kept watch over Aragorn who then went to his rest.

In her grief, Arwen went to dwell in Lórien for a season and then laid herself to rest upon Cerith Amroth. Eldarion proved to be a just and kind king, a fitting heir to the throne of King Elessar. He too lived longer than most men, though not near the lifespan of his great father. When after many years of happiness he joined Aragorn in rest, their children being grown, Maeve sailed over Sea, joining Legolas and many that she loved.

Thus ends the tale of Maeve of Sylvania.