Title: The King, The Queen, and the Maiden
Author: Artino2 and Freawyn
Type: FCS, FCHet
Rated: NC-17
Characters: Aragorn/Arwen/Eowyn
Warnings: Graphic group sex, het and femme slash
Disclaimer: We do not own them, we are just playing with them, and promise to return them unharmed and with smiles on their faces.

Summary: This takes place after Aragorn is King of Gondor. It begins at Aragorn and Arwen's wedding. Eowyn was one of the guests, and she still yearns for Aragorn. She stays in Gondor for awhile and befriends Arwen. Later when she confides in the new Queen the reason of her sadness, Arwen makes a suggestion to the King.

*****

Eowyn watched sadly as Aragorn smiled warmly at his love Arwen. He said his vows and had placed the ring on her finger. Eowyn watched as Aragorn took her into his arms and kissed her proudly before their friends and family. A tear threatened to fall down her cheek and she reached up and brushed it away with her hand. Her heart was breaking with each and every minute that she watched them.

How many times had she dreamed about Aragorn? How many nights had she touched herself, imagining that it was his hands upon her body? She longed to be loved by the strong but gentle man. She watched as Aragorn led Arwen through the sea of well wishers. The celebration would carry over in the ballroom of the palace. There would be music and dancing, food and wine, all of which she did not feel like after watching her beloved marry someone else.

"Are you coming?" he asked her, but she was too lost in her own thoughts to even know he was there. "Eowyn?" Legolas asked her, concern written on his fair face.

She shook herself out of her daydream and looked at the elf with a false smile, "I'm sorry, I was daydreaming," she said. Legolas looked at her, wondering if she told the truth. He knew of her infatuation for Aragorn and he could only imagine how this event had made her feel.

"Are you sure you are alright my lady?" he asked her.

"Come, we will be late for the party," she said as she ignored his question and walked out of the chapel towards the ballroom. The first thing she saw when she entered the grand room was Aragorn with Arwen on his arm. She caught Arwen's eye and the elf smiled warmly at her. Eowyn returned the smile and walked over to the back of the room. She held no animosity to the she-elf, Arwen had been nothing but kind and helpful to her. She actually felt guilty for harboring such thoughts about her new husband.

She sighed as she poured herself a glass of wine and took a seat off to the side away from everyone. She had been through so much these past months. Her body only recovered a few weeks ago from her injuries in battle. She thought briefly of Faramir. He had been so kind to her but when he had asked her to marry him, she had to politely decline him with no real excuse. She did not know how to tell him that she could not marry him when her heart belonged to another man. Even if it was one she could not have.

She could hear the merry laughing and someone was making a toast to the new couple. she saw her brother Eomer dancing with some Gondorian maiden and was briefly happy that her brother had found happiness in the arms of someone. Now if only she could do the same.

"Eowyn, you are looking lovely tonight," Elrohir said as he sat down on her left. Immediately his twin took the seat to her right and she found herself sandwiched between the two elves. She smiled politely at them, but silently she wished them to go away. They were horrendous flirts and she just was not in the mood for it tonight. She was just about to excuse herself when she spotted Aragorn making his way towards them. He took her breath away as he strode confidently across the dance floor. Becoming King had given him a confidence that only added to his appeal.

"You two would not be giving the beautiful lady any trouble now would you?" Aragorn asked his elven brothers with a twinkle in his eye.

"Nay we would not Estel, you know us better then that. We simply wanted to put a smile on her beautiful face," Elrohir said with a feigned expression of hurt on his face. Elladan and Aragorn laughed at the witty elf, but Eowyn only looked away. Being so near to Aragorn made her heartbeat quicken and she feared it would beat so loud that their elven ears would hear it.

"May I have this dance, Eowyn of Rohan?" Aragorn said as he held out his hand to her. Eowyn looked into his gentle eyes and found herself reaching out for him as if in a dream. She allowed him to escort her to the middle of the dance floor and the music began. She felt as if floating in a dream and like her feet were not even touching the floor as he guided her across with much grace and dignity. She was aware of Arwen dancing with her father Elrond and she closed her eyes to get a grip on her thoughts.

"You do not look happy Eowyn, what is the matter?" Aragorn asked her.

"I am fine Aragorn, your ceremony was lovely. I'm just tired is all. It has been an eventful day," she said as she looked up into his handsome face. His lips were so near to hers and she longed to feel them against her own. She breathed in his very scent and wondered what it would be like to be covered by his body, to smell him on her bed pillows after he had arisen from spending the night there. These images and thoughts clouded her mind and it made her so flustered she wanted to scream out.

The dance ended and she was grateful for her chance to escape. She thanked Aragorn and ran swiftly out of the room. she hurried down the long hallway and off towards where her own room was. Once she was safely inside the door she flung herself down upon her bed and let loose the tears that had threatened her all night. She cried for the love she would never have and the life she would never know.

It was several hours before she had spent her tears. Her eyes were puffy and her voice hoarse. She did not even bother changing her dress but slid beneath the covers of her bed and cuddled her pillows. She tried to imagine the pillows were Aragorn and that it was he who she was holding tightly, but it only made the tears threaten once again. She fell into a fitful sleep where her dreams would allow her to have what she desired.

*****

"Eowyn seemed unhappy tonight?" Aragorn said to his beloved as he led her from the dance floor. Arwen looked at her new husband. She knew he had a soft spot for the shield maiden. She too felt a friendship towards the young woman. She had been very kind and helpful to Aragorn while he was in Rohan and Helm's Deep and Arwen admired the woman's courage and strength.

"Maybe things are not well with her and Faramir? I do know he was intending on asking for her in marriage?" Arwen said.

"Aye, he did ask, and she declined without reason," Aragorn stated with sorrow, for he knew Faramir was a good match for Eowyn.

"Maybe she has her eye on someone different? I know many of the Gondor men have watched her as she roamed the halls of the palace. Maybe one has caught her eye as well as her heart," Arwen said with a smile. She wanted Eowyn to find happiness like she had. She finally had everything in life that she wanted. She knew Aragorn was the love of her life and now she was his Queen. The wedding had been lovely, but she had noticed the sad look on her father's face as she joined with Aragorn. She knew she would miss him once he had decided to sail to the Undying Lands. Arwen pushed the sad thoughts out of her mind and looked at her husband.

"I will speak with Eowyn tomorrow, to see if I can find out what is making her so sad," Arwen said.

"I think that would be very nice of you Arwen. She needs a good friend, and I am certain you will be able to help her to open up. If she is still mourning her uncle's death it will help her to talk about it," Aragorn said as he leaned down and kissed his wife's beautiful full lips.

---

A cool breeze heralded the morning after the Wedding of Aragorn and Arwen. Their night had been spent in the throws of passion. A passion that had waited for many years to be consummated. Aragorn still lay sleeping, the smile of a younger man on his weather-worn face, as Arwen arose from their bed.

She pulled a thin robe over her soft, white skin, and made her way silently across their bedchamber to stand at the window overlooking the royal courtyard below. Her elven eyes wandered the cobblestones, and trickling waterways that paved and decorated the
courtyard, until they fell on a single form, moving along a path, fiddling something in her hand.

It was Eowyn of Rohan. Her golden hair was stirring in the breeze, as she played with a flower, twirling it in her hand.

Arwen sat herself on the sill, and watched. She could see the loneliness in Eowyn. Indeed, she could feel it, as she watched the Shield maiden move out of view. As Eowyn began to vanish around a bend in the path she was taking, Arwen saw another form approaching the woman. It was her brother, Elrohir. And where one twin went
the other was sure to follow. Eowyn did not hear the soft approach of elven feet, as
her eyes were on her flower. But, as she rounded the bend in the path, she found herself, suddenly staring at the tall form of an elflord.

"Elladan?" Eowyn asked hesitantly. Even to those who knew them well, the twins were almost impossible to tell apart.

"Nay lady," came a voice from up the path, and it was soon followed by the second twin. "That is Elrohir, my brother. *I* am Elladan ! You can tell, if you look closely. Deep, into our eyes," Elladan smiled, and his smile was a beautiful sight to behold. His brother's
face wore a grimmer expression.

"You seem troubled, milady ?" Elrohir said. "Surely the Black Breath was driven from you fully. So, I must ask what could trouble so noble a heart?"

Eowyn knitted her brow. "You Elves see things so...deeply," she said, with a hint of annoyance in her voice. "My heart is neither troubled nor heavy. But.. I wish to be alone." she tried to push her way past them.

"Do not grow angry, milady," Elladan said. "We only wish to cheer you. Even a heart that does not need cheering can want of it."

Eowyn had gone a few paces past the Elves, and turned, to meet the gaze of Elladan. "I am sorry. My mind was elsewhere, and you startled me. I did not mean to be rude, or unfriendly."

"And we did not mean to startle you," said Elrohir.

Eowyn shook her head, "No harm done."

"What you need, milady, is a day out of the city," Elladan suggested, smiling. "I doubt a Shield maiden of the Riddermark would say no to a ride across the fields of Gondor... we can even ride towards Rohan if you like, or south, to Ithilien..." At the mention of Ithilien, Eowyn stiffened, and bit her lip. Ithilien. Aragorn had given those lands to
Faramir. And he had gone there at first light, no doubt to nurse the wound she had given him in refusing his proposal of marriage. A wound more grievous than any he had received at the hands of the forces of Sauron. A twinge of guilt rose up in her. But, she knew that it was better to hurt him now, by saying no; than break his heart later when hers could not be true to him.

"No, I think not," Eowyn replied. "I'd rather stay in the city. But.. thank you. Both. I think I'll return to my chamber."

The elegant lady of Rohan walked on, her gait still proud despite her downcast heart.

Elladan turned to his brother. "She is troubled. But why, brother ?"

Elrohir simply shook his head. "I do not know, but it grieves me to see such a lovely flower wilting in the cool morning air. She is strong. But the touch of frost still lingers on in her heart."

"And what have you two been up to ?" asked a female voice, behind them. The twins turned to see Arwen, their sister, dressed in a soft morning dress of red and gold earthen hues, coming towards them.

"No mischief, I assure you, Undomiel," Elladan said.

"Or, perhaps now, brother; we must bow before the Queen of Gondor," Elrohir smiled.

"Nay, not when the loving embrace of a brother will do," Elladan said. He put his arms around Arwen, and greeted her warmly with a kiss on the cheek. "So, the sun rises, and The King does not?"

"Aragorn is... wearied," Arwen answered. She shot a glance at Elrohir as she noticed him stifle a snicker. "You were speaking with Eowyn, were you not?" Arwen asked Elladan.

Elladan nodded. "There is a sadness in her sister," he said. "I fear she is not yet healed of the Black Breath."

"The evil that gave such powers to his Wraiths is gone from Middle Earth," Arwen said, "And it's black breath is gone with it. That is not what troubles Eowyn. I saw her walking under our window. I could feel the heaviness of her heart. I would speak with her."

"Well, she said she was going back to her room," Elrohir said.

"I have a feeling Eowyn has not returned to her room," Arwen frowned. "Now, you two try and stay out of trouble."

"We always stay out of trouble," Elrohir laughed.

"We always try," Elladan commented.

Arwen went on up the path until it turned, sharply, going down an incline that was almost too steep to do without a stair. She found Eowyn, sitting on a small stone seat staring out over the walls of the city, and the field of Pelennor, beyond.

Arwen approached her with the silent, graceful footfalls of her people. "Eowyn... may I sit with you?"

The Shield maiden turned suddenly, and her eyes were wide with surprise. "Arwen," Eowyn stood suddenly. "I did not hear you."

Arwen held up one hand, gesturing for Eowyn to sit. "I've been looking for you. I wanted to speak with you."

Eowyn sat, slowly, pulling her dress so that it did not bunch up under her. Her eyes lingered on the elf woman; the Queen of Gondor, and Eowyn found herself marveling at Arwen's beauty. She was a lovely woman. Eowyn could understand Aragorn being attracted to her. Even in love with her, but that did little to ease the empty feeling in Eowyn's heart.

Arwen sat on the stone bench that was opposite the one Eowyn was occupying, and she sat in silence, for a moment, watching the Shield maiden, trying to read her feelings from her movements and expressions. Arwen was not nearly as capable of reading feelings, and seeing into other people's minds as her grandmother, the Lady Galadriel.

"What is it, Eowyn ? What troubles you ?" Arwen asked, finally.

Eowyn faced Arwen, in a swift motion, and her eyes looked angry. "Why am I constantly asked that question?" she snapped. Her mind had been walking the road from Edoras, to Helm's Deep with Aragorn in what she considered happier times.

Arwen stiffened, and for a moment anger rose in her. She wanted to say that she was only concerned for Eowyn's well being. A frown crossed her face as she held her anger in. When she saw the look in Eowyn's eyes, her brief flash of anger turned to sympathy. Something was bothering her. Something was causing a deeply rooted pain in the heart of the brave woman from Rohan. For even as Eowyn glared at the elven queen, her eyes grew teary, and her lip quivered.

"I did not know you had been asked that question already," Arwen said softly. "For my part I ask it, only once. But, I ask it sincerely. Both Aragorn and I are concerned for you."

At the mention of Aragorn, Eowyn swallowed hard and sat herself up proudly. She shook her head. "Do not worry for me. I am alright."

"Are you sure?" Arwen asked.

"Yes. I am."

"Then what is it that troubles you so ?" Arwen said. "We've both seen it; the shadow that sits on your shoulder, Eowyn. Last night, at the wedding. And this morning... I saw you..."

"When did you see me?" Eowyn asked, sounding a bit more upset than she had wanted to.

"Walking, under our window," Arwen answered. "I was looking out on the morning, and saw you walking below."

Eowyn smiled, which surprised Arwen, and said "I thought you had been talking to your brothers," she said. "They seem to think I need cheering."

"Well," Arwen rose, and moved to sit beside Eowyn, "my brothers are often incorrigible. Playful. And a bit mischievous. They would, like as not, think a Hobbit needs cheering during a dinner party. But, you do seem sad, Eowyn. If there is anything I can do?"

Eowyn looked over her shoulder, and her eyes met those of the elf. There was nothing but kindness there. Eowyn felt badly for envying her. For loving the man she loved. And yet, she could not lie to her own heart. It was hard for her to lie to Arwen. She wanted, suddenly, to tell her why she was so sad. But her better judgment thought against it.

"No, there's nothing you can do, milady," Eowyn answered.

Arwen smiled, "Milady ? You needn't call me that," she laughed.

"But... you are the Queen of Gondor," Eowyn said. "Wife, of the King."

Arwen rose an eyebrow at Eowyn's second reference. "Yes, I am the Wife of the King. The Lord Elessar. But, you are his friend. As is your brother. All of us who have survived the War with Sauron, and helped to fight him in whatever way we could; we have a special bond be we Hobbits, Elves, Dwarves, or Men. And that bond transcends the obligatory respects of royalty. Do not think of me as the Queen, Eowyn. I'd like to be
your friend if I may."

Eowyn said nothing, but smiled.

"Walk with me ?" Arwen asked, and she stood.

Soon the two women were walking together, back up the path on which Eowyn had met Elladan and Elrohir. She half expected for the twins to come bolting around some bend in the path in the costumes of Court Fools, romping and capering, and trying to cheer her up. The thought of it made her laugh to herself.

Arwen caught the laugh; "What is it?"

"I was just thinking of your brothers. They are... very friendly."

"Yes, they are," Arwen said. "Eowyn, I'd like to ask a favor of you."

Eowyn looked at her, taking her eyes off the cobblestones that passed beneath her feet. "A... favor, mi... Arwen ?"

"Yes. Aragorn must ride south to Dol Amroth with Prince Imrahil," Arwen said. "I would very much like you to spend some time with me. There are still many things to do, and the duties of the Queen must not go undone. And yet, I would enjoy some company. With Aragorn gone, I will be quite lonely."

"I can imagine," Eowyn said aloud, without realizing it. "Yes... of course, I'll help you discharge whatever duties you have."

"Well, I was asking more for your company than your labor," Arwen smiled.

Eowyn stopped walking and looked at her. Arwen was very beautiful, and this was the second time that day that Eowyn had noticed so. Of course, she was an elf. The fairest of the peoples of Middle Earth.

Eowyn suddenly wondered how old she was. Eowyn, herself, was only 24. And yet Arwen could easily have been a thousand years old, yet she looked no older than Eowyn.

The Shield maiden turned one corner of her mouth up in a smile. She should be angry with Arwen. Brimming with jealousy even; as only the night before Eowyn had cried to her pillow bemoaning Arwen's place in the arms of the King. But, she could not hate her. Arwen's offers of friendship were made so honestly.

"Of course," Eowyn said. "I'd love to spend some time with you."

Arwen smiled. "It's settled then," she said, and they continued walking. "Tomorrow, we will get to know one another better, Eowyn Daughter of Eomund."

They walked on into the city; talking, and after some time, laughing together.

---

Eowyn was in a better mood after talking with Arwen. She found the elf to be very friendly and a joy to be around. She looked over to where Arwen was speaking with one of the King's advisors. Her long dark hair hung down her back, gently swaying in the afternoon breeze.

Eowyn had to admit, she could see why Aragorn was attracted to her. She was simply stunning. Eowyn blushed as she recalled staring at the woman's mouth earlier as she spoke. Her lips were cherry red although she used no coloring on them. She let out a sigh and waited for the Elf to come back. They were going to say goodbye to the King as he left for his trip to Dol Amroth.

Eowyn stood up as Arwen returned. "Aragorn will meet us in the courtyard," she said as she took Eowyn's hand and led her on the path that would lead them where Aragorn awaited them. She felt nervous as she got closer to him, but she knew she must retain her composure.

Aragorn stopped talking to Prince Imrahil, and turned to watch his wife and the Shield maiden approach. He knew that there was no one more stunning then his wife, but Eowyn had a beauty all her own. Aragorn admired her fierce courage and her skills in battle.

He dismounted and pulled Arwen into his embrace. "I will miss you melamin," he whispered to her. "And I you," she said as she kissed him. Eowyn averted her eyes and smiled at Prince Imrahil.

"Eowyn, I hope you will still be here in Gondor when I return," Aragorn said as he turned towards the blonde.

"Of course she will Aragorn," Arwen answered for her. "Eowyn and I have fast become friends and we look forward to having this time to get to know each other while you are gone."

"Well then, I am happy she is here for you then. I must go, " he said as he mounted his horse once again and rode off through the gates. Eowyn and Arwen watched him as he left, each hoping he would safely return to them soon.

When they could no longer see him, Arwen turned to Eowyn. "He is just gone and already I feel alone," she said sadly. "Will you join me for dinner?" she asked as if the idea just popped into her head.

"Yes, of course," Eowyn replied as she blushed. She had been staring at the elf again and hoped Arwen had not caught on.

"Fabulous, I will send one of the maidens for you when it is time. Until then," she said as she smiled and walked back into the castle. Eowyn watched her as she walked away, so tall and so noble. She looked every part of an Elf Queen.

*****

Arwen thought about the blonde woman she had just left. Although she had gotten Eowyn to laugh, she still felt some deeply hidden sadness inside her. She also could not help but notice the long lingering look the woman had given Aragorn as he had left. She couldn't blame her though as what woman would not gaze upon him, he was magnificent in his own right.

She instructed one of the servants to serve dinner in her chambers, she thought it would be nice to have dinner with Eowyn on the balcony. She wanted to know the Rohan woman better, and maybe learn the cause of her sadness.

Arwen watched as the servants brought up the food and placed it all out on the balcony table. She instructed one of them to bring Eowyn to her and began pouring the wine. A few moments later, Eowyn knocked on the door. "Come in," Arwen called out and smiled as the beautiful Sheild maiden entered her room.

"This is lovely Arwen, thank you for inviting me," she said as she walked out onto the balcony. The night was just setting upon the land and the warm breeze still blew about as the two women chatted with each other.

When Arwen mentioned Faramir, Eowyn became silent. "I am sorry, I did not realize it was a soft spot for you."

Eowyn looked away so the elf could not see the tears forming in her eyes. "I did not wish to hurt Faramir, but I could not accept his proposal. I could not return his love."

Arwen looked at the young woman. "Eowyn, please tell me why you are always so sad. I know something is wrong," Arwen pleaded. "If there is anything I can do, you only need to ask."

Eowyn wondered what the Queen would say if she knew the truth. If she knew that she lusted after her own husband. Would she be so friendly then? Would her kindness allow her to overlook the obvious? "I am just lonely," Eowyn said.

"There are many men in Gondor who turn their heads when you walk by. Even my own brothers try to find excuses to spend time with you. Do you not find any of them to your liking? Does someone already hold your heart?"

Eowyn did not know what to say, so she averted her eyes from Arwen's. "I only wish to help but I see that you do not want to speak about it. I am sorry Eowyn," she said as she poured them both some more wine. There was an empty silence for quite sometime until the bottle of wine had been finished and Eowyn loosened up a little. They chatted about many things, such as the War of the One Ring, the hobbits, and even the current fashion in Gondor.

Eowyn felt more comfortable as the time wore on and she enjoyed the company of Arwen. She even felt a bit sad when it began to grow late and she knew she should be leaving. "I should be going now, for the hour is well past dinner," Eowyn said as she stood up.

"I have so enjoyed your company Eowyn and I hope we can have more time together," Arwen said as she too stood up and walked her new friend to the door.

"Thank you for having me here, it was very nice laughing and talking with you," Eowyn said as she smiled at the beautiful elf. "It was my pleasure," Arwen replied as she pulled the woman close to hug her and kissed her lightly on her cheek. "Sleep well," she said as she shut the door leaving a stunned Eowyn in the hallway.

Eowyn placed her hand to her cheek where the elf's lips had been. The tingling sensation still present. She did not know what to think of the feelings she was having. Never before had she thought such things about a female. She looked back towards the closed door once more before turning around and hurrying away.

---

The entourage of the King was small. Elessar was indeed, the new King of Gondor, but he was also Aragorn, son of Arathorn. A Ranger, from the wilds of Eriador. And he was not, nor would he ever be as comfortable with the pomp and pageantry of royalty as had been his predecessors to the throne. For so many long years had Aragorn rode alone, with only his horse, or the beasts of the wild to keep him company; he did not feel comfortable with an escort of ten to twenty men.

And so it was that as Aragorn, mounted upon Brego as he had been since Rohan, rode from the gates of Minas Tirith with Imrahil, the Prince of Dol Amroth at his side. In their entourage was only the Prince's standard barer, and Aragorn's; and a guard of three men. Aragorn sat tall in his saddle, and yet his face was troubled.

Imrahil rode beside him, his black eyes wandering the fields of the Pelennor, gazing at the scarred ground where still could be seen the wounds of the battle with armies of Mordor.

"Such a waste," the Prince said. "So many good lives lost at the hands of Sauron. It will be long ere we've cleansed ourselves of the filth of this war. I fear it's scars will mar the face of Gondor, and the Kingdom of Men, for an age of the world."

Aragorn said nothing, but he too looked out across the field. And his mind was taken back to that day, some two months before, when he had lead the fleet of ships, wrested from the Corsairs, up the great river, to turn the tide of battle in favor of Gondor. When he had unfurled the banner of Gondor, not the flag of the Stewards, but the colors of The King. And when Gondor had become victorious over the forces of Mordor at great sacrifice. Denethor, dead, and Theoden as well. Eomer would now be king of Rohan. And Faramir, Steward of Gondor, ready to govern in Aragorn's stead if ever such a need arose.

Faramir. Aragorn had given him the lands of Ithilien, to the south and east of Minas Tirith, for his own. And even before Aragorn had passed through the gates of his city, Faramir had ridden to Ithilien. Without Eowyn. And that worried Aragorn. He cared for Eowyn; sometimes, too much, he mused to himself. He felt for her, more deeply than he would admit. And he knew that, had it not been for Arwen, the time he and Eowyn had shared together in Rohan would have lead to an unbreakable bond.

And it would be she who would now be Queen in Gondor.

Aragorn had thought Eowyn's heart given to Faramir.

But, at his wedding to Arwen he had seen a darkness on her.

And she had refused Faramir's proposal of marriage.

That weighed heavily on Aragorn's mind. And he wondered, as he and Imrahil crossed Gondor's war-ravaged plains, if he did not, somehow, bear the blame for that.

Aragorn's worry did not go unnoticed by the Prince; "You seem troubled, my liege ?" Imrahil asked. Aragorn looked from the fields, to meet the dark eyes of Imrahil. In the Prince was captured, truly, the beauty of the Great Kings of Old, and the mighty men of Numenor. It was said that in Imrahil, and his kin in Dol Amroth the Numenorean blood flowed more strongly than even in Minas Tirith.

And Imrahil had the wisdom of a Numenorean. He could see into one's soul, with his piercing black eyes.

Aragorn gripped Brego's reins tighter. "No, merely thinking of what lies ahead, for the King of Gondor," he answered, though it was only partially true. "Always, after war, there is a long period of rebuilding. Of both stone walls, and of the people who live behind them."

"With Sauron gone," Imrahil said, "at least we should be able to concentrate on the strength of the people, more so than the walls."

"And that could become a troubling thought, for your King," Aragorn said. "Some people's wounds take longer to heal than others."

He spurred Brego on, and the horse took off at a gallop. The wind caught Aragorn's hair, and it blew, freely. Imrahil, with a cry, moved his animal to catch up to the King. And together, the two most powerful men in Gondor rode into the cool southern breeze that stirred over the Pelennor. Their entourage followed at a distance.

====================================================

Night fell over Gondor, as Aragorn and Imrahil rode. It was a two day journey to Dol Amroth. But Aragorn had ridden Brego at top speed for most of the day, as if he were trying to rid thoughts of Eowyn from his mind. He and the Prince, and their entourage made camp some half a day's ride from the Prince's city. A tent was pitched. And the horses tethered to some trees that stood nearby.

A fire blazed away before Aragorn's feet, and he stared into it, almost blankly.

His mind was again wandering in memory.

::flashback::

"Where is she ?" Eowyn asked, the smile still on her face. "The woman that gave you that jewel."

Aragorn looked at her. She was lovely. She seemed even more so, under the bright sun of her homeland, than she had in the darkened halls of Edoras. He tried a smile, for her, but it did not come. "She is sailing over the sea... with the rest of her people," he answered.

Eowyn looked away from him, not knowing if she had spoken out of turn. But feeling strangely comforted at Aragorn's answer. It had been but a guess on her part that the stone that hung around his neck had been a gift from a woman. And she had guessed rightly. But the woman was gone. And all Aragorn had of her now was this stone.

Eowyn felt good, walking next to this tall, rugged looking man. Better than she had felt in all her life.

Perhaps she would never have to leave his side.

::present::

Aragorn took a puff of his pipe, and blew the smoke into the fire at his feet. He thought of Eowyn at the battle of Helm's Deep, and the embrace they had shared after Theoden's victory. For that moment, even if he had wanted to hide it from himself, he knew that his heart had thought only of her.

For all he knew, Arwen had left Middle Earth, fulfilling her father's wishes. And as they passed time together, Eowyn had begun to fill that void left in Aragorn's life; where Arwen had been.

And yet Aragorn had lost none of his love for Arwen. He loved her, now, just as deeply as he had the day he left Rivendell with the Fellowship. The day he had told her their love was little more than a dream, so that she would free herself of him, and go on to the Undying Lands, as her father wished.

And when Aragorn had seen her again, in Gondor, after the final battle; it was as if she had returned from the dead. He had forgotten Eowyn. His heart was again given to Arwen of Rivendell. Daughter of Elrond.

But had Eowyn also forgotten him ? Had she truly given her love to Faramir of Gondor.

The saddened face of the Shield maiden of Rohan filled Aragorn's mind as he stared into the dancing flames.

"Even the horses sleep," Imrahil said, as he sat down next to the King.

"You should sleep as well," Aragorn replied, his eyes still on the fire.

"Nay, I tire not," Imrahil answered. "Not when there is a clear Gondorian sky above me. I would much rather stare at the stars. Watch them. And remember their names, than lose myself in a dream. But, I perceive, Elessar, that you dream even as you are awake. Begging the King's pardon, but there *is* something preying on your mind. Perhaps I might could help. Have you had some distressing news ?"

"No," Aragorn answered, taking a long pull on his pipe. "Truly at this time I suppose I should be the happiest man in Middle Earth. A King, and King of the greatest Kingdom of Men this world has known."

"And with a beautiful queen to rule at your side," the Prince added.

Aragorn turned his eyes from the fire to the man beside him. "Have you ever taken a wife, Imrahil ?" he asked.

"Yes, twice," Imrahil answered. "My first wife died, but not before blessing me with the most beautiful daughter that a man could have. After my wife died, it took me some time to look beyond her gravestone, and see any hope. But, one day, I was riding in the fields
north of my city. I met a woman who had come down from the mountains, traveling to Osgiliath. Her horse had thrown a shoe. We walked our animals back to Dol Amroth, and I bade a smith to shoe her horse." Here the Prince stopped, and he seemed to laugh, softly to himself. "In the short time it takes to shoe a horse I had fallen in love again. And now, just as I could not imagine my life without my first wife by my side, I cannot imagine it without my second."

"What if, by some miracle, your first wife was returned to you ?" Aragorn asked him.

Imrahil looked into the eyes of the King. He sat, silent, for a moment before answering. "I will always love Ethelwen. She still lives on in my heart. And I believe, yes, were she to walk on this Earth again I would still love her. But, I will always love Mithraen as well. I believe that if a heart makes room for any love that is offered it, it leaves less room for hate, and anger. And that is a good thing. I believe it is possible, maybe even essential, to love more than once. Whether we be Elves, Men, Dwarves, or Perian; it is when we speak through our hearts that we do our greatest deeds, Elfstone. So, if that is your trouble, Lord, take comfort. Whatever feelings you carry in your heart, if they do no ill to you, or to others; nurture them. You will be the better for it."

He placed a hand, comfortingly, on Aragorn's shoulder. "I go now, to count the stars in the skies of Gondor. And to let the King think. Thinking is often done best without the unbidden guest hovering over one's shoulder."

He rose, and left Aragorn alone by the fire, to ponder his words.

============================================================

Dol Amroth put on a show of splendor to welcome home their Prince, and also to greet the new King of Gondor upon his first ride through the main gate of the city. Silver trumpets blew loud and clear across the plain; and the black and lavender banner of Imrahil's house fluttered in the afternoon breeze on a golden staff beneath the banner of Gondor- seven stars surmounting a white tree.

Aragorn rode to Imrahil's right, and the Prince waved to his people, smiling. Flowers were thrown from high windows to litter the stone-paved streets. Imrahil was home. And he had brought the Heir of Isildur with him.

After what the Hobbits would have called "meeting and greeting" at the gates of Imrahil's palace, the King ascended a long, winding path where he and Imrahil were met by the Prince's counselors. Three elderly men, with short-cropped white beards. Imrahil followed them into his main audience chamber, where the Prince often met with visitors from other lands. And Aragorn realized when he saw the court assembled before him, that he was expected to speak.

Imrahil bade him sit on the chair, raised on a platform, that he normally occupied. And Aragorn did so. Imrahil bowed before him.

Aragorn knew what was next, for him to do; "Arise, Prince of Dol Amroth. And know that I now renew the Lordship over these lands that were given to your house by my kinsmen long ago. May the Prince of Dol Amroth govern the lands and waters of Belfalas until the world is remade."

"And Dol Amroth, and the ships of Belfalas will always come to the call of Minas Tirith," Imrahil said. "The loyalties of old stand true, and renewed Elessar, King of Gondor."

A cheer rose up in the crowd. Aragorn had fulfilled yet another promise of Elendil; he had given the lands of Rohan to Eomer, in a renewed alliance, and now he had renewed the King's grant of Lordship over Belfalas to Imrahil's house. Aragorn smiled as he clasped Imrahil's hand. Later there was a reception in the King's honor. And Aragorn found himself with the Prince, and a beautiful young woman who had the black hair of her father, but the grey eyes of most of Elfkind.

"My daughter," Imrahil said, proudly. "Lothiriel."

Aragorn greeted her, taking her hand in his, and kissing it.

She did him a courtesy and smiled. "You do not remember me, Lord Elessar ?"

"Should I ?" Aragorn asked

"I rode in the vanguard of my father to escort Lord Elrond and Lady Arwen to Minas Tirith," Lothiriel said.

"And danced with King Eomer, at the festival in Elrond's honor," Aragorn replied. "Yes, I do remember now."

"I was hoping the Lord Eomer would have come with you," Lothiriel said.

"He had to return to Edoras," Aragorn replied. "A King, it seems, must always be where he must, and never where he would."

"When next you see King Eomer, could perhaps the Lord of Gondor do a small service for Lothiriel of Dol Amroth ?" Imrahil's daughter asked, somewhat boldly.

Aragorn smiled. "Of course. Name it and the favor is all but done."

"Remember me, to him," Lothiriel said. "And let him know that I remember him; and that the grace a beauty of the Rohirrim lies not only in their horses."

She bowed, and took her leave of Aragorn.

Imrahil laughed, softly, as his daughter faded back into the crowd. "She is a bold one, and oft forward; like her mother," he said. "But... it appears my daughter is somewhat taken with the new Lord of the Riddermark."

"So it would seem," Aragorn said.

Next Aragorn met Imrahil's wife, Mithraen. She was elegant, and yet rustic in her manners. Aragorn found himself at ease in her company. They danced together, and then he lead her out onto a terrace, overlooking the city, and the Bay of Belfalas, beyond it. Even though the sun had set, the moonlight still glittered on the water, and it shone like shimmering silver.

Aragorn talked with Mithraen for a while, as Imrahil danced with several young maidens from the city who had come for an audience with the Prince. Then Imrahil joined them, looking out over the bay.

"The sundering sea, which separates us from the Undying Lands of the Elves," Imrahil said.

"So... this is the lady whose horse lost a shoe ?" Aragorn asked of the Prince. Imrahil laughed, and Mithraen gave them both a questioning look

"I told the King how we met, whilst we were on the road, my love," Imrahil said to his wife.

Mithraen smiled. "Indeed. It is said the shoes of a horse can bring luck, though I do not know who started that old tale," she said.

"Well, it was proven the day we met," Imrahil added. He embraced his wife, and kissed her.

"I am surprised the Lady Arwen did not accompany you to Dol Amroth, Lord Elessar," Mithraen said. "I had much desired to meet her."

"She had other business I'm afraid," Aragorn answered. Business. To find the answer to a question that had nagged at both of them even on the night of their wedding. What haunted the mind of the Lady Eowyn of Rohan.

"Well, perhaps another time," Mithraen said.

Aragorn smiled at her. She was a kind, and openly loving woman. Imrahil seemed a younger man in her arms. Aragorn watched them for a moment; and a thought came to his mind.

Perhaps it was possible for a man to love twice.

He turned and looked back out over the water.

His heart was given to Arwen.

But... was it given fully?

*****

THE END

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