#Elfwine Chronicles

[dalleyan]

Elfwine Chronicles (new LoTR stories, Ghosts posted, 11-6-24)

A brief distraction on this bleak day of mourning.

Eomer must come to terms with a painful event in his past  (Angst, Painful Memories, Family, Reconciliation)

(Jun, 1 IV)

“He is returned,” Eothain said quietly, taking a seat across the desk from his king.

“Who?” Eomer questioned disinterestedly, not looking up from the missive that occupied his attention.

“Cuthburg.”

Eomer’s head jerked up, and he stared hard at his friend.  After several moments of silence, he asked tautly, “Where has he been?”

“I did not speak with him.  I saw him going into an ale house in the lower part of town, not far from the gate.  He is older, and walks with a limp, but it was him.”

The king leaned back in his chair, staring into the air around him, lost in thought.  He idly fingered the forgotten letter he still held in his hands, unaware of what he was doing.  Eothain remained silent, watching him, and waiting to see what he would do or say further.

“Does he know I am king now?” Eomer asked at length, turning his gaze toward the drawer where Eothain knew he kept his crown when not in use.

“If he does not yet, it will surely not take long.  I hear your name spoken often enough in the streets that he could not avoid it.”  He paused, then ventured, “Eomer, perhaps–”

“Do not say it.”  Eomer cut him off, guessing what was coming, and Eothain suppressed a sigh. Even after these many years, apparently nothing had changed, despite everything that had taken place in the interim.

“That is all I had to report,” Eothain said, pushing to his feet.  “Do you have other need of me?”

It took a moment for Eomer to register the question and respond.  “Oh, no, you may go.”

Clearly the news Eothain brought had unsettled his king, but it could not be helped.  Sooner or later they probably would have met – probably should meet and talk about the past.  Better that Eomer be prepared for that possibility.

With a slight bow, he moved out the door, closing it behind him.  He stood a moment in the hall, giving another sigh.  It was not that he didn’t understand how Eomer felt, or was unsympathetic, but this had weighed on Eomer too long.  It should be put to rest.  Sometimes things just happened and it was no one’s fault.

continue reading on AO3:

               (https://archiveofourown.org/works/59405857/chapters/154089463)

[ao3feed-tolkien]

The Elfwine Chronicles 040-052

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/vwgWcj4

by DeandraAlleyan

40. Folly-Just before turning sixteen, Theodwyn seeks a bit of adventure 41. Longing-Lothiriel yearns for another child 42. Rivalry-Theodwyn has something that Elfwine wants 43. Anger-Eomer and his son have a disagreement 44. Water Water Everywhere-A rainy night and a hot bath 45. Footsteps-Eomer and his son have something in common 46. Puddles-Eomer and his children face a rainy day with their guests from Ithilien 47. The Tea Party-Eomer receives an invitation to tea 48. Rider of Rohan-Eomer and his wife confront Elfwine’s coming of age and going into battle 49. Yule-Eomer’s family participates in the Yule celebrations 50. You Want What?-Eomer’s daughter makes a surprising request during the Yule celebrations 51. Negotiations-Eomer and his wife make a pact 52. Goodwill-Eomer and his wife seek shelter from a storm

Words: 2119, Chapters: 1/13, Language: English

Series: Part 11 of Elfwine Chronicles

Fandoms: The Lord of the Rings - J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings - All Media Types

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: F/M

Characters: Éomer Éadig, Lothíriel (Tolkien), Elfwine (Tolkien), Gamling (Tolkien), Faramir (Son of Denethor II), Éowyn (Tolkien), Original Rohirrim Character(s), Original Male Character(s), Original Female Character(s), Eomer and Lothiriel's children

Relationships: Éomer Éadig/Lothíriel

Additional Tags: Family, Some Fluff, some drama, Some female endangerment, Some Humor, Some Romance, stories based around Eomer-Lothiriel-Elfwine family unit, Gamling is the one from the movies, not chronological, Original Characters - Freeform

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/vwgWcj4

[canuterex]

Anglo-Saxon Chronicles (2)

“(...) About the same time, king Canute arrived in the port of Sandwich with a large fleet, and shortly afterwards, sailing round the coast of Kent, entered the mouth of the river Frome, and swept off much booty in Dorsetshire, Somersetshire, and Wiltshire.

King Ethelred then lying sick at Corsham, his son Edward the etheling, on the one hand, and Edwin Streon, the ealdorman, who was steeped in stratagems and deceit, on the other, levied a great army. But when their forces were united, the ealdorman laid all manner of snares for the etheling, and plotted his death; which being found out, they presently parted same ealdorman inveigled the crews of forty ships of the royal fleet, which were manned by Danes, to follow his fortunes and joining Canute with them placed himself at his service.

The West- Saxons also submitted to him , giving him hostages, and afterwards furnished horses for his army. On the death of Ethelwold, bishop of Winchester, he was succeeded by Elsy, called also Elfwin.

[A.D.1016] Canute, king of the Danes, and the ealdorman Edric Streon, the traitor, having before our Lord's Epiphany [6th May ] crossed the river Thames at Cricklade, with a powerful body of horse, commenced hostilities in Mercia, laying waste and burning many vills in Warwickshire, and massacring all the people they met with.

When this came to the ears of the etheling Edmund, surnamed Ironside, he lost no time in collecting troops; but when the army was mustered, the Mercians refused to engage with the West -Saxons and Danes, unless they were joined by king Ethelred and the Londoners; in consequence, the army was disbanded, and every one returned home.

The feast (of Epiphany) being over, Edmund the etheling gathered a still larger army, and, when it was assembled , sent messengers to London requesting his father to join him as soon as possible with all the troops he eould muster; upon which, the king levied a number of united, it was intimated to the king, that unless he took precautions, some of the auxiliaries would betray him to the enemy.

In consequence, disbanding his troops, he returned to London, and the etheling went into Northumbria; from which many conjecture that it was his intention to assemble a still larger army against Canute; but as Canute and Edric on the one side, so he and Uhtred, earl of Northumbria, on the other, ravaged several provinces.

They first laid waste Staffordshire, then Shropshire and Leicestershire, because the people of those districts refused to take arms against the Danish army. Meanwhile, Canute and Edric Streon devastated, first, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Huntingdonshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, and Nottinghamshire, and after wards Northumbria.

On learning this, the etheling Edmund desisted from ravaging the country, and hastened to his father at London. Earl Uhtred hurried home, and, compelled by necessity , submitted, with all the Northumbrians, to Canute, and gave him hostages; nevertheless, by Canute's command or permission, he was put to death by Thurbrand, a noble Dane, and Thurketil, the son of Neavan, fell with him.

This crime being perpetrated, Canute appointed Egric earl (of Northumbria) in Uhtred's place, and then returning south with great expedition by another road, he regained his ships with his entire army before the feast of Easter.

But the citizens of London, and some of the nobles who were then at London, unanimously chose Edmund, the etheling, to be king. Raised to the royal throne the intrepid Edmund went without delay to Wessex, and being received with great joy by the whole population, he quickly brought it under his rule; and the people of many provinces in England, hearing this, gave him their voluntary submission .

Meanwhile, Canute sailed up to London, about the Rogation days [7th May], with his whole fleet, and on his arrival there they dug a broad ditch on the south side of the Thames, and dragged their ships to the west of the bridge.

They then surrounded the city with a broad and deep trench, so as to cut off all ingress and egress, and made frequent assaults on it, but the citizens resisting them manfully drove them to a distance from the walls.

Therefore, raising the siege for the present, and leaving part of the army to guard the ships, they made a forced march into Wessex, and allowed king Edmund Ironside no time to get together his army.

However, with such troops as he was able to muster in so short a space of time, he boldly encountered them in Dorsetshire, giving them battle at a place called Pen, near Gillingham, where he defeated and put them to flight.

After midsummer, having again assembled an army larger than before, he determined to attack Canute with spirit, and fell in with him in Hwiccia, at a place called Scearstan."

[wordspin-shares]

Fanfiction Recommendations

I decided to make a list of fanfictions that caught my eye – well-written stories I enjoyed and would recommend.

* EleventyOne Years: Too Short a Time Book One by dreamflower02 – An account of the life of Bilbo Baggins, from his birth to the moment of his meeting the wizard Gandalf and being confronted with an unexpected adventure. Dreamflower's fanfics are a delight to read, for anyone interested in Hobbits.

* Thunder & Lightning by LadyBluejay – Lothíriel is asked to befriend Éowyn, but she didn’t expect to encounter problems in her acquaintance with Éomer. A beautifully detailed story.

* Imrahil's Daughters by Lialathuveril – Éomer and Lothíriel meet by chance in the Houses of Healing, but their brief meeting has unexpected consequences that lead to a very tangled web. A beautifully crafted 'Lothíriel meets Éomer' story.

* The King's Surgeon by SurgicalSteel – The tale documents the life and trials of a healer in Middle-earth, from her childhood in Dol Amroth to Minas Tirith to Bree and back again. SurgicalSteel uses a language and tone that is more modern than one might expect in a story set in Tolkien’s universe, but the titular Original Character is one of the most well-rounded and believable I have come across in fanfiction.

* The Life and Times of Mag the Cook by annmarwalk – The tale of how a humble scullery maid rose to become Head Cook in the Citadel of Minas Tirith, told in snapshots. The titular character is, like SurgicalSteel's OC, one of the most seamlessly fitting in Middle-earth OCs I have had the pleasure of reading about.

* Memoirs of a Princess by Mareeswan – An account of the life of Finduilas, a beautifully original and detailed story.

* The Unvarying Princess by Mareeswan – An account of the life of a seldom explored character, Ivriniel, a very moving tale.

* No Mistake by Deandra – Yet another 'How Éomer met Lothíriel' story, the prequel to a series of one-shots and short stories focusing on their family group. Called The Elfwine Chronicles, the whole series is nicely written and though-out, well-worth a read.

* A Crucial Decision by Gwedhiel – A canonical gapfiller dealing with how Círdan came to pass Narya on to Gandalf.

* Conversion by Pentangle-linnon – A man's meeting with the new King of Gondor changes his point-of-view concerning kingship.

* A Mantle of Silver Stars by nrink nrink – A short tale of how Finduilas, wife of Denethor, came by her starry mantle.

* The Steward and the King by gauchadeutsche – A short story set just before the death of Steward Ecthelion II, when he is visited by a man he thought dead.

* Love Among the Ruins by Altariel – Faramir and Éowyn converse in the Houses of Healing.

* The Prince and the Librarian by Sazziel – A young Eldarion meets the young librarian newly appointed to the library of Minas Tirith and together they begin to restore it to its former condition. Supposed to be a romance eventually, but the story hasn't been updated in a decade.

* The Prince and the Nightingale by Melusine6619 – A fanfic exploring how Legolas came to find love in the face of a childhood friend. I generally refrain from reading romance, and tend to avoid Legomances (so  very few of them are actually well-written), but this can be counted, I think, among the more decent ones.

* Beruthiel - Her True Story by CatLady4 – An unconventional but very interesting biography of Queen Berúthiel, forgoing the ‘she was an evil spy queen’ approach and creating a backstory that paints her in a favourable light and supports that her ill reputation was established both by ignorance and intentionally by herself.

* I Was Not Made For This by TMI Fairy – An Elven wife and a mortal husband say their farewells at the Grey Havens. A short story, but very comprehensive in that it delves into the reasonings of why a mortal/immortal pair can't really have a happily ever after till death do them part. The author's language is humorous at times, bordering on the one used in parodies, as he himself is primarily a parody writer.

* Esgalion’s Mask by Astaldowen – A story in which Thranduil has a daughter, set in Mirkwood during the Ring War, following the search for said daughter who has gone missing. The tale has lovely prose and is nicely realistic.

* Valiant by EverleighBain – A tale which expands on canon without disrupting it, focusing on a daughter of Halbarad, beginning before the War the Ring. The story’s prose is beautiful and it’s wonderfully detailed, with canonical characters portrayed in a very Tolkien-esque manner.

* Adelie P’s tale of an Éomer/Lothíriel romance – The story comprises three parts, two of which have been completed (First Impressions and None of the Usual Inducements). Lothíriel and Éomer meet in an unusual way after Sauron is overthrown, and their acquaintance has its ups and downs from the very beginning. It is an intriguing tale in that Lothíriel is initially portrayed as a headstrong, capable but carefree and still immature young woman, who makes mistakes and faces the consequences and changes her views in life as events play out.

* The Captain’s Wife by omishiloh – A book-verse ‘Boromir has a wife’ story, with its beginning set not long before the siege of Minas Tirith and told in a mix of present-day narrative and flashbacks. The prose is beautiful and the alternative-universe events blend into canon quite smoothly, following the tale of Boromir’s wife as circumstances lead her to leave Minas Tirith and travel to Dol Amroth.

* Rose of Gondor by Star-Lined Soul (@roseofgondor​, @star-linedsoul​) – A primarily film-verse AU story in which Denethor has a daughter who works as a healer with the Rangers of Ithilien and is sent by Faramir to seek aid from King Théoden after Frodo and Sam leave Osgiliath. The titular OC is far from the ‘rebel princess without a cause’ character one encounters in ‘[Important character X] has an extra child’ stories, she is nicely well-rounded and there is a realistic and plausible reason behind every crucial event.

* RealityWarp’s Rávamë's Bane tale (@reality-warp​) – A primarily film-verse Girl-falls-into-Middle-earth Tenth-Walker story split into three parts, and definitely the best of that kind I’ve read. It’s wonderfully realistic, focuses on interpersonal relationships, pokes fun at some of the eyebrow-raising and eye-rolling moments in The Lord of the Rings films. The main OC’s backstory is revealed to be quite complex, and the eventually budding romance with Legolas is nicely paced. Although at times the recount of the film script may tempt the reader to skip parts, those instances are very few on the whole.

[dalleyan]

Elfwine Chronicles (new LoTR stories, Guardians posted, 10-30-24)

Eomer accompanies Aragorn walking about Minas Tirith  (Friendship, Action)

(late Jun, 3020 III)

“Stop your fretting, Eothain, I shall be perfectly safe.  Aragorn will have guards enough to protect us.  For me to take more would suggest I do not think them capable of the job,” Eomer said with a grin at his friend, as he straightened his tunic before departing.

“Where the safety of my king is concerned, I am not sure that I do think them capable!” Eothain retorted.

Eomer laughed aloud.  “Perhaps not, old friend, but even if they are not, Aragorn and I have sufficient skill to defend ourselves at need!”

“There is that,” Eothain conceded reluctantly, “but I would still prefer you taking your guards rather than Aragorn taking his.”

The king laid a hand on the other man’s shoulder.  “Yes, but it is his city, not ours.  We must be diplomatic about such things.  Rest easy, I will stay alert in case I need to act.  I promise to return safe and sound.”

“See that you do!” Eothain sniffed.  “I am not going to explain to the queen why you did not!”

Eomer snickered as he opened the door to his room.  “I should like to see you avoid doing so!  She will hunt you down for an explanation if I am not returned to her!  There will be no escape possible for you.”

“True that,” Eothain said with a sigh, following Eomer into the hall.  “Keep it in mind – we are friends, after all.  Do not make me have to face her alone!”

Eomer laughed again, gave him a farewell wave and strode off to join Aragorn for their outing.

continue reading on AO3:

               (https://archiveofourown.org/works/59405857/chapters/153583897)

[dalleyan]

Elfwine Chronicles (new LoTR stories, Set Sail posted, 10-23-24)

Theomund eagerly learns a new skill  (Family, Childish Behavior, Humor)

(Jul, 15 IV)

Erchirion ran a hand through his hair, noting that it was almost dry.  Just in time to go back out into the rain, he thought ruefully.  A summer storm had blown in off the water and usually that made for lazy days when most folks tried to stay warm and dry indoors.  But he had agreed to go over the shipping ledgers with his father, so, after delaying for more than an hour hoping it would ease, he had finally ventured forth.  His cloak had kept his clothing relatively dry, but he had never much cared for anything covering his head, and thus arrived with sopping hair.  A towel had removed the worst of it, but he had not been in the castle long enough for it to completely dry.

His step faltered as he passed the dining room, and he backed up, having caught a glimpse of something out of the corner of his eye.  It was Lothiriel’s youngest son, Theomund, sitting at the table and scowling out at the storm through the glass doors that opened onto the patio.  His chin rested on his arms as his legs kicked idly, but there was annoyance in his entire bearing.

Entering, he slipped into a chair next to the boy, asking, “Is something the matter, little one?”

The child glanced briefly at him before turning back to the rain slashing at the glass and muttering, “It is raining and I cannot go to the shore!”  Before Erchirion could respond to this, he added grumpily, “Why does it matter if it is raining?  I get wet in the water anyway!”

Erchirion chuckled at this logic, which he could not entirely refute, but explained, “That is certainly true, and if it were that simple, it would not matter.  But in storms like this the sea becomes very dangerous.  The waves are much larger and they can come in suddenly and sweep you off your feet.  Even strong swimmers have sometimes drowned in such wild waves.”  He rose and held out a hand.  “Come with me.”

Curious, Theomund slid off his chair and took his uncle’s hand to be led down the hall to a room that had windows overlooking the shoreline.  Erchirion pushed the door open slightly so they could better see out, and pointed to where the waves were crashing heavily on the beach.  “See?  It would not be very pleasant to be down there just now.  Better to wait until things are calmer and it is safe again.”

The child seemed to understand, but was still obviously disappointed.  Erchirion thought a moment and then asked, “Would you like me to show you the game I used to play on days such as this, when I was just a lad?”

continue reading on AO3:

               (https://archiveofourown.org/works/59405857/chapters/153075436)

[dalleyan]

Elfwine Chronicles (new LoTR stories, Integrity posted, 7-27-24)

Eldarion and Elfwine make ill use of their play time  (Friendship, Integrity)

(Jul, 9 IV)

“Come on!” Eldarion urged, waving Elfwine to follow him down a long hallway.  The two scurried excitedly along, full of the boundless energy found in young boys.  With a guest to entertain, he was presently freed from lessons, and that made the day all the better.

They always enjoyed one another’s company, and looked forward to visits, so both had been eagerly anticipating Elfwine’s arrival at Minas Tirith for some time.  Given a choice, they would have been off on adventures the moment the Rohan royals arrived in the courtyard of the Citadel, but Eldarion’s parents had intervened.  He had a lesson they insisted he finish while Elfwine settled in, and then the appearance of relatives from Dol Amroth meant they had been required to suffer boring pleasantries, along with ‘visiting’ in the library.  What was the point of that?  They had their own views on visiting, and it didn’t involve sitting around a stuffy room sipping at refreshments and talking!  The best they had managed together was some whispered conversation about their activities for the next several days.

The moment breakfast concluded this morning, they had hastened to disappear before they could again be cornered.  Eldarion had lots of wonderful pursuits he intended to share with his friend from the North.  At the moment, he was leading the way out to a garden where he was allowed to play unattended.  Most of the time, if he wanted to stray very far, he had to have someone with him, but in this refuge he could entertain himself without interference from nurses or guards or anyone else. 

The majority of the garden was under his mother’s care, and she loved tending the flowers and plants there.  Eldarion rather suspected it reminded her of her home before, in Rivendell and Lothlorien.  She had told him many stories of her life among her people, and he thought it must be hard for her to leave the trees and rivers and sunshine to move into a city of stone.

In spite of that, Arwen realized that boys needed a patch of dirt to call their own, so she had set aside a section for Eldarion’s use.  He dug and built, but mostly got very dirty whenever he spent time there.  It was to that spot that he and his friend now went.  They whiled away the next two hours involved in an epic battle between their forces, forming battlements and fortresses in the dirt for their soldiers to occupy. 

continue reading on AO3:

               (https://archiveofourown.org/works/56775016/chapters/146897347)

[dalleyan]

Elfwine Chronicles (new LoTR stories, Example posted, 10-5-24)

While in Dol Amroth, Eomer is prevailed upon to set an example for his children  (Family, Friends, Humor)

(Jul, 15 IV)

Eomer pushed back his plate as he cast an eye over the dinner table.  He had been surprised over the years to find that he enjoyed much of the fare that came from the sea, and a visit to Dol Amroth was always a treat in that regard.  His companions were also concluding their meals and enjoying a final glass of wine with their conversation.

The relaxed mood was disturbed somewhat by the sound of running feet, and a moment later Eomer’s middle two children pelted into the room.  They had been playing earlier and would eat in the nursery, but both now climbed onto chairs to see what everyone else was having.

As Theodwyn was kneeling on the chair beside him, Eomer took the opportunity to introduce her to something new.  “You are old enough now, Theodwyn.  Would you like to try some of these foods?  They are things that people from your mother’s homeland are fond of, and they come from the sea,” he coaxed his daughter.

Theodwyn wrinkled her nose at the food spread before her, leaning on the palms of her hands to get a better look around the table.  “No!  It looks…icky!  And it smells bad, also!”

“I assure you that it is quite tasty,” Eomer reassured her.  “I have eaten it several times in the past and always enjoyed it.  Here, try some of these scallops.  They are very good.”

His daughter eyed the offering warily, then asked him suspiciously, “Does Elfwine eat them?”

Eomer shifted uneasily.  “Well, no, he does not care for scallops, but –”

“If Elfwine does not like them, then neither do I!” Theodwyn asserted, plunking back down onto the chair and crossing her arms in refusal.

“But Elfwine has tasted them, so he knows that he does not like them.  You have not done so,” the king admonished.

“It does not matter,” she retorted firmly.  “If Elfwine does not like it, then I do not either.”  Eomer recognized that look of determination on her face.  It was clear that was her last word on the subject.  In her eyes, the sun rose and set on her elder brother, and she would follow wherever he led.  He doubted very much that she would ever admit to disliking anything of which Elfwine approved.

continue reading on AO3:

               (https://archiveofourown.org/works/59405857/chapters/151728544)

[dalleyan]

Elfwine Chronicles (new LoTR stories, Reaffirmation posted, 6-1-24)

Eomer reassures Lothiriel.  (Family, Empathy, Consolation)

(Sep, 2 IV)

Eomer entered his darkened bedchamber, careful not to make noise that might disturb his wife.  Despite the silence and the look of the room, he did not think she was truly sleeping, but it took him a moment to determine how he wished to act.  At length, after gazing upon her unmoving form on the bed, he went to sit beside her.  Reaching out, he stroked her head, and it did not surprise him when her eyes opened at his touch.

Softly he observed, “Gamling mentioned that he thought he saw you weeping earlier.  Is something the matter, my love?”

“No, I cannot say that there is,” she murmured, though a hand quickly swiped at her eyes, belying her words.

“Why do I not believe that?” he asked with a smile, leaning down to press a kiss to her temple.  “Tell me your thoughts.”

She lay in silence, considering his request, then said firmly, “I love you, Eomer.” 

When nothing more was forthcoming, he prompted, “Is that supposed to astonish me?  I regret to tell you that it does not, though I would be alarmed if you could not state it so emphatically.”

Despite her mood, her mouth tweaked in a slight grin at his words, and he caught her arm to pull her up into his embrace.  “Come – what troubles you?”

continue reading on AO3:

               (https://archiveofourown.org/works/55781356/chapters/143143957)

[dalleyan]

Elfwine Chronicles (new LoTR stories, Interruption posted, 8-7-24)

Interruption - Eomer’s work is interrupted  (Romance)

(July, 5 IV)

The sharp rap on his study door jolted Eomer from the paper he was reading, and he laid it aside, rubbing at his eyes as he called out, “Come in.”

Nothing happened, and he paused in stretching to ease his stiff muscles to glance curiously at the door.  Thinking he had not been heard, he called again louder, “Enter!”

The only response was another determined knocking at the door.  Where was Gamling anyway, and who had gotten past him to disturb the king?  His brow knit with annoyance just as a third knock sounded.

Now more than a little irritated, he rose and stalked over to snatch the door open, snarling, “I said ‘Come–”  To his astonishment, his wife stood smiling serenely at him, abruptly silencing his reprimand.  “Thiri?  What are you–”

continue reading on AO3:

               (https://archiveofourown.org/works/57998152/chapters/147651778)

[dalleyan]

Elfwine Chronicles (new LoTR stories, Opinion posted, 4-6-24)

Lothiriel overhears an unsettling remark  (Romance, Insecurity)

(Gondor - May, 2 IV)

“It truly is very sad, do you not think?  I mean she virtually leads the man around by his nose!  Who would have thought the great King of Rohan would be brought to his knees by a woman.  How humiliating!”  The second man chuckled, somewhat uneasily, at the remarks, and the two moved away.  They did not notice Lothiriel concealed in shadows nearby, nor glimpse the troubled look upon her face at their words.

Did all of Gondor think that?  And the Eorlingas as well?  That she had…had turned Eomer into a weak and submissive man, had somehow emasculated him?  The thought horrified her.  She had no wish to undermine who he was, certainly not in the eyes of others.  He was a fine and great king, and a renowned warrior.  Had she somehow tarnished his image by her behavior?

With a sigh of discouragement, she moved back into the busy flow of the Merethrond.  A headache was building that would not withstand all the noise and confusion.  Perhaps it was best that she withdraw for this night.  It took a moment to locate her husband in the room, and she worked her way toward him through the crowd.  He was obviously enjoying a lively conversation with the King and Queen of Gondor, and she paused nearby waiting for him to notice her.

As he did, a grin split his face, though it faded slightly at her expression that seemed a bit strained.  “My lord, I believe I shall call it a night, and check on our son before turning in.”

Instantly Eomer responded from his heart.  “So soon?  I had hoped for another dance with you!”

Lothiriel swallowed hard and then lowered her eyes.  Consciously choosing her words, she spoke clearly and distinctly, “As you wish, my lord.”

continue reading on AO3:

               (https://archiveofourown.org/works/54834652/chapters/139475368)

[dalleyan]

Elfwine Chronicles (new LoTR stories, Yearning, ch 4 posted, 6-15-24)

A man of Rohan serves King Elessar, but finds his life complicated by doing so  (Romance, Family, Angst, Drama)

Chapter 4    (late Apr, 32 IV)

Gasthold stood on the seawall gazing over the ocean before him, watching the tide ebb and flow.  It had been some six months since he left Minas Tirith, and he had hoped to have made more progress in that time toward getting over his feelings for Belinzil.  It was not the case, however, and he found her as ever-present in his thoughts as always.  He would go for a time without dwelling on her, and then see or hear something and her image would flash in his mind, accompanied by an ache deep within him.  He was beginning to believe his heart would never be free of her, and that he would be destined to never marry, or worse yet, to marry someone else but without true love.

He had always envied both his parents and the royal couple of Rohan for the marriages they had entered, and the joy each found in their partner.  It did not seem to be his lot in life to have the same.  He could not still the heavy sigh that escaped, remaining oblivious to the bustling marketplace behind him.  Though a few curious glances were cast his way, none approached him, but one woman watched him silently from the corner of a market shop.

It took several minutes for Belinzil to work up the nerve to draw near him.  This was surely going to be awkward, but unless they spoke, there was no hope of improving matters.  Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward and moved to stand nearby.

“Greetings, Gasthold,” she said quietly, not wanting to startle him, but he jumped slightly anyway so lost in his musings was he.

As he turned toward her, his eyes widened momentarily before he was able to school his features into his usual impassive demeanor.

“Lady Belinzil,” Gasthold acknowledged, stepping down from the wall and offering a stiff bow.  “You are looking well.”

Belinzil shifted nervously and gave him a cautious smile.  “You also, Gasthold.”  She paused, searching for something to say, then added, “Dol Amroth agrees with you then?”

He hesitated only slightly before responding, “It has its appeal.” 

continue reading on AO3:

               (https://archiveofourown.org/works/56438917/chapters/144066379)

[dalleyan]

Elfwine Chronicles (new LoTR stories, Fate posted, 3-30-24)

Eomer and Lothiriel ponder how things might have been different  (Angst, Family)

[This story follows on to “Guilt” (https://archiveofourown.org/works/41467341/chapters/104622678.  It is best to read that first as this one assumes you are familiar with the circumstances there.]

(very early August, 3020 III)

“My lord!” Erkenbrand exclaimed, hurrying toward Eomer as he dismounted and moved to help his wife do the same.  “We were not expecting you.”

With Lothiriel safely on her feet, the king turned and smiled at his longtime friend.  “We were not anticipating a visit, but I went to the Fords of Isen, and since we were so close it seemed appropriate to come by and see how things are progressing.”  He turned to draw his wife forward with a wave of his arm, which he then placed around her shoulders.  “You remember Lothiriel, do you not?”

“But of course,” Erkenbrand smiled, taking her offered hand and kissing it.  “It is a pleasure to see you again.  You look well.”

Smiling, Lothiriel nodded.  “I am, and I am pleased to meet you again also.  But, please, do not go to a great deal of trouble for us.  Think of us only as friends dropping by.”

He grinned in response and answered, “I see you still fit well with the Eorlingas, my lady!  But, then, I could not imagine Eomer marrying a dull, formal woman!” 

The three of them chuckled as Eomer offered his arm to his wife and they followed Erkenbrand inside.  The conversation quickly turned to the continuing work on repairs to the fortress, and the state of affairs in the West-mark.  When Erkenbrand’s wife appeared, Lothiriel took the opportunity to slip away with her to the room they were to be given during their stay. 

continue reading on AO3:

               (https://archiveofourown.org/works/54834652/chapters/138992203)

[dalleyan]

Elfwine Chronicles (new LoTR stories, Yearning, ch 2 posted, 6-8-24)

A man of Rohan serves King Elessar, but finds his life complicated by doing so  (Romance, Family, Angst, Drama)

Chapter 2   (early Aug, 31 IV)

Almost there.  Gasthold was grateful that his first command of an escort party had gone so smoothly.  The weather had even been favorable, not so blistering hot as he had feared, and they’d made good progress each day.  The princesses were both accomplished riders and did not delay their journey.  Indeed, some of the men had suffered more initially, being unused to so much time in a saddle.

All of a sudden, two horses streaked past him, causing his own mount to snatch eagerly at the bit in a bid to follow them.  For a moment, he was alarmed to see the twins galloping away from him, but then their laughter drifted back to him on the summer air and he realized they were merely racing one another.  Nudging his own horse, he was promptly in pursuit, not wanting to allow them to get too far separated from protection.  His own stallion quickly closed the gap to the smaller mares, who were already slackening their pace as they passed a large oak tree by the side of the road.  Apparently that had been the chosen finish line, and the race was ended.  He eased his horse down to a canter as he joined them, raising an eyebrow.  “So, who won?” he asked with a smile.

The two glanced at one another and then burst into laughter.  Shrugging, Tuilwen admitted, “We do not know!  We were enjoying ourselves so much we forgot to pay attention to that detail!”

Belinzil’s countenance suddenly sobered as she realized why he was there with them.  “Are you angry with us, Gasthold?  We did not mean to do anything dangerous, but it seemed a fine idea at the moment,” she sheepishly apologized.

He grinned again, and shook his head.  “No, I am not angry, though I do hope you will not forego caution in pursuit of amusement.  This was harmless enough, or I would have made more effort to stop you.”  Noticing their horses were still blowing and sweating from the exertion, he added, “You had best walk them back to join the rest of our party, to let them cool down.”  He nodded toward their mounts and the girls acknowledged their understanding.

As the three turned back down the road, the twins fell in on either side of Gasthold.  He glanced at his bookends out of the corners of his eyes, but made no comment.  At length, Belinzil queried, “We shall arrive today?”

“Yes,” he responded.  “In just a few hours, I should think.”

continue reading on AO3:

               (https://archiveofourown.org/works/56438917/chapters/143611852)

[dalleyan]

Elfwine Chronicles (new LoTR stories, Yearning, ch 1 posted, 6-5-24)

A man of Rohan serves King Elessar, but finds his life complicated by doing so  (Romance, Family, Angst, Drama)

Chapter 1   (late July, 31 IV)

“Gasthold, some of us are going into town.  Want to come along?” Brithadan asked.

Gasthold glanced up from where he was sprawled on his bunk in the soldiers’ barracks, reading.  He shook his head.  “No, I do not think so.  I need to finish this so I can return it.”

His friend eyed him for a moment, as he turned back to the book and continued reading.  At length he commented, “You are a fool, you know that do you not?”

Gasthold looked up again.  “What do you mean?”

“I mean that girl.  You are wasting your time dreaming of her.  You are only a soldier, and will never be anything more.  The king would kill you instantly if he knew your thoughts about his daughter.”

Gasthold shifted uncomfortably, the words too close to the mark.  “I do not know what you are talking about.  I have done nothing –”

“And you had better not do anything!  You know very well who I am referring to, Gasthold – that twin daughter of King Elessar, whichever one it is that you fancy.”

“Belinzil is completely unlike her sister!” he protested, before he could catch himself, and then flushed red as he realized he had belied his previous ignorance.  With a sigh, he told Brithadan, “Do not worry.  I would never presume to approach her.  But I cannot help caring for her, even if she will never feel anything for me in return.”

Brithadan sat down on the edge of his bunk, and replied sincerely, “Come into town with us.  There are many tavern girls who are more than willing to help you forget her.  They are the ones you should pursue, if you must pursue any woman.  They are the ones that marry soldiers.”

Gasthold smiled at him.  “No.  I do want to finish this book so I can return it.  And it would not be fair to those girls if my heart was not in my actions.  Give me time; I will conquer this infatuation.  Now, go on, and enjoy yourself – enough for both of us!”

His friend chuckled and stood, grinning sadly down at him.  “Very well.  I will see you later.”

continue reading on AO3:

               (https://archiveofourown.org/works/56438917/chapters/143414371)

[dalleyan]

Elfwine Chronicles (new LoTR stories, Conquered posted, 5-29-24)

Eothain is defeated before he even realizes the danger.  (Family, Parenthood, Friendship)

(Feb, 3 IV)

“Eothain, will you join us for supper?” Lothiriel invited, shifting her son to her other hip.

The big man turned to her from conversing with Eomer and hesitated.  Ever since Eomer’s marriage, he had been reluctant to impose his company upon them.  The newlyweds had appreciated that gesture, and Lothiriel’s subsequent pregnancy further distanced them from Eomer’s closest friend, who was as yet unmarried himself.  But now Elfwine was nearly two years of age, and their married life had settled into a comfortable pattern.  Lothiriel knew that the two men enjoyed spending time together, and their respective responsibilities did not always allow for casual interaction.  Despite the bickering in which she and Eothain engaged, each was rather fond of the other; of that all three were certain.  It was time to include him a bit more in their daily activities when it was possible to do so.

“I…” Eothain began, but he was interrupted by the queen, who could well anticipate his arguments against it.

“Oh, do not give me any silly excuses, Captain!  How else may I civilize you if I do not drag you into genteel society on occasion?”

Eothain grinned roguishly at her.  “Do you truly believe that will help, my lady?”

Eomer was chuckling as well and offered, “I personally would have my doubts, but then Thiri is a force to be reckoned with, Eothain.  She just might succeed.”  Then he added, “And you may be sure the offer is sincere, if nothing else.  Join us, my friend.”

Eothain shrugged and nodded.  “As you wish.  Certainly it must be better than eating my own cooking!”

“Half an hour then,” Lothiriel told the two men, but as she began to move away, she looked back and smiled wickedly.  “And, yes, Captain – you do need to wash your hands before coming to the table!”

continue reading on AO3:

               (https://archiveofourown.org/works/55781356/chapters/142958830)