The Edge of Night

The Union of Two Houses

The rest of the morning passes in a bit of a blur, with Elfwyn sitting, or standing, perfectly still as others dance around her, preparing her in the ways that were traditional to the people of Rohan. Before long, the sun was beginning to set, the start of all Rohirric weddings. Her father comes to her rooms, to escort her outside where the men had constructed a large pyre that would be set alight during the ceremony.

In his scabbard, where his sword normally sat, was the one she had made special for Haldir, as was a custom amongst her people. The bride's father presented the husband with a sword made specifically for him, with markings fro her house, as a way to welcome him into her family. She had taken great care in the designs, incorporating the green leaf of Lorien into the emblem of her ancient house. She was extremely happy with the final product and could not wait to present it to Haldir. "It is time, daughter." Theoden says with a heavy heart as he watches her put the final touches, adjusting the circlet that had once been her mother's.

"Please do not cry Father. Today is not a day for tears."

"Much about this day is not the way your mother and I envisioned it when we first discussed children. I had not expected to raise you and your brother alone, or to lose you both in different ways to a war neither of you should have had to have a part in."

"I love you. But there is nothing you could have done to keep Theodred or me out of this war. We are children of the Kings of Rohan; stubbornness is in our bones."

He chuckles at this. "I know not much can be done about this now, but are you certain this is what you want?"

"I have never been more certain about anything else in all my life. He is good, Father. He is kind and he is just. He knows the importance of duty, probably better than I. And he's loyal, fiercely so."

"I do not doubt these qualities, for you have had your own set of beliefs since you could first form words. I only hope Haldir is strong enough to withstand it."

"I am glad you are in good spirits, even if it is at my expense."

He chuckles and takes her arm as he leads her from the room to the clearing that was decorated for the ceremony. Gold accents catch on the setting sun and Elfwyn smiles at the efforts put in from her family and her people. "It's beautiful."

"It seems Eowyn has had everyone on a very tight lead for days in preparation. I don't believe anyone has known a moment of peace since we got back."

"I hope no one got hurt on my behalf."

"I think we were able to get some control over her before that could happen."

They come upon the alter where Haldir stood waiting for her. Her face brightens as their eyes meet. In no time she stood before him and presented the sword from her father's scabbard. "As a symbol of our houses joining, and my family's acceptance of our union, I present you with this sword, made from the royal blacksmith, just for you." Haldir accepts it graciously and places it in the empty scabbard on his hip. The next portion of the ceremony was the gift presented to the bride from the groom.

"I know it is the tradition of your people to present the bride with a new horse, one of great value to signify the importance of the new marriage. However, I know that there is no horse that you could value greater than your stallion that you had to leave behind. Lord Elrond truly is gifted with foresight for with the battalion he sent from Rivendell, among them was your horse."

Elfwyn turns her head in awe when she hears his familiar whinny echo across the plains. Her beloved golden stallion Goldwine, named for the sixth king of Rohan. "I did not think anything could make me happier this day but once again you have proven me wrong." The ceremony ends with the lighting of the ceremonial pyre that had been covered in Rohan's beautiful wildflowers.

...

The celebration that night was combined with their ancient tradition of honoring those who had fallen in battle. Eowyn brings forth Theoden's cup before taking her place beside her brother, cousin and her cousin's new husband. He holds it out in front of him and those gathered also rise. "Tonight we remember those who gave their blood to defend this country. Hail the victorious dead!"

"Hail!" echoed throughout the entire hall before a moment of silence as they drank in remembrance to the men and elves who's bodies lie in the ground at Helm's Deep. Elfwyn could not stop the selfish thoughts that passed through her mind in quick succession; the relief that her family had made it through the night with no losses, that the one she loved most still remained at her side, and that the friends she had came to love so dearly were alive to fight another day.