The Edge of Night

The Fellowship Reunited

She was reunited with Eowyn upon their return, who clung to her and Eomer with a vice grip that no one could break. "We survived." Elfwyn breathes out, clinging just as strong to her cousins.

"And now we must discuss what is to become of Rohan. The throne is yours Elfwyn." Eomer says.

She shakes her head. "I cannot give our people, our country, what it needs. While my heart will remain in Edoras forever, my soul belongs to another. And I must follow him wherever he shall go. You," she says, pointing to Eomer, "must take up my seat in the Golden Hall. Reign in a way that would make our parents proud. And you," she says, turning to Eowyn, "you must live your life for you know. You must smile and love and live because that is what they have died for."

"And what of you? What shall you do?" Eowyn asks her.

"I vowed I would remain by your side until you depart this world, and to that I hold. I may have to come and go every now and then, but I am with you, until the end of your days." She bids them farewell for now and makes her way to the hall of healing where the rest of the Fellowship waits with bated breath for Sam and Frodo to wake up.

The sun is shining through the windows the following morning. Most of the others were sitting outside, Sam having woken up and was currently being bombarded by Merry and Pippin. Elfwyn, Legolas and Aragorn smile at them from the corner they are inhabiting. "Where is your lovely husband this morning?" Legolas asks cheekily.

"We are not joined at the hip." She says haughtily but laughs. "He thought this moment should be for us. That and the envoys from Rivendell, Lothlorien and Mirkwood are arriving today and he said it was his duty to be amongst those that were there to greet them."

Laughter can be heard from within Frodo's room and Elfwyn has let out a breath she had not realized she had been holding. "Everything is finally as it should be." She tells Legolas.

"Is he aware of what is coming for him?"

"No, and if you do not wish to ruin the surprise, I suggest you keep your big mouth shut." Merry and Pippin run in first, and jump on the bed, hugging Frodo each in turn. Gimli runs in next, exclaiming loudly while clapping his hands in excitement. Legolas and Elfwyn join next, both in their traditional, elven garb. They smile fondly at Frodo before stepping aside to allow Aragorn the space to enter. Sam walks in hesitantly, smiling softly at Frodo, as they are surrounded once more by the Fellowship that vowed to protect them.

...

Everyone is gathered in the courtyard, stretching all the way back to the edge of the cliff face, for Aragorn's coronation. Elfwyn and Haldir stand amongst the representatives from Lothlorien. They are standing in for the Lord and Lady, as even though Sauron was defeated and many of his allies lie dead as well, there were still some that remained. And Lothlorien needed protecting.

They watch happily as Gandalf places the crown of Gondor upon Aragorn's head. "Now come the days of the king. May they be blessed." Gandalf steps down and to the side as Aragorn turns to face his people and the gathering cheers.

"This day does not belong to one man, but to all." Aragorn says, addressing the crowd. "Let us together rebuild this world, that we may share in the days of peace." The elves of Mirkwood and Rivendell come up alongside them now and Elfwyn smiles encouragingly at Arwen as she takes her place behind the banner that she is holding.

Aragorn makes his way through the crowd, each row bowing in turn as he passes before he comes upon them. He addresses Legolas first, each placing a hand on the other's shoulder. Legolas steps aside and Elfwyn comes up, giving him a chaste hug before Haldir repeats Legolas motion. They all step aside, revealing Lord Elrond and the pallbearer that was Arwen. Elfwyn cannot conceal the tear that escapes from the corner of her eye as they walk up to each other. He takes the flag from her, and she bows. He gently caresses her face, forcing her to look back up at him. Arwen smiles softly at him and that's all the encouragement he needs. He wraps his arms around her and pulls her to him, kissing her. Those around them clap with joy.