Joy and Sorrow

Joy and Sorrow

Chapter 2
Author: Frosty McGoogle the Wonder Poodle
Codes: Legolas, Eomer, Eowyn, Boromir, OC, AU
Rated: NC-17
Summary: On an AU plane of existence, Rohan celebrates the defeat of Sauron. Joining them are Boromir and Haldir, quite alive, and a few of the elves. Also, Eowyn keeps a secret and Eomer has issues.
Disclaimer: Consider it disclaimed.

*

In the morning, Larelind woke up with a splitting headache. She winced against the sun streaming through the open window, cursing its existence. "Eomer," she said, shoving at his shoulder. He responded only with an abrupt snore. Sighing, she got up and padded to the bathroom, getting dressed. He would be useless this morning, as useless as he was last night. She had gotten several soldiers to carry him to his bed after he had passed out at a table.

Taking one last look at Eomer's sleeping form, she made her way out of their room. Parties were one thing she was not used to, having had no reason to celebrate in a very long time. Massaging her temples, she made her way to breakfast, deciding perhaps food would ease her ills.

The noise in the hall did nothing for her headache. It was filled with people, men she recognized and men she did not, a large number of elves, people who she found off-putting and cold, a smaller number of dwarves who bothered her less but still didn't completely like, and four hyperactive hobbits, who could obviously hold their drink.

Sitting down at a table as far away from everyone as possible, Larelind watched the activities while picking at her bread. All the decorations were still up, for all of Rohan was intent on having parties every night of the week. Her eyes soon strayed to a small band of elves off to the side of the larger group; she recognized Arwen among them, and the one known as Legolas. She did not know the others.

Larelind took a sip of water as her headache began to lessen. She found herself smiling as she watched two of the four hobbits down their third brew of the morning. "Good morning," said a woman's voice beside her, and Larelind looked up in surprise.

"Eowyn," she said, not having noticed her arrival, "You startled me."

"Sorry," she replied, taking a seat next to Larelind. "So, how are you feeling? That was quite the party last night."

Larelind chuckled softly. "Yeah, I definitely drank too much. Your brother insisted I keep up with him."

Eowyn shook her head softly. "He will most likely be drowning his sorrows for a while. I must admit I am having trouble without our uncle here, but I imagine Eomer feels he must work to make Theoden proud."

"He puts too much pressure on himself," sighed Larelind, looking back up at the elves. "His temper is getting the better of him, as well. He was distinctly rude to one of the Gondor men last night."

Eowyn frowned. "Which one?" she asked, interested.
oromoromir," Larelind replied, and Eowyn nodded, "I don't know him, but I can't say I blame Eomer. I don't think I like him, either."

"Eomer has told me of his differences with Boromir and Faramir, his brother," she said softly, "I do not think they are as bad as he believes them to be."

Shrugging, Larelind took another sip of water. "It probably doesn't matter," she replied, narrowing her eyes as the hobbits got up for another ale, "Once they go back to Gondor, Eomer most likely won't have to deal with them again."

Eowyn looked down at the table and said nothing. Larelind frowned and touched her on the shoulder. "Is something wrong, Eowyn?"

She widened her blue eyes as she looked up. "Oh, no," she replied, "Just a little tired." Her gaze roamed over the crowd as Larelind shrugged inwardly and lowered her hand. "Have you met the elves yet?" she asked.

Larelind raised her eyebrows. Aragorn was now with the group of elves she had been watching. After speaking with Arwen for a few moments, the two left the group. "Only Arwen," she said, "They don't seem very...friendly."

Smiling, Eowyn took Larelind's hand and drew her up from the table. "You must meet them," she said, "I promise, you will like them."

"Eowyn..." whined Larelind, shaking her head, "I don't really want to."

"Oh come on," she huffed, dragging her down the hall. Larelind fell into step, desperate not to appear uncomfortable.

As they approached the small group of elves, Larelind got a better look at them. She admitted to herself that they were all quite beautiful, something she had heard about them often. As a child she had been told stories of elves, of their beauty and immortality, of their purity and elegance. When they saw them approach, though, their faces displayed a distrust she did not think would have made it into a child's fairy tales.

There were six elves, three dark-haired and three fair. Each one tilted their chins up at their approach. Each one, except the one she knew as Legolas.

"Good morning," said Eowyn, smiling wide. She noticed a couple of the elves nod their heads in greeting. Larelind licked her lips and tried not to meet any of their eyes.

"Lady Eowyn," said Legolas, bowing his head, "How are you this morning?"

"I am well, thank you," she replied, then pulled Larelind closer forward, "I wanted to introduce you to my friend. This is Larelind."

Taking a deep breath, Larelind bowed slightly and looked up at Legolas. "It is an honour to meet you," she said, "I have heard much about you, from Lord Eomer. He thinks quite highly of you."

Legolas' wide blue eyes were much more gentle than she had anticipated. "And I of him," he said, his voice low, "I noticed you two together at the festivities last night. Are you Lord Eomer's wife?"

Eowyn lowered her head, stifling a laugh. Larelind widened her eyes, then shook her head with a smile. "No, not his wife," she replied, "Just a good friend."

She recognized the twinge of amusement in the elf's eyes as he smiled. Perhaps these elves weren't so bad after all. "Of course, my mistake," he said, still smiling. "May I introduce my kinsmen to you, as well. This is Lord Elrond, and his sons Elrohir and Elladen from Rivendell. And, from Lothlorien, Lord Celeborn and Haldir."

Larelind and Eowyn bowed politely to each of them, but when she looked into their eyes none of them displayed the kind of kindness she saw in Legolas and Arwen. She assumed it was because they hadn't been around humans as much.

"Thank you all for coming to Edoras," said Larelind diplomatically, "I have heard much about what you have done for us."

The elf called Elrond clasped his hands behind his back. "We will not be staying long," he said, "My sons and I came only to say goodbye to Arwen."

"Oh," said Larelind, nodding her head, "Arwen is your daughter, then?"

"She is," he replied, knitting his brow, "It will be difficult leaving her."

Larelind smiled gently. "Surely you can visit her in Gondor?"

When all the other elves' heads lowered, she knew she had said the wrong thing. "My Lady," said Elrond, smiling, "Now that Middle-Earth has been saved, the time of Men is upon it. The elves will be leaving. Arwen chooses to stay."

"I see," she said, glancing at Eowyn and Legolas. Both were of no help to her, so she exhaled deeply and continued, not wanting to appear rude. "I'm afraid my knowledge of your kind is limited. Where is it that elves are leaving to?"

"Valinor, My Lady," said Haldir with a softness in his eyes that Larelind found relieving. "It is something that is not easily explained. We diminish, instead of dying, and live out eternity in a land separate from this one."

Larelind nodded and licked her lips, looking back up to Elrond. His gaze held no humour. "Well," she said, completely uncomfortable, "That sounds...nice. Will you all be going?"

"I will be remaining, for a short while at least," said Legolas, a smirk drawing up one side of his lips, "Eventually all will go to Valinor. Unless, of course, they choose not to."

This time it was Eowyn who spoke. "Why would anyone choose not to?" she asked, then caught the arched glare of Elrond. Larelind bit her lip, grateful it was not her who asked such a question. "I mean," said Eowyn, trying to regain ground, "Arwen must go there also, right?"

"Arwen has chosen a mortal life," said Elrond, "Valinor is out of her reach."

Eowyn nodded as Larelind looked downward and shuffled her feet. She desperately wanted out of this conversation. "My Ladies," said Legolas, and Larelind looked up, hoping he was offering an out, "I have not had the chance to tour your city. Would you be so kind as to show it to me?"

Larelind raised her eyebrows and nodded. "Of course," she said, smiling, "We would love to." She slowly began walking away, taking Eowyn's hand and pulling her along. "Good day," she said to the other elves before turning and yanking Eowyn beside her, whispering down to her ear. "Thank you for that."

"I'm sorry," she whispered, "I didn't know."

Larelind sighed, but then startled slightly when Legolas appeared at her side. His blue eyes looked over her in amusement. "You must forgive my company," he said, "They did not mean to be so...depressing."

Larelind couldn't help but laugh. "It was my fault," she said, "I should never have opened my mouth. I am sorry, if I offended you."

"Not at all," he said, opening the door for them. They walked out onto a warm spring day, and quickly Larelind's headache returned mildly with the sharp light.

"Did you really want us to show you around?" asked Eowyn, smiling, "Or were you just feeling sorry for us in there?"

Legolas grinned, something that Larelind didn't think elves did all that often. "I will admit I have toured Edoras previously," he said, "Though I would never decline such welcome company."

"Are you staying long in Edoras?" asked Larelind as they walked slowly down towards the gates.

"I have not yet decided for sure," he replied, "But I believe I will be going back to Gondor with Aragorn before leaving on my own. Rumour has it, though, that there may be a reason for nearly all of us to visit Minas Tirith in the coming months." Legolas looked past Larelind to Eowyn, who had all of sudden found her feet of great interest.

Larelind frowned. Clearly she was missing something. "I'm confused," she said, looking to Eowyn, then back to Legolas, "What reason would that be?"

Legolas did not look as though he had said anything wrong. "I apologize, I thought you had been informed," he said to Larelind, "You will find out in time, but it is not my place to say."

Larelind knitted her brow in annoyance. She didn't like being kept in the dark. Eowyn, though, blushed rather fiercely so Larelind decided to not pursue the matter further. Not at this time, anyways.

"How do you like Minas Tirith?" asked Larelind, changing the subject, "I have never been there, myself."

A small smile tugged at Legolas' lips. "It is a beautiful city," he said, "You should visit it sometime."

"I'd like to," she replied, smirking, "Though I doubt Eomer would approve."

Eowyn shook her head and, having gotten over her flustered state, spoke. "It doesn't matter if he approves or not," she said, eyeing Larelind, "He is a stubborn man who will never see the error of his judgement."

Legolas frowned slightly. "I was under the impression that Lord Eomer had nothing but complete respect for Aragorn and the country of Gondor."

Nodding, Larelind let out a small sigh. "He thinks very highly of Lord Aragorn and Gondor," she replied, then lowered her voice slighty, "It's just that he disapproves of others." She rolled her eyes.

"Ah," he said, smiling in understanding, "Yes, I have been witness to the tension between Lord Eomer and Captain Boromir. Though I do not think he has such problems with Captain Faramir."

They stopped at the edge of the gates, looking out on the land of Rohan. Eowyn crossed her arms as the cool wind blew her hair. "Eomer has problems with Denethor, therefore he has problems with his sons." She sighed and frowned, and Larelind wondered why it bothered her so. "It does not make things any easier."

"I do not doubt it," replied Legolas, touching her shoulder, "But men can change. I have seen it, myself."

Larelind narrowed her eyes and frowned at the two of them. "I have secrets as well, you know," she stated, raising her chin, "They are so astounding, you two would not believe me if I told you."

Raising an eyebrow, Legolas smiled and nodded. "I am sure that you do, Lady Larelind," he said, "I look forward to hearing them someday." His gaze was full of innuendo, and Larelind blushed, not expecting such a thing from an elf.

Licking her lips, Eowyn grinned. "My dear Larelind," she said, "I am sorry we are keeping things from you. You are my friend, and I want you to know. Join me for dinner tonight. I will tell you then, of my news."

"Your news?" she asked, surprised, "Is it good news?"

"I think it is," she replied, "I hope you do as well."

Larelind smiled and glanced at Legolas, who looked nothing but pleased. "Good for you is good for me," said Larelind, "I look forward to hearing what it is."

Eowyn was about to reply, but her attention was caught by someone approaching them. Looking up, Larelind saw it was Boromir. "Eowyn," he said kindly, smiling broadly, "I have been looking everywhere for you."

"Did you need me for something?" she asked. Larelind narrowed her eyes at Eowyn, noticing how she didn't seem to have any dislike towards tman.man. Maybe Eomer was just being stupid.

"Yes, I need to speak with you regarding my brother." Boromir glanced up at Legolas, then slid his eyes to Larelind. He regarded her coldly, almost as if she had been rude to him last night, as well. She was immediately offended.

Eowyn, noticing the tension, licked her lips and forced a smile. "Have you met Larelind, Boromir?" she asked, pulling her forward by the arm.

His eyes moved up and down her frame, as though he was sizing her up. She couldn't help but glare. "Not officially," he replied, nodding politely, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Larelind. Tell me, how is Eomer?"

Pursing her lips, Larelind squelched the instinct to employ the use of sarcasm. "Fine, thank you," she said, not really knowing if he was. He most likely had a terrible hangover, if he was even awake. "And how are you, Lord Boromir?"

Larelind caught Legolas averting his gaze from the two of them, and felt a little guilty at not being more polite. "Fine as well," he said, watching her with a steady gaze that made Larelind want to poke his eyes out. She now understood why Eomer didn't like him.

"You said you needed to speak with me, Boromir," said Eowyn, catching his attention, "Would you like to talk in private?"

His blue eyes met hers and his smile became infinitely more sincere. Larelind watched the two of them, and suddenly worried that perhaps Eowyn was taking an interest in this man from Gondor. "Yes, that would be best," he replied, taking her arm.

"I will see you at dinner tonight," said Eowyn as she turned. "Good day, Legolas." Larelind watched as they walked away, and raised her eyebrow in annoyance when Boromir looked back with an appraising look on his face.

Crossing her arms, Larelind slid her eyes to Legolas. "I don't like him," she said, "He seems...dishonest."

Legolas clasped his hands behind his back and leaned close to Larelind. "He knows you are familiar with Lord Eomer," he said, "I do not see how there could not be slight tension between you."

Blinking, Larelind frowned and cocked her head. "Are you calling me biased?" she asked, barely offended. For some reason, when Legolas said it, it didn't sound like an insult.

"Yes," he said, matter-of-factly. Larelind couldn't help but laugh.

"Well, perhaps you are right," she said, sighing, "Still, though, I didn't like how he was so familiar with Eowyn. That would not be a good thing."

"I promise you, My Lady, that Lady Eowyn and Boromir's relationship is nothing past friendship." When she arched an eyebrow at him in suspicion, he laid his hand across his chest. "You have my word."

Smirking, she leaned back against the stone wall and eyed Legolas suggestively. "Your word?" she said, knitting her brow, "I barely know you, and you are an elf. How am I supposed to know if your word is worth anything?"

His eyes twinkled in amusement as he stepped forward. "The word of an elf not as trivial as the word of a mere human. It is your choice whether to accept it or not."

"You insult my kind and then expect me to trust you?" she said dubiously, "I am not as weak-minded as you seemed inclined to believe."

"I judge only by what I see, My Lady," he said seriously, bowing politely. Larelind smirked and kicked gravel at his feet.

"I have gotten your boots dirty," she said as Legolas gazed down at them, "I feel much better."

He looked up, his eyebrow arched.

*

TBC