Chapter 3

And so begin the years of the Fourth Age.

The passing of Elder Days fills Elessar with a sense of bittersweet, for the enchantments of old grow weary, and curiously he feels purposeless. It is not because there is not much to do and to mend: his days are filled with many concerns that come with kingship. And yet...

Until now, his life has consisted of unending battle, of strife and struggle against the shadow. Now it has ended and he is king. Settling down is difficult, as is finding a new purpose. Inside him, there is strange emptiness he does not know how to fill.

There are moments when he wishes he could be Strider again.

And the heart will continue to long for things it cannot have...

But the time moves forward, and when the King of Rohan visits Minas Tirith that winter, he brings joyful tidings: his wife is with child. And the way he smiles! He is excited and happy, and Elessar knows he will make a good father. The world is full of news of moving forwards: weddings, raising families, building and mending and growing.

Aragorn knows not why it is, but he feels like standing still.

Elessar is there on the night when a son and an heir is born to the Lord of the Mark.

It is an evening of late autumn when Lothíriel Queen goes into labour, and the ladies of the household quickly whisk her away, leaving behind the near hysterical King. The task of trying to keep him calm falls to Aragorn, and over and again he tells his dear Rohir that the Queen will be all right, that childbirth is quite a natural thing, and he needs to calm down.

But Éomer keeps pacing about, looking troubled and wringing his hands. He asks: "What will I do if she dies?"

Aragorn wishes he knew how to answer, but he does not.

Eventually, he is able to persuade the younger king sit down and pour him some mead; the Lion accepts the mug and stares down at the surface of his drink. He looks helpless and forlorn, and no doubt he is torturing himself with visions of horror.

Elessar tries to engage Éomer in conversation, but all his attempts fail more or less. The father-to-be appears to find no calm as long as this uncertainty continues. In the end, Aragorn proposes they share some pipe-weed, and so they sit outside for the reminder of it. The night is very clear, and though the Lion never quite finds escape from his anxiety, there is still a sense of companionship between them as they sit and wait.

Prince Elfwine is born just before midnight. The King of Rohan is called to meet his newborn sun and with a slightly crazed grin, Éomer tells his friend they will have to talk later. Then he hurries off to be with his family, but the King of Gondor sits outside until before first light. Then he stands up, feeling like an old man, and seeks the comfort of bed.

The next day, he is presented to the Crown Prince of Rohan. The little boy's father will not stop beaming in delight and wonder as he very carefully lays the baby in Elessar's lap. The Prince is wrapped in a green cloth and is currently sleeping.

"He is beautiful, is he not?" asks Éomer, looking a bit like he was the first man ever to have a son.

"He is", says Aragorn and gives a smile to the younger man. "I trust your wife is well."

"Aye, she is. She needs but rest for now", says the Lion as he sits across his friend. All anxiety has left him and he looks so at ease... recalling the day he first met this tall rider, Elessar cannot help but marvel at the change in the son of Éomund. Though that solemn man will no doubt make still his appearances, a happier one seems to have come to existence, and manifest ever more often.

It is good, to see him finding this light after the years of war and strife.

At least you travel now under the light of sun... and in your shine, perhaps I can feel it too.

"Even now, I sometimes look back and find it hard to believe all that has happened – and all that we have received. When you first appeared as if from nowhere on those plains, I would not have thought our ways would bring us here", says the young king after Elessar has gingerly placed the little prince back in the Lion's arms. "We are kings, with beautiful queens by our sides... and there is peace in our lands."

He looks down at his son, and he smiles.

"And here is new life to enjoy that peace", he says softly. He looks up then, lifts his eyebrows. "What is it?"

"You are going to be a great father, my friend", Aragorn says gently, patting the Lion's knee.

"Hopefully you are right about that", says the King of Rohan and smiles.

Elessar's own first-born comes couple years later. When he looks at his little daughter, he thinks she will grow to resemble her mother... but an odd thing to realise is that she will never know any of her grandparents.

A child of two kindreds, but born of mortals...

Arwen is beyond blissful. The birth of their child has brought her fulfilment, and he knows she will be a wonderful mother. And deep inside, he is happy that he has at least been able to give her this... even if he cannot love her the way he wants to.

They are fathers now, he and the Lion. Fathers and kings and husbands, and those two rootless warriors who fought back against back before the gates of Mordor are falling behind in past.

We travel in same direction... why do I feel so incomplete then, when you have found your happiness?

But then, as he takes his little daughter in his arms and breathes in the smell of an infant, he knows contentment, and remembers not the quiet emptiness.

For a little while, he can even believe that one day, he will be free.

There is peace now in Gondor and Rohan, but this does not mean that all the battles are now finished. In east and south, supporters of Sauron still linger – as long as they remain, the realms of West will be under a threat.

And so Elessar calls for the aid of his faithful ally, and Éomer answers. With him, he brings the might and power of the Riddermark, those fierce riders that are hailed as the finest cavalry in all of Middle-earth. With the joined forces of Gondorian infantry and the horsemen of Rohan, the Lords of West sweep over their enemies.

Though battles can never be had without deaths and losses, in the deep halls of his heart he also finds the times of war are when he is on his most energetic. This is no mystery to him: they remind him of the years gone by, when everything was simpler... and they remind him of the War of the Ring. But most of all, when he rides to war Éomer is there to accompany him – they are together, and the Lion's absence is only as long as night lasts. And even in the middle of planning and leading battles and dealing with the running things, every now and then there are those small moments when they can sit down, share some wine or ale, and talk.

In war, the two of them are in may ways in their most glorious, though he does not know if his dear friend would agree. Yet it is said that where King Elessar goes there also rides Éomer King, and together those two great lords are said to be a force of nature.

Of this testify the tribes of Harad in the war that determines the fate of South Gondor: in the end, they have no choice but surrender this contested land under the rule of King returned.

And it almost costs him the life of his beloved King of the Mark.

The peace emissaries wear the look of defeated men as they approach the company of two kings. They offer complete surrender and promise to no more try to claim the lands of South Gondor. Aragorn's mind is already brimming with ideas for that land as he listens to the words of peace, and he smiles. Future is turning bright for his people.

But then, in the middle of speech of surrender, a young man of Harad charges from beside their leader. He is quick as a snake and of those present only the King of Rohan is quick enough to realise what is happening. Though he is not armoured at the moment, he still leaps in the front of Aragorn... and receives that blade in his shoulder that was aimed for Elessar's heart.

Guards surround them and the villain who would kill a king as the Lord of the Mark stumbles back and collapses into Aragorn's waiting arms. When he feels the Lion's weight and his own knees buckle under him, his heart skips a beat.

No. You cannot die.

"Why did you do that, you idiot?" Elessar exclaims as he presses a hand over the wound; blood flows and wets his fingers.

In pain, Éomer grimaces, but then he smiles.

"As if I would let you die! I am replaceable, brother. You are not", he says, and it sounds like even speaking is a struggle to him.

"You are not replaceable to me, Éomer!" Aragorn snaps in anger. He gathers the hem of his own cloak and tries to stop the bleeding. He looks away, but only very briefly, and shouts: "Help! We need help!"

"It is all right", says the King of Rohan, his voice softer now... he is very pale and his breath comes as gasps. Has the blade gone too close to his heart?

"It is not all right!" Elessar tells him in desperation. "You need to stay awake. Stay with me. Do not dare close your eyes now!"

"Take care of my family", Éomer mumbles. His voice is becoming thick and slurring... and the bleeding just doesn't stop.

"You will live. You will not stop fighting now! Do you hear me? I will not let you go now!" Aragorn yells.

But he can yell all he wants, for his dear Lion's eyes roll around, and falls unconscious.

It is late and Faramir has come twice already to tell him go and have some rest, but Elessar still sits by the bedside of the King he loves.

At least they have been able to convince him change his blood-stained clothes – something which he did readily enough, as the very sight of Éomer's blood makes him weak with fear and torment.

He is still alive, but only barely. The amount of blood he lost... and the bitter fight they went through to save his life... a lesser man might have perished, yet Lion of Rohan still lives. He lays silent and unmoving, his skin so ashen, and only the rise and fall of his chest testifies that his spirit lingers among the living.

Elessar lets out a heavy sigh and thinks back: how he would have attacked the man who wounded his dear Rohir had Faramir and Prince Erchirion not been there to hold him back. The emissaries of Harad are just as shocked. Evidently, the assault was merely a deed of one vengeful man, and directed against Aragorn. Still, Faramir says he has heard mutterings that there are those in Harad who would rejoice in the death of the King of the horselords.

He cannot die. He cannot.

He looks at the unconscious Rohir and fear grips his heart. What if he does, though? A world and a life without this man... Elessar dares not to think of it, though it is very possible at the moment. Éomer's life hangs on a balance and there is no telling if he will survive.

Quietly, he picks up one limp hand, holds it tight in his own.

"Please", comes out as a broken little whisper as he buries his face in the palm of the Lion's hand, and tears burn his eyes. "Do not leave me like this. Please."

Sobs shake his shoulders and he holds on to that hand, wishing that somehow the owner of it would wake up and answer... make these fears go away.

"You cannot die, not now. You must survive. I... I do not want to lose you like this, without ever even... Éomer... I cannot do this without you!"

It terrifies him, to imagine a future spreading on the front of him and walking down its path without the knowledge and trust that his dear Rohir is there to accompany him... for he does not know if he is strong enough alone.

"I need you. Stay with me, my Lion..."

And he sits there, holding on to the unmoving hand of the only man he has ever loved, and begs him to stay – to live. His words turn into murmurs and whispers until little more of it is coherent than just the word please.

Though the enemy forces have surrendered, there are still many concerns to be taken care of, and much of Elessar's time is consumed by supervising that all go smoothly. But every moment of freedom he can snatch, he spends beside the still unconscious King of Rohan.

He spends the time mostly by speaking quietly, of mundane and extraordinary things, of his fears and how not one day ever goes by that he does not think of the Lion. He wonders what the other one would say now, if he should hear Elessar's words. But that would require he be awake, and that would mean the world.

When he finally does return to the waking world, it is late night, and Aragorn is feeling weary already. Still he keeps on talking and at first does not recognise that the patient has indeed awoken.

But then the Lion shifts and moans, and momentarily his fingers curl tight around Elessar's own. As his eyes flutter open, the King of Gondor pulls back his hand, for he is fairly certain he should not be touching his friend like this.

"Aragorn?" rasps the King of horselords. His eyes remain unfocused and he grimaces in pain as he tries to move.

"I am here. Stay calm and still. You have been hurt", says Aragorn as he places one hand on the patient's chest to keep him down.

"I am still alive? I did not expect that", Éomer mumbles as his guardian hurries to pour some water.

"Do you think we would let you die if there was even the smallest chance of saving you?" asks Elessar and helps the younger king drink. Then he touches gently the good shoulder of his dear Rohir, and says softly, "I believe I owe you my life. Thank you, Éomer."

That makes the Lion smile.

"Considering I am still here, that debt has been paid back in full", he answers. "For I almost got lost in the darkness and fell in the shadow, but then I heard your voice, and it guided me back."

Elessar is not sure how to answer to that, and for the moment he can but sit and try to keep himself from doing something both of them might regret later... so he smiles and somehow finds his self-control.

"Then it is good that I stayed here", he says quietly.

"Aye", Éomer agrees and sighs, momentarily looking like he is about to fall asleep. But then his gaze focuses again. "What of the villain who would have killed you?"

"He has been dealt with according to his crime", Elessar says, and a hard edge comes to his voice when he thinks of the man.

He almost took you from me.

He forces that thought from his mind and gives his friend a smile, "Your men will be delighted to hear that you are awake."

"Of course. I imagine this news will inspire them to drink themselves silly", notes the Lord of the Mark dryly. He sighs and fall silent, and then he asks: "Has my wife been informed?"

"Messages were sent right after the incident. I will send another and tell her that the worst seems to be over", Aragorn says quietly. No doubt Lothíriel Queen is already making her way to Gondor, if a word of her husband's injury has reached her.

"Good. She will worry herself sick, I fear..." mumbles the younger King as his eyes droop... but the thought of his wife brings a smile to his face, and then he sleeps.

Other wars come later, but never again does Elessar have to sit by his Lion's bedside and wonder whether he will see this man die of his wounds. After his recovery, the King of Rohan is his usual energetic self, and in all of Gondor he is hailed for saving the life of King Elessar.

And so the years roll towards the future. Marriages are celebrated, children are born, and the realms of west are mended. Aragorn's own son Eldarion is born eventually, and the line of Elendil secured. The Crown Prince is his only son among three daughters, but Éomer King is surrounded no less than four sons and two daughters. Whenever the royal family of Rohan visits Minas Tirith, the palace of the king fills with noise, and Queens Arwen and Lothíriel have their hands full in trying to keep the children from mischief. Usually, they fail.

But it is all for laughter, and after the dark years of past there is so much life for the both kings. Elessar finds that he is not unhappy, though what he suspected on that night of the wedding of the King of Rohan is true: in his heart, there will always be that one hurt and ache, and it will never go away.

Years come and go and time breathes silver into the golden hair of the King of Rohan, but even then he remains mostly the way he was in the days of youth. Indeed, as he gains on years he sometimes comes across as a younger man than he actually is; he too has some Númenorian blood, and it gives him vigour, keeps his fire burning.

Still and all the times does not pass without taking its toll, and the heaviest payment is their very lives. Friends near and dear take their leave along the years, one by one with terrifying inevitability. Such is the lot of Men, and though each loss is a sadness, none scare Aragorn more than the one that is thankfully still in the future. Usually, he dares not to think of it, but sometimes he asks himself: what will I do when my Lion is gone?

For it goes deeper than just the unspoken love of his heart. Éomer King is his most faithful and trusted ally, the one who understands his concerns and his plans, shares them deeply, and their vision of the future is one. How will it be when Elfwine rules in the Mark? Will there be such harmony with Elessar and Éomer's son as there is with now?

But when these thoughts come to him, he pushes them back and reminds himself that though the Lion is not quite that young man anymore, he is not old either, and has yet many strong years ahead of him.

And then, 27 years after the War of the Ring, a rider comes from the Mark, speeding to the palace of the King of Gondor like Sauron himself had risen and was chasing him. His face is very grave when he offers Aragorn his message that bears the royal seal of Éomer King. For one endlessly long instance Elessar fears the worst has happened.

He opens the letter and reads:

Brother –

My wife is very ill and the healers do not seem to have any way of helping her. They have done all they can but she is not getting any better. I fear she has very little time left now.

You once healed my sister and my brother-in-law, and they say there is that power yet in your hands. Please, Aragorn, come and help me. I cannot lose her, not yet. Perhaps you have the power to save her too?

Brother, I need you. Now more than ever.

Yours,

Éomer

The Queen of Rohan is sleeping when Elessar comes to see her on the day of his arrival. The change in her is even more dramatic than in her husband, whose pale and sleepless appearance deeply disturbed the older king upon his arrival. She has lost a lot of weight and the shade of her skin is unhealthy greyish. Her breathing is laboured as she sleeps, and her cheeks and eyes seem sunken. There is much of grey in her hair now, though he remembers seeing none when he last saw her.

Quietly, he sits beside her and tries her pulse, touches her forehead. It wakens her and she looks up at him with weak little smile.

"My lord", she greets him quietly. "I knew my husband would call for you sooner or later. Thank you for coming... though I know already that I am beyond any help now."

"How do you know that, my lady?" he asks gently, though he is not so sure her assessment is wrong at all.

"I... I feel it, my lord. In my bones, and even deeper. The pain is becoming worse. And I am so tired of fighting it now, though I try my best", she says and sighs. "I would let go already, if I did not know how it will hurt my family."

Aragorn picks up her hand, looks down on it. He asks of the symptoms, of how she feels. Her answers, spoken in soft voice that accepts her fate, confirm what he has already feared.

He has heard of this illness, though it is uncommon among those of Númenorian ancestry. And the Queen is so young... she should not have it, not with her blood of Westernesse and the First-born. But fates are not always kind or obvious, not even to those men call the Blessed. And the inevitable, terrible truth about this illness is that it is not curable.

"My queen, I fear I cannot help you", he says eventually those words that weigh so heavy on his heart, regretful as he speaks. Though she is the keeper of that heart he has yearned for himself, he feels no rivalry towards her. After all, she is the keeper of the heart of the King of Rohan, and what Éomer loves Aragorn can never hate.

He would expect her to cry, but instead, a sad little smile comes to her face... granted, there is glistening in her eyes that implies tears. Yet they do not fall. She just sighs.

"It is all right, my lord. I did not expect it would be possible to save me", Lothíriel says, holding on to his hand.

"I am sorry, my lady", he mutters and looks down.

"Worry not for me. It is a restful place I will be going to, and I am not scared. The only thing I mourn are the people I will have to leave behind, the ones I cannot comfort when I am gone", she says, squeezing Aragorn's hand. "And my dear, dear Éomer... or, should I say, our dear Éomer?"

He looks up sharply, eyes widening in surprise. In the Queen's gaze he can see it: she knows.

Aragorn expects to see loathing or disgust, that she would think such a love unnatural. But she just smiles.

"It is all right. I have known, as long as I have known him and you. And it does not astonish me, my lord. It is very easy to love him, after all..." says Lothíriel Queen softly, her eyes shadowed momentarily as if she were looking back in time.

"My queen... I do not know what to say", Elessar mumbles. He has always thought no one knew... except for Mithrandir and Arwen, of course. He wonders: am I really that obvious?

"Then say nothing, my lord. I hold no grudge against you because of your love, for you have always been discreet and dignified. And it as only ever manifested as loyalty and friendship. You have been there for him in things that are beyond me – you are his best friend, King Elessar", says the Queen of Rohan. In silence, he nods. He feels relieved and grateful for her grace.

Though she is weak, there is surprising strength in her fingers as she grasps his hand.

"I would ask a favour of you, my lord. Watch over our children when I'm gone. And Éomer – take care of him for me. He will be so devastated... comfort him, if you can. I would wish him to be happy again, one day. It is all the same if that happiness is with you, for I know you love him just as much as I do. If you can do this for me, I would be able to go in peace.." Lothíriel tells him. Once again the tears fill her eyes. Not for herself, but for those loved ones she would not part with if she could so wish.

"Of course. You need not ask me to be there for him, my lady", says Aragorn and offers her a comforting smile.

"Thank you, my lord", she says softly. A calm expression comes to her face and she slips into dreams once again.

King of Gondor stays with her for a little while more, seeking strength for the sad duty he will have to carry out.

He still has to break the heart of his most beloved friend.

On a very late night not two weeks later, Elessar is awakened from his sleep by a knock at his door. He has wandered the sweet planes of oblivion where they are young and carefree, and the Lion's hair shines golden in the light of sun: it has been a place of comfort in this house of a fate unavoidable. Though he has done all he can, he knows there is nothing he can do to prevent death.

The knock brings him back and tiredly, he rubs the sleep from his eyes. He sits up and shivers as the cool air touches his skin; after getting up and pulling on a robe, he pads to the door.

His dear Rohir stands there. When Aragorn opens the door, he lifts his face, and all Elessar needs to know is written there.

The Lion is fighting so hard against the tears, but he is on the brink of losing. Never has Aragorn seen him so in pain, so hopeless.

She is gone.

Ever so gently, Aragorn leads the widowed King in and sits him on the edge of bed. He sits down too and rests a hand on his friend's shoulder. He has been thinking of what he should say once this moments comes, but now... now he sees all words are hollow.

"I am so sorry", he says nonetheless. And it makes him feel so inadequate, for he would so wish to ease the pain that is now tormenting his beloved horselord – he would take all that agony for himself if he only could. But there is nothing he can do.

Éomer breaks down then, and with a muffled sob he buries his face in Elessar's shoulder. His tears come as a violent burst that shake his body – even seem like threatening to tear him apart. All Aragorn can do is wrap his arms about the trembling frame of the younger king. And so he holds close the Lion, the way he has often dreamt he would, but not like this, not in a moment that is so dark and without hope.

Yet this is not a place he wishes to abandon the man he calls his best friend and in his heart loves like he has only loved one other person. He murmurs softly in Sindarin, lets the tears run their agonising course...

In the end, all tears have to run dry. That is what they do now too, though the grief of their origin is just as poignant. And the Lion rests his head against Aragorn's shoulder; for the longest time, all he does is just breathe.

"What will I do now? How do I live without my wife when all of me longs to be with her?" mumbles the King of Rohan in defeat and sorrow.

"You will find a way, even if it is hard", says Elessar as gently as he is able. "She would not wish you to end your life with hers. And you have your family – your children. They will need you, my friend."

"Aye", Éomer sighs. "I cannot leave them, even if death would seem like a mercy right now..."

He looks up and the look in his eyes scares Aragorn; he knows he must not leave his friend alone on this night.

"You can stay here for the rest of the night if you wish", he says softly.

"Thank you", is all the Lion answers.

They settle down for sleep some time after, but Elessar is not so sure either of them have any rest on that night.

Aragorn leaves for Minas Tirith after the burial of Lothíriel Queen.

He feels no comfort in doing that, for the deep grief in the House of Eorl makes him feel like he is the one who should fix it... even if there is no way he could. He takes Elfwine's oath that the Prince will call him if it looks like the King of Rohan is slipping. Elfwine promises to do that, for he is just as concerned for his grieving father as everyone else.

Elessar hates to leave his beloved Lion, but he is the King of Gondor, and he must return home. He does so with a heavy, heavy heart.

Oh, my dear one, if I only could take your pain to myself...

As for the Lord of the Mark himself, his thirst for life seems to be gone – the very edge of his fire and spirit appears to have disappeared. He is more quiet and melancholy, and he keeps on wandering to the grave of his wife. Aragorn fears how it will turn out when he is gone and not there to watch over his Lion. For all his attempts of comfort, nothing seems to reach through that shell of grief.

But like they spoke on that night of Lothíriel's passing, Éomer lives – if only for his children. For all of them, her death is a sadness, and it will take years to heal for she was the heart of their family.

Elfwine never calls for Elessar and Aragorn hopes this is a good thing. Though he would not hesitate to hurry and see his widowed friend, he would rather Éomer survive his grief... and live on.

Survive he does, but the next time the King of Rohan visits Gondor, the older king knows his beloved horselord will never be the same as he was before Lothíriel Queen's death.

Like Théoden King in his time, Éomer does not remarry. He is not even as young as Théoden was at the time of his loss, and he has four strong sons and two daughters to carry on his line.

Elessar understands: like no one could replace Arwen or Éomer, no one can replace Lothíriel. And so, even as he tries to reach for the heart that is now buried deep in the winter of grief, Aragorn knows he can never comfort the Lion the way he or Lothíriel would want to.

As ever, the time moves forward, unknowing of losses and sorrows that tear apart human hearts.

Two years after the death of Lothíriel, Elessar finds Prince Elfwine kissing Princess Eleirien, his second-born daughter. From that moment, things proceed in their own way, and next year on a day of May, the Crown Prince of Rohan is wed to the Princess of Gondor.

It is the first time Elessar sees the Lion smiling after she died, for the happiness of the newly-weds is an infecting kind... and it reminds them all of that bliss of being just married. When Aragorn looks at his daughter and the son of that man he has loved, he remembers what it was like to be young and in love. Even more so, it brings him curious feeling of happiness to know that his blood will be mingled with that of Éomer... and the kings to rule the realm of Rohan will claim ancestry back to both of them.

In our children and children's children, we are together.

On the night of the wedding, the two kings go outside to catch some fresh air. In silence, they walk on for a while, both lost in their thoughts.

After some time, Éomer speaks.

"You still remember that day? Years back during the War of the Ring, when we met on the plains?" he asks ever so quietly.

"How could I forget?" Aragorn asks back.

After all, it was the first time I saw you, and all times I have been allowed to spend with you are memories I cherish.

But he speaks not aloud his thoughts. Instead, he just smiles and hopes the younger king will not notice the bittersweet of that smile.

The King of Rohan smiles too.

"I know now it was the day my life changed", he muses. "Had you not come to the Mark, I wonder what would have happened."

"Think not of such things. We all have altered each others' lives permanently, but the worlds of what could have been are not worthy of our concern", says Elessar; he wishes not to dwell on what could have been... for many reasons, to be completely honest.

"You are right, of course", says the King of Rohan. There is an incredulous look on his face, "My son, married to your daughter. In a way, it makes sense. Our alliance should continue even after we both are gone. Perhaps love is what will preserve it evermore."

"I hope so, brother", Aragorn says softly.

Éomer King stops then and looks at him, face serious and thoughtful.

"Brother, I never thanked you for what you did after she died. I do not know how I would have survived without your support", he tells the older king.

"You are my friend and brother, Éomer. How could I abandon you in the middle of such loss?" asks Elessar.

The Lord of the Mark hems softly and Aragorn guesses it is because it is still too painful to speak too lengthily of this. The dear one turns to look away and sighs.

"She would have loved all this. She would have wanted to live to see Elfwine wedded", he says quietly. Pain resonates in his voice and Aragorn knows he still grieves – always will, until his dying breath.

"Perhaps she is watching even now", offers the King of Gondor gently and touches the shoulder of his friend.

"I hope so", Éomer answers and his voice is little more than a whisper. He looks up then and though there are tears in his eyes, he still smiles. "Shall we go inside? I believe they are soon starting with the dancing, and we should not allow our children to escape without a chance to embarrass them."

"In that, you are quite right", Aragorn answers and they both grin.

He is glad to notice that there are still moments like this in store for them.

Their grandson is born next summer.

Elessar and Arwen are called to see little Eadric, the Prince and the heir of Elfwine the Fair. He is two months old when the King and Queen of Gondor finally come to see the child, and looking at him, Aragorn knows he will look like Lothíriel. Éomer King knows that too, for often he sits with the little one in his lap... and in his face, there is a look of both joy and sadness. The older king almost goes and wraps his arms around that suffering form but he does not, knowing it would not be welcomed – not on a moment like this. The Lion is wandering his memories... the sort that Elessar has no place or part in.

And so their children start to get married. Weddings come and soon children too, and they know their lines will live on after them. It is somehow a bittersweet thought, but also comforting.

Our legacy will live, even if ourselves and our loves will not.

Now, more than ever, Elessar knows that one day he must farewell his beloved son of fire and sun.

But not yet... not quite yet.

There is restlessness in Rhûn and like he is used to, Elessar sends word to Rohan, to ask for aid: he has learnt to appreciate the power of Rohirric riders.

Every time before now, Éomer has come himself, along with riders as strong as Aragorn needs. He is a warrior king after all, and even on his later years he has been a force to be reckoned with.

But now it is Elfwine that rides from the Mark, leading his father's horsemen. It is that moment Elessar knows Éomer has grown old. It fills him not with anger or disappointment. The only thing he feels is fear of losing.

If you ride no more, what will I do? If you ride no more, how soon will you be gone?

The battles are fought and won but there is one strife that remains.

That is the one of battling despair and the knowledge of inevitable loss... but that is one fight Aragorn knows he will never win.

For when Éomer dies, he knows much of himself will die along.

The Lion is old when Aragorn sees him next time.

His hair which once was gold is now white as the freshly fallen snow. Age has carved its paths on his face, but to Elessar it is still fair – it is still dear and beloved. And grief, that which has been there ever since the death of Lothíriel, has made its home in dark eyes and features that were once so young.

And still, when he looks on that face, he can remember the young man... the one he encountered on the plains, and the one he stood before the gates of Mordor. Strength of arms is leaving but nothing can take away the strength of heart, even if it is in part ruled by sadness.

On that year Prince Eadric turns 25, the King of Rohan along with his daughters comes to visit Minas Tirith. Princess Elfhild tells Aragorn it was Elfwine's idea: Father has been so down lately, and they are hoping some time away from Edoras will cheer him up. It has been almost 30 years since the death of Lothíriel Queen, but as he looks at the King of Rohan, he knows his dear horselord misses her as much as ever.

She is still there, ruling his heart and his mind... calling him home. That is as difficult for his children to accept as it is for the King of Gondor.

And Elessar wonders: how much longer do I get to keep you?

Though it is not keeping what he does, he does his best to make his friend smile and laugh. Poor Lothíriel never quite understood how hard it would be to comfort her husband once she were gone.

Still, there are moments of lightness and companionship, when the sorrows of past are momentarily forgotten. As the two kings walk in the gardens of the palace or sit talking away into night, Aragorn tries to enjoy it to the fullest, so that he can remember these moments when the man beside him is here no more.

And sometimes, when the Lion thinks Aragorn does not see, he looks so tired.

A week later, it happens. On one late evening, Elessar is returning to his own chambers when he sees the Lion down: he has collapsed on the floor and lies so still that for a moment Aragorn thinks he is dead. As his heart freezes, the King of Gondor runs for the unmoving shape of his dear Rohir, falls on his knees...

No, no... you cannot go yet.

Put as he seeks the wrist of the Lord of the Mark, he feels that the younger man is still alive, and he calls for help.

The healers tell him exactly the things he expects: it is Éomer King's age, his heart is failing, it is only natural. Elessar would want to argue there is nothing natural in this, though he knows such claim is wrong: old age and death is the lot of Men. And so he sits beside the Lion that night, like on that one time before when he thought he would lose this man... only, now it is becoming more and more likely.

As he looks at the sleeping face of his dearest friend, Aragorn knows that a time is coming when he will have to let go.

I am scared.

Though he tries to tell his friend he should not go yet or ride, Éomer just smiles and shakes his head.

"Brother, on the day I cannot climb in the saddle they may as well bury me. After all, I am the King of the horselords", he says and Elessar knows there is no changing his mind. Quietly, he muses the Lion would not even mind it if he fell dead from the saddle.

And he refrains from asking the younger king stay, for he fears this could be the last time he will see him alive, and in their parting embrace there is a silent goodbye, just in case.

But though Éomer grows more weary with each passing months, there are still few more years left... years of twilight, and saying farewell.

Aragorn looks around himself, and then forward and behind himself: he sees the wounds of war mended, the years of plenty, kingdoms reunited and rebuilt, the battles fought. Hopes fulfilled and others forever incomplete, dreams and fears and sorrows. Friendships and loved ones and children born and raised, growing and fading and acceptance. Lives well lived and loved to the fullest. As it has been sweet, so it is bitter.

And finally, 65 years after the War of the Ring, Éomer King calls King Elessar to visit him for one last time.

There is a part in him that would not wish to see this. That part would want the unavoidable happen without him having to witness it. But then... he knows he would regret that more than he will ever regret being there.

He needs to say goodbye.

It is autumn when he comes to Edoras and a sleepless-looking Elfwine bids him welcome.

"Father has been asking for you for days now. It seems to me he lingers here only because of you", he says quietly. Though he too has grown to the late years of his life, he still looks just as terrified of what will soon happen. Elessar can understand that, for in many ways, Éomer has been the bedrock for all of them.

"Then I am glad I came in time", he answers and places a hand on the Crown Prince's shoulder. He would offer words of comfort if he knew any... and if the sorrow of losing was not so close to his own heart too.

They exchange no more words then. Elessar gathers his strength and courage, and he is escorted into the royal chambers of Meduseld.

The King of Rohan is asleep when he arrives. The calm look on his face takes Aragorn years back, to a day of July when he found this man sleeping on a sunny terrace of his own palace. Oh, to be able to go back in time! But here he is, and it is time to say goodbye.

He moves heavily and each step closer to the bed makes the weight on him grow, until he is there beside the Lion of Rohan. Silently, he sits on the edge of bed and sighs. Inside, he feels emptiness.

When he takes his friend's hand in his own, Éomer wakes up and a small smile comes to his face.

"Brother", he murmurs sleepily, "I was already starting to think you might not come at all."

"Of course I did. I always come when you call me", says Aragorn quietly. His dear Rohir's smile turns sad at those words.

"I fear this is the last time I will ever call you, my dear friend", he answers. For a brief moment, Elessar closes his eyes and just breathes, though each intake of air seems like a torment. But he pushes the pain away, for there will be enough time for grief afterwards.

"May I...?" he asks ever so softly, resting a hand on the old Lion's shoulder, and the younger king understands right away what he wishes.

"Of course", Éomer answers. He grimaces in pain as Aragorn lifts him, but never complains. Once his head rests securely on the older king's lap, a calm look returns to his face.

He looks old and tired... but also peaceful.

It makes sense, that you should die here, in my lap...

"So this is the end of our long alliance", murmurs Elessar. There are so many things he should tell but the words escape him... and really, this is not the time to burden his beloved horselord with sorrows or regrets.

"Aye", Éomer agrees. "I am thankful."

"As am I. You have been, you are, and you will ever remain my dearest friend", Aragorn says, and the dying man smiles, agrees in silence.

"I would ask whether you will be fine when I am gone", says the Lion then softly, his voice thoughtful. "I suppose you will be, in time. You have Arwen, after all. I wonder... after these long years, is it too much for me to ask you to watch over my family?"

"Of course not. They are yours, and so they are mine too. I will love and guard them like you did yourself", Aragorn promises gently. He smiles, "But then, I doubt you have anything to worry about. You have done well, by them and by me. And you hold a sanctuary in all their hearts... but none so sacred as in mine."

Éomer smiles and briefly closes his eyes. Then he looks up again and the look in his dark eyes is that of knowledge.

You know, don't you, my dearest King?

And the Lion nods quietly and Elessar lets out a trembling breath.

"How long?" he asks and his voice is little more than a whisper.

"Years", Éomer answers softly.

"Why did you never say anything?" asks the King of Gondor.

"Because I feared what would happen if I did", says the Lord of the Mark. "And also out of respect for Queen Arwen."

"Of course", Elessar murmurs. "Perhaps you were right in that. What I have had for you – and what I still have for you – is something... I do not think it should ever have happened."

Surprisingly, it feels good to let this go, especially when his dear horselord's reaction is more of compassion than loathing. He feels it is a right thing to do, now that the end is near. It is right to part in honesty rather than with secrets.

"But happen it did, my friend", Éomer notes. After a silence, he asks, "Would you be happier without it?"

"I do not know", Elessar says at length, "for many of my happiest memories are divided between you and my queen... the two loves of my life. And there were often moments when, even if I did not speak my love aloud, I was happier for it. I would not trade those moments, not even if I could rid myself of the pain I had for the sake of my feelings. It is true: I have loved you beyond all reason, and I always will..."

"I am sorry I could never answer your devotion. It was not my wish to cause you torment", whispers the Lion.

"I know that. And blame is not yours anyway. It was for the better, I feel... for the sake of us all, our wives included. What love we have shared, our friendship and alliance, has been of fairer and gentler consequence than what could have been", Elessar tells him. Somehow, there is comfort in that thought.

Éomer smiles at that, looks relieved. His face turns peaceful once more and there is light in his eyes, and Aragorn knows he has told his dear Rohir the right thing.

Now, he can go in peace.

"Are you scared?" Elessar asks then.

"No... no. I am with you, after all. And I am going to see her... and so many friends who have gone before us. No. I fear no evil now", Éomer whispers. "And you?"

"A little bit", Aragorn admits. "A life without you is a scary thought."

"It is all right, brother. You said I have a sanctuary in your heart... if that is true, then I will never be far", he murmurs.

"Aye", is all Elessar can answer for the fear that he might fall in tears otherwise.

It is hard to say goodbye, my love...

"I can feel it coming. It is not long now", says the Lion quietly and a shiver passes through him. He looks at Aragorn, and asks: "Stay with me until the end?"

"Until the end... and beyond", Elessar promises, holds on tight to the hand of his most beloved friend and the love impossible and unfathomable. The grip of those once so powerful fingers is equally tight.

"Aragorn", Éomer whispers at last, and the light is now waning: it is time for sun to go down. "It is time. Farewell."

"Farewell, my love", Aragorn answers and leans down for a kiss goodbye. It tastes of parting and tears and love stronger than death, and then he feels the last breath of his beloved King... and Éomer King of Rohan is still, and his fire is ended. So comes to an ending one era, and Elessar knows nothing will ever be the same again.

When he can finally speak, he closes the dark, empty eyes, and whispers: "Sleep well, Son of Eorl."

King Elessar Telcontar takes his leave two days after the funeral. It is before sunrise for he wishes to begin his long and heavy journey home with as little fuss as is possible.

The ceremonies have been grand, even grander than those in the honour of Théoden King. But then, much has changed since those years. The passing of Éomer the Blessed has caused grief of a national scale, and friends and strangers from afar have travelled to pay their respects. He was a king loved and grieved by many... but now it his time to pass into a legend.

Elfwine's voice is soft as he bids Elessar safe journey. His eyes are bloodshot but there are no more tears to be shed for a beloved father. Now has come his kingship, and though Aragorn knows he will always miss Éomer King, he can also place his trust in his beloved Lion's son.

And so his escort turns and leaves, to head for Minas Tirith. What remains of the Fellowship of the Ring is there with him: ever-faithful Legolas and Gimli, and Halflings Meriadoc and Peregrin. They know how he grieves and so they do not object when he asks the company to stop not long after they have passed the gates of Edoras. Instead, they stand waiting while Aragorn rides back for a bit... and comes to a halt in the front of a mound of Simbelmynë.

Two days before, he watched them carry one of the two great loves of his life under that mound. Now the way is sealed and Éomer Éadig has his well-deserved rest.

Are you now in those silent and eternal halls of Mandos, my dear Lion? Have you found your Queen there – are you at peace?

He must let go, he knows that. But why must it be so difficult? Why must it hurt so bitterly? What would he give for just one more moment, one more embrace, one more kiss... If this death is a gift, why must it be such a painful thing?

Does your spirit linger in this world still, or have you passed beyond the circles of the world? Oh, I miss you already...

Should such a time come when even the tombs of the kings of old are torn open, they will find in the grave of the King who was Blessed a ring. In his finger rests a jewel, made into the image of that ring which Felagund once gave to Barahir. But none will know what it means, nor the devotion it signifies, for the story of how Elessar loved the Lion of Rohan will remain a tale untold.

I will see you again. One day, I will join you, outside the imprisoning shackles of this world. Will you be there to welcome me home?

Aragorn sighs, kisses his fingers, presses them against the stone of that doorway of the Lion's grave. As long as I have a sanctuary in your heart, I will never be far. He closes his eyes and many thoughts pass in his mind. He thinks of life and death, of hope and despair, and loving and losing. He thinks of all the years he still has ahead of him. Even now, there is hope: in the love of Evenstar, in the thought of reunion, in life's enduring. And he lets go, and breathes.

Fare thee well, my love.

Then at last he turns.

He turns, and watches the sun rise.

THE END.

And, as always happens, and happens far too soon, the strange and wonderful becomes a memory and a memory becomes a dream.

- Terry Pratchett

A/N: And so ends this little story. I must say, it has been an interesting experiment. Approaching the relationship of Éomer and Aragorn from this angle was rather fascinating, if unusual. I know this last chapter is kind of humongous but I really couldn't cut away anything, and in doing a split there is alway a danger I can't stop. Three parts was in the first place the most I wanted and intended to write.

Like some of you have commented, this is an odd divergence from what I usually write. That is quite true. Like I said in the first chapter's author's note, I do believe Aragorn is very content in loving Arwen. But as I also added, there's been happening some weird shit in my life and it's not the first time for me when weird things IRL turn into weird writing. Plus, I don't know how it is for other writers but at least I like to experiment with different approaches and styles sometimes. I regard it as a brain exercise. My idea of writing is that always keep your mind open for different things. And a good thing about fanfiction is that there you can try out stuff like this. Also, after years of having to listen some friends blather about Aragorn/Legolas (which, to me, makes even less sense than this approach) I consider myself quite allowed to take this route at least once. :D

However, I must emphasise this is not something I intend to carry on to other stories. It's been fun so far as an "why-the-effing-not" experiment but that's really all it is for me.

In any case, I hope at least someone enjoyed this story!

Talia119 - I must say, I never even considered the possibility of replacing Aragorn with Éothain or anyone else for that matter. As a writer, I find this setting far more dynamic and interesting to write about than some other. That's of course just my personal view and someone else might find some other setting more fascinating. Of course Aragorn and Arwen's relationship is documented by Tolkien, but I still feel it allows a bit of speculation... but then, I do agree in general that Aragorn and Arwen are very content in each other's love.