Author's Notes:Thanks, as always, to J and Marsha for checking over the chapter for me. Words in italics indicate the words are being spoken in Sindarin.

Special thanks go to my friend Larner for letting me borrow some of the pieces of the wedding ceremony in this chapter. I do sincerely appreciate it.

Chapter 10 – The Wedding

"Will you be able to sleep tonight, ion-nín?" Aragorn asked Thomas as he followed the young man into his chambers after an evening of celebrating with their closest friends. Over the course of the evening he had watched the excitement that had been simmering in his son for days slowly change to a distracted anxiousness that concerned him. Aragorn took a seat on a chair near the hearth when Thomas did not answer him but instead moved to the window, staring out into the dark night. As he patiently waited for his son to answer he looked around the room noticing that the tapestries still hung on the wall and he idly wondered if Thomas and Rebecca's new chambers were being decorated with all new furnishings or if some things were going to be moved tomorrow. He had never heard what had been decided. Aragorn turned his head when a slight motion caught the corner of his eye.

"What did you ask me, Adar?" Thomas sank down heavily on the couch across from Aragorn.

"I asked if you would be able to sleep tonight. You seem… anxious… distracted." He studied the young man.

"Will I be a good husband?" Thomas blurted out.

Aragorn blinked in surprise even as he responded. "Yes, yes, you will be." He paused for a moment in thought. "You love Rebecca and care deeply for her. You will have your differences of opinion even as Arwen and I do, but even when you disagree the two of you seem to be learning how to…" Thomas interrupted him.

"I don't mean that, Aragorn. I mean tomorrow… tomorrow night… I don't want to hurt her and I…" his voice trailed off and he looked into the unlit hearth.

"Ah." Aragorn fought back the smile that threatened. He had considered speaking to Thomas about the wedding night even as the Northern Dúnedain fathers spoke to their sons on the eve of their weddings, but their customs were different enough that he had decided against it. Instead, he had hoped that the young man would speak with him if he felt the need to do so. Evidently he did. Perhaps Thomas felt somewhat awkward because Rebecca was the young lady in question, or perhaps it was only awkward for himself. He suddenly knew how Elrond felt even though he and his father had never had this particular discussion.

"I know even tomorrow evening you will be a good husband, Thomas. I will give you some counsel… if that is what you are asking?" Aragorn gave his son a questioning look and the young man nodded. "Then I would encourage you not to… rush. You have been looking forward to this night for a very long time and there is no need to hurry, you have many long years ahead of you to enjoy one another. Be gentle with her, Thomas. And, while I doubt very much that Rebecca will be nervous," he smiled, but Thomas only nodded, the intent, serious expression never leaving his face, "she might be and you need to listen to her." Aragorn paused. "You need to listen to her whether she is nervous or not," he amended with a slight smile.

It was quiet for a time. Aragorn stared into the hearth, watching Thomas from the corner of his eye and wondering what he was thinking.

"I just want…" he paused and then said, "Thank you, Adar."

Aragorn inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement before standing and stretching. "Will you be able to sleep now, ion-nín?" he asked, placing his hand lightly on Thomas's shoulder. The young man gave a small shrug as he looked up at Aragorn.

"Yes… in a little while, I think."

"Then I will leave you to your thoughts and simply remind you that it will be a long day tomorrow, Thomas, and you do not want to be too weary to enjoy the celebrations." His lips twitched slightly.

A slow smile finally crossed Thomas's lips as he stood and followed his father across the room to the door. As the door closed behind him, Aragorn stood staring at the floor for a moment. Finally, with a quiet laugh he headed down the stairs to his own chambers.

0-0-0-0-0

Rebecca sat as still as she possibly could as Lothrín fussed over her hair. Her maid made little tsking noises as she braided some of the hair and pinned it up while leaving some to flow loosely around her shoulders. Small white flowers were woven into the braids. Arwen stood next to Lothrín making suggestions and lending a helping hand when needed.

But Rebecca only half listened to what they were saying; she was nervously thinking about the ceremony that was scheduled to start in less than an hour. It had already been a long day and she was grateful that at least it started at the tenth hour and not three or four hours later. She wondered if Thomas was dressed and ready; she thought he probably was because he didn't have to do much with his hair or with his clothing she thought with an inward sigh. At least she'd been able to see and speak with him earlier as there was no tradition here of not seeing each other on the wedding day until the ceremony itself.

Glancing at her gown from the corner of her eye Rebecca marveled that it was hers – that she had a dress so beautiful to wear on her wedding day. It was a very pale shade of green, with tight fitting sleeves and a short train that trailed several feet behind her. The long, flowing gown had delicate beading around the hems, neckline, and swirling around the seams on the skirt. The beads were only slightly darker than the green of the gown and had been sewn into intricate patterns of delicate flowers.

"There," said Lothrín as she tucked in the last bit of hair. "What do you think, my lady?" Rebecca looked into the mirror but her maid was speaking to Arwen. Looking critically at her reflection she decided she liked it even if it was different than she had ever worn it before; it was so strange to think of getting married without wearing a veil, but the flowers looked nice enough and matched the dress well.

"It is very well done, Mistress Lothrín," said Arwen, smiling. "Do you like it, Rebecca?"

"Yes, I do, it's very pretty," she replied, reaching up and lightly touching the braids. "Thank you, Lothrín."

"Now, your gown," the maid said briskly, though a brief, pleased smile crossed her face at Rebecca's words. "If you'll stand up, lady, I'll help you step into your gown."

Rebecca was already wearing the shift she would be wearing under the gown and so it was simply a matter of carefully stepping into the gown which laced up the back. She spoke with Arwen as her maid tugged and tied.

"Were you nervous last year when you got married?"

Arwen slowly shook her head. "No, not really, Rebecca. Perhaps a little concerned about living here in Minas Tirith, but not about the wedding itself. What concerns you… the number of people who will be there?" she asked with a gentle smile.

Lothrín gave a small snort before Rebecca could answer. "Once you see Lord Thomas standing there you won't notice anyone else, Lady Rebecca," she said. "Leastways, I didn't notice anyone else but my husband when I got married."

"And how many people were at your wedding?" Rebecca asked, looking at her maid in the mirror.

"Oh, our families and neighbors and a few friends," Lothrín replied with a thoughtful frown as she continued lacing up the gown.

"I thought so," said Rebecca with a small laugh which she stifled at Lothrín's tsking noise and hand on her shoulder. "Well, I think there will be a few more people there today."

"It matters not, Rebecca," said Arwen. "Mistress Lothrín is right, once you see Thomas standing there everything else will fade into the background."

"I hope you're right," she muttered, but she smiled at Arwen.

"There," said Lothrín as she finished lacing the gown. "Turn around now and let me see how it looks, lady." With a quick, amused glance at Arwen, Rebecca did as she was told, letting Lothrín fuss over her for a few minutes as the maid made small adjustments to the fitting of the gown.

"Thank you, Lothrín, I think that looks perfect now," Arwen said after a couple of minutes. Rebecca nodded her agreement and was going to comment when there was a soft knock on the door, Lothrín hurried over to answer it while Rebecca took a deep breath, knowing it was time.

0-0-0-0-0

Aragorn smiled at Lothrín when the maid opened the door and curtseyed deeply. He was wearing formal black robes that had the Royal Seal of Gondor embroidered in silver on the left side of his chest while the cuffs, hems, and neckline all had small images of the White Tree, which were also embroidered in silver thread. Andúril was belted around his hips and the Elendilmir sat firmly on his brow.

"Is Lady Rebecca ready?" Aragorn asked, though the door was open far enough that he could see his daughter standing in the middle of the room eyeing him nervously.

Lothrín glanced at Rebecca and at her nod she opened the door even further. "Yes, she is my Lord King, come in."

"Wait here," Aragorn said to his brothers before walking into the room. The twins leaned against the wall as they waited to escort Arwen to the wedding. Crossing the room to Rebecca, Aragorn briefly looked her over before smiling at her, noticing that she had a small piece of material in her hand that she was twisting. At least she was not twisting one of the laces on her gown he thought with amusement. He would have to remember to take it from her before they left the Tower.

"You look beautiful,sell-nín," he said, carefully giving her a kiss on her cheek and not her brow so as not to muss her hair.

"Thank you," she replied with a small smile. "How is Thomas? Is he out there already?"

"Legolas and Gimli have him well in hand," replied Aragorn, grinning. "You need not worry about him." He looked at Arwen. "You look beautiful as well, meleth-nín."

Arwen smiled. Her gown had been made to compliment Aragorn's robes and so was a grayish silver color, though the intricate beading and embroidery on it were a very deep blue instead of black. Arwen's delicate circlet, the small blue sapphires nearly matching the color of Rebecca's dress, sat atop her hair which hung loosely down her back except for a few strands that were pulled back in tiny braids and pinned above her ears, clearly showing the pointed tips.

"Elladan and Elrohir are waiting to escort you, Arwen," Aragorn said to his wife. He glanced at Lothrín and then quickly at Arwen and back to the maid. "Do you have a place to stand?" he asked, hoping that someone had thought of her.

"My daughter and son-in-law were going to try and save me a place," she replied with a small shrug. "If not, then I'll join the rest of the serving staff, my Lord King. Don't you worry about me, I'll be fine," she said as she curtseyed and hurried out the door before Aragorn could reply.

Aragorn chuckled and shook his head slightly. "I am glad you have her with you, Rebecca."

"Me, too, she's been very helpful… is it time to go?" she asked, shifting restlessly from side to side.

"I will go with my brothers now," said Arwen. "I believe we need to be in place before you and Thomas," she said with a small smile. She lightly kissed Rebecca on the cheek. "Let this be a time of joy for you,sell-nín," she whispered before gliding out of the room.

"We will wait until the guardsman tells us Thomas is in place and then we will go," Aragorn said. "It will not be long." He gave her a reassuring smile. "Do you need to practice your vows again?"

Rebecca shook her head. "The rings! Who has the rings? Did I give the ring to Arwen?" she asked, a note of panic in her voice.

"Peace, Rebecca. The rings were given to Gimli and Arwen this morning at breakfast. Do you not remember?"

She took a deep breath. "Yes… right… I remember that now. I'm sorry, Adar," she said. "I don't know why I'm acting this way. I'm excited and nervous and…"

"You are acting this way because are about to get married, Rebecca," Aragorn said, gently patting her shoulder. "You have been waiting for this day for a very long time and it is one of the most important events in your life; your reactions are very normal and I venture to say that once we leave this room and actually start the wedding you will relax somewhat. And, you will not need that." He indicated the cloth she was still twisting nervously. She looked down at it, surprise filling her eyes.

"I forgot I had it," she muttered.

"At least you are not twisting the laces on your gown," he gently teased. "I doubt you want parts of it falling off today."

"Adar!" She handed him the cloth. "Here, you take it, I don't need it anymore."

"I will put it in my tunic in case you need it later." Aragorn smiled at her slight scowl, pleased that he had taken her mind off the wedding if only for a moment. There was a knock on the door. "It is time, sell-nín," he said, holding out his arm. Rebecca gave him a brief smile as she laid her hand on his arm and they walked out the door.

0-0-0-0-0

As he paced back and forth in front of the tall metal doors in the throne room of the White Tower, Thomas could hear the murmurs of the gathering crowd and, from what he had seen earlier when they'd walked to the building, it was a very large crowd. In a few minutes the doors would swing open and he'd be marching slowly between the rows of people until he came to a stop near the Court of the Fountain where he would wait for Rebecca to join him. Then they would finally marry. He tried to focus on the discussion Gimli and Legolas were having regarding the building of the elven colony in Ithilien, but was largely unsuccessful as thoughts of Rebecca kept crowding into his mind.

"You're going to wear yourself out, lad," Gimli commented when Thomas again strode past the column the dwarf was leaning against.

"I need to keep moving."

"It will not be long now," Legolas said, glancing out windows that were set high above them in the large room.

"Thank you both for doing this," said Thomas, looking at his friends in turn. "It means a lot to me to have you beside me today."

Gimli let out a small snort and shrugged while Legolas smiled as he replied,

"I am honored to be a part of this with you and Lady Rebecca. It will be quite different than an elven wedding." He glanced down at the silk cord he had draped over his arm; the cord consisted of nine separate strands of different colored silk threads woven together – red, blue, gold, silver, purple, white, black, green, and yellow. "Even different than Estel and Arwen's."

"Certainly different than what I'm used to," Thomas said. He gestured at the cord. "Binding hands together is not anything I've ever seen done, though I've not been to a lot of weddings either. But it doesn't matter."

"Not as long as you're married when it's finished," said Gimli, taking out his pipe. He began pulling out his bag of pipe-weed and then, scowling, shoved both it and his pipe back into the pouch.

"I think it would be best to do that later, Gimli," Legolas observed, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "Perhaps during the feast."

Gimli's retort died on his lips as a small side door opened and the Master of Protocol hurried over to them, bowing slightly.

"It is time, Lord Thomas. Everyone else is in place now. Queen Arwen has just arrived with her brothers and now we need you to come before Lady Rebecca and the King may proceed. If you are ready I'll tell the guardsmen to open the doors." He gave Thomas a questioning look. After giving the man a brisk nod, Thomas glanced at Legolas and Gimli with a small, nervous smile before following the man to the door.

It was a beautiful spring afternoon and the sun shone brightly down on the many hundreds of people that had gathered in the large area of the Courtyard between the Merethrond and the Court of the Fountain. A gentle breeze blew, cooling what otherwise might have been a warm day into a pleasant one.

Thomas made one last adjustment to his mantle before he stepped out the door. He had refused to wear formal robes over his tunic and breeches insisting that the black clothes were formal enough… and reminding him of a suit he might have worn at home. However, Rebecca and Aragorn were just as insistent that he wear a silver mantle and as it fell almost to his ankles it was nearly the same as wearing a robe as far as he was concerned. A sudden image of the men on the ranch where he used to work came to mind. He could not help smiling as he imagined their reactions to seeing how he was dressed and Thomas was still smiling as he walked through the door.

Ignoring the low murmurs his appearance generated, the young man slowly walked down the aisle left open for him. He could hear Gimli's footsteps behind him and assumed that he and Legolas were not far behind. Along the aisle were people he knew, some of the clerks in the offices were at the beginning – near the Tower – but closer to the White Tree were members of the nobility and then finally Prince Imrahil and his family, Prince Faramir, Éomer King, Éowyn, and Halbarad standing with Camíriel. Arwen and her brothers stood just to the left of the Tree and she gave Thomas a gentle smile as he approached. He bowed slightly to her and went to the right side of the Tree with Legolas and Gimli standing beside him as he turned and faced back down the aisle. Now all he could do was wait for Rebecca. He took a deep breath and stared at the door he had just left knowing that Rebecca and Aragorn would have entered there not long after it had closed behind him. As the door began to swing open he stopped shifting from one foot to the other and took another deep breath.

0-0-0-0

Feeling Rebecca's grip tighten on his arm as they made their way down the steps from the Tower, Aragorn gave it a reassuring pat and gave her the briefest of smiles when she glanced up at him. Her hand loosened and she took a deep breath. When they reached Thomas, Aragorn gripped his son's shoulder before taking Rebecca's hand and placing it on the young man's arm. He then took his place in front of them with his back to the White Tree and facing the crowd of people. After a glance at Arwen, Aragorn began the ceremony, his voice clear and reaching to the furthest edges of the Courtyard.

"Welcome. You are here to witness the wedding vows of Thomas, son of Morgan and Elizabeth, beloved ward of King Elessar Telcontar to Rebecca, daughter of Norton and Mary, also a much beloved ward of mine and Queen Arwen's." He smiled gently, seeing their startled looks. The inclusion of their parents' names had never been discussed except between himself and Arwen.

"Thomas,ion-nín, you have chosen to take Rebecca to wife. Do you do this without reservation, with joy and delight in her and in your choosing?"

"I do," he replied, his eyes not leaving Rebecca's, though his voice was strong and loud enough for all to hear.

Aragorn smiled and turned his gaze on Rebecca who looked at him briefly. "Rebecca, sell-nín, you have chosen to take Thomas to husband. Do you do this without reservation, with joy and delight in him and in your choosing?"

"Yes, yes, I do," she said, smiling first at Aragorn as she answered the question and then at Thomas as she turned her full attention back to him.

"So be it then. Let all present bear witness to their words this day; that Thomas and Rebecca have chosen to bind with one another willingly and with joy and delight." Aragorn turned to Legolas and the elf stepped forward and handed him the multi-colored cord he had been holding. "I bind you together," Aragorn said as he placed Thomas and Rebecca's wrists together, each grasping the others arm, "in token of your spoken vows today." He bound the cords gently around their wrists before turning them to face the crowd. "See them bound one to the other, bound in body and spirit, to share all of life's joys and its hardships, to rejoice with one another, to grieve with one another, to care for one another and to allow one another freedom, to argue and make up with one another from this day forth until death alone breaks this bond."

Aragorn glanced quickly at Rebecca and Thomas to see that they were both staring down at their bound arms. As if sensing his gaze, Thomas looked up at his adar, his brow furrowed slightly and Aragorn wondered what he was thinking. That question would have to wait, however, and Aragorn turned his gaze back to the crowd. "Do all agree?" There were loud cries of approval from all over the Courtyard and the young couple smiled as they looked out at the crowd.

Turning them back to face himself, Aragorn unbound their wrists and handed the cord back to Legolas who stepped back to his place beside Gimli. "It is time to exchange the marriage tokens now. A year ago you declared your love for one another by exchanging silver rings and now it is time to replace those with gold ones."

Rebecca and Thomas removed their rings and handed them to Aragorn who beckoned Halbarad forward. Halbarad removed two beautifully wrought silver chains from a small wooden box he'd been holding and placed one of the silver betrothal rings on each chain. Turning first to Rebecca and then Thomas he carefully put the necklaces around their necks before murmuring a short blessing over them and returning to his place.

Arwen then handed Rebecca the gold ring for Thomas, while Gimli handed Thomas the one for Rebecca. Rebecca slid the gold ring onto Thomas's finger, her gaze never wavering as she looked him squarely in the eye. She took a deep breath before she recited her vows.

"Thomas, this day I take you as my husband, to join with you and to share all that is to come. I promise to love and care for you from now until death parts us." She smiled and Thomas squeezed her hand before slipping her ring on and repeating his vows to her.

"Rebecca, this day I take you as my wife, to join with you and to share all that is to come. I promise to love and care for you from this day until death parts us."

The King Elessar of Gondor and Arnor placed his hands around their still clasped hands. "May Eru bless you this day and each day that comes as you began your new life together. May you find joy and contentment and the strength to endure what must be faced as life unfolds." Aragorn smiled down at the newly married couple. "Thomas, you may kiss your wife. Finally," he added in a low whisper. Thomas flashed him a quick grin before pulling Rebecca closer and kissing her while the crowd began applauding and cheering.

The cheering did not cease as a smiling Thomas and Rebecca walked hand in hand back down the aisle to the Tower. Aragorn and Arwen followed some twenty yards behind the young couple and they were followed by the rest of the family and their closest friends. There would be a short time of waiting while the assembled people were ushered into Merethrond and then the wedding party would walk over to start the celebration.

0-0-0-0-0

Thomas pulled Rebecca into his arms as soon as they were out of sight of the crowd and kissed her hungrily. He knew they only had a moment before the others would arrive and he intended to take full advantage of it. But the door swung open even sooner then he thought and with a frustrated sigh he released his wife. However, Rebecca kept a tight grip on his hand and leaned against him.

"How do you fare?" asked Aragorn as he and Arwen approached the newly married couple.

"Oh, very well, Adar!" Rebecca replied, her eyes sparkling. Aragorn smiled, his eyes matching the look in hers.

"I believe you," he said with a quiet laugh before turning his gaze on Thomas who was looking down at Rebecca, a half-smile on his lips. The young man looked at Aragorn when he spoke.

"And you, ion-nín, how do you fare?"

"Very well." He hesitated and then quietly added, "but relieved that it's over." Aragorn grinned and a snort of laughter came from Éomer who had joined them and they were quickly being surrounded by their friends. Thomas shrugged. "Well, I am. Aren't you, Rebecca?" he asked and she nodded.

"Yes, but it really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be," she said. "Once I saw you standing there I didn't really notice anything else… not until right at the end where we had to speak our vows."

Thomas did not answer and simply nodded. It did not matter. The ceremony was over and he was married and that was all that was important to him. Now he could relax – at least a little bit – and enjoy the company of his family and friends at the celebration. But, first he accepted the warm congratulations and well wishes of those who were closest to him as they waited for the Master of Protocol to inform them it was time to leave for the celebration.

0-0-0-0-0

Taking her husband's hand, Rebecca let him lead her from the head table to the dance floor. The remains of the feast had been cleared away and it was time for the dancing to begin. While she and Thomas often danced together at various feasts and celebrations during the past year, this was the first time that they would be the first couple on the floor – that honor was usually reserved for Aragorn and Arwen. But as the bride and groom it fell to them this night. She was only a little nervous. Rebecca knew that Aragorn and Arwen would quickly join them and they would be followed closely by others, but still there were those few minutes alone that were a little daunting.

"Are you ready?" Thomas whispered as he placed his other hand on her waist. At her nod he gave a signal to the musicians and the first song started. Rebecca followed Thomas's lead as he stepped to the right and into the first movements of the dance. Her eyes never left his deep blue ones and suddenly all of the people watching them seemed to disappear and the only thing that was important was Thomas. Neither of them spoke as they danced. Neither of them noticed when Aragorn and Arwen joined them. Nor when the dance floor began filling with other people. They only gradually became aware of others again when the music was drawing to a close and it took Aragorn clearing his throat to truly catch their attention as the royal couple danced alongside them.

"Shall we switch partners for the next dance?" asked Aragorn, his eyes twinkling as he looked at Rebecca and Thomas in turn.

Rebecca hesitated only a moment and then nodded. It wasn't that she didn't want to dance with her father; it was just that she'd rather dance with Thomas. But she realized she'd be dancing with a lot of different men throughout the evening; it came with being the daughter of the king as well as being the bride. Thomas kissed Rebecca lightly on the lips before placing her hand in Aragorn's.

"I'm claiming the next dance with you, Rebecca" he said before turning to Arwen with a slight bow. "My lady," said Thomas as he held out his hand. Arwen smiled and placed her hand in his.

"I suggest you do not wander far from us if you intend to dance with Rebecca any time soon, ion-nín," Aragorn said, smiling slightly. "There are others here who will wish to dance with her and you, too, have obligations." Aragorn indicated Éowyn, Camíriel, and Lothíriel. "Although," he continued, his eyes sparkling with amusement, "since it is your wedding night, you do not have to dance with any of the other noble young ladies." He cast a sidelong glance to where groups of beautifully dressed young women were standing. Since the War there were far more women than there were men available to marry them. Over the last six months – once Thomas had become a fairly proficient dancer - Aragorn had asked him to dance with these young women at the various formal events so that they not stand alone along the sides of the great hall the entire evening.

"Thank you, Adar," Thomas said fervently as the music started and he and Arwen began the dance, the queen laughing quietly as they moved away.

"Yes, thank you, Adar," Rebecca echoed her new husband and Aragorn chuckled.

"You are welcome. You do not mind dancing with other men?" he inquired as they danced.

"I will only dance with friends and family… Halbarad, Éomer, Faramir… men like that," Rebecca replied. "Or, elves," she added, smiling.

Aragorn simply returned her smile as her attention was increasingly drawn away by the well wishes of the people dancing around them.

0-0-0-0-0

Thomas choked on his wine when someone clapped him hard on the back. Eyes watering, and coughing as he tried to clear his burning throat, Thomas looked up at the King of Rohan with a scowl furrowing his brow. But if Éomer noticed, he didn't say anything as he plopped into the seat next to the newly married young man at the high table.

"Not dancing? Where is your bride, Thomas?" Éomer inquired, a smile lighting up his face.

Gesturing toward the dance floor as he swallowed a drink of water it took another moment for Thomas to speak. "She's dancing with someone… oh, it's Erchirion now," he replied staring hard at Prince Imrahil's middle son and wondering if he ever would get to dance with Rebecca again. Perhaps he should just go and cut in; but he didn't know if that was proper or not. He shook his head and turned his gaze back to Éomer.

"Why aren't you dancing? I know there are lots of young ladies that would dance with you, my lord king," he said, grinning.

"There are," Éomer said with a sidelong glance to the edges of the dance floor where many young ladies stood. "But I have my eyes on only one young woman and she is presently dancing with her brother."

Thomas looked to see Amrothos dancing with Lothíriel and he nodded once. "Will you…" his voice trailed off as he wasn't sure if he should ask Éomer how serious he was about the Princess of Dol Amroth. They seemed to spend quite a bit of time together when he saw them both in Minas Tirith, but they were seldom here at the same time.

"I plan to ask her to marry me and then to ask Imrahil for his blessings." His gaze was fixed on Lothíriel and Thomas smiled.

"Well, I suggest you do not slap Imrahil on the back while he's drinking right before you ask him," said Thomas, smiling. "He's liable to say no just out of spite."

Laughing, Éomer clapped him on the back again. "I'll remember your advice, boy! Now, go and claim your wife. The dance is ending and it's time for you to leave, you've been here far too long. Much longer than any man of Rohan would have stayed at his wedding celebration," he said, grinning.

After listening to the music for a moment and deciding that Éomer was right, Thomas pushed himself away from the table and stood to his feet, his eyes never leaving Rebecca.

"I believe you're right. Good-night, Éomer," he said before carefully wending his way through the crowd and arriving at Rebecca's side just as the music ended.

0-0-0-0-0

Rebecca saw Thomas approaching from the corner of her eye. Evidently Prince Erchirion did too because he suddenly grinned, and began dancing toward her new husband. As the music ended, Prince Erchirion placed Rebecca's hand in Thomas's and gave a half bow to the newly married couple.

"I wish you both much joy and happiness. May the Valar bless you," he said, before turning and wandering off into the crowd.

They murmured their thanks to the prince, but Rebecca doubted he heard them as Thomas was already leading her in the opposite direction and off the dance floor. A servant with a tray of drinks caught Thomas's attention and he swerved in that direction. After a quick appraisal of the choices, they selected the only cup of chilled fruit juice on the tray to share with each other before continuing to the side of the large room. A spot half hidden in shadows behind one of the tall pillars gave them a measure of privacy and was a place they frequently retreated to during the formal evening events they attended. Thomas handed Rebecca the juice and she took a long drink before returning it.

"That's nice," she murmured. It was still warm in the room even though the sun had gone down some time before. Rebecca slipped her arms around Thomas, leaning against him now that they were hidden from view. He put his free arm around her and pulled her closer as he drained the cup of juice. They stood silent for a moment and then finally Thomas shifted, pulling back a bit so he could see Rebecca's face.

"Are you ready to leave?" he asked softly.

Rebecca glanced quickly out at the roomful of people before looking back at Thomas. "I… well, yes, of course," she replied. "But can we with all of the people still here?" They were usually among the last to leave any celebration.

Thomas grinned and nodded. "I spoke with Adar earlier today and he said we only had to stay until after the sun had set and it's been down for awhile now." Rebecca laughed, covering her mouth with her hand when she realized there were people approaching their hiding place. She spoke after the people passed by.

"Do we need to say good-bye to people or can we just leave?" she asked, glancing toward the high table where Aragorn and Arwen sat with family and friends.

"Just leave. Come on." Thomas took Rebecca's hand and they strolled casually back out into the main room and headed for the doors. They smiled and nodded at those they passed but did not stop and speak to anyone as they made a beeline for the door.

0-0-0-0-0

The light touch of Arwen's fingers on his arm drew Aragorn's attention away from the conversation he was having with Imrahil, Faramir, Halbarad, Elphir, and Elladan regarding the disturbing reports they had been receiving from their scouts in the East. Something was going to have to be done; the only question was when and where. He turned his head and looked questioningly at Arwen, realizing as he did so that perhaps their discussion should be delayed until the morning. But she did not speak to him of that, at least not at first. She simply smiled as she motioned toward the doors which Rebecca and Thomas were just disappearing through.

Aragorn turned fully to Arwen. "I wondered how much longer they would stay," he said, returning her smile with one of his own. "I told Thomas they could leave after the sun had set and it is well past that now."

"Rebecca has been dancing quite a bit," she quietly replied. Éowyn, Lothíriel, and Laereth were sitting on the other side of Arwen. "I imagine Thomas was worried about appearing rude and did not interrupt them until just now."

"I thought I made him understand that he need not worry about such things today," Aragorn said with a quiet laugh.

"He will always worry about such things, beloved," she replied. Arwen's gaze shifted briefly to the men sitting on the other side of Aragorn. "Will you have to leave soon?" she murmured.

Aragorn took her hand in his and caressed it as he answered. "I know not. There are still some scouts who have not returned. It will take time to gather and prepare our army and I will not leave our city without protection. I do not see how we can be ready to leave for five or six months. It is already the middle of May and if we are not ready to leave until December then I will wait the additional months and leave at the end of February – unless something happens that would necessitate us leaving earlier.

"If the Easterlings begin marching here instead of simply re-building their army against the terms of the treaty they signed, or if we discover they have been attacking any of the settlements we will have to leave earlier than I want to. But," he paused and he glanced meaningfully at her stomach, "I hope to be here for the birth of our child." His voice was barely audible at the end for not everyone around them knew of the coming child and he did not want passing servants to overhear.

Arwen nodded, her grip tightening on his hand. "I hope so as well," she murmured. "But…" her voice trailed off and a faraway look appeared in her light grey eyes.

"Yes?" Aragorn prompted her after a moment and she turned her gaze back to him, her eyes now sparkling with laughter.

"Have you ever heard the story of my birth?" she asked. Aragorn slowly shook his head and she smiled. "Then we must ask Elrohir to tell you the story. Adar almost missed my birth and evidently Naneth was more worried about him than about having me," said Arwen with a soft laugh.

"Truly?" Aragorn wondered why he had never heard the story before. There were so many things he did not know about Arwen's childhood. The two of them had taken little time to speak of such things and he vowed to do so in the near future.

"Where was he? Why was he not there?" he asked Arwen. He could not imagine Elrond straying far from Celebrían's side when she was due to have the baby that day.

Arwen shook her head. "Elrohir must tell it; he was there and knows details that I do not. I will say that I was born two days early and so no one was expecting me to be born that particular day."

"Ah," said Aragorn, with a smile creasing his lips, that explained it then. "Then I will ask him to tell me soon. Now, my lady wife, would you like to dance?"

Her only response was to hold out her hand and Aragorn grasped it and helped her to her feet before leading her to the dance floor.

0-0-0-0-0

"It seems strange to come up here at night," Rebecca whispered as she and Thomas walked up to the stairs to the second floor of the House. "I'm not used to it, I just walk in the door and my chambers are right across the hallway from the door and…" her voice trailed off when Thomas pulled her to a halt on the landing.

"There's no need to be nervous, Rebecca," he said quietly, running the back of his fingers up and down her cheek.

"I'm not ner… well, maybe I am a little bit," she admitted, looking slightly past him for a moment and then meeting his eyes directly. "But just a little bit," she repeated. She knew she shouldn't be nervous but she couldn't help it.

"You don't need to whisper either," Thomas said, smiling as he leaned down and kissed her. He put his arm around her waist and they continued up the stairs.

"Was I whispering?" she asked, shaking her head and speaking in a normal voice. "I guess I was." She bit her lip to keep herself from saying anything else. As they walked down the hall toward their new home she noticed there was only one guard at the far end of the hall at the door that led to the servants' quarters. Her and Thomas's guards had stopped at the top of the stairs to give them some additional privacy – for which she was extremely grateful.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how you and Arwen decorated this," said Thomas as they neared the door.

Rebecca glanced up at him to see if he was serious or just making conversation. He appeared to be serious. "I hope you like it. We can change it if you don't," she said. He nodded as he stopped at the door.

"I know I'm supposed to carry you in, Rebecca, but I don't think they do that here and with the guards," he said quietly, "I'm not sure…"

"It's all right," she replied. "I don't want you to do it either." She paused, thinking. "You can carry me through the door into our… bedroom," she said, trying not to blush and mostly succeeding. Thomas grinned and opened the door, ushering his wife inside.

They stopped inside the door, stunned. Someone had decorated the room. Vases of fresh cut red tulips and yellow daffodils were set on almost every available flat surface and thin streamers made out of white ribbon and cloth were draped along the fireplace mantle and around the windows, reminding them of the decorations they had made at Christmas.

"Did you do this?" Thomas asked, as he slowly looked around the room.

"Noooo, I didn't. I didn't have time to do anything like this today." She let go of Thomas's hand and wandered around the room smelling flowers and looking at the vases. "I don't think they normally do this here; I think Arwen had this done for us," she said remembering all the conversations she'd had with Arwen regarding wedding customs from their time. And while this wasn't one of them, Rebecca thought it was Arwen's way of making the wedding night special for them.

"It was nice of her," said Thomas, joining Rebecca near the window overlooking the garden. "There's a tray with wine and juice and I think even water if you want some. Some fruit and bread and things too." He gestured over his shoulder towards the low table in front of the hearth.

"No, I'm fine," Rebecca said, shaking her head. "Do you like our… home?" She and Arwen had, with the help of the servants, spent a lot of time the last few weeks decorating and setting up the apartment. Thomas nodded.

"I like what I can see in here," he said, grinning. "There are a lot of extra things right now. But it looks good. I'd like to see the other rooms now. Will you show me?" he asked, his voice deepened and his eyes darkened slightly. Rebecca swallowed hard as she nodded. She took his hand and clasped it tightly.

"I-I think that some of the rooms can wait until tomorrow," she said softly.

Thomas nodded as he kissed her. "That's fine," he murmured between kisses. "I can wait." It was quiet for a time as they kissed and then Thomas pulled back, breathing hard. "I think the bedchamber is this way, is it not?" he asked, already leading Rebecca in the direction he was indicating. Rebecca stopped on the threshold and Thomas looked at her, concern in his eyes but she smiled.

"You're supposed to carry me, remember?" she said, laughing softly. Thomas grinned and kissed her hard before easily picking her up. Rebecca wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him once before laying her head on his chest.

"I remember now," replied Thomas as he walked into their room and closed the door.

0-0-0-0-0

Thomas awoke with a start. Rubbing at his eyes, he stared up at the ceiling wondering where he was and then a slow smile crossed his lips as he remembered. He half turned and looked to his left but Rebecca was gone, the bedcovers neatly pulled up. Sitting up, Thomas glanced out to the little balcony but she wasn't there either. Quickly donning a pair of leggings he walked into the sitting room and after a moments search saw that she was out on the balcony staring down at the garden. He crossed to the door and then stood on the threshold, uncertain. Perhaps she wanted to be alone.

"The view is different from here, Thomas," Rebecca finally said in a quiet voice, not turning to look at him.

"Yes," he replied, joining her at last. Something in her tone made him wonder if she truly meant the garden or something else entirely. "Are you all right, Rebecca?" he asked, taking her hand and caressing it gently. She turned her head and looked up at him, her eyes shining.

"I'm very well, Thomas. Are you?" she asked, laughing softly and he grinned as he nodded. He drew her into his arms and kissed her long and deeply.

"We should go inside," Thomas said when he released her. "Others may be coming out here." Although, it was very early, near dawn from the few pink streaks he could see in the sky.

"You need a shirt…" Rebecca's voice trailed off as she stared at him. Or, rather at his chest, Thomas realized. "Thomas, when did this happen?" She lightly traced the faded scar on the left side of his chest and stomach. "I don't remember you ever getting injured here." It was more of a question than a statement and she looked at him, puzzled.

Thomas took her hand and kissed her fingers before walking back into the sitting room, gently tugging her along with him. "That happened at the ranch when a barbed wire for a fence we were stringing snapped and it came whipping back at me. I was lucky it didn't hit me in the face," he said. "Though," he added with a rueful smile, "I ended up with a scar on my face anyway." He rubbed at the scar near his eye that he'd acquired at Helm's Deep.

"We both have our share of scars," she said. She touched the arrow wound on her shoulder and absently began rubbing the thin material of her nightclothes between her fingers. "But I think mine have faded more than…"

"They have," Thomas interrupted with a look and grin that made Rebecca blush. "But perhaps we should compare them more closely?" he asked hopefully, glancing toward the bedroom.

Rebecca did not answer except to reach up and kiss him briefly before turning and leading him into their bedchamber.

0-0-0-0-0

"How much longer should we wait until we send someone to fetch them?" Aragorn asked Arwen. The two of them were standing near the windows in the sitting room as people began drifting into the large room in ones and twos. Family and close friends were gathering for a much more informal celebration and a time for the young couple to open gifts, some of which were stacked in a corner near the hearth. Many other gifts – mostly those given by people of the city – were set aside in another room and Rebecca and Thomas would open them in the next few days as they had time.

"They will be here, beloved," she replied. "Mistress Lothrín was recently summoned to their chambers," Arwen added with a hint of a smile.

"Good. I did not want to disturb them myself; yet I would have hesitated to send someone else."

"We should greet those who are arriving," Arwen suggested. Aragorn nodded, taking her hand as they crossed the room to welcome their guests. A short time later, just after they welcomed Prince Imrahil and Lady Laereth, Rebecca and Thomas arrived.

"Good evening,sell-nín, ion-nín," Aragorn said, smiling. "Not everyone has arrived, but Nusirile is serving wine and some light foods until supper is served."

"Which will not be for an hour or so," said Arwen.

"Oh, then we're early," said Thomas, chuckling when Rebecca slapped at his arm playfully. But she also smiled.

"Perhaps," said Aragorn, shaking his head. "However, as long as you are here, you may as well try and enjoy the company of your friends and family for a time."

"Thank you for all the flowers and the decorations, Arwen," said Rebecca, stepping forward and embracing the elf.

"You are most certainly welcome, sell-nín. Mistress Lothrín and several of the other servants helped as well."

"I'll thank her later," Rebecca was saying when a voice from behind interrupted her.

"I thought we were late," said Elrohir as he and Elladan joined them. "But I see we have arrived just in time to greet the newly wed couple." The younger elf smiled at Rebecca and Thomas as he took Rebecca's hand and kissed it softly in greeting. Elladan did the same, though he clasped hands with Thomas first.

"I regret I did not have a chance to dance with you last evening, Lady Rebecca," Elrohir said. "Every time I looked for you there was a line forming," he said, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

"There certainly was," Thomas muttered, earning chuckles from the others.

"There will be other times," Aragorn said, grinning and giving Thomas a bracing pat on the back. "But I do understand. Now, there are others waiting to greet you," he said, motioning to the others who had already arrived and were gathered in little groups around the room, "go and join them."

Thomas took Rebecca's hand in his and with a slight nod to Aragorn and Arwen they made their way into the room to join the others.

0-0-0-0-0

While Elladan and Elrohir walked out onto to the balcony to join Haldir and his brothers. Thomas and Rebecca went to the larger group sitting on couches and chairs around the hearth. They stood quietly as Lothíriel finished telling a story about something that had happened to her and her brothers on a boat when she was much younger. Erchirion and Elphir kept interrupting her with their own versions of the story, much to the amusement of the listeners. Éomer sat close to the young Princess of Dol Amroth and Rebecca could see the glow in his eyes as he watched her; and she wondered how long it would be until the two of them were betrothed.

Without the close scrutiny of other members of the nobility Faramir and Éowyn were much more at ease and sat on a couch holding hands. They appeared to be listening to Lothíriel but Rebecca noticed they were having a whispered conversation all their own. It didn't surprise her; it reminded her of what she and Thomas would have done not that long ago. She wondered if Éowyn was counting down the days to her wedding some three months away now.

Rebecca glanced around the room looking for Halbarad but he was not present. Camíriel was there with her parents, Lord Brandir and Lady Nínael, and the three of them were speaking with Prince Imrahil and Lady Laereth. She hoped something bad hadn't happened that would keep him away, but no, the rest of the Rangers were here. All gathered in a group at the other end of the room. She gave an inward sigh and nudged Thomas in the side. He glanced at her and she motioned with her head to the Rangers. He grimaced and began to walk away. His movement caught Éomer's attention.

"Thomas, Rebecca! You've joined us at last! I did not see you standing there," he said, grinning.

"You appeared occupied with the… story," Thomas said, smiling in return. "I'll be right back," he said as he strode off.

"Come and sit down," invited Faramir. He moved closer to Éowyn, leaving more than enough room for Thomas and Rebecca on the couch.

"Thank you," Rebecca murmured, hiding a smile as she sat down. She looked up as one of the servants approached but decided not to have anything to drink before supper; a cup of wine with the meal would be enough. She realized the others had fallen silent and were watching her; not exactly staring, but watching her nonetheless and she blushed. She turned to Lothíriel.

"I only heard part of your story, but do you often go out in boats by yourself?"

Lothíriel nodded. "Yes. Well, not as often as I did when I was younger because I do not have as much free time, but whenever I can, I do. Have you ever been sailing?"

"No, I've never even seen the ocean," Rebecca replied, staring at the floor and missing the amused glances that flashed between Faramir and his cousins from Dol Amroth. Rebecca looked up. "But, Aragorn said that we'll go to Dol Amroth someday and I'll do it then."

"Yes, of course," said Erchirion, smiling. "And I'll take you out for your first ride."

"Ride to where?" Thomas asked as he returned, Rangers in tow. He sat down next to Rebecca while the other men sat down here and there on the couches and chairs.

"We're talking about taking a boat out on the ocean," said Rebecca, "Erchirion offered to take us for a ride if we are ever in Dol Amroth."

"That would be fun," Thomas agreed, nodding. He glanced at Laegrist and the two other Rangers planning to go home to collect their families. "When are you heading north?"

The Ranger shrugged. "In a few weeks; Lord Aragorn has something he wants us to do first."

"You'll make it back in time for Halbarad's wedding, won't you?" Rebecca asked. It was a long way up to the Angle and then to pack up their families and return to the South would take months and Halbarad's wedding was in December.

"Oh, we'll be here," said Laegrist with a faint smile. "I won't miss Halbarad's wedding… not if I can help it."

"We're glad to hear that," Halbarad said from right over Rebecca's shoulder and she jumped, startled. She twisted her head around to see Halbarad standing there with Camíriel at his side. The Ranger gave her a brief smile before returning his gaze to Laegrist.

"I hope all of you make it back," said Halbarad, his gaze lingering longest on Eradan who did not respond beyond a small shrug.

"Will you use a wagon of some kind to move your things here?" Rebecca asked. She didn't know if there were roads that would make that possible or not. "Or do you have to put everything on horses?"

"We'll use packhorses, Lady Rebecca," Balrant replied. "It depends on what my wife wants to bring, but we'll only be bringing clothing and personal things. We can get furniture here."

"And anything else you need," said Aragorn as he and Arwen joined them. He waved Balrant back into his seat but allowed Erchirion to get a chair for Arwen, who thanked the young Prince with a smile. Aragorn perched on the arm of her chair.

As those on the balcony now joined the larger group, chairs and couches were pushed around to include everyone in the circle. There were a myriad of conversations going on as well as some gentle teasing of Thomas and Rebecca, though Faramir and Éowyn also found themselves being teased, mostly by his cousins. Though not, Rebecca noticed, by either Lothíriel or Éomer.

Aragorn stood and loudly cleared his throat to draw everyone's attention, waiting until everyone quieted before speaking.

"It is almost time for supper, but Arwen and I have two things we would like to do before we go downstairs for the meal. Thomas, Rebecca," he beckoned to the two young people, "please join us," he said. His expression was as serious as Rebecca had ever seen it and she gripped Thomas's hand tightly as they crossed the open space of the wide circle to stand before Aragorn and Arwen.

"Ion-nín, sell-nín," said Aragorn, his grey eyes studying them for a long moment before he spoke again. "Now that you are married it would be… unusual for you to continue as Royal Wards. While the Laws of Gondor and Arnor do not speak to it directly, custom among the people dictates that once a person marries they leave their wardship behind, though, of course, not the relationships they have."

"But," she protested and Aragorn put his hand up to stop her from speaking further.

"However," said Aragorn as he finally smiled, Rebecca relaxed and let out the breath she'd been holding as he continued, "Ours is a special situation and I want to formalize our relationship lest someone seek to take advantage of you. The laws of Gondor and Arnor do allow me to formally adopt you with the only provision being that you cannot be my heirs as only one of my bloodline may take the throne. It will simply ensure your status and in the event of Arwen's and my untimely deaths," he gave Rebecca a look filled with compassion when she blanched, "it will provide you with an income and property that you may live your lives comfortably."

"They would be welcome in Rohan, Aragorn," Éomer called out. "I can always use help in my stables," he said, grinning widely. General laughter met that comment and even Rebecca chuckled. Thomas turned to stare at the king briefly but either he could not think of anything to say or he changed his mind because he turned back to face Aragorn without saying a word to Éomer.

"Thank you, my brother," Aragorn said dryly, as he looked at his fellow king. "But I believe that my children will do quite well here in Gondor." Éomer shrugged, a smile still lighting up his face. Arwen handed Aragorn several pieces of paper that had different seals and ribbons on them and Faramir and Imrahil were suddenly standing with them.

"These are the adoption papers, you need to sign these and then Prince Faramir and Prince Imrahil will sign both as witnesses and as representatives of Gondor." Aragorn placed the papers on the little table that Legolas and Elladan had carried over from the other side of the room and he gestured for Rebecca and Thomas who slowly approached.

"It seems strange," Thomas whispered to Aragorn and Arwen as he took the pen she handed to him.

"What does?" asked Arwen in the same low voice.

"To be adopted at eighteen almost nineteen years of age when you're already married," he replied slowly. "But," a grin erased the crease in his brow, "it also feels right." Arwen returned his smile and Aragorn gripped his shoulder briefly before handing the pen to Rebecca who smiled with delight as she signed where directed. After all, it only made legal what already existed between them. She hugged first Arwen and then Aragorn while Faramir and Imrahil signed the papers.

"When will you announce it to the people?" asked Faramir as he finished signing the papers. He looked inquiringly at Aragorn, a strange little smile on his face.

Aragorn furrowed his brow as if in deep thought. "I think we will wait until they return," he said after a moment. He glanced at his steward. "We will announce the news of our coming child at that time as well."

"Return? Return from where?" asked Rebecca, her gaze shifting between Aragorn, Faramir, and Arwen.

"How long will we be gone?" Thomas asked, a spark of excitement in his eyes. He tightened his grip on Rebecca's hand and she looked up at him, puzzled.

"I did not think it would take you long to get my meaning," Aragorn said, chuckling. "Although, I did think it would take longer than that." There were smiles and laughter from their friends and family who surrounded them.

Rebecca suddenly realized what he meant and she gasped. "A honeymoon? Where are we going? How long will we be gone?" There was a pause. "Who else is going?"

Arwen answered her. "No one else is going with you." She glanced up at Aragorn with a wistful smile. "Except for your guards, of course." Rebecca shrugged and Thomas gave a nod of understanding.

"And," Aragorn said with a sidelong glance at Imrahil. "You are not going completely by yourselves. You will accompany Prince Imrahil and his family to Dol Amroth where you will spend a few weeks before returning."

"Dol Amroth?" Thomas said, looking truly stunned at the idea. Rebecca didn't say anything but she too was shocked that they were going so far. Never had she imagined traveling there without Aragorn and Arwen. Never had she even thought of traveling anywhere so far from home or to be gone so long without them.

"I suggested Edoras," Éomer said, chuckling.

"We've already been there," Thomas retorted, glancing at the king. "Someplace new is always preferred for a honeymoon."

"You have not been to Imladris, but I suppose it is too far," said Elrohir.

"Bree is nice this time of year," offered Eradan. All of the Rangers, as well as Elladan and Elrohir laughed at that.

"Dale and Esgaroth truly are beautiful," said Legolas, "but I fear it is also too far for you to travel."

Aragorn smiled at his friends. "I thank you for all of your suggestions." He glanced at Eradan. "Most of your suggestions," he amended. "However, Thomas and Rebecca will be leaving with Imrahil and his family the day after tomorrow. Now, I believe our supper is ready to be served downstairs." People stood and either came to speak to Rebecca and Thomas or slowly began to make their way toward the door.

Rebecca turned to Aragorn and hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Adar, thank you so much."

"You are welcome, Rebecca," Aragorn replied before turning to Thomas who also thanked him.

Before speaking to any of the others, Rebecca spoke to Arwen. "We're leaving the day after tomorrow?" Rebecca asked her. At her nod, Rebecca took a deep breath. It did not give her much time to get ready. They'd be gone at least a month and she'd need to bring clothes for both the days on the ship and then probably for formal events… Her thoughts were interrupted by Arwen's hand on her arm.

"Mistress Lothrín has already taken care of much of your packing, Rebecca," Arwen replied, "as she was moving things to your new chambers some of it was set aside for your journey. It will not take long for you to decide what other things you would like to take."

"Good," Rebecca said, smiling now. She knew how efficient her maid was and knew she had nothing to worry about in that regard. "Thank you," she said as she embraced her as well. Arwen was not able to reply before Rebecca was set upon by Éowyn and Lothíriel who began talking animatedly about her upcoming trip. Rebecca cast a quick look at Thomas, who was speaking with Erchirion, Faramir, Elphir, and Éomer. She suppressed a sigh. She'd have to speak with him later.

0-0-0-0-0

The newly married couple did not have a chance to speak of their trip to Dol Amroth until they were returning to their chambers later that evening. After supper they had all returned to the sitting room where the two of them had opened gifts. It had taken quite some time and they had only opened some of the gifts they had received. Neither of them could imagine what else awaited them when they returned.

But tonight there had been beautiful linens sent from the Shire, glass and pottery vases, books – from Erestor which brought a smile of delight to Rebecca's face. There were several woven rugs with intricate patterns from the elves of Lothlórien, while the elves from Imladris sent beautiful, soft, silky material that could be made into shirts or tunics. From Rohan there was a painting of the view from the steps of the Golden Hall, and from Dol Amroth came a glass pitcher with six cups, swans etched lightly into the glass.

Many other things were given, but one thing had made Thomas laugh out loud. Pippin had sent him a beautiful pipe with a pouch to hold it and a small barrel of pipe-weed. The hobbit was evidently not giving up on his quest to induce Thomas to start smoking. He kept the pipe, but gave the pipe-weed to Aragorn who immediately offered to share it with his men. An offer they did not refuse.

Now, returning to their chambers, Thomas carried the pipe, idly turning it over and over in his hands as they walked down the hall. Rebecca carried the books she'd been given.

"I cannot believe we're going to Dol Amroth," Rebecca said.

"I'm surprised Adar remembered honeymoons at all. We only mentioned it one time and that was almost a year ago."

"He has a very good memory," she said, smiling. "I've never been on a ship like this before."

Thomas smiled as he opened the door to their chambers. "Yes, you have. When we sailed up the river last year from Pelargir, we were on a ship that will be similar to what we're going on. This one might be a little bigger."

Rebecca laughed as the door closed behind her. "I guess I meant out on the ocean. I've never seen the ocean."

"I haven't done that either," he said with an expression that was mostly excitement, though a touch of worry was visible to those who knew him well. "It'll be fun though. I talked to Erchirion about it after supper."

"Lothíriel said she never gets seasick. But then she's been out in boats since she was a baby." Rebecca shrugged. "Dol Amroth! I remember Boromir talking about it, don't you?" Thomas nodded. "It just sounds so different than here and to be a guest there… It'll be very strange."

"It will be, but it'll be nice to have some time to ourselves. Well, mostly to ourselves," Thomas amended. After all they would be the guests of Prince Imrahil and his family. Still it would be nice to have some time away from Minas Tirith and to see something different.

"We'll have a lot to do to get ready," said Rebecca, looking around the room.

"Then we should probably go to bed," Thomas suggested with a sly smile. "It'll be a long day tomorrow getting things packed." Rebecca laughed as they made their way into their bedchamber.

0-0-0-0-0

Thomas was wrong. The ship taking them to Dol Amroth was nothing like the one he had sailed on from Pelargir. One, it was much bigger. Two, it was clean. While the Silver Swan was a true warship that had seen much action, it also served to ferry the royal family of Dol Amroth between its home port and Minas Tirith. The decks were scrubbed, the lamps were polished, and every rope was neatly coiled and set it in its proper place.

After seeing their things stowed in the tiny cabin that would be their home for the next six or seven days, Rebecca and Thomas returned to the upper deck where they joined Aragorn and Arwen who were standing in the bow looking down the river and speaking quietly. They had taken leave of all of their family and friends the evening before and now they just had this one last farewell to make. Aragorn turned and smiled at them.

"The captain is almost ready to sail," Aragorn commented, glancing to the stern of the ship. "Arwen and I need to disembark or we will end up in Dol Amroth as well. May the Valar bless you and keep you safe and may you have much joy on your journey." Aragorn kissed Rebecca on the brow before embracing her. She clung to him for a long moment as he gently patted her back. She finally stepped back with a whispered goodbye before turning to Arwen and hugging her tightly as well.

Thomas clasped Aragorn's hand tightly and the older man pulled him into a firm embrace whispering a few words that no one else heard but that made Thomas grin. He turned to Arwen and first kissed her hand in farewell and then hesitantly put his arm around her shoulder and hugged her from the side. Arwen smiled and kissed his cheek, which turned crimson under his beard.

As the four of them walked to the gangway, Thomas realized this was the first time since he'd been in Middle-earth that he would be away from everyone in the Fellowship. Not counting Rebecca, of course. But except for a day or two when Aragorn and Arwen had gone away, Thomas had always been around someone from the Fellowship and it was strange to think that none would be with them as they traveled. Strange to think that he and Rebecca were doing something in this world on their own, maybe not quite on their own, but probably as close as they would ever come to doing something on their own. They would always have guards with them and would probably always travel to places where they would stay with people they knew. As much as his marriage made him feel grown up, this realization made him feel like an adult in a different way, trusted or maybe…

"Your thoughts are far from here, ion-nín," said Aragorn in a low voice. Thomas looked around and saw they had reached the gangway where Eradan and Prince Imrahil and his family were waiting.

"Yes, they were," Thomas replied, whispering.

"As I have frequently mentioned, you need to pay attention to your surroundings, Thomas." Aragorn's eyes were twinkling with amusement and the younger man nodded with a sheepish grin. "Especially on a ship or you will end up in the water." Both of them laughed aloud at that.

"I promise to be careful, Adar," said Thomas, still chuckling as they joined the others.

Aragorn clasped hands with Prince Imrahil and his sons and kissed the women's hands in farewell before turning to Eradan.

"Guard them well, my friend," is all he said.

"I will, my Lord King," replied Eradan, bowing. "They'll be as safe in our hands," he glanced across the deck to where the four guardsmen lounged, "as if you were with us. But, I'll try and give them a little freedom," he said, grinning at Thomas.

"Thank you," said Thomas, returning the grin with one of his own. "And I will… follow your directions without complaints this time, Eradan." The Ranger held out his hand and Thomas clasped it.

"Does that mean I have to, too?" Rebecca asked with an innocent smile.

"Yes," all three men said at once, causing smiles and quiet laughter from Prince Imrahil and his family.

"I will miss you," said Aragorn.

"We will miss you," Arwen corrected him and he nodded.

"Yes, we will both miss you," he said, smiling at his wife briefly. "Remember that if you need anything Prince Imrahil is always there for you. Or, ask Eradan, he knows my thoughts as well as anyone and will surely give you guidance. But he does not know Dol Amroth…" Arwen put her hand on his arm and he looked at her questioningly.

"They will do well enough, beloved," she said softly and with a faint smile.

"Yes, they will," Aragorn replied, shaking his head slightly.

"We will, Adar," said Thomas, reaching out and taking his father's hand once more. It occurred to him that it was difficult for Aragorn to let them leave and it surprised him somewhat. But then, his mom had always hated having him leave and go back out to the ranch after he had spent some time at home and he supposed it was just the way parents reacted to their children leaving.

"Don't worry about us, Adar," said Rebecca, embracing Aragorn once again. "Eradan and the others won't let us out of their sight, so we won't get into any trouble." Aragorn laughed.

"Thomas will not get into any trouble," he agreed. "However, you have a tendency to find trouble, sell-nín." He smiled and took Arwen's hand as Rebecca just shrugged, grinning. Aragorn looked at Imrahil.

"Thank you, my Lord Prince. I look forward to seeing you and yours at Faramir and Éowyn's wedding. Unless we need to meet earlier about stirrings in the East," he added, grimly.

"I pray not, my Lord King. Farewell, and enjoy some time without your children underfoot," Imrahil said, smiling. "I know that the very few times that all of my children have been away, Laereth and I have quite enjoyed the time alone." There were sounds of protests from Imrahil's children and a quickly hidden smile from his wife.

Aragorn simply nodded, took one long last look at Rebecca and Thomas and led Arwen from the ship.

The deckhands began drawing in the gangway as soon as the king and queen were standing on the dock. Sails were let down, ropes holding the ship to the dock were untied and pulled aboard, and the anchor was raised. The prince and his family began disbursing immediately, though Imrahil and Laereth stopped and spoke with Thomas and Rebecca, informing them of meal times and other information they needed to make them more comfortable on the voyage. Much more quickly than either of them imagined, the Silver Swan pulled away from its berth for the long voyage down the Anduin River, across the great Bay of Belfalas to the city of Dol Amroth.

Trying to get out of the way of the deckhands, Rebecca and Thomas walked to the stern of the ship where they stood, looking back until the river curved and Minas Tirith slid out of sight behind the mountains. Then they turned and walked to the bow, eager to see what lay ahead of them.

--The End—

Author's Note: Thanks so much to all of my faithful readers and reviewers, especially for your patience these last few months as I've written these final chapters. I do not know when I'll be writing Rebecca and Thomas again. I do know that my next project will be to write another short story in my young Éomer and young Éowyn series, I always felt that needed one more story to complete that. After that, I don't know. I have some ideas floating around in my head and so it depends which one strikes me hardest. I also have some short stories lying around unfinished that I may work on.

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