Yearning

Chapter 4 (late Apr, 32 IV)

Gasthold stood on the seawall gazing over the ocean before him, watching the tide ebb and flow. It had been some six months since he left Minas Tirith, and he had hoped to have made more progress in that time toward getting over his feelings for Belinzil. It was not the case, however, and he found her as ever-present in his thoughts as always. He would go for a time without dwelling on her, and then see or hear something and her image would flash in his mind, accompanied by an ache deep within him. He was beginning to believe his heart would never be free of her, and that he would be destined to never marry, or worse yet, to marry someone else but without true love.

He had always envied both his parents and the royal couple of Rohan for the marriages they had entered, and the joy each found in their partner. It did not seem to be his lot in life to have the same. He could not still the heavy sigh that escaped, remaining oblivious to the bustling marketplace behind him. Though a few curious glances were cast his way, none approached him, but one woman watched him silently from the corner of a market shop.

It took several minutes for Belinzil to work up the nerve to draw near him. This was surely going to be awkward, but unless they spoke, there was no hope of improving matters. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward and moved to stand nearby.

"Greetings, Gasthold," she said quietly, not wanting to startle him, but he jumped slightly anyway so lost in his musings was he.

As he turned toward her, his eyes widened momentarily before he was able to school his features into his usual impassive demeanor.

"Lady Belinzil," Gasthold acknowledged, stepping down from the wall and offering a stiff bow. "You are looking well."

Belinzil shifted nervously and gave him a cautious smile. "You also, Gasthold." She paused, searching for something to say, then added, "Dol Amroth agrees with you then?"

He hesitated only slightly before responding, "It has its appeal."

It was not truly an answer to her question, Belinzil realized. The carefully worded remark concealed his feelings about being here, and the reason he had come. Taking another deep breath, she ventured, "We have missed you in Minas Tirith. Tuilwen says she always felt completely safe when you were guarding us. I think I would have to agree with that. You took prodigious care of us both."

"I thank you for your approbation. It was my pleasure to serve your father in such a manner," he answered formally.

Belinzil gave a small sigh. This was not going to be easy, clearly. She could not blame him his stiffness and caution with her. Surely he had been quite hurt by her behavior toward him before. She had never consciously done anything to bruise his feelings, but her indifference likely had been just as painful as any overt action on her part. How to tell him that she had changed these past few months? That she had thought much about him and their respective circumstances; that she had found him in the forefront of her mind far more often than she would have expected.

Looking back, she had realized things that were not evident to her at the time, such as that day she had seen him in Edoras, with a laughing, attractive woman on his arm receiving his warm attention. The pang she felt then she had dismissed as idle curiosity, but now she knew there had been a hint of jealousy mingled in as well. Only when she had learned it was his sister, did the churning in her stomach subside and she had quickly reverted to doting on that dull Tamleod. Whatever had she been thinking to be so taken with him? He was fawning and amiable, but had proved to be deathly boring. Even when faithfully conducting his duty to keep them safe, Gasthold had shown good humor and liveliness. Somehow when he had been accompanying them, it was more as though a friend was escorting them than a guard watching over them at her father's orders.

While they stood there in silence, each avoiding eye contact, a pretty, laughing, dark-haired woman came bursting from a nearby shop and hurried over to them, seizing Gasthold's arm in a familiar manner. Belinzil's heart seemed to stop beating within her; she knew he had left Minas Tirith to rid himself of his feelings for her – perhaps he had succeeded.

Gasthold had flushed slightly, but his companion turned to eye the other woman. "And who might this be, Gasthold?" she inquired.

"Forgive me my manners," Gasthold hastily responded. "Lady Belinzil, this is Rosswenn. Rosswenn, I would have you meet Lady Belinzil of Minas Tirith."

Rosswenn gazed at her a moment, then ventured, "Lady Belinzil…are you perhaps the king's daughter?"

"I am," Belinzil acknowledged stiffly, trying to dislike this woman though she seemed perfectly amiable. Why should Gasthold not have found another in her stead?

Rosswenn gave a laugh. "My dear cousin can be most economical with his words when he chooses! It is a very great pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lady." She stooped in a polite curtsy and gave an engaging smile.

Cousin? That was encouraging, Belinzil thought. Her smile was brighter and more open this time. "The pleasure is mine. I know little of Gasthold's family, though I did meet his younger sister at Edoras."

"Abadwyn," Rosswenn acknowledged. "She is coming for a visit next month. I do look forward to seeing her. Until Gasthold came to serve Prince Imrahil, we did not have much opportunity to become acquainted with my mother's kin in Rohan."

She tightened her grip on Gasthold's arm as she spoke, leaning into him, and he blushed again. Unsure what more to say, he asked his cousin, "Did you get what you were after in that shop?"

"Yes! See, is it not lovely?" she exclaimed, drawing a small parcel from her bag. She opened the wrapping so they both could see, and told them, "I have had my eye on this brooch forever, but only now had enough to afford it."

Belinzil took a closer look and remarked, "It is indeed beautiful. Is that mother-of-pearl?"

Rosswenn nodded. "My favorite, though I cannot often afford it. But I just could not resist this piece. And with –"

Gasthold cleared his throat and she broke off what she was going to say. Apparently her cousin did not wish to make it known that he had generously given her the final bit she needed to make the purchase. Changing the subject, she asked, "How long will you be in Dol Amroth, my lady?"

Belinzil glanced between the two of them, but did not question the rather obvious effort to divert the conversation. "We have just arrived, and hope to be here a fortnight or so."

"Lady Tuilwen is with you then?" Gasthold inquired, brightening.

"Yes. She took a chill on the boat, and so did not wish to venture out today," Belinzil explained. "She…I believe she would wish to see you, if that is all right with you." The princess eyed him hesitantly, awaiting his response.

"I should like that very much," he hastened to assure her. "Are you staying at the palace?"

"Yes. Prince Imrahil and his son Elphir are always most accommodating to us."

"I shall return to duty tomorrow, so most likely I will see her then," Gasthold acknowledged, now eager to escape Belinzil's presence. He had endured the pleasantries long enough, and he did not want to risk saying anything amiss if he lingered. By force of habit, he glanced around, looking for Belinzil's guard, and spotted them not too far away, looking slightly bored. Neither of them were men he knew, so Elessar must have taken on some new guards since his departure. Returning his attention to the ladies, he added, "We will leave you to your shopping then, my lady. Thank you for taking the time to greet me."

His words stung Belinzil. For a moment, their interaction had almost been friendly, but now he was retreating into his formal, soldierly behavior and distancing himself. How was she ever going to manage the sort of conversation she desired, to let him know that her feelings for him had changed drastically, that she desired to know him better? Before she could say anything more, Rosswenn bobbed another curtsy and bid her farewell, and the pair turned away down the street. Belinzil watched them go with saddened eyes.

For her part, Rosswenn had been surprised by Gasthold's behavior. He was not usually so abrupt with people, and she had thought he had gotten on well with the princesses when he had served in the White City. His actions now suggested something more was going on than she knew.

"Why did you not let me tell Lady Belinzil of your generosity, Cousin? Would it have embarrassed you?" Rosswenn asked, attempting to draw Gasthold out and encourage his confiding in her.

The attempt failed as he merely shrugged and told her, "She would not be interested in such things, Rosswenn. I was only one of her guards, not a friend."

Rosswenn eyed him from the corner of her eye, but kept silent. Despite his casual words, she felt the tension in him. Perhaps his departure from Minas Tirith had not been as it was represented to the family here. It would be interesting to observe her cousin over the course of the next two weeks.

xx

Tuilwen sniffled and blew her nose into a handkerchief, looking thoroughly miserable. She despised being ill, and it always made her cranky and reclusive. Carefully she sipped at the hot tea her sister had brought to her upon Belinzil's return from shopping. Her twin was uncharacteristically quiet, and she was just going to prod her as to the reason when an explanation was offered.

"I…saw Gasthold in the marketplace. He was there with his cousin, Rosswenn." Belinzil kept her voice neutral as she relayed this information, but Tuilwen was not fooled.

"Indeed. Did you speak with him?"

"Yes." Belinzil picked up some hair ties on the dresser and fingered them pensively.

"And?" Tuilwen prompted, when she did not continue.

"He…he was very polite and cordial. As usual. Nothing more," she answered tonelessly.

Tuilwen watched her sister over the steam from the mug of tea. At length, she asked, "And what did you expect of him?"

Belinzil turned sharply, giving her twin an annoyed look. "Not that! If he cares for me how can he be so cool toward me?" she exclaimed.

"How can he not?" Tuilwen asked. "He has no reason to think anything has changed. He left Minas Tirith to separate himself from you. Do you not think he might find this encounter painful? He is protecting himself as best he can."

Belinzil slouched into a chair, frowning at the floor. "But it is different now! I have feelings for him now, and I want to –"

"He does not know any of that," Tuilwen said firmly. "You must go slowly. First you must let him know of your interest, and then you can pursue getting to know him better. It is not going to happen in an instant, Belinzil."

"But…but I have hurt him so much. I only want to ease that pain, and let him know that I am changed," Belinzil observed plaintively.

"I know, but it still will take time. Even if your heart has changed, it will not be an easy thing for him to comprehend it. In his heart of hearts, I am sure he believes that such is impossible, even wrong. But do not fret. We will persuade him otherwise!"

xxx

"Gasthold! How good to see you again!" Tuilwen said, extending a hand to him.

Surprised by the familiarity, he bowed over the offered hand and pressed a brief kiss to her knuckles. "And you as well, Lady Tuilwen. Your sister says you are in ill health. I hope you will recover quickly that you may enjoy your sojourn in Dol Amroth."

She smiled, dabbing at her nose with her handkerchief. "It is more a nuisance than anything else. I will be well soon, I am sure. Come, tell me how you are liking the seashore and your time here." She moved to a couch, and gestured for him to sit.

His brow wrinkled in confusion, but he did as she directed. While he had always gotten on well with Tuilwen, she had never been quite so easy with him as she now was. After a moment, he began a short discourse into his time spent by the bay, and gradually began to relax in her presence.

"We have missed you in Minas Tirith," Tuilwen observed quietly, when he finished. "None of our other guards are so amiable as you were. Nor so solicitous of our well-being."

He blushed at the compliment, and murmured, "Thank you, my lady."

She gazed at him a moment, then said, "I have not told you – Father will be joining us next week. I believe he will wish to see you also."

"King Elessar is most kind to favor me so," he humbly acknowledged, and Tuilwen repressed a smile. Did Gasthold truly not understand the high esteem in which he was held, or was he just too modest to own it?

Just then, Belinzil entered the room to find her sister, but hesitated when she spotted her sister's companion. She eyed him warily, saying politely, "Good day, Gasthold."

Instantly, he rose and gave a short bow. "Lady Belinzil." Then, including both of the sisters, he added, "If you will excuse me, I must be about my duties." He was out the door to their murmured remarks of consent.

Once he was gone, the girls eyed one another in silence, not needing words to communicate. This was not going to be easy.

Over the next several days, though he hated to do so, Gasthold made it a point to avoid being anywhere near the princesses whenever it was possible. The less he saw of them, the better it would be for all concerned.

The arrival of Elessar only made it more difficult. For some reason, the king seemed determined to take notice of him, despite Gasthold's every effort to steer clear of him. It was with a good deal of trepidation that he answered a summon to meet with the king in Imrahil's library.

Gesturing the young man to a seat, and pouring himself a goblet of wine though Gasthold declined one, Elessar paced the room. Gasthold tried to still his nerves as he waited to see what the king wished of him. At length, he got an answer he had never expected.

"You have hurt my daughter sorely, Gasthold," Elessar commented quietly.

Gasthold's eyes went wide. "My lord!" he protested. "I would never…I have done nothing –"

Elessar raised a hand to still him and explained, "I know you have done nothing intentionally, Gasthold, but it has happened all the same." He turned the wine goblet in his hand, studying the liquid's motion in the glass for a moment, then continued, "Belinzil has always been the butterfly of the two. She is gay and fanciful, and flits from one delight to another. Tuilwen, on the other hand, is more sensible and aware of the way things truly are. Even so, that does not mean that Belinzil cannot be sensible, or that she is never serious and constant about anything. Sometimes it just takes her a little longer to see things clearly than it does her sister."

The king walked over to the window and stared out, unseeingly. Then he spoke further, "I believe she truly has come to love you, Gasthold. I do not think she expected to, nor for it to endure any longer than her previous infatuations, but I believe her heart has tricked her in this matter. You have turned all her expectations on their head, and yet you still are the one her heart cries out for in the end. These past few months I have watched her grow more introspective than I have ever seen her, and heard her ask questions that reflected a new growth and presence. She has sought to know what daily life is like for those in stations different than her own, and come to appreciate the worth and value of the hard work such lives entail. And I believe she has come to know within herself that she is willing to live such a life, if she has the love of a good man – a man whom she has found she loves dearly."

Now Elessar turned to look Gasthold in the eye. "Do not think that I would normally encourage such a romantic entanglement for one of my daughters. Indeed, I am sure there will be many who will be appalled at my forebearance. But Arwen and I are more concerned with our childrens' happiness, and if Belinzil would find happiness, and the sort of joy her parents know, with you, as your wife, then we would not oppose it."

Gasthold could do nothing more than stare at the king. Surely this all must be a dream. He could not truly be sitting here with the king assuring him he had no objections to Gasthold courting, even marrying, his daughter!

Elessar set down his wine goblet and moved over to place a hand on Gasthold's shoulder. "I think it is time for you and Belinzil to talk. Only now you must talk openly and freely, and determine between the two of you where you wish to go from this point. I may be king, and Belinzil's father, but I have done all that I can in this matter. The rest is up to the both of you. But I wanted you to understand my position on the situation, and I wanted to make sure you knew you had my approbation. I have always held your family in high esteem, and you have given me every reason to include you in that."

Slowly Gasthold rose, still in a state of shock at these developments. At length, his eyes came up to meet Elessar's and he said hoarsely, "Thank you, my lord. You have given me much to consider." With that, he turned and slowly departed, not even noticing he had not awaited dismissal from the king.

He was still on duty for another few hours, but Gasthold went through the remainder of the time in a daze, hardly able to focus on anything around him. Over and over his mind replayed the encounter with Elessar, though try as he might he could not find any way to believe he had misunderstood the man's intent. Could it be true? Did Belinzil now share his feelings? And what if she did – what was he to do about it? Was it fair to consign her to the life of a soldier's wife when she had been raised so differently?

By the time his shift ended, his head was pounding. Changing out of his uniform, he headed for the shore. It had not taken long for him discover that location was very conducive to deep thinking. Even so, at the end of more than an hour, dusk was upon him but he had no answers as to how he should act. For the first time, he truly noticed the great distance between him and his family in Rohan. It would have been very nice to be able to talk this over with his parents right about now.

xxx

Despite what the king had told him, Gasthold could not bring himself to approach Belinzil. Noticing the reticence, Elessar made it a point to let Tuilwen know somewhat of his conversation with Gasthold, trusting she would see that her sister was inspired to act accordingly.

Complicating matters was the arrival of Gasthold's sister, Abadwyn. Whenever he was not on duty, he seemed to be spending his free time with her, making it more difficult for either princess to approach him. Still, Tuilwen could be quite inventive when she wished, and it did not take a great deal of effort to engineer the twins' encounter with Abadwyn in the marketplace.

Abadwyn was taken aback by the friendliness of the two royals toward her, particularly given they had only met the one time, and more than a little intimidated by the pair. She sat at the table outside an inn where she had been invited to join them for dinner, eyeing them cautiously.

Belinzil was kept silent by awkwardness, but her sister was well used to putting others at ease in social settings and took command of the situation. "It is good to see you again, Abadwyn. How are you enjoying your visit to Dol Amroth?"

"Very much," Abadwyn answered hesitantly. "This is my first time traveling away from home." She abruptly stopped speaking, thinking the royals would consider her backward and quaint if they knew how little she had been out in the world.

"Then perhaps you will allow us to show you about the city," Tuilwen smoothly suggested. "I know your brother has been doing so but, as a man, likely he is not thinking to acquaint you with those places young ladies find appealing."

Abadwyn blinked at the offer, then stammered, "I…I would be honored, my lady!"

"Please, call me Tuilwen," the princess smiled. "Your brother must stand on formality in his position as a soldier in Gondor's service, but there is no reason we cannot be more cordial."

Ducking her head, Abadwyn stared down at her hands, murmuring, "Thank you." This was all so very strange!

Belinzil sought to enter the conversation at last, asking, "Did Rosswenn show you the lovely brooch she bought recently? I met her and Gasthold in the marketplace, and she had just purchased it."

Abadwyn nodded. "She had been saving her money to buy it for some time, but my brother is most generous. He gave her the amount she lacked so she did not have to wait any longer. He is always doing such thoughtful things. He was buying me a dress for the festival that day I met you in Edoras." She let out a ragged breath, astonished at her temerity in speaking so freely with the other young ladies.

Belinzil could not restrain a smile as the truth was learned. So that was what Gasthold had tried to conceal that day with Rosswenn. Somehow it did not surprise her to learn of his magnanimity, nor his modesty in allowing it to be known.

Nodding, Tuilwen told Abadwyn, "He is a most considerate man. I had recently been attacked before the visit to Rohan, and he was most solicitous in seeing that I was protected from further distress during that trip. Did you know that he is considered a hero in Minas Tirith, that he was the one to rescue me?"

Shaking her head and wide-eyed, Abadwyn stared at her, surprised that neither her brother nor parents had mentioned this. Without thinking, she blurted out, "But if that is so, why did he leave your father's service?" Immediately realizing the impropriety of her question, she flushed red and fell silent.

Belinzil's focus had locked on her plate, but finally she looked up and squared her jaw. "That would be my fault, I am afraid. I…Gasthold developed feelings for me, feelings which I did not share at the time. He thought it best to distance himself from me."

The Rohirric girl gave a small gasp, covering her mouth with her hand and glancing between the royal sisters. Before she could comment, however, Belinzil explained further, "But that has changed. I know now that I do care for him, love him even. Only it will not be an easy thing to convince him of that. He…he thinks himself beneath me, but more and more I am inclined to think he has considerably more greatness of mind than do I. I have been silly and frivolous for most of my life, but no longer. I do not wish to cause him any further pain."

Abadwyn's head was spinning at this revelation. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined this outcome to accepting dinner with the twins. "Will you help us?" Tuilwen asked. "Will you help us persuade Gasthold that Belinzil's heart is changed, and now belongs to him – and that it is all right for him to accept it?"

"I…I do not know," Abadwyn murmured. "I do not know if I should meddle in his affairs." She raised worried eyes to her meal companions. "I do not wish to hurt or embarrass him. He does not deserve that."

"Of course not!" Tuilwen reassured, laying a hand over the other girl's where it rested upon the table. "We do not wish to hurt him either, but rather to ease his distress. But that can only happen if he will talk with Belinzil, and frankly discuss their feelings for one another. Only then can he find peace. I see the pain haunting his eyes, even after these many months away from my sister and, as you said, he does not deserve that."

Slowly Abadwyn nodded her agreement to assisting them, and both twins let out a sigh of relief. They had not engaged Gasthold's sister with the intent of soliciting her aid, but it might well be their best option in the matter.

Once Abadwyn's help had been secured, it was easier to draw her out in talking about her brother – his character, what he liked and disliked, and so forth. Belinzil had gleaned bits and pieces of information from various sources, but she was struck by what Abadwyn revealed at how much she had in common with Gasthold. Only now did she realize how blind she had been. The very thing she had sought was right under her nose all the time. Here was a man who saw her separate from her sister, and she did not think her position as the king's daughter was of any consequence in his affections either. He simply loved her, with all her flaws, and it was humbling to think upon. How very grateful she was that her heart had not betrayed her by refusing to love such a worthy man because of his deficiencies. What was position and money when one had true love? Likely Gasthold could never give her riches in any measure, but he would never let her go wanting. All she had to do was convince him that his feelings were reciprocated, and that it was right and good for him to approach her.

xxx

Even with Abadwyn as an ally, cornering Gasthold was not a simple matter. Abadwyn told her brother of her encounter with the twins and the meal they shared, though she omitted many of the details of their conversation. While puzzled by the princesses' overtures toward his sister, Gasthold refrained from questioning Abadwyn too closely on the subject, frustrating her intent to encourage his interaction with the pair.

When casual acquaintance seemed impossible to achieve, Tuilwen acted more directly, requesting Gasthold visit with her. Unaware of the events playing out in his household, Prince Imrahil had readily sent the young soldier to meet with Gondor's princess. Once he arrived, Belinzil, who had been watching from a distance, joined them. As soon as she did, Tuilwen rose, asking, "Will you excuse me for a few moments, Gasthold? I shall return directly."

His brow wrinkled at this development, but he nodded. "Of course, my lady." He watched warily as she exited the room and her sister moved to sit in a nearby chair.

It took a moment for Belinzil to gather her thoughts and think how to approach this. At length she began, "Gasthold, we need to talk." She paused, then added, "I know Father has spoken with you, and indicated that my feelings for you have altered since you were in Minas Tirith. I assure you he did not speak out of turn in the matter. I…I have come to care for you, to love you. And, unless something has changed in the past few months, I believe you yet care for me. Is that not so?"

Abruptly Gasthold stood, and paced away from her, running a hand through his hair. He did not feel prepared for this discussion, but perhaps there was no avoiding it any longer. "My lady –"

She smiled as she interrupted, "Under the circumstances, Gasthold, I think you may call me by name. I know you know what it is."

He flushed red and looked away. Avoiding the issue of what to call her, he again started, "I am not certain you understand what–"

She stood and moved to stand before him, forcing his eyes to lift and rest upon her. "I do understand. I have spent the past months since your departure coming to understand. When you left Minas Tirith, I did not know my heart regarding you, or that I could countenance the life I might have with you. But now I do know. You have been forefront in my thoughts daily. Will you not consider the possibility of us?"

Squeezing his eyes shut, he winced as if in pain. "I am…flattered by your words, but I cannot ask you to walk away from the life you have known. I have nothing of consequence to offer you. Surely you see that!"

"I do not," she replied firmly, stepping in close and causing him to inhale sharply at her nearness. "You offer me love, and a generous heart. You bring courage and honor and good humor. And you bring honesty. Tell me you no longer love me, and I will walk away and trouble you no further. But if you cannot look me in the eye and do so, then accept I am offering myself to you willingly, and with all the love that my heart possesses."

Her hand came slowly up to caress his cheek, causing a tear to trickle down his face against his will. Finally, he forced out the words she sought. "I cannot deny my feelings for you. The Valar forgive me, but I love you too dearly. If you will have me, I will selfishly accept your love."

Belinzil felt almost light-headed at his declaration, and relief swept through her. For several long moments, they just gazed at one another, and then she flung her arms around his neck and kissed him. Initially, he did not react, but then his arms slid around her waist and he pulled her more closely into his embrace. Part of him could not help thinking the king would burst in the door any instant, his sword drawn, and skewer him for his presumption. But Belinzil felt so wonderful in his arms, tasted so delicious on his lips, he could not help thinking he would die a happy man. He smiled. So be it!

xxxxx

February, 33 IV

My dearest Lothiriel,

Likely Miren will have already shared this news with you, but I pass it along all the same. No doubt you are aware of the attachment that was formed between Belinzil and Gasthold. Elessar deemed it wise that they not rush into a marriage until they had more time to become acquainted, and perhaps to let Gasthold become more comfortable with the circumstances. At long last, they seem ready and we are fixing a date for the twentieth of next month.

We do hope it will be possible for you to come and share in this joyous occasion, particularly since I know you are so close with the boy's mother, and your family has been much aligned with his over the years. We look forward to seeing you.

Love to all there,

Arwen

THE END

3/29/07 – 12/19/07

Notes:

Belinzil – "shining flower"

Tuilwen – "flower maiden"

Gasthold – "faithful soul"

Brithadan – "gravel man"

Celondur – "dark river"

Abadwyn - "expected joy"

Frideberht - "bright peace"

Athric – "powerful oath"

Tamleod - "mild man"

Rosswenn – "rain maiden"

Kialmar - "more speckled" (has lots of freckles) (from cylu - spotted, mára - more) – I made up this name before I knew much about Tolkien's languages, and likely this is a poor choice, but I don't like to change names once they have been used. The best "rationale" I could come up with for the name is given in the word sources I used to create some sort of meaning for it.

Jul, 30 IV – Dariel gives Cirion's babyclothes to Theodwyn for first child who was born in Sep (Gerisen)

beg of Nov, 30 IV – Dariel becomes pregnant with Selinnan

late Jul, 31 IV -Selinnan born ("joy from within") – dau of Elfwine/Dariel

Yáviérë - The harvest feast of Gondor - The harvest feast-day of the Stewards' Reckoning of Gondor, lying between the months of Yavannië and Narquelië. On a modern calendar, Yáviérë would have fallen on 21 September.

31 IV: Gasthold would be 26, twins would be 21 Eldarion 31, Luthiel 26, Elf 30, Thw 23, Thm 21, M 17, Thd 8, Ara 8; Gasthold's sisters Abadwyn would be 15 and Frideberht 23 (marr to Athric 24) (Eomer 60, Loth 52)

29 IV: Gasthold comes to service of the King of Gondor in the household guards

in #98 Awry: Miren became Lothiriel's nurse to the children in 23 IV when Theodred was born, since Morwen was 9 by then and Daelwyn had retired. In 25 IV, Miren's kids are 9, 17 and 20 (the eldest is male, the others are female). The two eldest run their home and care for their little sister while Miren goes to M.T. with Lothiriel and Theodred. Kialmar, Miren's husband, is head of the King's Escort (second to Eothain of King's Guard) and is also on the trip, so the children are home alone, though their Aunt Lissa checks on them.

Eothain is Captain of the King's Guard and remains at Edoras to protect the city.

Miren's son (Gasthold) was born in 5 IV (20 in 25 IV); 2 daus (Frideberht b 8 IV and Abadwyn b 16 IV)

End note: It is best that you read the Elfwine Chronicles in the order they were written. The more of them that I wrote, the more likely I was to make reference to one of the previous ones and something that happened there. If you want to read them in order, go to the top of this page and click on my name (Deandra). That will take you to my profile page. Scroll down and you will find all the stories I have written. The Elfwine Chronicles are in order from bottom to top since ffn shows them in the order they were posted. A few were posted out of number order, but you can read them in posting order or number order since those few won't be affected in the story content.