Some of the Lórien elves and I had decided to return to Caras Galadhon and to the Lady and Lord.

The Lady Eówyn was more than happy to help us bring the remaining archers some comfort, and more importantly, she gave us a small little wagon and a horse.

With the help of several archers, we had moved Haldir to the smaller wagon, propping him up with many pillows so that he could look at the world around him.

“It is sad to see you leave… you are more than welcome in Edoras.”

I turned a smile to the beautiful human princess and laughed. “Are we truly welcome? I do not doubt your heart or your brothers, but most still do not like us.”

Eówyn sighed, almost scuffing her foot in the dirt. “But surely you know that these young men worship you?”

My smile turned sad. “They are too young… That our presences saved many of them, I am happy for our losses.” My hand rested on the side of the wagon and I felt a warm hand cover mine. I turned and smiled at my Galadhrim, my heart immensely light in the face of all the deaths.

I turned, my hand gently brushing against Haldir’s face. “The fact that I nearly lost my bonded is enough to make me cry, but I realize that it was a very large amount of luck, and a huge help from the Valar, that we found him and were able to save him…” I tucked some of Haldir’s newly washed loose hair behind his ear, and my eyes caught his. “I would be lost without him…”

Eówyn smiled. “I am happy to see that even in times of pain there is hope and love… I wish you the best, Haldir ó Lórien. You are a brave captain to lead your men into death.”

Haldir broke his gaze from mine and turned to look upon the lady. “And you are brave as well. I only wish that your uncle would see some merit in you truly becoming a Shield-Maiden.  You would be a very wise warrior queen.”

I saw the blush that covered Eówyn’s face, and I laughed. “Haldir has a bad habit of making we females blush.” I lightly smacked the hand that I held in my hand. “Although I would much prefer him this way, than what he was recently.” I squeezed his hand gently, leaning over the edge of the wagon to brush a kiss across the cheek I could reach.

Eówyn smiled and waved me up into the wagon. “Get in there with him! I am sure your archers will be just fine without you two.” She took my arm in her hands and tugged me to the end of the wagon. “I am sure he would love to have you sit with him.” She leaned close and I turned my head so that she could speak into my ear. “Besides, you have things you must tell him.”

I felt my cheeks redden and I smiled at her and started laughing. “Legolas and Aragon spoke to you, did they not?”

She laughed as well and gave me a gentle push against my back. “Indeed they did. They made me promise to watch you and see if you started to feel better.”

I held up a finger. “Which I have not, but it is better settled.”

Eówyn looked at me, and then broke out into peels of laughter. “We are dogging the issue, are we not?”

“Indeed, Lady Eówyn. We are skirting around the tree instead of doing it justice and climbing to the top.” I started to laugh as well, and we both were in hysterics for a few moments, having to catch ourselves on the side of the wagon.

I finally caught my breath and turned to look at Haldir, and I broke out into laughter yet again.

Haldir was reclining there on the pillows, his arms crossed, lips pursed, and one eyebrow arched.

I waved my hands at him, still laughing. “You will know what we speak of soon enough…”

“If you do not, then he will know anyway…”

That started the gales of laughter from Eówyn and me yet again.

We finally stopped laughing and looked at each other. “Aa’ menealle nauva calen ar’ malta, Lady Eówyn. May thy paths be green and golden.”

She smiled at me. “May your journey to your beloved woods be short, and I hope for the best for that which you carry.”

I did something I never thought I would and that was to hug the princess of Edoras.

“Namaarie. Diola lle.”

“Yes, Lady Vendea. Goodbye.” With that, she pulled back and gave me a not-so-light shove towards the end of the wagon, and I laughed, admitting defeat and slipping into the bed of the wagon at Haldir’s knees.

“Nénharma… Let us head home…”