The letters shared between Fainiel and her sister will at last conclude our story, as no letters were written, understandably, during the week before the Lord Faramir's and Lady Eowyn's wedding. While a simple record of the marriage could have sufficed, it was felt that this would be a disappointment to most readers and a detailed description of the marriage would be greatly preferred. Hence the use of Fainiel's letters once more.

Signed by,
Lord Elboron
and the Lady Fainiel

The Words of Mistress Fainiel III

5th March 3020

Dear Rarniel,

I wish you were here, perhaps it would make this journey a little shorter, but I would rather you see everything here. I was so fortunate that Lady Lothiriel chose me as her maid-in-waiting and that father gave me my new horse, Cólel, for poor Pigenil would not have kept up with the pace we are going at. Though most of my days have been spent in the Queen's litter, I could not ride for that length of time, though Lothiriel certainly can! The men laugh at the idea we must stop each evening, and for midday, I suppose they are used to marching without resting. Gods know I feel sorry for those common soldiers who have no horse to ride, but I am so sore and stiff each time I leave the saddle, Rarniel. The first day I climbed down my legs almost gave way. I clung to Cólel till Borlas asked if I needed to be accompanied to the Lady's quarters. Fine! I confess it. He was very kind and discrete, in not drawing attention to my inability to stand. But that does not mean, I am – Oh what's the use? Don't tell father, nor anyone else. But I like him. And perhaps I have been foolish and selfish, where he has been nothing but kind and honourable to me. And he is not like some men, who insist you owe them something because they deem you worthy of their attention. He is kind to me, because it is in his nature to be kind. I haven't meant to throw that back in his face, yet I have done. He still speaks to father of a possible betrothal and in truth, with how I've treated him, I wouldn't want to marry me!

Anyway, before I end up dampening this letter with tears, I will wipe my eyes and tell you about where we are, for the letter must survive a journey back to Gondor! Well…we are not really anywhere, I know we have crossed into Rohan now and we're still on the Great West Road. They believe we shall make it to Edoras by the tenth day. Though there is some fair hope with that. Being in a royal progression looks a lot more fun than it actually is. I am dearly looking forward to a proper bath and bed. I could not even bear to ride Cólel on the third day, I thought I would faint at the very idea!

The land is mostly flat in some places and mountainous in others. It was wondrous to behold on the fourth day, but I have grown pretty accustomed to it and it does not vary greatly. Lothiriel thinks it is beautiful though and she has been doing some sketches during our rests. If she is so enamoured with King Éomer, then she has enough energy to keep pace with him. I think all the ladies and probably a good many of the men are impressed with how she can stay in the saddle for hours and never complained. But then she does fall into bed straight after dinner, and almost immediately go to sleep. I think, while much of it is her own enthusiasm for life, it is also to impress the Rohirrim guests and guards who travel with us. I do not know how serious her affection for King Éomer is though. But they seem fond of one another and it would align Gondor and Rohan further. I wonder if Lothiriel would bring the Dol Amroth fashions to Edoras.

I shall withhold from writing for now, for we must resume our journey and it is impossible to write in the litter. Until next time, little sister.

Yours with all affection,
Fainiel

13th March 3020

Dear Rarniel,

I tried to keep this letter from getting creased, but I fear by the time it reaches you it may be crumpled and torn. I may have to copy it out in neat, but I would sooner write everything now, than forget it later.

We have arrived in Edoras! Twelve days journey and we have made it here. King Éomer says it is fair pacing, for a royal progression, but I am still weary from traveling. I would like nothing more than to go to bed after dinner, but I think it is meant to be a long feast, with much eating, drinking and speeches. Anyway, I've got quite ahead of myself. I was riding Cólel when I first entered Edoras, I certainly wanted the Rohirrim to see my beautiful mare from the South. I think Rohirrim horses are broader and taller built, in general. Southern horses seem more lively and lighter. I know everyone thinks Rohirrim horses are marvellous and I'm not denying their speed, dexterity or strength. I just prefer smaller, lighter breeds. I best keep this letter hidden, or I'll probably get thrown out of Rohan.
Edoras is beautiful in a way, not in the same way of Dol Amroth or Minas Tirith, but it's like comparing gold to silver. As we rode up the hillside everyone came out of their houses and threw garlands of flowers and straw horses at our feet. I kept two of the horses, because they are very pretty and one shall be for you when I return home. The Golden Hall is incredible. I do not know how they make the roof shine in the sun, for it is all thatched, but it is most beautiful. The walls are carved with all manner of curling knots, all painted with gold.

When we dismounted from our horses, King Éomer greeted us with his court. He bowed before King Elessar, who knelt before him as a mark of respect. The rest of us followed suit. But King Éomer simply laughed and embraced King Elessar as a brother. King Éomer said we were welcomed as his honoured guests and bid us to rest, water was already warming in the kitchens, the bedrooms had been well prepared and there was food and ale in the Great Hall. We were meant to go to our rooms, but Eowyn was supposed to show Arwen, her ladies, Lothiriel and us two maids to ours...But she got a little distracted!

Oh Rarniel, it really was the most romantic thing I have ever seen. Eowyn ran down the stairs to greet Faramir, but he quickly caught her at the bottom and swung her round, before pulling her close for a kiss. They did not seem to care a bit that two courts were watching them, and all the Rohirrim soldiers cheered. Then they all began shouting something in Rohirric that I could not quite understand, but Borlas had come to my side and told me they were repeatedly shouting 'Coss', which means…Kiss. So Eowyn must've understood what they meant, for she grinned mischievously and pulled Faramir close for another kiss. That was greeted by another cheer, though Éomer still looks a little displeased. But I think it is more to do with his discomfort in displaying shows of affection, rather than distrust of Faramir. Well, he cannot still be wary of Faramir, his sister is marrying Faramir in near enough a week's time!

I was half asleep in my trencher by the end of the feast, it went on for hours. I think even Lothiriel was nearly sleeping in her seat. I must've drifted off at one point though, for I jerked awake and Lothiriel had gone. The Hall was almost quiet, only a few men remained, drinking heavily and talking amongst themselves. When I looked around I was surprised to see Borlas by my side. He smiled and told me as much as he wished to carry me to my chambers and let me sleep there, he was worried that someone might assume he had ill intent towards me and so he had woken me up. Well I was barely awake, and so could only nod blearily at him and let him help me from my seat.

After that we walked to my chamber and he bid me goodnight outside it, I thought he was going to kiss me on my mouth at that point! And I hardly knew whether I wanted him to or not. But he only gently kissed my cheek and told me to sleep well, then went off down the corridor. I stayed there for a little bit, both addled by sleep and confusion. I hardly know what I feel for Borlas and whether I did want him to kiss me, and to kiss me properly. I do not know it is futile trying to figure it out now and I must to bed. Díllothwen is complaining about the candle being lit and I am tired beyond belief. I shall write to you again soon.

Love From,
Fainiel

A/N: I won't make excuses, because I am sure most of you are well aware of my busy life! But I feel I ought to tell you of some good news. I recently became a finalist on the Wicked Young Writer's Award. A well known writing competition in the UK and judged by the author Michael Morpurgo. So I'm absolutely thrilled by that, and practicing writing every day (whether it is my original work or fanfiction) has certainly helped :) Lots of love to all my lovely readers xx