One month ago...

Weary but triumphant, Peredhil pulled his stallion to a halt on the mountain pass as the first glimpse of Elessar appeared through parting clouds, the palace spires sparkling under the midday sun. Miles of forest separated him from the city, but a grin split his face at the sight of his home. His grin widening, he pictured himself holding his beloved fiancee in his arms in a short time. Spurring his steed into a slow trot, he led the long column of Elessari down the pass.

Her duties more formal than fruitful, Juliane was passing the day as she had all the others -- waiting. Books were stacked in tempting piles all over Peredhil's desk. A stable full of horses were at her beck and call. Yet there she paced, wearing a thin patch in the lush carpeting.

The short trip through the woods seemed like an eternity, but Peredhil forced himself to maintain a steady pace. He even slowed it further as they reached the city streets as wild cheers greeted the returning heroes. Despite his impatience to see Juliane again, he knew this was a historic day for Elessar and wanted those who had risked their lives on its behalf to reap the rewards of their sacrifice. So they paused in the streets, accepting garlands of flowers, embracing friends and complete strangers, and engaging in joyous reunions with family members.

The door flung wide and Asa rushed in with wild eyes. Opening her mouth to speak and unable to say anything, she grabbed Juliane by the arm and literally yanked her out the door. She could barely keep up as the smaller woman took the steps two at a time going down. "Wha' is it? What's happened, yeah?" Reaching the hall where she had first met the people of Elessar as Sol'meykara, the two women were caught up in a throng of people rushing to the streets with joyful cheers and squeals.

Peredhil had already dismounted and passed his horse to an attendant. He was strolling towards the palace, trying unsuccessfully to blend into the crowd. He'd managed to wash his face in a brook this morning, but traces of grime stained his cheeks and his unkempt hair--long again--partially hid his eyes.

The crowd seemed to part before her as shouts of "Sol'meykara!" echoed out from Asa, drawing the peoples' attention. She had become well-known in this foreign land and they were grateful. Unable to stand the stop-and-start of the massive cluster, she spotted a lane and took off at a full run, slicing through the masses towards where the Elessari banner hung at the front of the returning warriors.

Engulfed by well-wishers, Peredhil stopped to chat, casting a wistful glance in the direction of the palace before turning his gaze to his fellow citizens.

Brilliant green eyes scanned for the sight of him and returned empty. Hitting a bottleneck, Juliane jumped and craned her neck. "Peredhil! Peredhil!" Not hearing any response, she cupped her hands about her mouth and leaned back to bellow out "ELDARION!" It felt as if her voice was getting swallowed up in the din of the throng.

Her initial cries mingled with thousands of other voices, but the bellow was heard clearly. Recognizing that voice immediately, Peredhil turned towards the source, straining his head to look over the crowd. "Juli! Sol'meykara!" His feet carried him in the direction of the voice as he repeated her name. Once those nearby caught on, the crowd parted, revealing the most beautiful sight he'd ever seen just a few meters ahead of him. With a cry of joy, he rushed forward, swooping her up into his arms.

She had been quarter-turned, aiming her voice towards the buildings, hoping it would echo off and help it resonate. The force of him knocked her off balance and nearly toppled them to the ground together. The realization of his presence had her clutching him as if her life depended on it. "Oh, you're real!" was all she was able to manage out between her tears of relief.

His embrace tightened as he swept her in a full circle, laughing gaily as the crowd whooped and cheered. "As real as ever." He pulled her in for a kiss, his hand cradling her head. "Don't think you'll ever be able to get rid of me so easily again. I plan on sticking to your side like glue from now on."

As she pressed her face to his, the mist of tears transferred some of the road grime to her cheeks. "Didn't really plan ta give ya th' chance, yeah?" And with that, she claimed his mouth with just as much need and delight.

"Excuse me, m'lord," Asa said, "but I thought the two of you might be hungy." She gestured at the attendants, who hurried out to the balcony, setting up the table and linens, arranging the food, and placing four chairs around the table.

Juliane smiled kindly to the attendants, but a brow arched at the placement of four chairs. Overhead, rapid fireworks continued to illuminate the deepening sky, casting the balcony in floods of colored light and shadow.

Peredhil was similarly confused by the four chairs. Looking askance at Asa, he was about to question her before she explained, "Wes and Ana wanted to dine with you." She looked at them apologetically. "I suppose they figured you might be departing for Rhydin at first light and wanted to spend some time with you."

Peredhil glanced at Juliane, then nodded slowly, his countenance thoughtful. "They're welcome to join us."

There was much exchanged in the glance, and Juliane nodded in kind. "They're very welcome, though Eldarion will need ta see ta some things before we leave jus' yet."

It was Juliane's turn to be on the receiving end of a questioning glance. "What sort of things?"

She chuckled and looked from one pair of inquisitive eyes and then the other. "A good night's sleep in a comfortable bed, a breakfast no' cooked over campfire... th' ability ta sleep in if he wishes. Not ta mention th' celebrations and th' formation of th' Council." Her brow furrowed lightly. "I jus' don' think leavin' real sudden would be good for th' people so glad ta have ya back, yeah?"

He nodded slowly. "Aye, that sounds good." The Council had been formed and, in effect, functioning since he'd left on the final campaign, but it wouldn't hurt to supervise it for a while.

As if on cue, Juliane's stomach rumbled. The aromas wafting from the table were tantalizing. She had been about to inquire about Wes and Ana, when the pair let themselves into the quarters and headed for the balcony.

Breaking away from Juliane, he greeted Ana first with a warm embrace and then engaged in some back-slapping joshing with Wes. Both of the new arrivals seemed embarrassed at intruding upon their privacy, but they greeted Juliane with happy exclamations.

After the initial greetings, they all settled down into their seats. They engaged in harmless chatter, joking and catching up with Juliane on the palace gossip. Bottles of wine were opened and finished and delicious meats, vegetables, quiches, and fruits were heaped on plates, only to disappear in minutes later. As Peredhil cleared off his second plate, he pushed it away from him, smiling happily at his companions, who'd been similarly ravished.

It was Wes who broached the subject first in a roundabout way. "I suppose you won't be requiring my services any more, Peredhil..." He trailed off at the end, making it sound like a question.

Peredhil shook his head slowly. "I suppose not, Wes."

Juliane's eyes darkened as she took another sip of her wine and averted her gaze from the trio. They had seen much together, all in service to their homeland. The decision for him to abdicate had been entirely his, but she was more than aware that she was the one receiving the full benefit.

Ana sensed the mood shift and tried to lighten it. "What are your next plans, Juliane and Peredhil? Have you set a wedding date yet?"

She took another quick sip and shook her head. "Can't say that we spent much time really talkin' about it. Though now things are wide open. Which is a nice feeling, yeah?"

Peredhil and Wes settled into a thoughtful silence, exchanging an unreadable glance, as Ana chatted amiably with Juliane. "And do you plan to live in Rhydin?"

Juliane blanched a bit and nearly upset her wineglass as she sat it down. "We haven't really discussed it, ta be honest. Was a fair bit goin' on when I said yes, yeah?" She smiled gently and then cast a glance to the boys, a brow arched. "Shall I ring for dessert?"

There were nods all around and an uncomfortable silence ensued. The pies were brought out, but still no one spoke. Finally, Peredhil cleared his throat. "Look, I know you think my decision was rash, but I'm more certain of it than ever. It was reconfirmed to me during every day of the campaign." He reached out to take Juliane's hand, offering and seeking strength. He looked to Juliane for support, his green eyes flickering to his two closest friends' faces before settling upon his fianc?e.

Their fingers entwined and hers tightened instinctively. "Ya might need ta tell them things they will no' wish ta hear, Eldarion.... ta help them understand."

He shifted uncomfortably, confronted by two sets of eyes that, although it was not intentional, appeared to challenge him. "My leaving... it doesn't change anything between us. I know you may not agree with it, but I ask you to respect it." He paused, pushing his hair back with one hand. "I feel like I've fulfilled my obligations to Elessar. Now it's time to fulfill those I have to Juliane... and to myself. My happiness depends on it. I cannot have my heart tugged between Elessar and Juliane. I cannot." His tone was one of quiet desperation. Juliane won. She would always win. It didn't seem fair to Elessar to rule if his heart wasn't in it. Besides, he was achieving his father's dream of a republic.

She cleared her throat after managing a tiny bite of pie. There were no held qualms about being one of them, irregardless of the title she held. Tears welled in her eyes. "I did no' ask for this, yeah? For my happiness ta possibly cause anyone ta have pain... no' Elessar, no' either of ya, certainly no' Peredhil." A nervous breath.
"I was jus' as surprised by his abdication as anyone was, but I can see now why he did it. When there is a single person carryin' th' weight of Elessar, there is a central target. Ya both have seen that well enough, yeah?" She looked to Wes and then Ana.

Ana and Wes turned from Peredhil to regard Juliane for an instant, although that moment of silence seemed to stretch into an eternity. Wes was the first to break the ice, speaking softly to Juliane. "No one blames you, Juliane. And we understand the burden that Peredhil carries." He turned back to Peredhil, breaking into a grin and reaching out to grab Peredhil's shoulder. "Well said, lad. I may have to borrow those words at some point in the future. Why didn't you just say all that in the first place?"

Peredhil gave Juliane's hand another squeeze, relaxing visibly as he smiled back at Wes. He turned to Ana expectantly, who had remained stony-faced throughout his impromptu speech. She managed a wan smile. "I'm happy for you both. Truly." She seemed to suck in a breath, turning away in a vain effort to hide the tears that sprung to her eyes. Wes placed a comforting hand over her shoulder, but she shrugged it off, finding the strength to continue in a soft voice. "We'll miss you, Peredhil. And you, Sol'meykara." Her lips parted in a gentle smile and she reached out her hand to cover their interlocked hands for a moment.

Juliane smiled softly, not quite reading all that had been held in Ana's tears. "Thank ya both. For everything. And it's no' like we'll gone forever."

"And we can stop in whenever we want, eh, lass?" Wes teased, his eyes dancing with mischief.

Her eyes widened as she glanced to Peredhil. Peredhil's eyes were bright with laughter as he raised his arms. "Don't look at me, love! He's asking you... he knows who will be in charge."

Now she dissolved in a fit of giggles. "Oh yeah? Like he doesn't know how impulsive and determined Eldarion is." Grinning widely, she nodded to Wes. "Ya can gladly visit and we shall be glad ta have ya. But don't think of abusing th' invitation, yeah?"

Wes shook his head firmly, feigning a chastened look. "I wouldn't dare, lass. Although I have to agree with you... Peredhil is quite impulsive." He turned to Peredhil with a sly grin, which widened when Peredhil rolled his eyes.

He could sense the laughter bubbling up within her from the way her body shook in his arms. Tightening his grip on her, he laughed, "You had me there for a second. I have to admit that I've tried to avoid reading any bylaws--or anything else for that matter--unless it was absolutely necessary."

"Oh, I have ya for more than jus' a second... an' I only sat ta read 'em when sleep wouldn't come easy." Nestling back, her eyes drooped closed again.

Noticing her closing eyelids, Peredhil summoned what was left of his strength to lift Juliane and carry her to the bed. He slipped off her shoes and undressed her gently before pulling the covers up to her chin. As she settled into her pillow, he stared down at her, reaching out a hand tentatively, only to hold it motionless a few inches from her head.

Hovering in that state between sleep and wakefulness, she tried to stir from the haze. Yet she couldn't bring herself to open her mouth in protest to his gentle and kind ministrations. Waiting for the weight of his body to settle into the bed and not finding it, she opened one eye only to see him standing above with his hand outstretched. "Are ya no' going ta rest, Eldarion?" Her voice was quiet and full of tender emotion.

He dropped his hand to his side, a smile coming easily. "I was just enjoying the view."

Chuckling softly, she felt herself buoyed out of the sea of sleep that had nearly drifted her away. Folding back the covers on his side, she patted the mattress in invitation.

He shook his head. He still hadn't bathed since returning. Instead, he disappeared into the bathroom, drawing water and stripping off his clothes, which were deposited unceremoniously in an empty corner.

Slipping out from under the covers, Juliane drew her wrap from within the armoire and donned it. Padding quietly across the room, she leaned against the door-jamb to the bathroom.

Green eyes darkened slightly as she watched him. Crossing her arms in front of herself, she spoke softly, the traces of her accent diminished. "Would you like me to wash your back, Eldarion?"

He eased himself into the tub, suddenly aware of the sore muscles and bruises that seemed to cover his body. Black-and-blue polka-dots blotched his tanned skin. He looked over his shoulder at Juliane, nodding gratefully. "Aye, that'd be great. I'm not sure I can reach it on my own."

She nodded, folding up the sleeves of her wrap as she gathered a small stool, fresh wash linens and towels and the like.

Gathering a fresh bar of soap, she plunged it into the warm bath water and began to lather the washcloth. Starting at his shoulders, she began to gently wash his skin, avoiding the tender splotches.

He leaned forward to give her more room to work, wincing whenever the washcloth or water touched a particularly sensitive spot.

Unable to keep from noticing the change in his body posture, Juliane leaned forward and placed a kiss on the back of his neck. "Sorry, my love."

"Not your fault, Juli." If she could have seen his face, she would have noticed the smile that seemed transfixed on his face.

A dipper full of water was poured over the slope of his body. "In a way they are. Ya wear those bruises so that your people were no' subjected ta wounds far more permanent." Finished with his back, she let her fingers rest lightly on his upper arm. "Lean back and I'll wash your hair."

He did as he was told, closing his eyes and resting his head against the rim of the tub. "A small price to pay, wouldn't you say?" He cracked an eye open to catch her reaction.

"Having you home safe? Yes, a small price indeed." Her eyes were still dark, her lips curled into a contented smile. Placing one hand over his eyes, she poured another dipper of water over his hair, tiny rivulets running down the sides of his face.

He watched as rivers of grime flowed down his body. An act of cleansing, literally and figuratively, as he closed a chapter of his life and prepared for an entirely new one.

A large dollop of shampoo was placed into the palm of her hand, and Juliane began to massage it into Peredhil's her fingers lightly rubbing and massaging his scalp. A gentle lather perfumed with spice, honey, aloe and musk filled the cocoon of time and quiet enveloping them.

"Who me?" She adopted her most angelic expression. "No. Ya made it and I trust ya and yer ability ta decide what is best. But I want th' transition ta be as smooth and painless as possible for ya."

She leaned forward and kissed him lightly. "It's not like I'm countin' down and anxious ta leave, yeah?"

"I understand, Juliane." He let his lips linger against hers. "But I am anxious to leave. It's painful for me to say goodbye, but more time here is not going to make it any easier."

Her eyes darkened empathetically as she nodded. "I figured as much. Even though it's not forever, it feels it, hmmm?"

"Aye, it does." He shook his head. "I don't know why though." That was what troubled him the most -- the sense of finality. A perfect example had been the tone of the conversation earlier in the evening with Wes and Ana.

She placed a kiss to his chin and then leaned back to better see his face. "I have my own suspicions, but th' feelings are more than normal, yeah?"

"Suspicions? What do you mean?"

"Of why ya feel th' way ya do."

"I see." He summoned a grin. "Then perhaps you could explain it to me because I don't understand it."

"Well, I've jus' had time ta think about it. So much of your life has been connected ta Elessar, being crowned king, protecting it, ruling it, suffering for it... " She reached for him as if to soften what she was going to say. "And while ya will never stop being a child of Elessar, all of what was is... over."

"You're right for the most part," he admitted. "But I think part of it is that I haven't been Elessari all my life. Why, three years ago, I'd never set foot here. So I feel like if I give this up, then I'm forfeiting any right I have to call Elessar home."

He sighed deeply, glancing at his reflection in the glass cabinet over Juliane's head. An accident of fate had brought him to Elessar. Was that enough to create a lifelong bond? He didn't know the answer.

"Jus' because ya didn't grow up here doesn't mean that ya weren't Elessari all along, Eldarion." Her fingers went up to smooth the wrinkles from his brow.

He relaxed under her touch, but only slightly. "I know that the Elessari would always welcome me back. But I just wonder whether I really belong here. Or anywhere." He forced the frown from his face. He was in one piece, lying by the woman he loved. Where was this irrational anxiety coming from?

"Ya are changing yer role, not yer parentage or yer emotional ties ta this place. Nor will they let ya. Th' Elessari love ya because you are Elessari, love. And ya will belong wherever and whenever ya wish." Now kisses were peppered along his brow. "Just as long as I'm allowed ta be with ya."

That produced a smile. "Of course, Juliane. That's a given."

"Like ya have stickin' close ta ya for now on." She giggled lightly and rested her head on his shoulder.

He cradled her there, the heat from her body passing through the thin wrap that she wore. "Whatever you say, love." He laughed, brushing his lips against her forehead.

She sighed contently, her fingers sprawled over his chest. "I don't think I've ever been happier."

"Nor have I, Juliane." He reached out his other hand, his fingers interlocking with hers.

She squeezed his hand gently. "I thought some times I was dreaming, while ya were away. Thought I saw ya, thought I heard yer voice so many times. It gave me hope that ya were alright."

He chuckled. "I'd dream that I was asleep by your side. You can't imagine the disappointment when I reached out to touch you and ended up caressing my pack."

"Well, ya don't have ta be disappointed now." Her chuckle matched his as she placed a kiss to his cheek.