Takes place in Gondor the following day after the attack on Bree and the Shire

The grand dining hall of Minas Tirith was filled with joyous laughter as a reunion of hobbits and men was taking place.

"The tales of your happy folk never tire." Said Faramir as he smiled at Merry or rather, Master Perian, as he was called in Gondor.

"Aye! I should like to drink to that!" Said Pippin with enthusiasm as he went to grab his recently filled goblet.

He was stopped as a kind but firm hand was laid on his arm. "If you drink to one more thing, you shall float away." Said Diamond, his wife.

Across from Pippin, Merry choked back a laugh as he mockingly held up his own goblet.

"That goes double for you." Said Estella, his own wife.

At the head of the table, King Elessar laughed cheerfully. It was said often if one wished to have entertainment during a meal, invite a halfling.

"Tis a shame Samwise could not make the trip. I should have liked to see him again." Spoke Eowyn suddenly.

"My father's absence is due to poor scheduling." Began Goldilocks, who is the wife of Pippin's eldest son. "You see, my family is having a reunion of their own right now, so he would not think of missing them."

Goldilocks' husband, Faramir Took, took her hand. "I know you wish you could be with them."

Goldilocks let out a sigh but brushed off any longing she felt. "What's done is done."

Arwen, who sat beside her husband Elessar, caught the hobbit's eye and offered a small smile. She knew the feeling of being apart from a father she dearly loved.

The table was silent for a moment as time seemed to stand and a wave of old memories washed over them.

Just then Eladrion, son of Elessar, stood quietly from his seat beside his mother. Glancing at each person he said,

"If you will excuse me, I have matters to see to. It was a pleasure to be in such good company."

He turned to his parents and bowed.

"Eladrion-" began Arwen.

Eladrion smiled to his mother. "I am fine. Please, enjoy the guests."

All eyes watched as the prince left the room, closing the double doors behind him.

Finally Faramir opened his mouth. "Does something ail him?"

Arwen looked at the man and said nothing. It was clear she was concerned. Elessar saved her from having to answer.

"Tis nothing. Eladrion has always kept to himself."

Now it was Eowyn who gave Arwen a sympathetic smile. She knew all to well, what a mother's concern was like. Beside Eowyn, sat her daughter, Idonea. Though Idonea did not make for her mother to worry, it came with the title of mother.

Idonea had known Eladrion since they were children. As she had watched him leave, she knew there was something amiss and desired to follow him. It was true Eladrion preferred isolation to company and he was quiet but-

"Lady Idonea?"

The girl was pulled from her thoughts at the sound of her name being called.

"Yes?" She asked.

Beside her stood a server holding a metal pitcher. "I asked if you might care for more water?"

Idonea glanced at her water glass. It was nearly empty, though she was not thirsty.

"Yes, please." She said quickly.

As the server poured the crystal clear liquid, Faramir, Idonea's father spoke up.

"King Elessar, do you find it strange that my daughter has a strong dislike for horses?"

'Ah, here it comes.' The girl thought with annoyance. The fact that she refused to ride one of those giant brutes ate at her father's nerves and he was ever trying to get her to ride.

The server moved on to the hobbits as the king considered the question.

"Horses are a vital part in Middle Earth. And with Rohan blood, being of the heritage of the Horse-Lords, her view is not of the norm. On the otherhand, I remember another lady from Rohan who did what most would deem strange, as she dressed in armour and rode out to battle. Strictly against orders, I may add."

Idonea felt herself smiling, pleased with the reply and reminded of her mother's courage and bravery. Faramir was chuckling and nodded in agreement. Eowyn had a sly grin, as images of that memory played in her mind.

"It would seem women from Rohan tend to go against the beaten path." Said Faramir.

"You'll not leave out us halflings!" Put in Merry. "I never will forget the  solider called Dernhelm, who let me ride into battle with him."

Eowyn smiled knowingly at the hobbit and took a sip from her goblet.

Idonea saw her chance to leave the table and she decided to take it.

"May I please be excused?" She asked as she stood from her seat.

Eowyn nodded her approval, as did Faramir. Idonea smiled and bid farewell to the Shire folk. Lastly she curtsied toward the King and Queen of Gondor and went on her way to find Eladrion.

A/N
More OCS but mostly familiar characters! I enjoyed the fellowship in this chapter and I hope you all did too. Please comment! :)