Is it allowed to be smiling?

Written: August 16, 2004
Rating: G
A/N: Written for the Coronation Fanfic Challenge, as suggested by Tigger on the Council of Elrond Board : "Write a story about something that happens or what someone was thinking about at some point during Aragorn's Coronation Day. It can based on the movie or book trilogy and you may use as many character(s) from our favourite story as you desire."
Thank you Nivina for your comments!
Standard disclaimer: I don't own Tolkien's universe. I'm merely using it for my own (and hopefully your) amusement.

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Is it allowed to be smiling?

My brother is dead. My father killed himself. Minas Tirith and our country have another ruler.
There's enough reason not to smile. I've lost my family and my home. My life will never be the same.

Everybody who had been able to come up to the Citadel courtyard today, is here. They are dressed in their best clothes, happy to see the end of the War and the return of the King. Banners and flags of both Rohan and Gondor are waving in the wind. The smell of blood and dirt is gone. Now the city smells like spring; young and fresh. And everybody is full of anxiety to make a new start.

While everybody is watching in awe, Gandalf slowly places the winged crown on Aragorn's head. The Ranger has transformed into King Elessar, who smiles to his people when he turns around and faces them.

But I can't be sad. The dark days are over. Look at our new King, I think he really deserves his Kingship. Though my father certainly wouldn't be pleased to see that indeed his House has ended. I'm the last in the line. And I will never be Steward. I never wanted to be Steward. All I wanted was my father to love me. Like he loved my brother.

Aragorn's little speech is full of hope. Certainly, a new Era is beginning. Not only for the city and my country, also for myself.
For me the city has changed. It used to be my home, but it will never be the same. Too many memories...
I'm thinking about moving to Ithilien. It is the place my men and I have tried to defend for such a long time. I know Eowyn will like it, too. She won't be happy living in this city of stone. Minas Tirith used to be my home; for her it would feel like a prison. She needs fresh air to breathe.

My beautiful and brave Eowyn...
My heart skips a beat each time I see her smile.

Thank you, my King. You healed her. If it weren't for your coming, we would have never found each other.

Yes. It is allowed to be smiling...