Disclaimer: I do not own LOTR. I am only borrowing the characters

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The morning of the coronation dawned bright and clear with not a cloud in sight. Forcing himself out of bed Aragorn moved to the balcony and looked down. The city was alive with banners and people calling to each other. Even at this early hour the city rang with the sounds of celebration. The king had returned. Feeling faintly nauseated Aragorn slumped down into a chair. Less than two hours of freedom left. The official ceremony might not be until noon but before than he needed to meet with the lords of the city and the leaders of many of the outlying towns. Wearily he dropped his head into his hands. He did not want to be king. After years of running his destiny had finally caught up with him. A knock on the door pulled him out of his glum thoughts. "Enter."

Legolas came into the room, not surprised that Aragorn was not in a good mood. His friend had always denied his fate not simply because he feared he was not strong enough to resist the One Ring, but also because he did not want power. He was a natural born leader that all races followed instinctively. "You have not even started to get ready."

"I am not needed for another hour." Despite the protest he walked over to his closet and began to remove his coronation outfit. Gandalf had presented it to him just after they had returned to the city. It was in the style of men but made with the fabric of the elves. "Faramir is going to meet me at the dais."

Out of old habit Legolas helped Aragorn get cloak and mantle to lay straight. The man had never been able to adjust formal clothes properly. "How did he react to your betrothal to Eowyn?"

The king turned to face him, his surprise clear. "You knew he was attracted to her?"
Lightly the elf shrugged. "I sensed it, although it had not gone beyond an idea."

Aragorn slumped down on the bed. "I wish I had realized before I asked." With a shake of his head he recalled searching for Faramir after he had left Eowyn and Eomer. It had taken a while before he was able to find his steward deep in the recesses of the library.

"My lord," hastily Faramir rose to his feet.

Aragorn glared at him mock sternly. "How many times have I told you it is just Aragorn. I will not stand on protocol when we are alone."

With a sheepish green the young steward nodded. "I am working on it."

Dropping the façade Aragorn dropped into a chair next to where the steward had been sitting, after a moment Faramir joined him. "What are you researching?" Idly he picked up one the many books and flipped through it. It was about coronation ceremonies. Curious now he looked closer at the other books. They were all about a steward's responsibilities, the history of Gondor's kings, and protocol. His eyes met the nervous young man's with gratitude. "You did not have to do this."

"I wanted to," was his simple reply.

Lightly Aragorn laid a hand on his shoulder. "All I ask is that you be my friend and talk to me when you think I am wrong. I need someone I can trust to always be truthful with me, no matter what."

Faramir nodded solemnly. "I will do that."
Sitting forward Aragorn leaned his hands on the table. "However I do need your advice on something. I have chosen my queen and while we will not wed until midsummer I want to introduce her to the people during the coronation.

Unable to hide his delighted grin Faramir commented, "our people will be so happy. I would recommend that you introduce her just after you are crowned, immediately after you are introduced as king." He paused a moment, uncertain if his next question would be overstepping his bounds. "May I ask who she is?"
"The Lady Eowyn of Rohan." It would have taken a much less observant person than the former ranger to miss Faramir's sudden paleness. "Faramir, is there something between you that I missed?"

The steward shook his head.

Aragorn knew he was not telling all. "Faramir," he caught and held the steward's eyes. "You just promised to be truthful with me."

Pale grey eyes stared back at him. "Nothing was said- but I had hoped."

With a slow nod Aragorn released his eyes. "I am sorry, I did not know." For a moment he was silent, deep in thought. "I would like you to escort the Lady Eowyn and King Eomer to the ceremony tomorrow." Rising he squeezed the steward's shoulder comfortingly. "Know that whatever happens I will understand." As he walked out he was aware of Faramir's stunned eyes staring at him.

Legolas shook his head in disbelief at the end of the recitation. "You are unbelievable."

Puzzled Aragorn looked into his long time friend's eyes. "Why? I want Eowyn to be happy. If she loves Faramir I would rather see her happy with him."

Reaching out to grip his friend's shoulder tightly Legolas nodded. "You are not doing anything wrong. Arwen is gone. You and Eowyn have a chance for a good life full of love."

Stepping away Aragorn nodded. "I know. That is why I asked her to marry me." Slowly he reached up and removed the evenstar pendant. Gently he placed it on the dresser, closing his eyes in a final painful goodbye. "I-"

Before he could go on someone knocked on the door as a voice called out. "May I come in?"

Jolted from his memories Aragorn turned to see Elrond standing just outside the door. Knowing he needed to resolve things with his foster father the soon to be king nodded once.

Legolas looked from one to the other. "I will go check that everything is in order." On his way out he gave Aragorn a reassuring grin.

For a few minutes father and son simply looked at each other: neither sure how to bridge the gap that had formed between them. At last it was Aragorn who spoke. "I am glad you are here." To the former ranger's relief he found that to be completely true. Gone were all traces of the bitterness and anger that had haunted their relationship due to Elrond's interference with his relationship with Arwen. While he had understood and even agreed with the elf-lords motives it had still hurt him deeply.

Elrond smiled and reached out to give his youngest child a hug. "I am so very proud of you." Pulling back he looked into his son's eyes. "I know you do not completely believe it but you will be a good king."

"I know," was the simple answer. "I just do not want the job." He paused a moment, unsure of his next comment. "Eowyn will make it bearable."
For a moment Elrond was silent, looking at Aragorn closely. "You genuinely care for her." It was a statement not a question.

"It has not the intensity and strength of what I felt for Arwen, but it is enough to build on."

Placing a hand on his son's shoulder Elrond squeezed it with affection. "I am glad. I do want you to be happy." Dropping his arm he turned and walked to the open window, overlooking Gondor. The city was more festive this day than he had seen any city since the end of the second age. The people were overjoyed to welcome their king home officially. All it did was break Elrond's heart a little more.

"Ada?" Aragorn had moved softly up behind him. "Ada, are you okay?"

"I have known this day would come. I trained you for it and pushed you to it. But now that it is here I find that it has come to soon."

Puzzled Aragorn stepped in front of the elven-lord to catch his eyes. "What Ada? My crowning?"

Elrond nodded, moving his eyes to again stare out the window. "You are taking your rightful place as the leader of men while the elves are leaving these shores. Within a few years I will take the grey ship across the sea." He turned his eyes back to his youngest. "I have known and dreaded this day since you came and stole my heart as a two year old terror. Never had I imagined that one human toddler could turn Rivendell to chaos."

Smiling at his childhood memories Aragorn hugged his father close. "We will always have the memories and you can rest easy with the knowledge that I have found contentment. Besides, we will meet again someday, beyond the end of time." With a final squeeze he released his father and walkded to his desk. He held up the evenstar. "Will you return this?"

"No." With a shake of his head Elrond crossed the room and closed his son's hand around the charm. "It was a gift. Keep it and give it to one of your children. You will know which one."

Slowly releasing a deep breath Aragorn nodded and stored the necklace safely in one of the drawers. "We should go."

Companionably side-by-side they left the room.

Nervously Eowyn checked her reflection in the mirror once more, cursing this sudden attack of nerves. She was objective enough to know that she was pretty but she felt that was not enough. Today she needed to be perfect. Forcing her not to pace she mentally counted to ten, forcing herself to calm down. Nothing would go wrong. Aragorn would be crowned king and she would be introduced as his future wife. At that thought her stomach did another somersault. Just as she was starting to pace again someone knocked on the door. "Enter," she called, grateful for the interruption.

The door opened and Faramir took one step inside. "Lord Aragorn has requested that I escort King Eomer and yourself to the ceremony." He took a closer look at her. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you," she replied, feeling slightly uncomfortable. No matter her reasons or how right they were she had still chosen to wed Aragorn over a chance at a relationship with Faramir. Even though she knew he had feelings for her and that she could have easily fallen for him under different circumstances. "I will be ready in just a moment." Walking into her bedchamber the White Lady of Rohan bowed her head and once again forced herself to be calm. Why had Aragorn sent Faramir? It was not simply because it would show her the highest honor. He valued feelings over shows of power. Unbidden her mind darted back to their conversation yesterday evening.

He had come to her at dinner, asking her to walk with him. Dutifully escorted by their guards they had walked in the garden. Stopping under the newly planted white tree of Gondor Aragorn had turned to be sure the escort was out of earshot. "Do you love Faramir?"

Caught completely off-guard by the question Eowyn had only shaken her head dumbly.

For a few minutes Aragorn had looked deeply into her eyes. "If you are sure." Slowly they began to walk again. Just before dropping her off at her room he turned her to face him. "If you change your mind just give a shake of your head. There will be no hard feelings or repercussions." He smiled softly at her. "I will be disappointed, but I want you to be happy." Kissing her hand he had strode off, leaving her staring blankly at his back

Opening her eyes she felt her nerves fade. He was giving her a last chance, to allow her to be sure of her choice. Content she walked back into the sitting room to see Eomer deep in discussion with Faramir. "I am ready."

Both men looked up and Faramir extended his arm to escort her. Eomer walked a couple of steps behind them, seeming to know that they needed to talk. "Faramir I-"

"You do not have to say it," he interrupted. "We both know a might have been exists but neither one of us is one to dwell on what could have been. You and Aragorn will build a good life together and I am happy for you both." Stopping he turned and bowed on one knee before her. "It will be my honor and pleasure to serve my queen and friend."

With a gentle smile that lit up her face Eowyn signaled him to rise. "As I will always honor your friendship and support."

Together, both feeling a good deal more light of heart they walked into their future. In the shadows of the courtyard Eowyn could see her betrothed and she smiled in genuine happiness when she saw Lord Elrond beside him. "Thank you," she mouthed.

In return he smiled at her, nodding his head in acknowledgement.

Not losing her smile Eowyn allowed Faramir to escort her to the specially erected viewing stands just to the side of the coronation platform where the lords of the realm and the special guests were seated. As Faramir took his place on the dais the crowd fell silent. Eowyn watched Aragorn begin the long walk forward. Her last bit of nervousness faded. This was the right choice.

The ceremony passed in a blur, her attention was focused on Aragorn only. She barely noticed when Frodo took the crown to Gandalf who then placed it on Aragorn- King Elessar's head. When he rose all traces of the ranger was gone and in his place stood the king of men. The crowd roared its approval after Faramir introduced him and Eowyn felt her heart swell with pride.

With a soft smile Aragorn looked out at his people. "Thank you for your welcome and I will do my best to lead you well. I would also like to announce that on Midsummer's day the Reunified kingdom of Gondor and Arnor shall have a queen." Loud cheers interrupted him and it was almost three minutes before it quieted enough for him to go on. "King Eomer of Rohan has graciously consented, with the Lady's full agreement, to allow me to wed the Lady Eowyn."

Again the crowd roared its approval as Aragorn extended his hand to her. Eyes on him alone she rose and took it. Looking into his eyes she saw her future. A future full of joy and sorrow, laughter and tears. A future with all the possibilities, but most of all one filled with love.

Together, arm in arm, they turned to face their people.

A/N Well that's the end, maybe. This is where I saw this fic ending but in my mind I have created an AU that extends from the time Eowyn leaves Rohan to marry Aragorn until their deaths. It is not a story so much as vignettes from their life together. If any one is interested I could write those up, just review or e-mail me.

If this is the end I want to thank everyone who read and I hope you enjoyed. A very special thanks to all those who reviewed. It made writing this all them more rewarding.

Catwjl