Chapter 10 – A King is Crowned
Legolas sat in the corridor, head in his hands. He heard Aragorn sit down next him. 'It's my fault. I distracted her. I took her focus away from the battle.'
'Do not blame yourself, my friend. It could still have happened. She would not want you to blame yourself.' Aragorn said gently. Legolas rose to his feet and began to walk away. 'Where are you going?'
'I need some space.'
Legolas made his way down to the stables. As he was stroking Arod a black stallion poked his head over his stall door. Legolas left Arod and went to Warrior. The horse nudged the elf's shoulder. Legolas scratched Warrior's forehead. 'You're worried too.' He murmured. Warrior butted his chest and Legolas grabbed a brush and entered the stall.
Verya opened her eyes and had to blink several times. A dull pain throbbed through her side. She turned her head and saw Éomer sat by the window. 'What day is it?' she asked, her voice cracking, throat dry.
Éomer started and looked around. He crossed the room and gave her some water, which she drank greedily. 'It has been three days since the black gate.' He replied. 'And you are lucky to be alive.'
'What happened?'
'You were stabbed.'
Verya rolled her eyes. 'I know that bit, I meant after.'
Éomer chuckled. 'We won. Sauron is gone, forever. We can finally live in peace. Aragorn is to be crowned soon and I will be once we return to Rohan.'
'Am I allowed to get up?' Verya questioned.
'If you feel like it, and I know there's no point arguing with you. I'll wait outside while you change.' Éomer rose and left the room.
As she changed Verya inspected her wound. A long scar ran from her left hip all the way to her mid-stomach. She ran a finger along it, a jagged ridge in her otherwise smooth skin. She dropped her tunic down and secured her belt around her waist.
Verya re-joined Éomer outside the room. 'Where do you want to go?' He asked.
They were interrupted by Aragorn. 'It's good to see you on your feet, Verya.' He greeted a worried look on his face.
'Is everything alright?' Éomer asked.
'Have you seen Legolas, no one has seen him since yesterday evening.'
'Who was the last person to see him?' Verya asked.
'Myself, I spoke to him and he said he needed some space.' Aragorn replied. 'He didn't say where he was going.'
'We'll help look for him.' Éomer volunteered. Aragorn nodded and the three of them made their way to the hall.
The three split up. Acting on a hunch, Verya headed for the stables. Arod's stall yielded no results, but Warrior's did. The black war-horse was lying in the stall. At his side, sleeping was Legolas. Verya had to stifle a giggle. Unbolting the stall she stepped inside. Verya crouched down at Warrior's shoulder, placing one hand on her horse's withers; she shook Legolas with the other hand.
Legolas jerked awake, accidently knocking Verya to the floor. It was a couple of moments, before Legolas realised what had happened. Pulling the elleth to her feet, he crushed her to his chest. 'Don't ever scare me like that again.'
'I'll try not to.'
A few days later crowds filled the top of Minas Tirith as Aragorn was crowned by Gandalf. 'Now come the days of the king.' Gandalf announced. 'And may they be blessed.'
Aragorn rose and turned to address the people. 'This day does not belong to one man but to all. Let us together rebuild this world, that we may share in the days of peace.' The crowd applauded, which faded away as the new king began to sing. 'Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta.' He made his way through the crowd, greeting friends along the way. Eowyn and Faramir, Éomer and Verya, until he reached Legolas. 'Hannon le.'
Legolas stepped aside to reveal two dark haired elves. The male motioned the female towards Aragorn, who caught her in a passionate kiss. They carried on through the crowds until they reached the hobbits, who bowed awkwardly. 'My friends.' Aragorn greeted. 'You bow to no one.' He bowed, on one knee, to them and everyone else followed his example.
Verya led Warrior into the courtyard of Minas Tirith. They were returning to Rohan. The hobbits were saying goodbye to Aragorn, Arwen, Legolas, Gimli, Faramir and Eowyn. They were accompanying Verya and Éomer as far as Edoras, before continuing onto the Shire. Legolas approached Verya. 'I had this made for you.' Into her hand he placed a silver necklace, with a green jewel leaf hanging from it. 'So you don't forget me.'
Verya smiled. 'I'll never forget you. You'll see me again.'
'I'd better.' Legolas took the necklace from her palm and fastened it around her neck. 'Goodbye.' The elves shared a kiss, before Legolas boosted Verya into the saddle.
Éomer turned to his captain. 'Are you ready to go home?' Verya nodded. Éomer in turn nudged Firefoot forward, and they left Minas Tirith.
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