Moment
Part 10: Fight II – Merry
A/N: Again, so sorry for the late update! *winces* My mom kicked me off the computer last night...
The day dawned bright and clear.
I wandered the seventh level of Minas Tirith, enjoying the feel of warm air on my skin and the utter peacefulness of the land. The Shadow had finally been overcome, and today Strider—Aragorn—was to be crowned King of Gondor.
Pippin had still been sleeping peacefully in our room when I had woken, and decided not to rouse him. After all, he needs his beauty sleep...no, I'm joking.
Anyway, I was now wandering rather aimlessly about and hoping I wouldn't get lost.
I found myself walking through the halls of the Citadel, and the sheer size of it left me breathless. Walking quietly forward, I looked at the statues of the long-dead kings on either side of the main room. Then I heard raised voices.
I turned, frowning, and walked down a long hallway. I couldn't make out what they were saying, but I thought I heard Aragorn and Legolas. What in the name of—
The door in front of me was suddenly flung open, and I jumped aside, narrowly missing being struck by it. Legolas fled from the room. His head was bowed, but I swore I could see tears glittering on his pale cheeks. He turned the corner, and then a few minutes later, a door slammed shut.
I was frozen in place, shocked. What is going on? I wondered, as the soft sound of weeping drifted over to me from inside the room. I hesitated, knowing I would regret this—a lot—if I got caught, and then cautiously stepped over to the still-open door and peered in.
Aragorn was kneeling, his back to the door. His shoulders shook as he wept. I shuddered, and turned away, his anguish piercing my heart and nearly bringing tears to my eyes. He and Legolas were close, I knew, closer even than me and Pippin.
My own words to my cousin came back to me. "Why do you have to look? Why do you always have to look?" I had cried, frustrated, when Gandalf had taken him to Gondor after he had looked into the palantír. I almost laughed at the bitter irony of our reversed roles.
Later, that afternoon, Aragorn was crowned King. The people were joyous at the return of the rightful King. "Now come the days of the King!" Gandalf cried to the people, smiling widely. He leaned down to say something quietly to Aragorn. "May they be blessed," it looked like he was saying.
Aragorn took a deep breath, obviously trying to calm himself, before standing and turning to face his people. The group of Elves came gracefully forward, and Aragorn walked out to meet them. Legolas was leading the Elves, a soft smile on his face. He and Aragorn exchanged several quiet words, and then Aragorn smiled. Reaching out, he clasped Legolas' shoulder, and then embraced the Elf tightly.
I couldn't help it; I chuckled. Pippin glanced at me curiously. What? he mouthed over Frodo's and Sam's heads. I shook my head, unable to wipe the smile off my face. Nothing, I mouthed back. He raised an eyebrow, and I sighed. I'll tell you later. He grinned cheekily. You better.
I bet it hurts for Aragorn and Legolas to be torn apart.
A/N: LOL, the actual story part is 550 words exactly. Anyway, hope you guys like it!