Frodo and Sam have miraculously survived the destruction of Mordor and Sauron, having been found by Gandalf and the Eagles. Susan was privy to the reunion the fellowship had when Frodo recovered, their joy apparent and Frodo's surprise in seeing Gandalf alive. She was also there when Aragorn was crowned king of Gondor the following day and was reunited with his love Arwen not soon after in the courtyard of the great White city. A great number of men, elves and dwarves gave due honor to the hobbits for being instrumental in the fall of Sauron by bowing to them. Susan smiled a little as she recalled the hobbits elated yet embarrassed expressions.
Smoothing her creaseless rose colored gown, Susan watched Éowyn dressed in green, as she combed her blonde hair. She noticed that the Rohirrim woman had an unmistakable smile on her face as she was lost in her daydreams. She, Altaris and Éowyn shared a room in the castle, grooming themselves before they appear at Aragorn's and Arwen's wedding.
"So Faramir…" Susan attempted to ask. The blonde human looked at her and blushed a little. Susan at first didn't know the reason to her friend's change in countenance when they got back from Mordor, after being depressed after the battle in Minas Tirith. It was after Faramir inquired of Éowyn from her did she realize that a bond formed between the two injured warriors at the House of Healing.
"I never thought I'd meet a soul as tormented and lonely as mine." The blonde woman began.
"Have you found peace my friend?" Altaris asked from the other side of the room. She wore a blue gown as a custom to the elves.
"Aye." Was the reply. Then she grinned, a genuine and truly exalted grin that made her very beautiful. It was the first time Susan saw such happiness in her. "I'm grateful to Eru that he gave both of you as my friends. You see I don't have female friends in which to share my thoughts and feelings with."
"Then please do share." Said Susan excitedly as the three gathered and sat on one bed and commenced on their womanly talk.
"I sense his hurt." The blonde began. "But through this, he remained strong. He gave me hope when I lay downcast in my sickbed." Susan was glad that they found each other. Both were rejected by the ones they love and suffered immense loses during the war. "He helped my heart recover as my wounds healed."
Taking her hands in hers, Susan asked: "I'm so happy for you my friend. Happy endings are possible." She said almost to herself.
"I was right." began Altaris. Both humans looked at their friend inquiringly. "I told you the one for you could be anywhere, even here. And I was exactly and completely right. Faramir was in the House of Healing that time." They all shared a laughed at that.
"So would there a wedding so soon after Arwen's?" Susan enquired with one eyebrow raised.
Éowyn just smiled and simply said: "I would dearly love so. But not before yours and Altaris." And the tables turned as the two then focused on Susan.
"Both of you would be there of course." She said excitedly. "Legolas wants us to get married in his home in Mirkwood. But I want it to be at Lothlórien where we met."
The three then proceeded to exchange wedding and ceremony plans, not quite different to the women Susan's world. Susan thought that maybe Aragorn and Arwen's wedding, which would happen in a while bolstered their talks of how beautiful their weddings would be. She sat enthralled as the elf and human explained how wedding ceremonies were done in Middle Earth.
A soft knock on the door interrupted their chat. Éowyn went to open it and smiled when she saw Faramir's face.
"May I escort you downstairs my lady?" he asked. He was flanked by two of his other men. He looked a little embarrassed when he saw the elf and Narnian as they stood up.
"Let me extend my offer to all three of you." The Gondorian soldier began. "The White city has been graciously blessed with the presence of such beautiful maidens." He added.
"Thank you Farramir." Éowyn replied with light in her eyes.
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Legolas quietly regarded his human friend as he was donned in splendid wedding attire by his groomsmen which befit the king of Gondor.
"Would my appearance rival those of my elven friends perhaps?" Aragorn asked the elf. It was asked lightly yet Legolas can surmise how important his answer would be. Though the human has lived for more than 80 years and has fought many wars, the elf thought that he looked more uneased at that moment and his coronation than all the times they faced orcs.
Legolas looked at Aragorn's black and royal blue trimmed with silver ensemble and smiled. "Handsome enough to make Arwen's heart to flutter." He jested. He himself was dressed in pale blue and silver and had a gold band on his head as a custom for elves of royal birth.
"You two clean up well I suppose." Said a gruff voice. Both turned and looked at their dwarf friend who though dressed in formal black and brown, hardly looked different apart that his head was bare.
"As do you master dwarf." Aragorn replied.
They soon departed the chamber for the white courtyard where Aragorn and Arwen's were to be held. Both Gimli and his father and Legolas and his father were part of the march. Aragorn included the heavily favored hobbits as well.
"The ceremony is about to start." Gimli told his friend when he saw Legolas was searching for his betrothed. Gimli already took his place and was bothered that the elf was preoccupied.
"Not in a while." He answered confidently as he strode towards the humans gathered in the side. The elf's eyes widened, not unlike when he first saw Susan, as he saw her in a red colored gown. All the other ladies present seemed to pale in comparison to Susan he thought as the Narnian queen gave him a happy grin.
Closing in on her, the elf whispered huskily on her ear: "You're becoming more beautiful day by day. When will you be mine love?"
Feeling her heart beat faster she answered: "I am already yours. As long as you'll have me."
Taking her hand and squeezing gently he replied: "Forever."
The wedding ceremony started too soon for Legolas as he was forced to leave Susan's side by a very stern look from his best friend before the procession began.
The hobbits came first who all looked uncomfortable in their formal wear. Sam particularly looked self conscious as he fidgeted with the collar of his shirt. Then came the dwarves with Gimli and Glóin up front. Then the elves who looked majestic as usual in their pristine white and blue robes and gold bands in their heads. They were noticeable indeed for they had banners, same color as their apparels. Susan gave Legolas a smile as he passed. It wasn't long before the wedding ceremony took place, officiated no less than Elrond himself, Arwen's father. The bride and groom exchanged rings and Elrond pronounced them man and wife in the sight of Erú Illuvatar and introduced them as king and queen of Gondor.
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During the feast, Susan was very much content as she saw Éowyn and Faramir dancing who appeared lost in their own world. Altaris and Haldir on the other hand seemed to float on the dance floor as do all the elves as they danced to the exotic Gondorian music. Susan covered her mouth as she stifled a giggle when she saw Gimli trip clumsily while dancing with a very amused Arwen. Susan did not know the elf Gondor queen, yet she sensed that her beauty was not only a façade but within as well which Aragorn have fallen in love with.
"May I have this dance my queen?" Legolas asked his hand extended.
"You need not have asked." She replied placing her hand in the elf's. "Though I'm not familiar with the customary dances in this world."
"Trust me." the elf said. "I won't let you fall." And so they danced with the elf leading her through the unfamiliar steps. And though they have a great difference in height, their bodies seemed to float and meld well with each other.
"Your worry is misplaced." Legolas whispered bending his head. "You move like the autumn leaves blown by the wind. Effortless and graceful."
Susan basked in her love's compliment and had to stop herself from making a very girlish immature giggle. She settled in giving him one of her beautiful smiles. The elf bent his head and tightened his hold on her. Susan knew that he would kiss her.
"Legolas!" she said a little embarrassed. "Not here in the middle of the dance floor. Your father is looking in our direction."
"Are you telling me I could not kiss my betrothed?" he asked with mock indignation.
"Not in full view of everyone." She replied. "When we're married you can kiss me all you want until you're sick of it. You've had enough kisses anyway I think."
"Never enough." He answered huskily.
"Behave." Susan said. "Pip is looking at you funny." Their dance was barely over when Pip approached the couple and asked: "May I have the next dance Susan?"
"Why certainly my dearest hobbit." She replied leaving the elf who gave a little bow to the hobbit as he handed him Susan's hand. Dancing with the hobbit wasn't as awkward as the Narnian thought it would be for Pip reached past her waist.
"I'd like to dance with you on your wedding day too Susan." The hobbit said seriously.
"Of course you may Pip." She replied. "You can even have the last dance." Merry cut in their dance, then Frodo and Sam, then Faramir who talked about no one but Éowyn. Éomer then danced with her with a mischievous look on his face as he regarded Legolas's frown as they danced. It was only when Susan was in Haldir's arms when her fiancé interrupted them.
"I think you've danced with others long enough." The elf said jealousy plainly written on his face as he whisked Susan away.
"You're not still jealous of Haldir are you?" she asked a little irritated. She realized that Legolas was leading her to a more secluded area of the court.
The elf's frown softened and he answered: "I envy him for knowing you before I did. But he is a great warrior and friend and has protected you in my absence. You are right. I do him great disservice for thinking ill of him."
"No need for jealousy for Altaris loves her elf Haldir." She replied softly. "And I love mine."
Pulling her closer behind a pillar, the elf finally was able to kiss his queen and Susan reveled in it. Lifting his head up he said: "And I love you whole heartedly but you know that." He then removed a chain from his neck, something that Susan saw him wear for the first time. He unfastened it and removed a ring which hanged from it.
"My sweet Susan," He began. "According to elf tradition we must exchange rings and be trothed for at least a year for us to marry." Noticing the frown on the Narnian queen he added: "However our coming together in the midst of war and the circumstances that you came to our world changes the norm."
Not removing his arms around her he continued: "I bore not my family ring for it never occurred to me or my father that I would meet you in the course of this war. I cannot wait that long for us to marry. I, however would like to keep at least one tradition."
Legolas took both of Susan'a hands while still holding the ring and asked: "Would you wear this ring as a sign of our betrothal until we are married my love?"
"Of course." Susan replied solemnly and softly. The elf then placed the silver band on the queen's ring finger. Susan gazed at it for a minute then grabbed the elf's head down and kissed him deeply.
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Susan felt extremely blessed as she walked in the woods, relishing a few moments alone as she gathered her thoughts and remembered what has happened since she stepped on Middle Earth. They arrived at Lothlórien the day before and couldn't help but hug Galadriel when she saw her again. The blond elf queen gathered her in her arms and welcomed her back saying to her ear: "Though questions still linger on your mind, I see that you have found peace at last."
She remembered asking the queen if she could be married in her kingdom in the woods where she first saw Legolas. Galadriel denied her nothing and accepted their entourage consisting of men, hobbits and elves.
She found herself tracing the steps she took when she first saw Galadriel's mirror. It brought her a lot of memories, and she felt her heart burdened as she remembered her family. Once more she thought what her life would be without her family and how she would fare as a queen to the elves of Mirkwood once married.
"I expected you Susan." Said a calm and soothing voice.
Looking up she saw Galadriel standing on the basin and giving her a reassuring smile. The Narnian hesitated a little then the elf queen once more spoke: "Take a walk with me."
Puzzled and hiding her frown, Susan followed the Galadriel as she walked farther into the woods. A comfortable silence ensued as Susan fell in step beside the queen.
"I know you wish to look once more in the mirror Susan." The Lórien queen began. "However you have already seen all that you needed to see."
"That's what I'm afraid of for there are still lingering questions in my mind." She replied disappointed. "Though I found my purpose in helping in the war and marrying Legolas tomorrow…"
"You feel there's another reason why you were sent here." Galadriel finished for her.
"Yes." She answered relieved that the elven queen understood her. "And my family….how will I see them again. If I do see them again."
"All would be revealed and would unfold before my child in due time." Galadriel said with reassurance.
"I know." she replied. "Somehow I believe that now."
The silence was immediately broken by an unmistakable lion's roar. Susan stiffened. "That roar." She said. "It can't be…" as she hurtled towards the sound, deeper into the forest. She heeded not Galadriel calling her name, hopeful, daring to believe that she would see the great Lion once more.
"Aslan!!" she shouted with jubilation upon seeing the gentle Lion. She did not even consider that she was gazing at a stray beast or that she saw a different lion for she trusted her instinct as she threw herself on Aslan, copious tears of joy falling from her eyes. She did not even think for a second that she should be angry or indignant at Aslan for placing her in Middle Earth and appearing just now after so many months.
"Hello dear child." The deep soothing voice of Aslan made her feel safe and at home. Susan has always felt that Aslan's presence certainly drives away fear and doubt.
"My Lord." Said a voice from behind. Susan looked and saw Galadriel kneeling towards Aslan.
"You know Aslan?" she asked surprised looking at the elf queen.
"Arise queen of Lothlórien." The great Lion said.
"I have never thought that I would see the great creator Erú Illuvatar in my lifetime." Said Galadriel, awe apparent in her voice, as she slowly stood up.
"Erú Illuvatar?" Susan asked puzzled.
"According to ancient scrolls, Erú could take all kinds of forms but more so than of a great Lion." The elf queen replied. She was envious of the closeness Susan apparently had with the great creator.
"Why is your name different here?" the Narnian asked.
"I come in many names and titles from different worlds and cultures." Said the deep voice of Aslan. "And you know me as Aslan, my real name." Then turning to Galadriel he said: "Thank you child for taking Susan in and helping her way through this world."
"You are most welcome my Lord." Replied the elf queen. "I would leave you now for I believe Susan has questions in her mind that you alone my Lord can answer." With an assent from Aslan, Galdriel quietly left.
Quietly walking in the serene forest, Aslan began: "So what is the foremost question in your mind my child?"
Susan knew that nothing escaped Aslan and he only asked the question to be polite. "Why did you send me here? Why not back to Narnia? And why just me?" she blurted out in rapid succession. Queries seemed to race in her mind. Now that they would be answered, it seemed that the questions would overflow her.
"You have learned all you needed to in Narnia." The great Lion began. "But you have still much to learn about faith and trust and of listening to your heart more and not just logic." Aslan smiled a little at the last part. "You have a great mind but logic impeded you from loving and trusting and most importantly from believing. But you have learned all of those here in Middle Earth."
Susan realized that they momentarily stopped walking. With tears in her eyes, she said: "Yes. I've learned those and more. But why just me? I miss my brothers and Lucy much."
"You needed to go on this journey alone little one." Aslan replied. "Peter is a great leader, not without mistakes though but ready to pick up the pieces and move forward. Edmund is just and with a good heart and would forever remember the sacrifices made. Lucy is brave and faithful and learned to trust without fail even at a young age. They have unswerving loyalty to me and Narnia and have placed their trust on me. However, I have foreseen that the lessons you've learned here are crucial to what your decisions would be in the future."
Then the great Lion asked: "You were hurt when I said you no longer need to return to Narnia, weren't you Susan?" She could only nod unable to speak for tears she was holding back. "Your mind warred with your heart about me. But I love all of you for you're all equal to my eyes. And now you have found your own faith on things that your logical mind cannot perceive."
"Yes I see it all now." Susan could only reply. "Your hand I sensed was with the whole time. Even though I thought I would lose my life, I didn't. It was you who kept the ground from swallowing us in Mordor wasn't it?" Aslan nodded to affirm it was so. "And I've been surrounded by beings who loved me greatly and who I cherish. Thank you Aslan."
"I placed you in Lórien for I know these elves would make you feel at home and would somehow ease the pain of missing your siblings." The great Lion explained.
"And Legolas?" she couldn't help but ask.
"Both of you fell in love on your own." Aslan said with a smile.
"And now that I've learned everything I need to learn here, would I need to leave Middle Earth too?" she asked her heart clenching.
"No little one." Aslan answered. "I could not break the elf's heart so you would stay here for as long as you live. However, you are from Earth and you would still have a purpose there and you would return in the appointed time. But it's in the distant future."
Hugging the great Lion, she said sobbing: "Thank you my dearest Aslan for everything! Oh how my happiness would be complete if Peter, Edmund and Lucy were here to be with me when I wed."
She heard Aslan say softly: "Ask and it will be given."