A/N: I first would like to apologize for how atrociously late this chapter is. I really, really struggled with this one. I don't particularly know why, I knew what would happen, I just had trouble putting it into words. Hopefully, this reads well enough as this chapter sets up quite a bit. I also would like to apologize for any potential typos you might come across. My beta is no longer able to help me out with editing, so I ran it through a spelling and grammar check on two different websites, along with giving it another once over. I hope I haven't missed anything.
I hope you like this one! Tell me what you think!
Anna woke with warm sunlight streaming down on her face. She squinted at the sudden brightness and sat up to stretch. Her usual morning grogginess had her wondering why on earth she was supposed to be up this early until her gaze landed on a forest-green dress laid out over the top of a chair.
Today was to be Aragorn's coronation.
After a week of attempting to fix the city, an effort that was still on-going, the date was finally upon them to crown Gondor's king.
She had mixed feelings about this day. Yes, she was incredibly happy for Aragorn to finally take his place among his people. It was something the man was anticipating for a long time. He deserved to be recognized as the heir to the throne, instead of masquerading as a ranger of the North. Anna wasn't sure what her place was now that the Ring had been destroyed. She intended to ask Gandalf to assist her in her search for a way back to Dunbar. It was really the only thing she had to keep her going now. She didn't belong here, and she never would. She couldn't stay...
She sighed as she looked at the dress and shoes that she had laid out the night before. She fingered the light fabric, her gut twisting with the thought that this was made for a princess, rather than the daughter of a construction worker and a nurse. It was out of respect for Aragorn that she only allowed herself to play with the idea of showing up in her travel gear.
She threw on the gown and shoes with little effort. It was disconcerting that the material seemed light above the waist, then draped heavily to the floor, swirling around her feet as she walked. She tried fixing her hair somehow, but it was so mussed from sleep all she could do was use a little water to pat down the fuzz and try not to cringe at the awkward combination of the dress and her hair. If only she had a leather band to tie it with...
"Maybe no one will notice." She muttered as she quickly left her chamber.
Anna made her way into the main courtyard, doing her best to avoid any gazes that lingered on her as she went. She soon came across Faramir and Eowyn who were waiting among a small crowd. She felt a twinge of irritation at seeing her friend's fiance.
When Faramir told her - quite nonchalantly - that his father was somehow still alive and locked up in the White Tower, she nearly had a heart attack. She reminded him that Denethor, above all people, should not be held in Minas Tirith, let alone in the Tower itself. She had seen the "cell" the former Steward was in. It didn't resemble a prisoner's cell at all, rather an uncomfortable bedroom. Faramir then told her that he would be moved to Ithilien once he and Eowyn were wed and settled. That comment had opened a whole new can of worms for her. By the time their conversation had been put to an end - by Eowyn no less - she was questioning Faramir's intentions with Denethor. Was he planning on rehabilitating him? Anna knew that unless a person wanted to change, there was no use in even trying to help them.
She shook her head, trying to dispel her musings, and put on the biggest smile she could muster in the circumstances. She then realized the small group surrounding the two was the Fellowship. Aragorn and Gandalf were not among them.
"Anna!" exclaimed Pippin excitedly, running towards her grinning ear to ear. "We were afraid you weren't going to make it."
She eyed the others at that, only slightly ashamed she had taken as long as she had. "I wouldn't miss Aragorn's coronation."
"I am surprised you are awake at all."
The small, yet teasing voice came from behind her. She turned to see Frodo standing there, still looking fairly worn though he wore the same smile he had at the start of their journey.
She beamed at the younger Hobbit, walking over to him to wrap him in a gentle hug. "I'm glad you're well enough to be here." She looked at him, noticing how his eyes darkened only a little before brightening again.
"It was you that had us all worried." He replied, wrapping his arms lightly around her middle.
She gave a small chuckle as she stepped back, glad to see he was in high spirits.
Anna surveyed the area around them, noticing something missing from Frodo's usual group.
"Where is Gollum? I expected you to bring him today." She asked, not trying to hide the relief in her voice.
"
She was startled to see a larger crowd already forming around them, now finding it difficult to find a spot to stand. Anna gratefully took a place beside Eowyn and her family, at the shieldmaiden's behest, silently thanking her father for giving her his height.
Eomer, upon seeing her with them, gave her a smirk before turning forward again. "The Hobbits were convinced you would be late. I told them that you are late for many things, but this, you would not allow yourself to miss."
She rolled her eyes at him. "Thanks for your confidence."
The crowd suddenly grew silent as soldiers of Gondor began to file out of the throne room. The coronation had begun.
Anna quickly tried to flatten her hair some more, though, without a mirror, she realized her attempts were just about useless.
"Relax." She heard Eomer murmur to her. "You look fine."
"Easy for you to say. You don't look like you just rolled out of bed." She hissed back at him.
She heard him heave a sigh before taking out the leather hair tie holding his hair half-up and handed it to her. "Here," he muttered, "be quick about it. Aragorn and the wizard will be out soon."
Saying a quick thank you, she snagged the tie hurriedly and made quick work of the front strands of her hair, allowing the rest to flow straight down her back. She watched Eomer using his fingers to brush his own hair forward, forming soft waves.
The announcement of the arrival of the King and the White Wizard drew Anna's attention away from the Third Marshal. Aragorn took on his new responsibility with grace and seemed to transform into the man Anna had always pictured he would be. It was almost as if she was looking at a different person, but she knew he was still the same man who had looked out for her throughout the journey. She knew things were changing, but she hoped their friendship would not be one of them, even as she felt this newfound distance between them.
Anna bowed low as he approached, feeling the weight of who he was now in full, her chest tightening in response. She felt someone help balance her when she dipped too low and lost her balance. It was so quick that she assumed she had imagined it. She looked behind her and met Eomer's mirth-filled eyes before snapping her head forward again, determined not to look at him again until the ceremony was over.
The sudden happiness seemed to be sapped from around her as a new group approached their King.
The Elves had arrived.
The air around them grew stale and cold as those around her shifted uneasily. Aragorn showed no visible despair. Still, Anna knew it must be killing him to remain as stoic as he looked.
Elrond bowed, looking more worn than she thought an elf could be. The two men said nothing as they regarded one another. Their gazes never broke from each other as the crowd looked on. Anna's eyes shifted from one male to the other, wondering who would break the silence first. Instead, they spoke no words, but clasped hands, giving the other a tight smile, then the Elven group stepped the side simultaneously, allowing Aragorn to pass.
She swallowed hard as Aragorn moved on to Frodo and the others, not allowing them to bow before him. The King instead bowed, followed by the rest of citizens of Minas Tirith.
She caught a glimpse of Frodo, as she too bowed before the Hobbits. The young Hobbit was visibly moved by what he saw, and Anna couldn't think of a more deserving person for it. Anna bowed low once again, this time making sure she didn't so much as sway in place, as she thought of all the hardships the Hobbit had had to endure. Frodo had resisted the Ring's pull. He persevered through everything even though at times it seemed he would fail. Yet he did pay a price. His mind had still not completely healed, it was becoming less and less apparent, but Anna hoped that over time he would go back to his old, cheerful self again.
After the coronation, the people gathered in the tower, where a great feast waited and cheerful music rang throughout the halls. Anna found herself nearing the edge of the party, unwilling to "meet and greet" with the rest of them.
She noticed that Pippin and Merry, in particular, were putting on another song and dance atop one of the many tables in the hall. A wide grin spread across her face at the sight. Their demeanor, it seemed, hadn't changed, even after all they'd been through.
"You should join them," Gandalf spoke from her right though it wasn't a surprise to her. She had assumed he would seek her out. He always seemed to know when she was feeling isolated.
"No. I think I'll leave them to their antics." She teased lightly, grateful for the companionship. "It's extremely entertaining to watch."
"And you do not plan to join them, I assume?"
"Oh no. I've had plenty excitement this week already."
He gave a small chuckle. "You should enjoy yourself while you can. I'm sure you can find someone to dance with if you so chose." His eyes seemed twinkle at that comment.
Her own eyes narrowed, knowing he must be planning something.
"That she can." Eomer grinned at them both while offering his arm to her. "May I have the rest of this dance?"
She looked back at Gandalf, making a mental note to speak with the wizard later, before taking Eomer's arm and allowing him to lead her to the dance floor. Upon seeing the dance floor being nearly full with couples, her cheeks grew hot and her palms began to sweat.
"I can't dance." She said quietly, hoping he would take the excuse and leave her to herself.
"I remember," He tugged her along, melding them perfectly into the dancers, taking her arm and waist comfortably. "Just follow my lead. Don't worry about the steps, or my feet. Just do what feels natural."
"What feels natural is getting off this dance floor."
He laughed. "Besides that then." His head tilted to the side just a little. "It cannot be that bad to dance with me." His head titled to the side, his expression apprehensive, as if he was actually worried she might say yes.
She looked at him, bright-faced and smiling at her. It was still something she was getting used to, but she found she enjoyed his company, even if he was making her almost waltz. "No," she replied quietly, "It isn't." She kept a tight hold of his hand, trusting him to guide her around the floor.
"I have to confess that I had not intended to ask you to dance. There was another reason why I wished to speak with you."
She nodded, curious as to what he could possibly want from her.
"It concerns Lord Boromir."
She immediately stiffened. "What about him?"
He sighed heavily.
"What?" She glared at him, prepared to rip herself away from him if she felt like it.
"If someone merely repeats his name, you become immovable. I can feel you tensing, relax. If you don't like what I have to say, then I shall speak of it now more."
She stared at him impatiently, ignoring his request to relax. She'd relax after he said his piece.
"You once told me that he was nothing more than a friend. Forgive me, I know it is none of my business, but I do not think I believe that anymore."
"And your point is?"
His hands tightened around her, now looking everywhere but her, yet somehow still remarkably in tune with the music. "You needn't hide your relationship with him. I do not understand it, as you had told me the man hated you upon your first meeting, but I am not one to judge that. You do not need to hide that part of yourself from anyone, especially your friends."
"And are you my friend, Eomer?" She raised an eyebrow at him.
He looked to her again. "I would like to think so."
"Then stop talking about things you don't understand. As you said yourself, you cannot understand our friendship, and you don't need to."
"Anna," He reprimanded gently, squeezing her hand just a little. "You were never allowed to properly mourn for him. We went to war after Helm's Deep, and no one would think less of you if you still needed closure."
"And what kind of closure do you think I need exactly?"
"A funeral." He suggested lightly. "You would not be the only one to benefit from a proper send-off. We could hold a funeral for all those that were lost during the battles though it would be in Lord Boromir's honor."
Her eyes softened. "Thank you for thinking of that. I don't think many others would have. I'm sure Faramir will be grateful as well."
"You're welcome. I am glad you are not opposed to the idea."
"You thought I would be?"
Eomer shrugged. "It was a gamble on my part mentioning his name to you."
Her eyebrows raised at that. "Have I really been that hostile about it?"
"If you will forgive me for being honest - yes. You have closed yourself off to the world since we arrived back at Minas Tirith. I am not the only one who has noticed. Aragorn and Gandalf have been especially worried."
She looked away from him, unable to meet his gaze. "I'm not doing it on purpose, I just… Need some time to sort things out."
"I am sure your friends understand that." He spun them around again, the sudden movement bringing Anna back to their surroundings.
"I had no idea you danced so well." She remarked, earning a laugh from him.
"What, you thought I was some oaf, but asked you to dance anyway? I would never embarrass a lady like that." His teasing caused her to smile.
No sooner did she get used to the beat and begin to match his steps, the dance changed to a much faster tune and suddenly the dance floor became chaotic. The floor quickly became crowded and it took Eomer and Anna several minutes before they were able to disperse themselves from the crowd.
"I have never quite had a change in pace like that before," said Eomer, looking slightly startled.
She laughed in response. "Oh, I'm sure." Her gaze flitted across the faces of the many dancers, looking for her two mischievous Hobbit friends. Eventually, she spotted them atop a table near the center of the crowd, singing and dancing again. She turned to Eomer. "Merry and Pippin have begun another dance over there. Would you like to join me?" She grinned brightly at him.
He smiled at her though he gently pulled his hand away. "I am afraid I must speak with Aragorn. I will join you later if you'd like?" He offered.
Her smile fell just a little as she nodded before turning toward the Hobbits.
"Merry! Pippin!"
The two turned and waved toward her. Once she got near their table they lunged and grabbed her arms, tugging her on the table as well.
"What are you doing?" She shrieked, looking at the growing crowd around them as they cheered the three of them on.
"Dancing with you of course! You need to have some fun, Anna! This is supposed to be a party, you know!" Merry shouted over the music to her, linking arms with her as he begun to spin them around and around.
She stumbled, her shoes beginning to catch on the fabric of her dress along with the wood of the table. She thought maybe it was mead making her act so boldly as she didn't give a second thought to tossing her shoes aside before joining them once more. She laughed at the silliness of it all as they spun faster and faster, the faces of the people around them beginning to blur.
Pippin eventually joined them as they started going incredibly fast. Anna was sure they would trip and fall at any moment. Still, she didn't stop. They kept going and going, faster and faster, until she accidentally let Pippin slip from her arm, causing him to go crashing into the crowd and onto the floor.
She gasped, jumping down and rushing over to her fallen friend. "Pippin! Are you alright? I am so sorry!" She grabbed his hand and pulled him up, astonished to see he was red-faced from laughter.
"That was great! Let's do it again!"
He was about the climb up before there was abrupt silence throughout the hall.
Anna helped Merry down as Aragorn took to the center of the room.
"I am sorry to halt the celebration. I assure you, it will be but a moment." Aragorn began, "I have some declarations I must make known before this night may continue. First, and foremost, this night is to celebrate our victory against Mordor, and the darkness that threatened our lands. However, we have yet to celebrate and mourn for our fallen comrades." His gaze suddenly met hers, before understanding dawned on Anna. Her eyes instinctively sought out Eomer, who was standing off to the side of the King. He nodded to her before turning his attention back to Aragorn. She felt another wave of appreciation for him go through her. She would have to pay him back somehow.
"I request all of those who are here this eve, to return two nights from now for a funeral of those fallen. This event will be held in Lord Boromir and King Theoden's honor. Giving our respects to the dead is just as important as celebrating the living."
Murmurs from around Anna erupted yet they immediately quieted down as Aragorn continued.
"Now, I would announce my successor. This should come as no surprise, as he known throughout this city and its people! My Lord Faramir, I name you Prince of Ithilien, and when the time comes, heir to the Throne of Gondor!"
Clapping erupted all around her though Anna was too flabbergasted to move. Faramir as the future King? Aragorn gestured for Faramir to join him. He did, Anna noticed his steps were staggering a bit and he looked pale. She risked another glance at Eomer, wondering if he knew of this. Judging from the confused look on his face, he was just as surprised. She then turned to look for Eowyn, who seemed rooted to the spot.
Anna maneuvered her way through the crowd, ignoring the continuing announcements from Aragorn. "Eowyn."
Her friend turned, quickly throwing a smile on her face although Anna saw the troubled look she wore just moments ago. "Are you alright?" The redhead asked concernedly.
"Faramir is to be made king." Eowyn said, her voice trembling a bit. "Though that may be quite a long time, given Lord Aragorn is of the Dunedain."
"Yes," Anna answered cautiously. "Isn't that a good thing?"
The blonde shook her head, smiling once again at Anna. "Of course it is." She replied.
Anna wanted to press her further after that unconvincing response but thought better of it. "Alright," she replied, looking between the both of them curiously. "If you need anything, if you want to talk, you know where to find me."
Eowyn nodded. "Yes, thank you." Before Anna could get another word out, Eowyn swept off. She didn't know what was troubling her friend, but she knew Eowyn wouldn't speak of it until she was ready.
She heard the sound of heavy boots approach from behind. "I see you've made close friends with our Rohan kin." Aragorn said.
"Yes, Eowyn and I are friends." She gave Eomer a lasting glance, before turning back to Aragorn.
"And the Lord Eomer? I noticed you dancing with him."
"Yes, I suppose him too." She replied quietly, still a little unsure about that. She knew what he said, but her insecurities were getting the best of her lately.
"That's good. You should have friends outside the Fellowship, Anna. However… I have to ask," he hesitated briefly. "Have you decided to stay in Middle-Earth?" At her bewildered look, he continued. "The war is over, Anna. Everyone is settling back into their own lands and families. You need to decide what you are going to do with yours."
"I know that. I haven't given up on my home, Aragorn. I will find a way back eventually. Gandalf has promised me that as long as he resides in Middle-Earth he will help me find a way. But… I do realize I need to start building a life here if I'm to survive." Her hands started twisting themselves as her mind started reeling with the possibilities for her. There weren't a lot of places she could go… Would her friends leave her on her own?
"You may stay in Minas Tirith if that is your wish."
She looked up at him, hope shining in her eyes. "Really?" When he nodded she couldn't help herself as she embraced him tightly, tears of gratitude clinging to her lashes. "Thank you so much, Aragorn." She whispered. "You have no idea how much that means to me."
He returned her embrace quickly before taking a step back. "I have not yet forgotten my promise, Lady Anna."
Her face scrunched in confusion. "Lady? Aragorn, I'm not a lady. Far from it, really."
"As King I have the power to change status' of the people as I see fit. As you are one of those people, I am declaring you a Lady, and everything that title entails. Come to the throne room tomorrow morning. We shall make further arrangements there."
"Aragorn, I'm not sure…." She drifted off, looking around her anxiously. Did anyone hear? Would anyone object? Would they even care enough to?
"It is done, Anna. See this is as a good thing." He looked over her shoulder at something. "Excuse me, I must give my thanks to Lord Elrond before he departs." He walked off, leaving her stunned in the middle of the hall.
Anna was thrumming with happiness. After all this time, and being so unsure about her place among the people she called friends, she was offered this. She couldn't imagine a greater token of friendship and inclusion. And if she was a Lady, she would have full access to the city's archives…
With a grin on her face and a spring in her step, she left the main hall, heading toward her chambers. Tomorrow was going to be a big day for her. A new beginning, something that might eventually help her toward a way of getting herself back home.