Days had passed since that fierce battle at the gates of Mordor. It was by no small miracle that Gandalf found Sam and Frodo clinging to life by a small thread. Sam was awake by the following day in a large room inside Minas Tirith, he was greeted happily by his kin and the rest of the fellowship. Tears were spilled joyously and stories told yet still the sturdy hobbit was mainly concerned for his friend.
Eomer had to leave that day as well as his army and sister. Though it seemed the beautiful Eowyn had finally found love with someone who could return her affections wholly. Faramir was his name, as they all came to learn. He was the second son of the steward of Gondor, and he was Boromir's younger brother. The connection was not lost to the fellowship and all were happy for the two of them. Eomer, Eowyn, and his men were to return once he'd been crowned king of Rohan, in order to attend Aragorn's coronation.
So a few more days passed and Frodo's wounds were cleaned and slowly healing. The poor hobbit had lost part of his index finger thanks to the creature Gollum biting it clean off, as Sam had told them.
The rest of the fellowship were taken very well care of in the halls of Minas Tirith. Aragorn and Amina remained properly dressed in clothes made for royalty. She had felt a bit uncomfortable but was quickly getting used to walking the halls in gowns of white and dark blue. She'd forgotten how dignified and serene Legolas looked in his clean silver tunic, the color suited him well, a noble prince. Gandalf's robes were laundered back to the pristine white it was meant to be, just as were the cloths of Gimli. Merry, Pippin, Sam, and even Frodo were given clothes from young boys in the city while their own clothes were cleaned and mended. They were all fresh and ready for a new start.
On a particularly sunny afternoon with the birds chirping in the air and flowers dancing in the wind, Gandalf sat with Frodo while the others gathered outside his door and talked quietly about the upcoming celebrations to be held in Gondor's white city. Laughter was suddenly heard within the room and they all eyed each other in renewed joy.
Merry and Pippin were the first to go through the arched door, running happily towards their good friend.
Gimli winked at Legolas who had been standing beside Aragorn and Amina, it seemed he was never far off from either of them lately, and then the dwarf ran off after the half-lings. Everyone could hear Frodo's ecstatic voice greet him as he had the others. And it was a beautiful sound to their ears.
Bringing her with him, Legolas and Amina soon appeared in the door, and seeing Frodo's bright blue eyes and smiling face felt so tremendously good to see. Walking in just behind the elf she stood at his side as Frodo openly greeted them happily. Aragorn came in right after they had, a smile locked onto his features as he too was warmly welcomed.
All had come then except for Sam, he'd been worried dearly for him, and to see his and Frodo's faces when they saw each other with everything they'd been through…it was simply a magical, touching moment.
And so came about the reunion of almost all factions of the fellowship, all but Boromir. As they had with Sam they each shared their stories with one another, taking the time to laugh and cry and smile through memories of the recent past. The hobbits were quick to agree to remain a few months in Minas Tirith to bear witness Aragorn being crowned king, there was to be a grand celebration immediately following the official ceremony.
Later that night found Amina in the gardens with Legolas walking leisurely at her side. He mentioned that he wanted to speak with her privately once more and brought her to this beautiful place. There was a spectacular bubbling fountain in the center and gorgeous blooms sending their intoxicating scents throughout the area. Spring was coming.
Eventually he announced, "I must journey to Mirkwood but will return before the crowning."
She paused in her steps and looked up to him, removing her arm from his and moved to stand before him, "I understand, of course," she told him and with a grin she admitted, "though I'll miss having you around."
His smile was honest and endearing, "And I you. Amina, I was hoping that," he watched as a slow smile lifted her lips, "you would consider joining Gimli and I a few months after the coronation."
The dwarf had already filled her all in regarding his plans with the elf. First they had full intentions of completely journeying through Fangorn forest before stopping in Edoras in Rohan and eventually making their way to the glittering caves. Where else they would go, they had no current plans, perhaps wherever their feet took them.
"I am not sure I will be able to join you," she told him honestly, "as his heir, my place will be here at Aragorn's side." That and, if she were being truthful to herself, she was quite ready to remain in one place for a while yet.
"Consider it then, there is still plenty of time to decide."
His words reminded her of what Aragorn had to say not long ago before the final battle. They were both right. There was still time for her to decide. Not about whether or not she should accompany Legolas and Gimli on yet another adventure; but of her inner turmoil of choosing mortality or immortality.
"I will, I promise."
He was to leave the following day, to make haste to his homeland and waiting father. The goodbye between them all was long, and during his long absence Amina and Gimli talked and grew closer with each other. She hadn't realized at first that the two of them weren't merely friends; they had become best friends, closer than she thought a dwarf and an elf could ever be. It was a bond brought together by fighting side by side, arguing with one another, and trying to best each other at every turn. It was a deep and irrevocable friendship.
The plans for Aragorn's coronation continued on, as were the plans for her own crowning the same night of the celebration. The months seemed to fly by quickly yet painfully slowly all at the same pace. A new extravagant gown was ordered for her, along with several others for her new life as a princess in these lands.
Her days were filled with meetings at Aragorn's side; together they met other families of noble backgrounds. Their evenings were spent with the rest of the fellowship, laughing with the hobbits and listening to the wise counsel of Gandalf. Gimli had tried and tried to get either Aragorn or Amina into a drinking contest with him but it was to no avail. He did manage to goad Merry and Pippin though, and surprisingly Merry had won that wee contest.
A week before the official coronation; Legolas arrived with a large company of wood-elves that even included the great elvenking Thranduil. Amina stood beside her brother Aragorn as they met the good elves of Mirkwood and welcomed them officially into their city.
"Thank you for the warm welcome," the elven king bowed slightly before him, his eyes the same piercing blue as that of his son's.
The new royals bowed to him in much the same fashion. Amina grew quite uncomfortable as the penetrating gaze of the great king seemed to pierce through her. It was a strange feeling and she couldn't help it when her eyes sought those of Legolas. He too was staring at her and she glanced back to Thranduil before saying, "Allow me to escort your company to their rooms," at his nod of agreement, she turned as she spoke, "this way." Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that the longstanding elvenking had been searching for something within the depth of her soul.
Aragorn had already ordered their best rooms to be made available for Legolas and those he traveled with. The elf was an immeasurably valued asset several times throughout the course of their dangerous mission. He was to be held in high regard just as were the others in the fellowship. None though, were of the highest regard than the little hobbits from the Shire.
It was later that evening after a hearty meal had been consumed that Thranduil was approached by Frodo and the other half-lings. Bilbo Baggins had held the elven king in high esteem and it was an honor to meet him for the hobbits. As for Thranduil he was very obviously pleased and honored himself to meet the heroes of Middle-earth and also the heir of his old Elf-Friend Bilbo Baggins.
The last week went by quickly and soon came the morning of the long-awaited coronation. Everyone was gathered in the large stone courtyard atop Minas Tirith. Amina stood off to the side at the top of the stairs, dressed beautifully in a white and gold gown with pearls and crystals embroidered on the bodice in the shape of the white tree of Gondor. Beside her stood Gimli who was given the honor to carry the king's crown on a soft-cushioned pillow. The crown itself was light in weight yet bold and artfully decorated to match the kings of old.
Aragorn was kneeling now as Gandalf walked towards the honored dwarf and took the crown from him, sending a wink to both him and Amina as he did so. He then stood before Aragorn and raised the crown high into the air for all to see and gently lowered it onto Aragorn's head.
"Now come the days of the king," he announced and whispered for only the man to hear, "may they be blessed."
Aragorn watched as he moved back from him and came into a standing position. He glanced to the side and caught eyes with Amina, she nodded at him and let him see her pride for him within her gaze. He took a deep breath and turned towards his people, crowned king of Gondor and Arnor.
Everyone clapped and they cheered, finally the return of the king to these lands! It began to quiet as people could see Aragorn was about to mark his first words as king, "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."
More cheering and clapping and laughter commenced. Gimli elbowed her from the side and with teary eyes she saw a bit of Gandalf's magic in play as white flower petals fell over them all. When her eyes lowered she found Aragorn just before her, looking into her wet eyes and taking his hands into his own.
With a small smile he began to sing a song of old in the elvish language, "Out of the great sea to Middle-earth I am come. In this place I will abide, and my heirs, until the end of the world."
A tear fell happily as she bowed to him and he to her. Holding her hand he took her with him as he walked down towards the people…his people…their people.
First they came upon the man Faramir and the beautiful shield-maiden of Rohan Eowyn, both bowing to them. Then came Eomer and his company of men just behind him. He was king of Rohan now, and he bowed to both Aragorn and Amina just as they bowed to acknowledge him as king as well.
The elves then approached with Legolas leading them and his father Thranduil at his side. Amina watched with a smile never leaving her face as the elf she had grown so fond of clasped shoulders with her dear brother.
"Thank you," Aragorn told him in elvish.
Yet Legolas simply continued to smile at him and slowly tilted his head to just behind him. Aragorn glanced to where the elf had indicated and took a step forward. Amina was about to follow after him but was held back when Legolas grabbed and held her hand. Together they turned and watched as Aragorn moved on. Slowly, so slowly it was as if it were part of some dream. Yet from behind a large banner with the image of a white tree, came the unmistakable beauty and grace of Arwen. Her father Lord Elrond there by her side with a tearful yet encouraging smile on his face as he urged her forward.
Amina's breath caught in her throat and her eyes quickly met Legolas's gaze. It was true! Arwen was here, she hadn't sailed! Such joy filled her heart at seeing Aragorn so incredibly happy as her brother swung his bride-to-be around and finally, after such a long parting, kissed her passionately and tenderly.
She felt herself leaning into the strong elf at her side and took comfort in the arm he placed around her waist. Her heart was beating madly and proudly for the reunion of the ones she dared to call her brother and sister. So pleased was she for them as they laughed and kissed once more.
Together they turned to Amina and Legolas and sent them a blissful smile, it was Arwen who finally gestured for her to join them.
"Go to them, my lady," Legolas whispered in her ear and pushed her forward slightly.
She was soon standing before them and more tears gladly fell from her orbs when Arwen took her into her arms with closed eyes of happiness at being reunited. Both of them were emotional but with a gentle tug from Aragorn they parted and she walked beside them as the couple still held hands. The three of them soon came across the four hobbits; who if it weren't for them, none of this would have even been possible.
Amina could remember when she first saw them so many long months ago. How troubled Frodo had been even then and of how protective Sam was for his dear friend. She clearly recalled the playfulness of Merry and Pippin and could see how far they'd all come in this grueling adventure.
The half-lings began to bow to them, but it was Aragorn who stopped them, "My friends, you bow to no one."
And in a valiant move he kneeled before them with Arwen and Amina soon joining him on either side. At the king's gesture the rest of the people gathered in the large stone courtyard all began to kneel at once to pay their homage and respect towards the brave hobbits that helped save their world. And it was with light hearts as soon the people again followed their new king's example and stood to cheer wildly.
The time for the celebration was about to begin! But first, a feast. And what a feast it was. Why it was a feast made to suit that of a king. Hours had passed as everyone found a seat and had their fill of food and drink.
Before the dancing and other such merrymaking could begin though another crowning was to occur. This time it was the honorable Meriadoc Brandybuck who held the crown circlet of silver and pearls on a dark blue pillow. And it was Aragorn; with Arwen dutifully at his side, who held the beautiful circlet high for all to see and brought it slowly and surely upon her head.
"I present my sister and heir; Amina, Princess of Gondor and Arnor," he kissed the top of her head and smiled contentedly at her, "may our days be filled with peace and blessing."
A/N **Blu - two chapters just because I made you all wait so long XD
