As morning came the wind began to stir once again, but it came from the North, and soon it was a rising breeze. All of the foul creatures that had lurked in the shadows were gone and the land seemed empty save for the army of men. The great rampart of Cirith Gorgor lay near and the Black Gate with its two Towers of Teeth were tall and dark on either side. It was a foreboding sight for those that began to stir in the light of the dawn.
Aragorn stirred from his sleep as he was gently shaken awake. As his eyes fluttered open he looked up into the disapproving face of Legolas.
"Has something happened?" Aragorn asked quickly in Elvish fearing there was an attack or other ill news that occurred in the middle of the night. The Ranger's voice held his anxiety, but it was quiet so as not to disturb Authiel who was curled up against his side.
The Elf shook his head. "No. But it seems as if I should be congratulating you on your recent marriage." Legolas' voice held a disapproving tone as he looked down on the Ranger and the woman asleep beside him with a raised eyebrow.
Aragorn glanced down at the Half-Elf, her head lay in the crook of his shoulder with her hand on his chest, and he now understood why the Elf would come to such a conclusion. He and Authiel were covered with their blankets, but their bare shoulders were peaking out from the top. Their tunics, and in Authiel's case, her chainmaille, were discarded on the floor of the tent.
"Nothing of the sort happened, Legolas. I promise you." Aragorn whispered and looked back to the Elf.
Legolas searched the Ranger's face and eyes for a time, looking for the truth behind his words. "I certainly hope so." he said after a few moments once he saw Aragorn was speaking the truth. "I would hate to think that you decided to take Authiel as your wife, without first asking myself or Lord Elrond formally for her hand in marriage." he spoke, his brotherly affection for the woman coming through and how serious the Elves took such cultural customs.
"If we see the dawn on the other side of this battle, I will most certainly come to you." Aragorn told the Elf in all seriousness.
Legolas nodded in agreement then changed the subject to more pressing matters. "You and Authiel should ready yourselves. The sun is rising and we must move out in hopes that the daylight will be an advantage for us at the Black Gates."
Aragorn nodded his head in agreement and Legolas turned to exit the tent to allow the Ranger to wake up Authiel.
"Authiel, Nîn Meleth." (My love.) Aragorn whispered to her as he pushed his face into her hair once Legolas had gone. He was loath to wake her and leave the position they were in at present, but knew they had to complete the task set before them.
"Hmmm?" came Authiel's sleepy reply.
Aragorn smiled at this then spoke again. "You must wake, my heart, there are important tasks at hand." he said quietly and pressed a kiss against her forehead as her eyes fluttered open and focused on him.
"And I was having such lovely dreams." she whispered and moved her head so that she could kiss him properly.
Aragorn chuckled and propped himself up on an elbow. "I was loath to rouse you, but I had too. Legolas caught us in our disapproving state of dress."
Color rose to Authiel's cheeks and she closed her eyes groaning. "He must think the very worst."
"Not at all." Aragorn reassured her running his hand up and down her bare arm. "I assured him that nothing happened between the two of us and that I would go to him before I intend to take you as my wife."
Authiel opened her eyes and looked into Aragorn's grey orbs with a loving smile. She reached up and caressed his cheek. "You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear you to speak such words."
Aragorn smiled down at her. "It is my every intention to make you as happy as I can." Authiel smiled brightly at his words, but then her face became shadowed with sorrow. Aragorn frowned at this and touched her cheek. "What is it?"
Authiel's eyes closed for a moment before she opened them and looked at Aragorn. "I dread the outcome of this day."
The Chieftain gave her a sad smile. "I do as well, but I will not lose hope when we need it most."
"Then I will not lose mine." She responded and smiled into the kiss that Aragorn gave her.
"Come, we must prepare." The Ranger told her, throwing the blankets back and climbing out of bed.
He offered Authiel his hand and he gently pulled her up out of the cot. They donned their tunics and boots quickly, and Authiel pulled her chainmaille shirt on before picking up her weapons that lay on the floor. The Half-Elf moved to assist Aragorn into his chainmaille, leather tabard, shoulder pauldrons, and cloak.
As she was buckling one of the shoulder pieces in place a smile graced her lips.
"What are you smiling about?" Aragorn asked her with mirth in his eyes.
Authiel glanced at his face for a moment. "Just thinking about how handsome you are in this armor." she teased and he shook his head lightly. "And," she continued causing him to look back at her, "about how incredibly proud I am of you that you've come to this moment. I never thought that I would finally have the honor to dress the King of Gondor in his armour before battle. I only pray to the Valar that I have the chance many more times."
Aragorn took her hand and brought it to his lips then looked softly into her eyes. "So do I." Authiel smiled at him then took her hand back and finished her task.
Once fully dressed, Aragorn collected his pack and fished out some apples he had brought to eat on the last leg of the march. He handed one to Authiel then took her hand and pulled her with him as he exited the tent. Outside the men were already busy, some were eating a small meal before the march, others were preparing themselves for the battle.
The two Rangers saw Halbarad limping his way towards them, using the reigns of Roheryn and Nimrodel as some support, while his own horse followed behind. The march had not slowed the Dúnedain Captain in the least. He was determined to go to the end with his Chieftain.
"My Lord, My Lady." he greeted them, smiling a little to see that whatever had happened between the two now seemed resolved.
"Halbarad." they replied in union.
"So this is it. The day we've looked forward too for many long years." The Dúnedain Captain's voice turned grave.
"So it is, my friend." Aragorn nodded his head, accepting the reigns of Roheryn as Authiel took the reigns of Nimrodel.
"The great doom of our time," Halbarad sighed.
"What are your orders, My Lord?" Prince Imrahil's voice cut through the air as the man walked up to the trio.
Aragorn glanced at Imrahil and answered. "We ride out immediately." The Prince nodded his head at the command. "Tell the men to leave all but weapons and medical supplies behind. We will turn our horses free before the gates. If luck is with us and we have victory we will return here."
"As you wish. I will relay the orders to Éomer as well." He gave a slight bow and went away.
Authiel mounted her horse when Prince Imrahil had gone and the two men looked up at. "Well," she said "shall we get this over with?" She smiled a little in hopes to bring some lightheartedness to the grave deed that they were to embark on.
Aragorn gave her a small smile in response and nodded his head then gave a boost to Halbarad onto his horse, before climbing on the back of Roheryn. The Heir of Isildur turned Roheryn to look over the army that had accompanied he and his friends. Many were looking at him at that very moment, finding their courage from Aragorn's leadership.
The Ranger's eyes drifted to those of the Fellowship and their faces showed a sense of pride for the man and determination to complete their quest. No fear. No forsaken hope. Just the will to do all that they could to help Frodo and Sam complete their errand. The two Hobbits, Merry and Pippin, seemed the bravest at that moment. Ready to take on Sauron himself if the need arose.
Aragorn gave his friends a slight nod then raised his hand high into the air and signalled that they were to move out towards the Black Gates. He turned his horse and led the army out of the encampment.
The ride was short, maybe two hours at the most went by, before the Black Gate of Mordor came into view. The two vast iron doors of the gate were closed, but there was no sight of the enemy even though they could be felt around them. All was silent and the Host of the West felt watched. The men had come to the last end of their journey and stood in the chill and grey light of early day before the shadowy towers and wall. They knew in their hearts, looking on the dark structure, that they could not assault it with hope of victory. Not even if they brought engines of great power to assault the walls and the Enemy had only a force at the gates, because they knew that the Enemy lay hidden in wait all about the Morannon. But still the Enemy made no sign. The host of men had no choice but to play their part to the very end.
Riding forth from the host of men, Aragorn alone went, but was quickly followed by Authiel, Gandalf, Legolas and Gimli, Éomer with Merry, Prince Imrahil, and Gandalf with Pippin. Two heralds with the banners of the White Tree of Gondor accompanied the group of Captains. All the free peoples of Middle-Earth were represented by the group and could bear witness. Aragorn pulled up to a stop, the others following his lead when he came within shouting distance of the Black Gates.
The Heir of Isildur looked up at the foul structure with it's many pointed spikes rising like fangs into the sky. His eyes searching for any movement that an attack would start, but none came and everything remained silent.
"Where are they?" came the quiet whisper of Pippin from where he sat in front of Gandalf.
Without another moment to waste, Aragorn cried out in his booming voice that held authority and strength. "Let the Lord of the Black Land come forth! Let justice be done upon him for wrongfully making war upon Gondor and wrested it's lands. The King of Gondor demands that he should atone for his evils and depart forever! Come forth!"
A few members of the group of Captains looked at Aragorn when he spoke these words. Two being Authiel and Gandalf, their eyes showing pride at the Ranger's words. His words were strong and convicting, and with the use of the phrase 'King of Gondor', Sauron would not have a choice but to answer the call.
There was a long silence and the Enemy made no answering call. The Captains of the West remained in their position for many more minutes, and Aragorn made to turn back to his army. Suddenly there was a loud groaning and the sounds of metal grating against metal as the Black Gate slowly cracked open. Aragorn wheeled Roheryn back around and sat up tall in his saddle ready to deal with whatever came through the gate.
A large black horse came walking out, if it could be called a horse. It was huge and hideous with a mask that looked more like a skull and it seemed that it's eyes burned with flame. Atop the beast was a creature clothed in a long black and tattered robe and upon it's head was a lofty helm. Yet it was no Ringwraith, which at first glance was the guess of the assembled Captains, instead it was a living man from what their eyes judged.
"I am the Lieutenant of the Tower of Barad-dûr. I am the Mouth of Sauron. My Master, Sauron the Great, bids thee welcome." the creature said as it came to a stop a few paces before the Captains of the West. He scanned the group and laughed cruelly baring his fanged teeth. "Is there anyone in this rout with the authority to treat with me?" it spoke in a condescending tone.
Gandalf answered immediately. "We have not come to treat with Sauron, faithless and accursed." the Wizard insulted the Mouth of Sauron. "Tell your master this: The armies of Mordor must disband and depart these lands, as the Kingdom of Gondor reclaims them. Sauron is never to return."
The ambassador of the Black Land sneered at Gandalf and ignored the Wizard's demands. "Old Greybeard. I have a token I was bidden to show thee." The creature riffled through a swath of black cloth set before him in the saddle and pulled out an item and held it up for all the Captains to see.
Glittering in what sunlight was present was the Mithril coat that Frodo had bore throughout his time with the Fellowship. The white gems reflecting the light and twinkling before those present. A great dread fell onto all of the Captains, especially those that had known Frodo and Sam.
"Frodo." whispered Pippen as the Mouth of Sauron tossed the Mithril coat at the Wizard.
"Silence." Gandalf immediately ordered the Hobbit before him.
"No!" came Merry's strained cry.
"Silence!" Gandalf ordered again.
The Captains all gazed at the shining coat as Gandalf gently handed it to Pippin, who squeezed it with a grief filled face. Legolas' expressions was cold and hard as stone. Gimli's mouth was open slightly and his eyes were wide in disbelief. Authiel's heart was aching and she fought back tears as she tried to remain calm. Aragorn looked at the Mouth of Sauron with hard eyes. Prince Imrahil and Éomer, who had never met Frodo and Sam, held only pity and sadness in their eyes as they saw how the coat affected their friends.
The Mouth of Sauron looked at the distraught faces of the group before him and smiled cruelly. "The Halfling was dear to thee, I see, or that his errand was one that you did not wish to fail. It has. What use you find in these Shire-Rats I cannot guess, but to use them as spies and send them into Mordor is beyond even your accustomed folly." The dark Lieutenant let out a bark of laughter. "We know your actions well and here are the marks of conspiracy. Sauron does not love spies, so know that he suffered greatly at the hands of his host." The creature tilted his head slightly, "Who would've thought one so small could endure so much pain? And he did. Great pains."
No one answered the Black Lieutenant as they came to grips with what he told them of Frodo and Sam. The Mouth of Sauron laughed again when he saw the faces of the Captains of the West turn grey with fear and horror. His sport with these men was going well. "These are Sauron the Great's terms." he spoke in a demanding tone. "The rabble of Gondor and it's deluded allies are to withdraw immediately beyond the Anduin. They must take oaths never to assail Sauron in arms, open or secret. All lands East of the Anduin shall be Sauron's forever. All the lands West of the Anduin as far as the Misty Mountains and the Gap of Rohan shall be tributary to Mordor, and it's inhabitants shall bear no weapons, but shall have leave to govern their own affairs. Yet these lands will rebuild Isengard which they have destroyed. There Sauron the Great's most trusted Lieutenant shall dwell and oversee the neighboring lands." The Black Lieutenant sat back in his saddle and seemed quite pleased with himself. The Captains of the West could see by his manner that he was to be that 'most trusted Lieutenant'. This creature would be their tyrant and they, his slaves. The assembled Captains remained silent trying to digest the ridiculous terms that Sauron demanded. The Black Lieutenant started to get impatient with their lack of response. "These are the terms. Take them or face utter annihilation."
Unexpectedly, Aragorn nudged his horse forward towards the Mouth of Sauron and his face was stern and his eyes hard and cold as steel.
"And who is this? Isildur's heir?" the Black Lieutenant mocked, turning to Aragorn and looking at the man with scorn. Aragorn did not answer, just held the creature's eye with a great disdain. "It takes more to make a king than a piece of Elvish glass or a rabble such as this. Any brigand of the hills can muster such a-"
The sentence was never finished as Aragorn, as quick as lightning, drew Andúril and cut off the head of the Black Lieutenant in one great swing. Merry and Pippin gasped in surprise at the sudden display of violence, the others just looked at Aragorn with wide eyes as he turned his horse back around.
"I do not believe it. I will not." Aragorn announced with a fierce confidence. "Frodo and Sam are still alive."
Suddenly there was a great moaning of metal scraping against metal and both doors of the Black Gate began swinging back. The terrifying sound of chanting Orcs and the clanging of armor reaching the ears of the Host of the West and they gazed upon Sauron's army. Three hundred thousand Orcs were marching towards the gates and in the distance the Eye of Sauron was turned and focused solely on the events at his gates.
"Pull Back!" Aragorn was the first to come out of his stunned silence. "Pull Back!" he ordered his friends once again and they turned their horses and galloped back to their small army.
The company neared the Host of the West, as the sound of marching Orcs thundered around them. The men they were riding towards started to let their fear take control and began to shift as if they were about to run.
Once close enough Aragorn called to them. "Hold your ground! Hold your ground!"
That did little to instill courage in the men and the uncertainty and fear they felt was written on their faces, even as Aragorn began to ride up and down the front line.
Authiel knowing that they would stand and fight to the end no matter what went to dismount her horse and send the beast off, but froze when Aragorn's voice broke through the air once more. Her eyes went to him.
"Sons of Gondor, of Rohan, of the Dúnedain, my brothers!" Aragorn spoke loudly in a strong voice, calling the attention of the men. "I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me." He spoke and the men came to stand a little more at attention as they watched him move back and forth in front of them. "A day may come when the courage of Men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship. But it is not this day. An hour of wolves and shattered shields when the Age of Men comes crashing down. But it is not this day. This day we fight! By all that you hold dear on this good earth, I bid you stand, Men of the West!" he cried raising Andúril in the air and Roheryn kicked his front legs up. The Host of the West drew their swords, inspired by Aragorn's courage and strength.
Authiel looked at Aragorn then, really looked at the man she had known all these long years. He had come into his own. Gone was the Ranger she had been so used to seeing. In his place stood a King. He was King. Even without the coronation or official recognition of his titles, Aragorn was, at that moment, the King of Gondor. These men that barely knew him, were ready to fight and die for him. Inspired solely by his fearlessness and determination against the dark threat before them. She vaguely wondered if this is how he rallied the men at the battle of Helm's Deep. Inspiring their courage to ride out and meet insurmountable odds. Aragorn reminded her so much of Arathorn at that moment, when he rallied and encouraged his men to chase after the orc party that attacked their village.
Authiel realized then that when death came for them, she would feel complete. She accomplished what she had promised to do, even without Aragorn being coronated. He brought the Dúnedain out of the shadows and if this plan worked, then the peoples of Middle-Earth would be safe. She could die in peace.
As Roheryn, came down on all four of his legs and Aragorn turned the horse to face the Black Gate, his eyes locked with Authiel. The Half-Elf couldn't stop the few tears that escaped her eyes as she smiled at him. Unbelievably proud of what he had just done. She bowed her head some, her eyes never leaving his and drew her sword after she dismounted Nimrodel.
Tearing her eyes from him, Authiel turned to her horse, placed an affectionate kiss on her nose and then sent her off to either wait for her or find her own place in the world after they fought and died. The Ranger turned to make her way towards Aragorn, to stand by his side at the end, when Roheryn ran past her and after Nimrodel. Authiel smiled after the horse then looked back towards Aragorn standing in front of his men and staring intently at the Orcs drawing closer. She crossed the distance quickly and stood behind Aragorn, alongside Legolas, Gimli, Merry, Pippin, Gandalf, Éomer and Prince Imrahil.
The Host of the West stood in formation, even as the Orcs moved through the Black Gate and surrounded the small army of men. The group of friends casting glances and glares at Sauron's forces.
"Well." Gimli's voice cut through the sounds of marching feet. "Never thought I'd die fighting side by side with an Elf."
Legolas let out a light chuckle, even though their death was certain, "What about side by side with a friend?"
"Aye. I could do that." Gimli's grateful reply came.
If Authiel had been paying attention to the Elf and Dwarf she would have smiled. Remembering back to the feast in Rivendell when Legolas wanted absolutely nothing to do with Gimli and his father, and now here they were ready to die together as friends.
Authiel's attention was solely on Aragorn.
The man had a look on his face like he was being lulled by something she could not see. The Eye of Sauron seemingly to be focused on the leader of this host of men. The same look she had seen on Boromir when he was being tempted by the Ring at the Council of Elrond and on the slopes of Caradhras. It suddenly hit Authiel, Sauron was trying to tempt Aragorn to stand down, just like the Ring did to Isildur when he had the chance to destroy it.
Authiel held her breath as Aragorn lowered Andúril, the point resting lightly against the ground as the man stood motionless and stared at the Eye in the distance.
A flashback to Rivendell entered Authiel's mind. The night before the Council of Elrond when she had found Aragorn near the Shards of Isildur.
Flashback…
"Estel," she whispered, "Why do you fear the past? You are the heir of Isildur, but not him. You can shape your own destiny and not have what befell him happen to you."
Aragorn heaved a great sigh, his shoulders rising and falling with it. "The blood that flowed in his veins, flows in mine." he turned and looked at her with an uneasy look in his eyes. "The same weakness."
Authiel furrowed her brows and took a step closer to him. She lightly caressed his cheek and placed the same hand on his shoulder. "Estel, the time will come when you are faced with the same darkness and evil. I have faith that you will defeat it. You are our hope." she smiled gently at him.
… End Flashback
The words Aragorn said that Lady Galadriel spoke to him in his mind when they reached Lothlórien flashed through Authiel's mind.
Flashback…
Aragorn heaved a small sigh. "She told me that I had a choice to make. To rise above all my father's since the days of Elendil, or fall into darkness with all that is left of my kin."
… End Flashback
Authiel desperately hoped that he was not thinking about Isildur's weakness. That he was not able to conquer this evil temptation. Not after he had come this far and done so much. Not after challenging Sauron in the Palantir and defeating him there. He was stronger than that. Stronger than Isildur. He had the blood of the King's out of Valinor.
Aragorn finally seemed to be pulled from his trance. He turned ever so slowly and looked at the men gathered behind him and his friends. Those close to him holding their breath waiting for his command.
"For Frodo." Aragorn said softly and he alone took off charging head on towards the Orcs, sword at the ready.
For a split second, Authiel let the joy spread through her heart that he had conquered the deep seeded fear of his bloodline. The battle cries of Pippin and Merry and them running after Aragorn brought her back to the present. Authiel gave her own battle cry and leapt after the two Hobbits and the man that had stolen her heart, the rest of their friends and the army yelling and chasing after them.
The Host of the West and Sauron's army clashed hard against each other. It was a violent and bloody start to the battle. The men fighting with everything they had, knowing that they would die and would take as many Orcs with them as they could. Arrows were spent quickly and it became nothing more than brawling and close quarters combat.
Screeches sounded above them that instilled fear in the men. The Nazgûl had finally dropped below the clouds to wreak havoc on the Host of the West. Flying directly towards the small army for the kill, but they were stopped when giant Eagles came flying into the fray.
"The Eagles! Bilbo's Eagles are coming!" Pippin's joyful shout carried over the men.
The Host of the West was not alone.
And neither were the Orcs and Nazgûl. Armored Cave Trolls came barrelling out from the Black Gate straight into the army of men. The great beasts quickly making easy work of the men and decimating the forces.
Authiel ducked under an Orc scimitar and stabbed the foul creature viciously in the gut, not caring at all about the blood and gore spraying on her. Once she was sure the beast was dead, she spun to stop the blade of another as it ran up behind her. Aragorn's cry tugged at her concentration to allow the Orc to land a hit on her shoulder, the maille she wore turning it. With a feral growl, she relieved the Orc of it's head and spun around to where Aragorn's cry had come from.
Fear gripped her as she saw him flat on his back with an ugly Cave Troll pinning him down with it's massive foot. Aragorn struggling to get to a weapon, but his sword and dagger were out of reach.
"ARAGORN!" Legolas' fair voice cut through the air like an arrow as he tried to make his way to his fallen friend, but was constantly blocked.
Authiel became possessed at the moment she saw Aragorn struggling. All of her emotions controlling her rather then her mind. She charged through the ranks of men and Orcs. Brutally cutting down any dark creature in her path. Not caring if they were dead or just wounded. Not caring about the elegant form that she took pride in when she fought. Nothing seemed to matter to her then to stop the Troll from killing Aragorn. The man she loved had briefly turned his head and caught her eye and the look he gave her was one of defeat and forgiveness. He was preparing for his death.
The Troll lifted it's sword ready to strike the killing blow on the Heir of Isildur. Authiel knew she wouldn't be able to stop the downward swing based on sheer strength, but another plan formulated in her mind instantly. With one final battle cry she burst through the fighting men and Orcs and threw herself against the Troll's hand that was wielding the sword as it came down.
Authiel hit the ground hard and quickly rolled and looked up to see that the sword had come down to find it's way in only the ground. Her momentum had diverted it's path away from Aragorn. Her sudden appearance had surprised the Troll and it had stepped back long enough for Aragorn to clamber to his feet and retrieve his sword. Authiel was back on her feet in an instant and the last thing she saw was Aragorn going blow for blow with the Troll as she was pulled into another wave of Orcs against her desire to stay by the man's side.
The battle raged on for what seemed like hours. Fatigue was beginning to set in on both sides, but more so for the men as they tried to fight off wave after wave of foul creatures. There seemed to be no end in sight as the never ending army continued to advance. In the hearts of the Host of the West, they knew indeed that they would not see the next dawn. Weariness bearing down on them, more of the men found their concentration slipping and mistakes costing them their lives.
Authiel cried out in pain as some sort of club came down on her head and she fell heavily to her knees cringing in pain. She opened her eyes trying to focus on the swimming image before her, but everything seemed to be in triplicate and stars were dancing in her vision. She tried struggling to her feet, as her sight began to return, seeing only double now, but she realized to her horror that an Orc was coming right at her with a raised blade. Her death was coming.
In an instant, the Half-Elf's eyes sought out Aragorn immediately, and she found him staring right at her with a look of sheer terror in his eyes. He was crying out her name as he tried to make his way through the masses to her, much like she had done for him. He wouldn't make it and they both knew it.
Authiel gave him a small smile hoping to convey her love for him. Then closed her eyes waiting for the strike to fall on her and end this life.
There was suddenly a great rumbling and the ground shook violently. The Nazgûl screeched horribly and turned back towards the Black Land. The fighting men and Orcs paused their assault on one another and turned their attention to Mordor.
Authiel opened her eyes as the ground shook beneath her and she found that the Orc that had intended to kill her was distracted by something in the distance. Her eyes shot to Aragorn and he too was looking away into the Black Lands. Authiel got to her feet and followed everyone's line of sight.
The dark tower of Barad-dûr was crumbling and falling to the ground and stunning the Host of the West. Sauron's forces started running away from the battle and the Black Gate, not even daring to raise a sword to the still men as they ran past them. The red Eye of Sauron exploded, the shockwave completely disintegrating what was left of the Dark Tower and passing through the land taking mountains with it. The ground around the Black Gate began crumbling and it swallowed up the dark structures easily and a large portion of the Orcs that were still in Mordor met their demise this way.
"Frodo! Frodo!" Merry's voice erupted over the Host of the West that stood before the crumbling ground. Pippin's voice joined his soon after.
The two Hobbits were silenced when Mount Doom violently exploded sending fire, ash, and lava into the air. The realization that Frodo and Sam were in the midst of the eruption crashing into those that were part of the Fellowship. Not a minute later, a great Eagle landed before the host of men and took off again, Gandalf could be seen on it's back flying towards Mount Doom.
As everyone watched Gandalf flying off in an attempt to save Frodo and Sam, Authiel's eyes sought out Aragorn once more to ensure that he was unharmed. The thought of that Cave Troll getting the upperhand on the Ranger constricting her heart unpleasantly. Through the maille-clad Rohirrim and Gondorians she spotted him, still looking away towards the Mordor. Authiel started to push through her allies, becoming choked with emotion as she came closer to Aragorn. The man in question turned towards her, no doubt hearing her approach and the soft cries that she let out. As soon as their eyes met when she was close to him, Authiel fell to her hands and knees before him as tears fell from her eyes.
"Authiel?" came Aragorn's alarmed voice as he quickly dropped beside her, fearing she was injured. "What is wrong?" Authiel tried to take control of her cries as she kept her head bent down towards the ground. "Authiel? Please tell me what ails you?" Aragorn put his hands on either side of her face and lifted it so that he could look in her eyes. He was surprised to see her smiling, tears streaming from eyes that were alight with an indescribable joy.
"Nothing ails me." Authiel finally managed to get out as she gazed into the grey eyes of the Ranger. "I am just so overcome with joy that it's over. The darkness is gone. Forever." Aragorn's gaze softened as he continued to search her blue eyes. "I survived this war." She paused and gave him a wide smile. "And so did you, My King." and she bowed her head to him.
Aragorn lifted her head so that he could look into her eyes once more. "Never bow your head to me." He whispered then pressed his lips to hers in a passion filled kiss, not caring about the men standing around them. He leant back and looked at her with a smile gracing his face. "Now we start our new life together." he spoke pressing his forehead against hers, then kissing her passionately once more.