The ordering of the post battle began immediately. Aragorn sent men to give chase to the retreating Orcs, but not to engage them since the men were too few. Riders were immediately sent back to the Crossroads and then further onto Minas Tirith to give the news of victory and to request that tents, food, and medical supplies be brought to Ithilien where Aragorn would lead his men to rest. All those that remained began the long task of searching through the bodies strew about the ground looking for the Men of the West that had given their lives. They were to be borne back to the City in great honor. The injured were helped back to horses so that they could return to their last camp and receive aid.
The army reached to the camp and all were involved in offering what skills they had in the ways of healing to tend to the many hurts. Those that could not, tended the dead and prepared them for the journey home.
A great cry from the sky pulled everyone's attention as the large eagles that had been at the battle came soaring down. The members of the Fellowship rushed forward as they saw Gandalf had returned still perched on the back of Gwahir.
"By the Valar." Authiel whispered as she saw the precious cargo the eagles gently laid on the ground.
"Frodo! Sam!" Pippin and Merry yelled as they rushed to the front of the group.
Frodo and Sam were battered looking, covered in dirt and blood. Their clothes ragged and torn and hanging off their bodies. Both Hobbits were unconscious.
"Careful, my dear Hobbits!" Gandalf called out to Merry and Pippin, stopping them in their tracks. "Let Aragorn see to them!"
The Ranger in question was already kneeling beside Frodo as the Fellowship and some Men of the West looked on in wonder. Aragorn examined Frodo's hurts, especially his bloody hand that was missing a finger then moved over to look at Sam.
"They are weak." Aragorn announced as he gently picked up Frodo, using his head he motioned to Legolas to pick up Sam. "Authiel, prepare some Athelas immediately."
The Half-Elf needed no further instruction and sprung off in search of bowls with hot water. Minutes later she was entering Aragorn's tent where he brought Frodo and Sam, laying them down on his own cot.
Authiel was on her knees beside Aragorn, crushing the Athelas leaves brought from Minas Tirith and sprinkling them in the hot water. The sweet aroma warming the hearts of the Fellowship as they stood in the tent watching as Aragorn worked.
"Is he going to save them?" Merry asked, fear in his voice at the thought of losing Frodo and Sam.
"He will do all that he can. Aragorn brought you out from darkness, he is the only one that can save them now." Gandalf told the Hobbit in a grave voice, which did little to comfort him. "The hands of the King are the hands of the healer." The Wizard reminded the Hobbits and this brought some comfort to those gathered.
Much like Aragorn had done in the Houses of Healing he took Frodo by the hand and called to him, placing his hand on Frodo's forehead. His voice getting quieter and quieter as he worked on bringing the Hobbit back to the light of the world. All the while, Authiel carefully cleaned Frodo's hand with Athelas water, then put a salve on it before binding it in a clean cloth.
The minutes passed by slowly and the silence was waning on them as the group of friends watched Aragorn tend to Frodo. It seemed like hours passed by until Frodo suddenly took a deep breath and Aragorn leaned back, and the Ranger opened his eyes and smiled.
"Frodo will come back to us, though he may not wake for many days." Aragorn announced to the relief of the others.
The Ranger then moved to Sam and performed the same actions, but it seemed to pass much more quickly as if his mind and heart hadn't been touched by as much darkness as Frodo's had been.
At long last Aragorn stood, "Our dear Samwise will return to us as well." He tore his gaze from the bedridden Hobbits and looked at his friends. "We shall rest here tonight, but tomorrow we move to Ithilien. Frodo and Sam are safe enough to move and I do not wish to stay this close to Mordor for any amount of time."
Leaving Frodo and Sam to rest quietly in the tent, save for Gandalf who would watch over them, and Merry and Pippin who could not bear to leave their kinsmen, the rest of the Fellowship ventured back out amongst the men, offering their aid where they could. Long they toiled into the night, healing the hurt and celebrating in the joy of their victory.
Aragorn and Authiel had found Halbarad had survived the battle despite the wound he had on his leg. So happy, Authiel was to see him well that she knocked him over to the ground with her embrace, causing him and Aragorn to laugh. A sound that was no longer guarded by an overshadowing darkness. Despite their happiness that the Ranger lived the two had learned that more of their kinsmen had fallen in the battle before the gates. Six more Dúnedain had died in service to their Lord and Aragorn would have them honored when they returned to the City so that the Dúnedain that had been left behind could see their comrades off.
After many hours, the Fellowship returned to Aragorn's tent and slept on the ground for a time. Their hearts lifted to be reunited once more.
The next morning, as the camp began breaking down tents and packing up, Aragorn went to every injured man and asked if they had the strength to travel to Ithilien. He would not risk losing a single soul in the journey since so many lives had already been lost.
Once he was convinced that all his men would arrive at their destination safely, he gave the order to move out. His men in awe at their King's graciousness and humility as he himself walked beside his horse that bore the unconscious Frodo, Sam's form safely on the back of Authiel's horse. In that moment the love the people already bore for Aragorn grew ten fold.
Days later, the Host of the West found themselves in the Field of Cormallen of Ithilien. It was near Henneth Annûn on the East bank of the Anduin River by the Isle of Cair Andros. Large beech trees swayed in the light breeze and the leaves glimmered green and gold in the sunlight. The air was full of a sweet mingled scent of spring's trees and flowers. It was the distinct fragrance of Ithilien. The field was a long green lawn, glowing in sunshine and bordered by trees with scarlet blossoms. Beyond the field, the sound of falling water could be heard as a stream ran down between flowering banks and ended at the woods at the foot of the lawn and passed away in the distance to the Anduin. Ships could be seen anchored away in the harbor.
Already on the field was raised many pavilions and tents. Men working away as they organized supplies and food. The men from the army rejoiced as Minias Tirith had quickly sent out the aid requested by the King. The army went down onto the field gladly. Friends embracing as they thought they would never meet again. Aid offered to those that were injured. Food and drink passed to every man.
Over the course of the next few days, the weary rested and the hurt were healed. Frodo and Sam remained asleep, but Aragorn tended them every day with Authiel. Assuring Merry and Pippin, along with the rest of the Fellowship, that the two Hobbits would live and should soon awake.
Then during mid-morning of April the 8th, a messenger ran to Aragorn, who was walking with Authiel amongst the men, and told him that Frodo and Sam had finally awoken and were with Gandalf.
"Then let us give them the welcome they deserve." Aragorn told the messenger. "Inform Éomer and Imrahil that all the men should be pulled up in rank and we will thus greet the Ring-bearers. A feast is to be prepared for this evening to honor the Hobbits." The man took off running to relay the message. Aragorn then turned to Authiel. "I can trust you to see to the Dúnedain?"
"Of course, My King." Authiel smiled and bowed her head, before moving off to complete her task.
Aragorn's eyes trailed after her, his heart happy and light to see Authiel without sorrow and worry in her eyes. The heavy weight she had carried for a millennium had been lifted off her shoulders.
Organized chaos was the best phrase to describe the men running around. Donning their armor, finding their regiments, lining up and gathering where Aragorn had ordered the army to assemble. Soon the army was drawn up in ordered ranks and companies, their armor and weapons glittering in the sun as they awaited Frodo and Sam.
Authiel stood at the head of the small company of Rangers that had survived both the Battle of Pelennor and the Battle of the Black Gates with Halbarad by her side. They were all clad in their garb of the Dúnedain with any armor they had worn at the battles with their apparel. Their Silver Dúnedain pins upon their shoulders that seemingly shone brighter now that Sauron was defeated.
Authiel tried to remain attentive, but her position being at the head of the host had her eyes drifting to the three men that stood before all of these men. Her eyes always landing on the man in the center.
Clad in shining mail and their battle armor stood Aragorn, King of Gondor, and behind him were King Éomer of Rohan and Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth. The banners of their houses floating behind each man. A great white horse running on green behind Éomer, a silver swan ship on blue behind Imrahil, and the highest banner was the glittering White Tree of Gondor beneath the seven stars and shining crown on black.
Each time Authiel's gaze drifted to Aragorn, his eyes would meet hers and he would give her a small smile with shining eyes. This would cause her to smile and blush before tearing her eyes from his to look back to where Frodo and Sam would be coming.
The sound of swords being unsheathed, spears being shaken, and horns and trumpets singing could be heard as the two Hobbits approached. Men began crying out in loud clear voices in many tongues: "Long live the Halflings! Praise them with great praise! Cuio i Pheriain anann! Aglar'ni Pheriannath! (May the Halflings live long! Glory to the Halflings!) Praise them with great praise, Frodo and Samwise! Daur a Berhael, Conin en Annuˆn! Eglerio! (Frodo and Sam, Princes of the West, glorify them!) Praise them! Eglerio! A laita te, laita te! Andave laituvalmet! (Glorify them! Bless them, bless them! Long shall we bless them!) Praise them! Cormacolindor, a laita ta´rienna! (Ring-bearers, bless them to the heights!) Praise them! The Ring-bearers, praise them with great praise!"
Frodo and Sam were clad in their tattered clothes they had worn when they were brought out of the fire by Gandalf and the eagles. No silks and linens, nor any armour or heraldry could be more honourable than the garb they wore.
And so with scarlet faces, Frodo and Sam approached the three Captains of the West with Gandalf following behind. As the Hobbits passed by the grey clad company of Dúnedain their eyes landed on Authiel and bright smiles crossed their faces to see her standing there. Authiel smiled broadly at the two Halflings, small tears pricking at the corners of her eyes to see them on their own two feet. Despite their desire to run to one another and embrace, the two Hobbits continued forward, their eyes now landing on the three men, in particular the dark-haired man with eyes of grey who was so high and glad of face. In an instant they recognized him, though he was not so grave as they remembered him.
The two Hobbits ran to him in disbelief. "Well, if this isn't the crown of all! Strider!" exclaimed Sam despite himself.
Aragorn smiled fondly at the Hobbit. "Yes Sam, Strider. It's been a long way from Bree, where you did not like the look of me, is it not? A long way for us all, but yours the darkest road." Aragorn bent down on one knee and laid his hands on their shoulders. "All of Middle-Earth owes you two a great debt." Then he stood and addressed the host of men. "Praise them with great praise!"
The answering shout of joy and appreciation was thunderous, and it caused the two Hobbits to blush even more if possible. Then a minstrel stepped forward and begged leave to sing, much to Sam's delight.
"And behold!" the minstrel called out, "Lo! Lords and knights and men of valour unashamed, kings and princes, and fair people of Gondor, and Riders of Rohan, and Dúnedain of the North, and Elf and Dwarf, and greathearts of the Shire, and all free folk of the West, now listen to my lay. For I will sing to you of Frodo of the Nine Fingers and the Ring of Doom." As he sang all those gathered were hushed and their hearts were lifted and seemed to be healed from many wounds.
When at last the shadows of the trees began to lengthen as the sun began it's descent from the high noon sky, the minstrel ended his song and called for Praise for the Hobbits once more. Aragorn called for everyone to pass to the pavilions to eat, drink, and make merry while the day lasted.
Frodo and Sam were led away once more by Gandalf, where their old raiment was folded and set aside with honor and they were dressed in clean linens. Their now clean Elven cloaks were about their shoulders, Frodo bore his mithril coat while Sam had his own shirt of gilded mail. At their sides, Frodo had his short Elven blade, Sting, and Sam bore the short sword that he had carried through their entire journey. Once arrayed, they were brought to the great feast and led to the King's table.
The two Hobbits were amazed that they were to sit with such great Lords and Captains of Men. Gandalf, King Éomer of Rohan, Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth, Authiel and Halbarad of the Dúnedain, Legolas, and at last Gimli. There was a standing silence to honor the fallen throughout the war then food and drink were brought in.
Frodo and Sam learned the names and deeds of those gathered at the table they did not know. Then they began looking around for their kinsmen, Merry and Pippin, but did not see them.
"Where are Merry and Pippin?" Frodo asked Aragorn. "I hope they did not meet a terrible fate."
Aragorn smiled down at the two Hobbits. "No, they did not. But you will see them soon." Then the Ranger's eyes lifted and the two Hobbits followed his line of sight.
There they saw two boys, or so they thought, walking towards the table bearing food and drink. One was clad in the silver and black of the Guards of the Citadel, and the other in white and green of the Riders of Rohan. They were beaming ear to ear as they headed to Aragorn and Éomer to present them their food and drink.
"Bless my eyes!" cried Sam. "Merry and Pippin!"
"There is a tale here, no doubt!" Frodo exclaimed as he hopped down from his chair, along with Sam, and embraced their kinsmen.
"There is indeed!" Pippin told them. "And we'll tell you all after the feast has ended."
"For the present, Pippin and I are busy." Merry told the two. "We are knights of the Mark and City and serve as the King's esquires, as I hope you observe."
"We do!" Frodo said with a happy smile on his face as he and Sam observed their garb. "We mustn't hold you from your duties."
With that Frodo and Sam took to their seats and were happy that once the King's table had been filled with food and drink that Merry and Pippin took their seats amongst their friends and kinsmen.
Long into the night the army celebrated. There was much singing and laughing, praise called out for Frodo and Sam. The minstrels played music and Merry and Pippin dragged Authiel out to dance with them, like they had in Rivendell. Though this time, when she met Aragorn's eyes they both held loving smiles on their faces.
At last the day ended and the moon began to rise slowly into the night sky. The stars twinkled in the inky blackness and reflected off the Anduin. The Hobbits stole away from the merry making with Gandalf to share their adventures amongst themselves. After a time, Gimli and Legolas joined them and they were glad to talk deep into the night and share their stories. At long last, when the moon reached it's highest point in the sky the sound of light footfalls could be heard. The companions looked up and they saw Aragorn and Authiel approaching, their hands entwined, as they were finally able to steal away from the dwindling feast.
"And now here our Fellowship is reunited at last." Aragorn told them with a smile as he and Authiel sat on the ground to finish the circle their friends had made.
"And bless me to see the two of you together!" Sam exclaimed as his eyes had not strayed from their hands. "When did this happen?"
Authiel smiled at the Hobbit. "Before the battle of Helm's Deep, which I'm sure you've heard all about by now."
"I wish you every happiness in the world." Frodo offered with a smile and the two Rangers inclined their heads.
"Now you must tell us all that we have missed and we will fill in our parts of the tale." Authiel adjusted to a more comfortable position then turned her eyes on Frodo. "I daresay that you have quite a tale to tell Bilbo when you meet again and he will want it all written down."
The group of friends all laughed at this, thinking of the old Hobbit tucked away in Rivendell, most likely chomping at the bit to hear about his nephew's adventures. The tale was picked up at the banks of the Anduin at Parth Galen, when the Fellowship had been broken. Long into the night they talked of Orcs, and talking trees, and leagues of grass, and galloping riders, and glittering caves, and white towers, and golden halls, and battles, and tall ships sailing to save Minas Tirith. At long last all the missing holes in the story was now known.
At length, Gandalf stood, "The hands of the King are the hands of healing, dear friends." he said then looked at Frodo and Sam. "But you went to the very brink of death before he recalled you, putting forth all his power and sent you into the sweet forgetfulness of sleep. And though you have indeed slept long and blessedly, still it is now time to sleep again."
At this the others agreed that they too were ready to retire for the night and made their way to their own tents to dream blissful dreams.
The days that followed were golden and warm as Spring was in full swing and preparing for the arrival of Summer. The Fellowship wandered here and there in small groups exploring the woods, fields, and glades. Some helped the wounded as some were still on the mend, but mostly they rested and gathered their strength back.
As the days grew on, the host began to make ready for the return to Minas Tirith. Those that had been sent out by Aragorn to fight the remnants of the Easterlings and Southrons returned and they rested and healed. But at last when the month of May was drawing near, Aragorn and his Captains set out again. This time they went aboard the ships with all their men and sailed from Cair Andros down the Anduin towards Osgiliath.
They remained there in the repaired city for one day and on the next they came to the Fields of the Pelennor. The Host of the West saw once more the White Towers under tall Mount Mindolluin, the City of the Men of Gondor, last memory of Westernesse, that had passed through darkness and fire to a new day. In the midst of the fields they set up their pavilions. Fires were lit and people could be seen gathering along the walls of the city gazing out over the host of men. The Dúnedain that had been left behind due to injury and were now healed were sent for and they joined their kinsmen. All night the fires were left burning as men, women, and children watched for the dawn as tomorrow the King would enter his city with the rising of the sun.