ShoutOuts ~

Rogue's Queen: Hey! Sorry again for the delay in response! Hope you enjoy this chapter too!

ThePoshKat: Phew! I'm relieved to read that! To be honest, I'm crazy excited for Madi to come back to Middle Earth! I'm already fantasizing about dwarves and dragons. In regards to Random Guy™, don't worry!

JollyLoser: I'm glad you like it! Thanks for your review! Hope you enjoy this installment as well!

3broomstix: You don't even know how hyped I am for The Hobbit. I'm trying not to think about it too much or else I'm just going to write it without working on what I need to in between. I can't even talk about it without getting distracted.

~ THEMESONGS ~

Vienna ~ Billy Joel

Sound & Color ~ Alabama Shakes

.M.I.W.

51. And Thus it Was

As much as I'd like to say the ride back to Gondor was filled of fun and games and banter and overall pride for the human race, nothing of the sort happened. Mainly because we were all so freaking tired that we could barely balance on top of our horses.

I acquired a docile mare for the trip home as well as a new passenger. Pippin sat in front of me on the horse, leaning back into me. He'd fallen asleep an hour or so back and I didn't have the heart to wake him up, even if my arms were getting sore from supporting him.

Aragorn found the entire situation pretty funny, though he didn't voice it out loud. We rode next to each other at the front lines and hadn't spoken to each other since we left. We didn't need to. Once in a while, one of us would glance at the other which would make us grin or laugh like total morons. I couldn't tell if it was because we were just that relieved it was all over… or if we were just slaphappy.

Gimli took massive drags from his pipe, puffing clouds of smoke that made the air around us hazy and smell heady. When he noticed me watching him, he tried to offer me the pipe, but I waved him off. "I'm trying to quit," I explained.

Legolas seemed to hardly pay attention to the exchanges between all of us. He spent his trip looking at Middle Earth with fresh eyes, sometimes I'd hear him murmur Elvish words that sounded like songs or prayers. I didn't want to distract him, didn't really want to talk to him in general because of everything that had been left unsaid between us. There would be time to bring it up later. I'd make time.

Probably after I got checked out by some medics, though. My body felt like it'd been put through a blender. I couldn't imagine how everyone else felt. I'm sure they would agree with me if I said (out loud) it'd all been worth it. Especially once Gondor's gates opened up to us.

We were greeted by the thousands of people, all cheering and singing and praising and throwing flowers and throwing themselves at us (and by us, it was really not me and just the other knights). Pippin was startled into full consciousness, bursting out into his own cheers of excitement. He twisted around to look up at me with a grin that rivaled the sun in brightness. "It's like waking up in the most wonderful dream!" He exclaimed.

I smiled back and looked around, reveling in the bittersweet chaos around us. A lot of knights stopped right in the middle of the street when they saw their loved ones, causing major traffic jams. People sobbed or laughed or screamed or did combinations of the three in both relief and sadness. It was hard to know how to feel because while many good men died this morning, they also died for the noblest cause.

They saved the world.

"Do you think this is all it can be?" Pippin asked. "A delusion?"

"No way, Pip," I said, admiring the way the walls of Gondor – though most were crumbled in near-ruin – sparkled in the sunlight. "We've done it."

"Do you think Frodo and Sam…" Pippin's breath caught. "Do you think they will be able to see this too?"

"Definitely," I said. "I wouldn't be surprised if they're resting in the infirmary now."

Some of the knights thought it would be funny to collect their flowers and pass them up to me in one monstrous haphazard bouquet. I flung the whole thing in the air, letting the blooms shower down on us. It caused the people to cheer even louder. I laughed right along with them, too thankful and relieved to have made it out of one of the hardest battles I'd ever fought.

But I knew I only made it through the first wave. There was still more ground to gain.

And surely enough, once we got to the castle, Gandalf was waiting for us with news. Frodo and Sam were alive and well, but resting. The relief was tangible as everyone's weary shoulders dropped even lower. Even though Merry and Pippin were the most obvious with their happy tears, there wasn't a dry eye among us.

.M.I.W.

Two days later and Minas Tirith was well on its way to being rebuilt, both inside and out. Aragorn appointed several architects to make plans to mend the city and make improvements on it. Those who died in the War of the Ring were laid to rest with the most beautiful and saddest ceremonies. A crowning ceremony would be held in two weeks' time.

Only two days passed, but the future was already so much brighter for Middle Earth.

And also so much darker for me.

The light was closing in on my time here and there wasn't a single thing I could do to stop it. I wanted to stay, I really did, but I began to wonder if I would actually have a choice in the matter. Going up against the wills of a high elf witch and a wizard didn't fill me with the most optimism.

So I became a ghost of Minas Tirith, wandering with a constant state of dread over my head like my own personal rain cloud, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Everyone tried their best to console me, but they didn't know what was wrong and I didn't tell them. Everyone except Legolas didn't know what I was fighting and he seemed to show the least amount of interest in trying to keep me around. It was like he already knew what was coming.

On the third day, I finally had enough.

I gathered up as much courage as I could muster and walked toward one particular room in the Houses of Healing. My boots (recently polished) clacked along the white stone floors and my stowed swords would sometimes jingle from their belts around my waist. I breathed deeply and opened the door without knocking.

The room was fairly small and quiet and bright. The room was filled with fresh air and the chirps of songbirds. On a small twin-sized wooden bed, I saw Frodo for the first time since I let him go at Anduin.

He still looked the same, but somehow different. He rested easier than I remembered. His breaths were deep and even. His dark hair was unruly and unkempt, but a quick trim would fix it. He had scratches across his face and I noticed white gauze overtaking his hand. I frowned when I saw it and reached out to brush my fingertips just above his wrist. He faced so much hardship, but his skin was still soft. A low puff of air, something similar to a sigh from the corner of the room reminded me that I wasn't alone.

I looked at the far corner of the room, meeting Gandalf's piercing gaze as he smoked. I dropped my hand and walked back to the door, opening wider, before leaning against the wall. "Any minute now, right?" I asked, keeping my eyes on Frodo.

Another puff. "Yes. Any minute."

I breathed deeply, welcoming the fresh breeze flowing into the room along with the spicy hints of Gandalf's weird smoking herbs.

"How do you fare, Verdantia?" Gandalf asked. "I hear that you refrain from the festivities. That it's even a task to get you to eat at all. Pippin tells me you hardly consort with those of our Fellowship –"

"Don't ask me what's wrong when you know the answer already," I said. "I only came here for two things: to get the answers to my questions and be here when Frodo wakes up. You'll do the former for me, right?"

He puffed again. A massive cloud filled the room. "I will."

"Why did you ask me to follow Aragorn?" I asked. "I gave Frodo my word that I would protect him and… I think it would be easier for me to say goodbye to this world if I saw all the… the desolation he did. If you wanted me to help and leave, you should have asked me to go with him instead."

"Frodo had his own journey," Gandalf said. "He had choices he needed to make on his own without the help of someone who knew the fate of Middle Earth before she even set foot on it. As you have learned, Aragorn's journey was one that did not need much influence. Had you joined Frodo, the circumstances that led to the Ring's destruction would not be as certain."

I arched a brow. "Circumstances like Gollum."

His eyes glinted in the embers of his pipe. "You know you would have killed him before he fulfilled his role."

"So? You don't think Frodo could've destroyed the Ring without him?"

He said nothing. There was no point. We would never know. I moved on.

"I guess my next question is more like a statement. I know I come back," I told him, "but at an earlier time. Legolas told me that much back at Mordor."

"That is a surprise," Gandalf said. "I thought he would have told you much sooner. You would not believe how difficult it was to keep him at bay in Rivendell. Though… it is hard to convince someone that things aren't real when they stand before their eyes."

Somehow, that felt like a jab at my earlier sentiments about Sauron, but I guess it also applied to Legolas's situation. It made sense why he treated me the way he did before we started our trip. He really didn't know what to do with me when he met such a different person years ago. "I think he tried to in Helm's Deep," I said, "but I brushed him off. I already had my suspicions. You and Elrond don't exactly have the best poker faces."

"We never wished to hide it," Gandalf assured me. "You will leave quite an impression on all of us when you return. Your time here only solidifies that."

"Let's hope so," I said. "I wanted to know if you could tell me more than he could. He said he had oaths that bound him, but you –"

"I am bound to my own promises as well."

"You know, it's shit like this that makes me want to stay here just to spite everyone," I said. "I don't even know why I'm entertaining the idea of leaving. If those demons are after me, they can find me here –"

"I didn't think you capable of such cruelty," Gandalf rejoined. "The Madison Verdantia I know would never put those she holds dear at such risk –"

WHH-PCK!

My fist slammed into the closest wall with the force of a battering ram. Pain engulfed my hand and shot up my arm. The skin across my knuckles was split and burning, blood quickly bubbling up from the wounds. "God damn you, Gandalf!"

"Gandalf… Madi…?"

Frodo sat up on the bed, watching us with wide eyes that still looked so much older than I remembered them. But when he watched our exchange, he looked like a child who just caught his parents fighting.

The tension between the wizard and I fizzled out in the same moment. When I saw him, awake, alive, and well, my shoulders sagged in relief. It was one less pressure. "Oh, Frodo…" I murmured.

I crossed the room and sat on the side of his bed, wrapping my arms around him and pulling him in close. His arms locked around me like small vices. I pressed my face into his hair and breathed in. He smelled sweet like the House of Healing's soap, but underneath it, I could still smell the ash from Mordor. I wondered if it would go away after he had a proper bath, or the scent would stay with him forever. "I'm so glad you're okay," I whispered.

I pulled away and sat further back on the bed so he could have air to breathe. He stared at me for a minute longer before turning to Gandalf. Then, despite everything, he started to laugh. A jovial, full-bodied laugh that made Gandalf and myself do the same.

Merry and Pippin were the first to hear the laughter. They practically tripped over each other when they saw Frodo upright, a mess of feet and hands and laughter that I narrowly missed as they tumbled onto the bed to hug their friend.

My eyes welled with fresh tears for both the Hobbit and myself, relief in Frodo's survival but also grief for the life I was rapidly realizing I would lose. My laughter was cut short as soon as a sob almost overtook it, so I closed my mouth and tried to save face when Gimli walked into the room next. He hailed Frodo with bellowing laughter of his own, to which Frodo responded in kind after calling his name.

"That's my lad!" Gimli exclaimed as he walked in.

I backed away from the happiness swelling in the room, hoping not to bring any attention to myself so I could slip out as fast as I could. But any plan of that happening died as soon as Legolas strode into the room. Luckily, Frodo held his attention for a few minutes, giving me the perfect opportunity to escape.

I brushed past Aragorn on the way out of the room, the King belatedly reaching out for me, but I was already out of his arm's reach. I gave up the heartwarming scene for a desolate balcony where I could collapse into my own self-pity.

.M.I.W.

Two weeks passed way too fast. It was the day of Aragorn's coronation, held on a bright late winter morning. People from all over Middle Earth had journeyed to witness it, looking all so unique on the outside but feeling just the same within. They were excited to witness a man coming into the position that would unite all of Middle Earth. He would start an eternity of peace… or as much peace as Middle Earth could get. Come on, they were still living in medieval times, after all. More conflict was bound to surface.

But at least it wasn't anytime soon. Even though the morning was cold, people still dressed in bright colors to symbolize Middle Earth's rebirth and acted with a warmth towards each other the weather couldn't touch. I could feel the happiness and excitement radiating off of people and it felt good. Really good.

Minas Tirith was decked out in the prettiest blooms and its most polished armor. It was so stunning it nearly took my breath away. While there was still so much left for reconstruction, the city felt complete. Maybe it was because of Aragorn kneeling before Gandalf to accept the crown that was so rightfully and deservedly his. It was presented to him by Gimli who looked like he was near-tears in awe.

"Now come the days of the King," Gandalf announced, his voice magically carrying over the length of the crowd. The crown rested evenly on Aragorn's head. He rose from the ground and turned to face his new people. Everyone erupted into applause.

"This day does not belong to one man… but to all," Aragorn said as the crowd silenced. "Let us together rebuild this world that we may share in the days of peace."

People cheered again, some started throwing white petals into the air to show their love and support. Aragorn walked slowly to greet everyone, a small smile on his face that showed just how content he was with the world. He passed Eowyn and Faramir, who I finally met. Eowyn and I had a brief conversation about her brother actually doing what I suggested by making combat-training an open opportunity for everyone wanting to learn. Apparently Hama stepped down from his position as head Royal Guard to teach everyone. Her excitement was infectious and made me end up agreeing to talk to her during the coronation's festivities later in the evening.

Eomer himself had been passed and respectfully bowed to. I told myself I would catch up with him later too to see if he brought Hadrian with him. It would've been nice to see that temperamental horse again. Briefly, though.

Legolas was next, followed by his Elven kin. Though he looked amazing in the leather armor and green cloak, I couldn't decide if the pale blue silk tunic he wore now impressed me more. His hair was tied back in more intricate braids I knew couldn't have been his doing alone. The friends exchanged brief words before another elf stepped forward, concealed behind a banner flag. When the flag was handed off, I realized with a start it was Arwen herself, dressed in a pastel green gown. Before anyone could even ask how they knew each other, Aragorn was kissing her. Ugh, talk about relationship goals.

As if he knew what I was thinking, Legolas glanced over at me and freaking smirked. Oh God. I think the temperature in my face alone rose about a thousand degrees.

With Arwen at his side, they walked onward until Aragorn saw the Hobbits and I. I grinned at both of them and offered a somewhat-flamboyant bow from the waist. "It's been an honor, my liege," I said. "And might I just say, your speech was fantastic. Hey, Arwen."

"Quit being facetious," Aragorn said as he clasped my shoulder and Arwen returned the greeting. "Or I'll rethink my offer of Dameship."

The melancholy was back full force. Before I could let it overcome me, I nodded for him to talk to the Hobbits. When Aragorn turned his attention to them, they started to bow until he made them pause.

"My friends," he said in almost disbelief. "You bow to no one."

Then he kneeled. So did everyone else.

And as I kneeled on the stone of Minas Tirith's courtyard, I couldn't help but think about one of the last lines of the movie: "And thus it was. A Fourth Age of Middle Earth began. And the Fellowship of the Ring, though eternally bound by friendship and love… was ended."

It was accurate.

.M.I.W.

The ceremony after the coronation was epic. There was food for miles and enough alcohol to fill an ocean. There was live music and dancing and performers all over the massive banquet hall. The performers ranged from magic tricks to people who could spit fire and a couple of people that juggled torches or pretty much anything you threw at them.

"You know, I used to do that," I said. I gestured over to the juggler with one hand while I focused on drinking my second ale with the other. "With my swords. I was, like, a total badass."

"Did you?" Eowyn asked from across the table, her eyes sparkling in drunken delight. She was kind of a lightweight, leaning on her new boy-toy for support.

Gimli harrumphed into his own mug beside me. Apparently he was getting tired of my new best friend. Since we sat down, Eowyn and I had been back and forth about the women's rights Middle Earth clearly needed. After a couple of drinks, we were practically spilling our hearts out to each other. She waxed poetic about how I was such an inspiration to her, I mooned over her overall badassery to test her limited combat skills in one of Middle Earth's biggest battles. The men around us couldn't get a word in edgewise.

"Uh, yeah!" I exclaimed, making her burst into giggles. I downed the rest of my ale and called a barmaid for another one. She'd become a favorite at our table and our new best friend. She was quick on the draw, already placing the ale in front of me before I had a chance to ask for it.

"I'd like to see that," Gimli rumbled to Faramir and the other dwarves sitting around us. I turned to look at him while I had the mug pressed against my mouth.

"Oh yeah?" I asked after a swig. "I'll prove it. Hold my ale!"

"Lady Madison," a voice squashed my train of thought. I perked up when I saw Legolas standing behind Eowyn and Faramir holding two goblets of wine. I stood and grinned, shoving my ale in front of Gimli. "May I borrow you? It will only be for a moment."

"If that wine is for me, then yes," I said. He smiled and offered me one of the goblets before leading me out of the banquet hall and into the castle's desolate hallways.

"Forgive me if I interrupted anything," he said, taking a sip from his goblet.

"There was nothing to interrupt besides a tipsy wager," I said. "To be honest, your timing may have been perfect. I wouldn't want to put another dent in Gimli's masculinity than I'm sure my sitting with Eowyn's done already."

He chuckled. "I always thought you would like her."

"What's not to like? She's smart and… honest. Talking to her has been refreshing compared to all the men I've associated with on the daily. It was hard for me at first because I was just so raw from fighting every day, you know? Some of the things she talked about then seemed trivial at best. Sorry, I'm rambling."

"Not at all," Legolas said. "In fact, I quite appreciate the sound of your voice. It's been so long since many of us have heard it."

I took a sip of the wine, noting its sweetness and definite alcoholic aftertaste. "A lot's been going on for me," I admitted. "I've just been busy with everything. I spoke to Elrond earlier. He was cool enough to remember the stuff I left behind in Rivendell and brought it with him. And then there was that whole Fellbeast situation."

"Did you ever get it sorted?" Legolas asked.

"Yeah. After I had my initial freak out over the giant snake-looking thing in my room, I found out Aragorn actually got someone to skin it for me as a gift, I guess. I don't know, maybe it was more like a prank. I have all this Fellbeast hide I don't know what to do with. Speaking of, did you get Merry's present?"

Legolas reached into the collar of his tunic and pulled out a triangular ivory tooth to prove he did. It was about five inches long, thin, and tied with a leather cord so one could wear it as a necklace. It matched the one I had around my neck as well. "He said it was from you."

"I only killed it," I said. "Merry was the one who came up with the idea to give each of us a tooth in remembrance of the battle on Pelennor Fields."

"It is a wonderful token," Legolas agreed. "Perhaps you may make a true trophy of that hide. I have heard it is quite durable. If you were to take it to a skilled tailor, they could turn it into suitable, lightweight armor."

"I actually like the sound of that," I said as I took another drink. "People would definitely look twice after I tell them I'm wearing Fellbeast leather."

He chuckled good-naturedly. We continued to walk down the halls until the roar of the banquet hall was only dull background noise. A few torches lit our way, making the castle seem so much emptier than it really was. It was like we were in our own world.

I took another sip of my wine as a stole a glance at Legolas. He seemed perfectly content wandering with me, examining the occasional suit of armor or painting that decorated the halls. He was still in the nice silk tunic he wore at the coronation, his hair was still in its ornate braids.

"I apologize," Legolas said without looking at me. "I fear I have kept you too long. You must wish to rejoin the others."

"I'm… good, actually," I said. He turned to look at me, leveling me with an intense gaze. I swallowed. "Really."

"Minas Tirith has grown quiet without your jesting," he admitted as he closed the space between us. "I only wanted a moment of your time so that I may hear it again."

He popped my personal bubble. His body was less than a foot away from mine, his attention focused on setting his goblet down on the pillar of a bust. I could smell pine as he brushed past me. His tunic shimmered under the light of the moon filtering through one of the windows. I didn't know if it was the familiar scent or the liquid courage buzzing through my veins, but I reached out and slid my fingertips up the silken fabric covering his arm. "I'd give you more than a moment," I said. The words came out in a half-choked whisper.

One of his hands ghosted over my side, closing in around my waist just underneath my ribcage. He pulled me into his chest and dipped his head down. "Would you?" He murmured. His lips brushed against my ear, sending trails of heat to streak up my face.

Holy shit, I was in way over my head here. "I –"

He pressed his lips against the side of my jaw underneath my ear and I forgot how to breathe. My fingers tightened against his tunic. "I want to," I whispered.

Then his teeth grazed my neck. I faltered. I think I swooned.

Legolas moved quickly, taking my full weight in the arm wrapped around my waist while he expertly grabbed the tipping wine goblet in my hand. He set it next to his and I finally came back to reality… somewhat. I reached up and pulled him in. I kissed him hard, the force of it probably bruising our lips, but I didn't hear any complaints. Instead Legolas's free hand slid up my back while the other's fingers dug into my waist. But he was the first to pull away.

I stared up at him, breathless, his arms still caging me in close. He wasn't gasping for air, but he definitely breathed harder than normal. His gaze was electric in the darkness. I was a little smug I could do that to him.

"My Lady –" he began.

"Legolas," I cut him off.

He didn't say anything, I didn't either. I had no idea what I could say. The corridor was silent, but it tingled with tension. Right now it was all I could focus on, all I wanted to focus on. I wanted no part in rationality. I just wanted to chase that moment we created. I wanted to hunt down the chance to experience something entirely new, own up to a rite of passage, and claim it for myself.

"Your suite or mine?"

.M.I.W.

So… what are we thinking?