Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters or settings from Lord of the Rings or Xena the Warrior Princess

Author's Note:

This is a LegoRomance (slow-burn)

~ XC: Almost Set... to Escape! ~

Minas Tirith, 3019 TA, May 1st

Men whose days lacked hope and who awaited each morning's word of their demise saw pleasant weather and bright sun as a cruel joke. And word spread of a new king and the beginning of a new era in which they would vanquish all evil and dwell in harmony under a combined kingdom. And last, the day had arrived for Estel to be proclaimed king and for everyone to celebrate the defeat of the Dark Lord.

As Aragorn moved silently into the king's apartments, he realised that he was in an exceptionally pleasant mood. This was absolutely astonishing, he thought with a smile, given that he had slept away an entire day of preparations after his trusty friend Gimli had given him a severe hit to the head. Thus, he was subjected to the horrors of answering inquiries about what to dress, where guests should sit, and if everyone would be invited to the celebration. Nevertheless, he could take solace in the fact that after today, he would be king and designate someone else to endure such a horror.

His private quarters were placed on the highest level of Minas Tirith and were surrounded by gardens. They were constructed of white stone, like the rest of Minas Tirith, and consisted of three connected chambers. From the vast aperture, he had a clear view of the lowest tier of the city, where the Great Gate of Minas Tirith was situated, and the courtyard on the highest tier of the city, where his coronation would take place.

Aragorn had made an effort to avoid having this talk. Even though about running away and turning up an hours before the coronation. It had taken a lot of convincing to even get him to consider ascending to the throne of Gondor, and now that he had, all the intricacies he needed to take care of were spinning in his head. The future king's meeting had been requested by Faramir and his lady Éowyn. Without understanding what would happen next, he was forced to agree.

The first person to speak was Éowyn, who said, "As you know, your crowning ceremony is in less than a few hours. You have managed to avoid most of the preparation, my lord Aragorn, but there are a few issues that we have to take care of."

Aragorn looked at her and nodded, trying not to chuckle that Gimli's knock to his head had spared him from having to attend all the royal preparations. "Where is Gimli?" Knowing what he was thinking, Faramir frowned at him after hearing him inquire. In an effort to get out of the duties, he eventually inquired, "What are those specifics fair maiden?"

"Ney, Master Gimli is forbidden from seeing you, as he may end up having you escape again with another knock on the head." Faramir told him "We don't have much time to get you ready."

In order to prepare his royal attire, Éowyn had already opened the doors to his room, enabling maidens, hairdressers, and seamstresses to arrive with a wide range of textiles. She said that they should begin the preparations while they discussed the specifics. It was obvious that the seamstress's leader was an artist since even the years of darkness had not removed her spike. She had a kind of emotional clarity that permeated their art form and allowed her to communicate whatever she had conjured up in her mind.

She went by the name of Viviana, was Faramir's third cousin, heroically spent her whole life in Gondor, and collaborated with her father Dwite, a skilled craftsman. When she had reached adulthood she was a helper in her father's shop, however, there was a passion that flowed in her veins, one that needed to become an expression in the real world, as deeply communicative as any other form of art. And it did not take long for her to decide to follow her dream she became a seamstress, and her opinion mattered.

When today, she was hired to take care of the clothing for the king and the court after Faramir requested her and her crew to help the King. While many fresh maidens were working for her and learning about fashion, Viviana agreed but he asked that her business stay open. Although Faramir was perplexed and had little knowledge of fashion or design, Éowyn reassured her that the store would continue to be open.

Viviana seemed to be self-assured and adept at dressing both men and women. While she was asking her staff to bring velvet materials in various colours so she could pick the ideal one, he was already collecting Aragorn's measurements. Aragorn was instructed to put on a scarlet red silk shirt first, along with a pair of black slacks. Prior to the armour, the king's clothing should be good and comfy on the inside.

It took no time at all for Dwite to arrive with his own squad and carry the king's armour. It was armour fashioned especially for the king out of black and silver metal. The white tree and the Gondor symbol were painted in a golden pattern on the torso. Later, boots, arm bracelets, and all the other required items were brought.

It barely took a minute for his empty room to fill with strangers who were around him and everyone had a question or statement for him. There were others attempting to put items on or remove items from him. Aragorn made an effort to inhale deeply and avoid killing anybody. His life fell into disarray after only one day and one blow to the head.

"Can we go through the list of family members and friends and see how they fit?" He was questioned by Éowyn as she drew his attention away from the chaos that had erupted inside his chamber. "We won't argue because I've determined that the dwarves, elves, and humans will all stand alongside. However, I haven't chosen who will stand next to whom."

She was interrupted by Aragorn, who said, "It was a good choice, my lady, to keep each race together, but let them determine how they would stand." As a maiden began to brush his hair and lamented how knotted it was, he said and almost resisted the urge to swear.

"But my Lord, there must be a structure; we cannot simply let people pick where to stand." She confronted him and showed Aragorn some paper sheets while they were being disputed. "You can see the plan I was able to come up with, but I still don't understand all the specifics."

Estel glanced around the room, noting the fresh pandemonium that had been generated, and took a moment to reflect. Windows were opened, materials and armour were brought inside, a fire was blazing, and there was also water and refreshments available. He was prepared to leap out the window and go back to Rivendell since there were so many noises and conversations going on around him.

He moved away from the individuals who were huddled around him as his stress level gradually rose, grabbed Éowyn's planning documents from her hands, and flung them into the flames. Aragorn grinned as the paper burnt before eventually inhaling deeply."As he approached the party that was waiting for him, he added, "Just let them stand anywhere they choose to stand Lady Éowyn, everyone is welcome, and they are permitted to stand wherever they like."

Éowyn saw her day's effort disappear as she watched, and she was about to condemn him, but she managed to restrain herself since she had been taught manners. She ventured to add, "If you desire, however, have you chosen who would be attending the party following the coronation?" and observed as Aragorn puzzledly looked at her.

"All are welcome. How can we leave anybody out of such a significant day that we all commemorate today, my lady? We are celebrating today because we have defeated the darkness. We are permitted to take a little respite and rejoice, even though there is still much work to be done to guarantee peace in every part of Middle Earth." said Aragorn.

Although she seemed shocked, Éowyn nodded in agreement with him and asked the following question concerning the menu, beverages, and decorations. Aragorn began to petty Faramir and his decision since there were so many unanswered issues. Aragorn eventually said, "Enough," to the inquiries and the confusion that persisted all around him. "Leave us and go to make ready yourself, my lady, there is not much time left."

She was attempting to question, frustrated by the king-to-actions, "But what about the..."

Even still, Aragorn disregarded her efforts to speak to him and moved closer to her, forcing her out of his chambers. "Everyone will manage it well since they each know what to do. This is an order; proceed and get ready. Faramir would want to view you as unprepared, right?" She was so shocked by it that she immediately ran to her room to prepare for the coronation.

Aragorn found Faramir waiting for him when he got back, ready for more discussions and inquiries. He spent his time in such a manner, attempting to be ready in a timely manner while also satisfying Faramir. Fortunately, Faramir had to leave eventually to get ready, and Gimli arrived as he was running from the two people chasing him after they learned what he had done.

Gimli said, "Stop hiding, I'm fine!" After Faramir had departed, Aragorn remarked as he saw Gimli consuming some bread and cheese in the room's corner. "I hate to say it, but after the blow you gave me, you managed to give me some serenity."

Gimli gave him a serious look before grinning and said, "Then I helped you laddy!" Gimli smiled and moved to a more comfortable seat while they prepared Aragorn, and it wasn't until then that he realised he needed to go change as well. Aragorn agreed.

Meanwhile, several servants had occupied Arwen's makeshift apartments. Arwen, Galadriel, and Xena were stuck inside while caring for their apparel. They had hardly finished their meal when Éowyn beckoned them and showed them to their rooms. Arwen and her family were dressed by elven maidens in collaboration with a maiden of Gondor. The housemaid had collected their armour and clothing to wash and prepare for the next day.

The chests were opened, and the several dresses were set in the chamber with care. Arwen had already selected a light green silk gown for the maidens to prepare for her. Due to all the preparations, she felt a little queasy and patted her stomach. She saw everyone rushing in a panic since they were late a minute. She groaned and did not want to be late, but she was still apprehensive about seeing Aragorn.

She experienced a range of feelings, including anger when she refused to wear the green gown because it made her seem too pale. She then felt the urge to urinate, and she and Xena rushed to the restroom a few moments later. And naturally, being a woman, she was unable to use the restroom alone.

"You are not going are you?" Arwen questioned Xena, who was waiting outside the restroom for her to attend to her requirements. "All I need to do is ensure that I won't have to use the restroom during the coronation."

Since their arrival in Minas Tirith, havoc has been unleashed. Xena wished to leave Minas Tirith for a bit because she was troubled by grave matters. Arwen had been behaving for a very long time as if they were sisters, and she wanted her at her side. And Xena was mysteriously ensuring that every desire was fulfilled. She affirmed, "I am not," despite the temptation.

"Ney, you cannot leave me alone," she pleaded, as though she might die of stress if left alone. "I am nearly finished!" As promised, she exited the restroom and returned with her companion to the main area.

The lady of light remarked, "Come, you two, otherwise we will be late," as she saw them behaving as if they had all the time in the world. "Please get dressed, the gown looks great on you"

After a lengthy discussion and several trips to the restroom, Arwen was clothed. It was a two-layered lovely gown with an outer layer of spring green velvet that was sleeveless and had just two side seams that began under the arm. It resembled a sweater, and the armholes and collar were trimmed with silver. Her long hair was braided and a silver tiara was placed.

Galadriel's gown, on the other hand, was composed of intricately embroidered white silk with different colours of cream to distinguish textures. It was really two dresses in one, united at the ruched neckline: a Shimmering White Spandex Velvet underdress and a transparent white mesh overdress with an amazing train. It was white with silver embellishments and made the lady of light shine as brightly as a star.

Eventually, Xena was also forced to dress up alone. She would emerge wearing just her leather armour, but the maids took it on the pretext of cleaning it. Obviously, Galadriel would never let her granddaughter attend the crowning of Aragorn disguised as a warrior. So, after much struggle, Xena was able to don the garment. It was a dark and ethereal vision of velvet and silk. The strapless, bustier bodice of this voluminous gown is embellished with exquisite beaded lace appliqués that fall down the A-line skirt. This dress's removable bishop sleeves lend a quirky touch, making it a truly Gothic vision.

And just as Arwen was about to protest once more, the door opened, and Elrond entered with the twins already clothed and prepared. They wore green and silver silk robes, their hair was braided, and circlets were placed on their heads. Legolas emerged behind them, waiting for the women to follow.

Arwen skipped her father and siblings and immediately rushed to Legolas. She swung around to confront him with a tense, "What do you think, Legolas?" She knew that as a royal, Legolas would be the greatest judge of the gown she had chosen to wear. "How do I look?"

Legolas said, "It's different," as he examined Arwen while stroking his chin and carefully examining every feature. He adjusted her tiara and turned her around, seeing that the silver tiara covered the back of her head and terminated in a giant silver butterfly. Legolas approved and nodded. "I've never seen you in a gown like that before," he said in a quiet voice.

"I want to know the truth?" Xena rolled her eyes and was about to go up to the future queen when her grandmother stopped her.

"You want the truth? The prince of Mirkwood" inquired, and Arwen said, "You should modify it since it is rather unattractive."

The room had abruptly become silent, and every maiden was glaring at Legolas since it had taken hours to locate and have Arwen don the clothing. Unfortunately, Xena was too late to jump and break his nose. Elladan had jumped in and struck Legolas on the back of the head. Asked him if he wanted to die.

Arwen said, "Is it truly so ugly?" as she prepared to flee and hide in a corner while weeping.

Legolas inhaled deeply and struggled not to chuckle. "It is flawless. The King will be waiting for us "He remarked while grinning at her. Arwen believed his statements immediately and followed him out of the room.

Elrond and the twins led the way, followed by Galadriel and her sister, who wished to change into her own room but arrived in time. She wore a silver gown that was distinctive to her personality. And behind them were others who were pursuing Legolas and Xena.

"Your gown suits you beautifully," said Legolas, "it's a good fit!" Since Legolas entered the room, he was unable to keep his eyes off Xena. He was convinced at this point that she has many abilities, since she could wear armour and seem both beautiful and menacing, and she could also don a gown and appear as beautiful as a queen.

Xena glanced at him for a time and returned the compliment as she noticed him wearing full-length ceremonial robes with an exquisite brocade outer robe and a light blue backdrop. There was an abundance of green, blue, yellow, and gold colours. The collar was quite high and pointed in the front. This was a conventional collar with an inset. Set-in long sleeves. Sleeves with a little bell. It remained her cloak in the Long Elrond style, with a little flare.

She grinned and was going to praise him on his regal-looking robes until she spotted his head. She regarded him in quiet until she began to giggle and gesture at his head. She questioned him, "Are you wearing a tiara?" and as Legolas nodded in confusion, she could not stop giggling. "I cannot wait for the dwarf to encounter you. Princess of Mirkwood, indeed!"

Legolas was first perplexed by her response, but as she explained why she was laughing and he joined in, he ended up skipping beside her and pulling her close. "You know better than anybody that I am not a princess," he whispered, causing Xena to laugh harder and agree.

"And you are full of surprises, Princess of Mirkwood; be careful not to shatter the men's hearts with your beauty during today's crowning!" Xena continued to ridicule him, and Legolas wanted to kill her. He only wanted to bring her into an empty room and show to her that he was a guy.

However, their prank stopped when they approached the entrance to the courtyard, at which point Elrond asked them to halt their foolish behaviour.

((Upcoming Chapter Ninety-One))

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