Hey, everybody. I'm back with the last chapter of this story. It's a bit soon after the last update, but I figured it was about time to wrap up this story so I can focus more on other stories.
Now, remember, while this chapter will be written to be a satisfactory ending to a single story, I am open to writing a sequel. Let me know if you'd like to see a sequel at some point.
Alright. Let's begin.
Chapter 32- The End of an Age
Jakan stares out over the rolling lands of Rohan, watching as the bright sunrise changes the colors of the landscape. He had travelled to Rohan following Aragorn's coronation so that he could be present for Theoden's funeral and be present for Eomer's coronation as King of Rohan. The coronation and funeral had taken place over a week ago, and Jakan had remained in Rohan since then.
It had been almost three weeks since Aragorn's coronation and wedding. Since then, most of the Free Mandalorians had come to Middle Earth. Aragorn had officially signed a decree granting the Mandalorians permission to build their base at Cair Andros. Most of the Mandalorians, under Bo-Katan, were now at Cair Andros, building their fortress with the help of Men of Gondor and some of the Dwarves of Erebor. Others were either at Minas Tirith or travelling around Middle Earth.
As he looks out over the landscape, he hears someone coming up behind him. Looking behind him, he sees Eomer coming towards him.
"Your Highness," Jakan says in greeting.
"I think we are past the stage where you have to call me by such titles," Eomer says. Jakan smiles in response.
The two men look out over the landscape for several moments before Jakan asks, "What do you think about your sister's recent decisions?"
Eomer smiles a bit. In her time in Minas Tirith since the Battle of Pelennor Fields, she and Faramir had developed a budding romance. Although not official, it was believed by many that the two would soon announce their engagement. In addition, Eowyn had spoken with Bo-Katan and Jakan and wished to be trained as a Mandalorian. Jakan had left the decision with Bo-Katan, who was spending some time evaluating her skills as a warrior before saying definitively yes or no.
"It brings me great joy that she has found love with Faramir, especially after seeing her heartbreak with regards to Aragorn. I am less enthusiastic about her wishing to become a Mandalorian, but I have realized I cannot hope to control my sister. However, I also believe she would be a good Mandalorian should she wish to become one of you," Eomer responds.
Jakan smiles a bit. After a few more seconds, Eomer asks him, "What path do you intend to follow, Jakan?"
Jakan stares out across the plains of Rohan for several long moments before he says, "To be honest, I don't know. I promised to take position as Mand'alor, but honestly, I feel, after my adventures in Middle-Earth, that I've had enough bloodshed and battle for a lifetime. I'm not sure what future lies before me."
Eomer smiles. "Well, whatever direction your path takes you, you are always welcome in Rohan," he says.
"Thank you, Eomer," Jakan says with a smile.
Bo-Katan smiles as she steps out onto the outside of the main keep. Not long ago, construction had finally been finished on the Free Mandalorians' base at Cair Andros. The Dwarves and Men of Gondor had outdone themselves and built a perfect structure, and the Mandalorians had turned it into the perfect base, with all of their equipment, great forges, large armories, and even landing pads for their craft.
As she looks out over the island, and Gondor's fortress on the island not far from theirs, Bo-Katan reflects on the last few years. It's been two years since she and the rest of the Free Mandalorians came to Middle-Earth. Since then, much has happened.
The Free Mandalorians had settled in well to Middle Earth. All of the Free Peoples had welcomed them. The Mandalorians had spent a lot of time training soldiers of realms across Middle Earth. The previous year, they had also assisted the Gondorian military in recapturing Umbar and destroying what remained of the Corsairs. They had also defeated two Easterling attempts to mount another attack on Erebor and Dale. After the second attempt, the Easterlings had retreated for good and sued for peace.
The Mandalorians' numbers had also grown in the time since. Several individuals from across Middle-Earth had decided to join the Mandalorians and swear to the Creed. The Mandalorians had also adopted several orphans for training as Mandalorians.
Their time in Middle Earth had greatly strengthened the Mandalorians. The Free Mandalorians had continued their struggle with the Dark Mandalorians, destroying most of them. They had also begun assisting the Alliance to Restore the Republic to fight against the Empire. Most of the world of Mandalore had rallied behind the banner of the Free Mandalorians.
Bo-Katan smiles a bit as she reflects on the fact that much of this success was due to Jakan's leadership. Jakan had excelled as Mand'alor, drawing more Mandalorians under the banner of the Free Mandalorians and building up their strength.
However, Bo-Katan had noticed something in Jakan in recent times. He had changed. He seemed…more weary these days. She knew that his adventures here in Middle Earth had changed him, but now she realized that it had changed him far more than she ever thought.
The sound of a jetpack catches her attention. She looks up and sees Jakan descending from the sky, setting down in front of her. He removes his helmet and smiles. "Bo-Katan," he says.
"Lord Shan," she replies with an incline of the head.
"How went the meeting with the ambassador from Erebor?" Jakan asks.
"Perfectly. We were able to strike a deal for access to the recently discovered mithril deposit in exchange for access to our technology and armor techniques," Bo-Katan says.
"Perfect," Jakan says with a smile. However, immediately after, he turns and looks off into the distance.
"Lord Shan, is there something wrong?" Bo-Katan asks.
"No. But, there is something I wish to inform you of. Lady Galadriel and Lady Celeborn, along with Lord Elrond, are finally departing for the Undying Lands, and I have been informed that Gandalf and Frodo are going with them. I wish to go to the Grey Havens to say farewell to my friends," Jakan says.
"I see. I will watch over the fortress while you are gone," Bo-Katan says.
"Actually, I want you to come with me. I have asked Gar, Fel, and Mirta to come with me as well. I have asked Ursa Wren to watch after the fortress in our absence," Jakan says.
"Very well," Bo-Katan responds.
Jakan looks out of the viewport as the fighter descends towards a landing pad built in the Grey Havens for Mandalorian craft. Below, he can see the ship docked that will carry his friends off to Valinor.
Bo-Katan carefully sets the fighter down and powers it down. Once the power is cut, the five Mandalorians aboard walk carefully down the ramp, where one of the Elves of the Grey Havens is waiting for them.
"Follow me," the finely dressed Elf says. The Mandalorians all nod in response, and follow the Elf as he leads them down to the docks.
As they reach the docks, they find Galadriel, Celeborn, and Elrond waiting beside the gangway leading onto the ship. The five Mandalorians bow in respect, to which Elrond says in greeting, "Welcome, our Mandalorian friends."
"The honor is ours," Bo-Katan says to Elrond. Jakan found it impressive that Galadriel and Elrond had both earned Bo-Katan's respect to the degree that they had.
Right then, they hear footsteps approaching. Turning their heads, the Mandalorians sees Gandalf approaching, leading not only Frodo, but also Sam, Pippin, Merry, and, as Jakan recognizes from his later travels, Bilbo Baggins, Frodo's elderly uncle.
As the Hobbits approach, Bilbo begins to smile at the sight before him. Then, Galadriel speaks up and declares, "The power of the Three Rings is ended. The time has come for the dominion of Men."
Elrond then smiles and says lightly in Sindarin, "The sea calls us home." All five Mandalorians present have by now learned to speak Sindarin, and understand it perfectly.
Bilbo smiles and declares, "I think I'm quite ready for another adventure." He then makes his way towards the three Elves, a little faster than he was walking previously. Elrond escorts him aboard with a smile. Galadriel then casts a smile towards the others before she and Celeborn follow them aboard.
Gandalf takes a few steps towards the ship before turning back to the Hobbits. "Farewell, my brave Hobbits. And you, Mandalorians. My work is now finished. Here at last, on the shores of the sea, comes the end of our Fellowship," he says.
The hobbits begin to tear up, and Gar, Fel, and Mirta smile fondly at Gandalf. Gandalf smiles in return, and says, "I will not say 'do not weep', for not all tears are an evil." He smiles even more brightly, then turns and begins to walk back towards the ship. However, after only a few steps, he turns back and says, "Frodo. Jakan. It is time."
The Hobbits all turn to Frodo, wondering what Gandalf is speaking of. Similarly, the four other Mandalorians turn to face Jakan.
"What does he mean, Jakan?" Gar asks.
Jakan smiles slightly, "I came to Middle-Earth not knowing anything about it. Since then, I have put my life on the line constantly for its freedom. It was for the freedom of Middle Earth that I fought and slew Maul at the Black Gate. I have continued to fight not just for Middle-Earth, but for the Mandalorians as well. And now, my time has come."
"What do you mean?" Fel asks in confusion.
Jakan smiles. "I, an off-worlder, have fought and suffered much for this world, and for a time, I wielded one of the Three Rings. I have grown weary of war. For all of this, the Elves have granted me a very special privilege. A place on this ship."
The four Mandalorians stare at Jakan in shock as he smiles slightly and declares, "I am honored to have known and fought beside all of you, and it has been my honor to serve as Mand'alor. But my time in this world has come to an end. My place now is in Valinor. Whether or not I will be granted the life of the Elves, or simply be able to live the rest of my life in peace in Valinor, I do not know. All i know is that I will finally be at peace."
"But…you can't just leave," Mirta says.
Jakan smiles. "Yes, I can, Mirta. I have fulfilled my purpose in life. And now it is time for me to rest. I believe I have another calling now in Valinor," he says.
Jakan turns to Bo-Katan. He then reaches back and removes the Darksaber from his jetpack before holding it out to Bo-Katan. "Bo-Katan Kryze, I relinquish the title of Mand'alor as I prepare to depart from this world. And I name you my successor. I give to you this sword as symbol of that title. Lead the Mandalorians to greatness as Mand'alor."
Bo-Katan stares at Jakn for several long moments before she takes the Darksaber. "Thank you, Jakan. I will honor your decision," she says.
Jakan nods, then turns to the other three. He smiles, then says, "Farewell, friends. May we one day meet again."
Mirta is the first to move. She reaches out and pulls him into an embrace. One by one, Jakan shares an embrace with his three friends he fought with from Helm's Deep to the Black Gate. Then, he finally turns away to where Gandalf and Frodo are waiting for him. Smiling, he walks after them and boards the ship.
On the shore, the Hobbits and the Mandalorians watch with sorrow as the ship pulls away from the dock and begins sailing out of the harbor, already missing their friends on board that ship.
On the bow of the ship, Jakan stares off into the sun, thinking about his friends he has just left behind. However, he smiles to himself as he reflects that they will be able to lead Mandalore to greatness.
Jakan then looks down at a chest lying in front of him, a chest brought out by one of the Elves aboard. Jakan smiles before he slowly raises his helmet, looking into it. He smiles as his life as a Mandalorian flashes past his eyes. Then, slowly, he lowers the helmet, resting it inside the chest. Then, he reaches out and closes the lid of the chest, closing the chapter of his life as a warrior. Though he will always be a Mandalorian, at last he can find peace and a new life in Valinor.
And, I'll end there.
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and that this was a fitting end for Jakan.
For those wondering why Jakan was allowed to come to Valinor, I had several reasons. First, he's not the only mortal to be allowed to do so. Both Tuor and Earendil before him had done so, and obviously Frodo and Bilbo left at the end of the Third Age. In the Fourth Age, we know that Gimli accompanied Legolas to Valinor. There are also who believe Amandil, Elendil's father, may also have gone there, though we don't know for sure. Also, for all that he did for Middle-Earth when he wasn't even from that world, I imagine the Valar would wish to reward him. In addition, he bore Vilya, and I felt it made sense for him to accompany the other bearers of the Three Rings.
And now, we have come to the end of this story. Like I said, I may be open to a sequel, so let me know if you'd like that. But, for now, I will say goodbye to this story. Please leave one last review with your final thoughts.
Raptor2216 signing off.
