Hey, everybody. Back with another chapter. The penultimate chapter of this story.
Let's get to it.
Chapter 31- Crowning of a New Era
Jakan sighs a bit as he walks out onto the balcony outside the building where Frodo has been kept while he is recovering from his ordeal in Mordor. While most of the Army of the West has been marching back to Minas Tirith and are due to arrive later today, the Great Eagles had brought the Fellowship and leaders of the army back to Minas Tirith.
As Jakan looks out over the Fields of Pelennor, some of the damage from the battle still visible, he thinks back on everything he has been through since coming to Middle Earth. He has learned things and experienced things he had never dreamed of in his life, and it has changed him. He is still Mandalorian, but now wonders if he has also become something more.
He hears footsteps behind him and turns around to see Bo-Katan walking up behind him, her helmet under her arm. She had flown back to Minas Tirith with the rest of the leaders. Since then, Jakan and the members of the fellowship have been familiarizing her with Middle Earth and the events that have occurred since Jakan arrived here. To say she was surprised was a bit of an understatement, but most of the surprise has passed now. Being in Middle Earth also seemed to have softened her usually very hard personality ever so slightly, as she has commented a few times on how nice Minas Tirith is.
"Thinking, I see," she says.
"Yes," Jakan says.
Bo-Katan steps up beside him and looks down at the Fields of Pelennor. "Too bad we didn't get here in time for this battle. Sounds like we missed a lot of fun," she says.
"Not so much as you might think," Jakan replies.
"What do you mean?" she asks.
"Since i came to Middle Earth, things have been different. I haven't fought just to fight, or to increase my honor and glory, or to protect my home. I've been fighting to preserve the freedom of this world, and it's a feeling unlike anything I've ever felt. I've been raised Mandalorian my whole life, but since coming here I have finally understood what people call the sorrow of battle. Seeing Sauron destroyed brought a relief to me you cannot understand," he says.
Bo-Katan looks at him, marvelling slightly at how much Jakan has changed since his arrival here. Jakan had always been one of the most skilled and respected warriors among the Free Mandalorians. Now, although previously she might have thought he had gone slightly soft, she now thinks that what has happened to him here in Middle-Earth has made him an even greater Mandalorian than ever.
"I always wished to be the one to finally unite our peoples and rule Mandalore. However, I now realize you are the one. You are the one meant to take the throne as Mand'alor," Bo-Katan says.
"I'm not much of a ruler," Jakan replies.
"Maybe. Maybe not. But you are one that I know Mandalorians will be proud to follow. Plus, it sounds like you have seen a lot of good examples of a good ruler here in Middle-Earth," Bo-Katan says. Jakan simply nods in response.
The two are quiet for a few moments before Bo-Katan says, "The reason I came out here to begin with is because your friend Gandalf says that the Hobbit will soon be awakening, and he thought you might want to be there for that."
Jakan finally smiles. "Thank you. Yes, I wouldn't want to miss that," he says before he turns and walks back into the building.
As he enters the building, Jakan sees the rest of the Fellowship, minus Gandalf, are standing around the door leading into the room where Frodo is. As he looks among his friends of the Fellowship, Jakan sees that Boromir looks particularly worried.
"Boromir. What troubles you?" he asks.
Boromir is silent for a few moments before he looks up at Jakan and says, "It's just…I haven't seen Frodo since I tried to take the Ring from him at Amon Hen. The last time he saw me, I was ready to kill him for the Ring. What if he hasn't forgiven me?"
"I think you underestimate Frodo's kindness. I doubt he will have held anger for you for this long," Jakan says.
"Do you believe that truly?" Boromir asks.
"Yes, I do," Jakan says.
As the two look at each other, they hear something from within the room. Laughter that is familiar to everyone. The laughter of both Gandalf and Frodo. Everyone begins to smile, finally feeling relief that they know Frodo will be alright.
"Well, let's go see him," Jakan says with a smile.
Merry and Pippin are the first to rush into the room. Their laughter can instantly be heard by everyone outside.
Gimli is the next into the room. He lets out a loud laugh before he runs further into the room towards Frodo's bedside. As he does, Legolas follows him into the room, joy filling his heart as he sees Frodo again. Then, Aragorn comes into the room, unable to contain his smile.
Finally, Sam comes in, happy to be back with Frodo after the brief separation. Then, at last, Jakan and Boromir enter the room.
Everyone looks between Boromir and Frodo, wondering what will happen. Then, Frodo smiles at Boromir and says, "It is good to see you once more, Boromir."
Boromir smiles and begins to tear up. He moves forward and embraces Frodo, their final conflict finally put at rest and the two at last reconciled.
It is a beautiful, bright morning, nearly a month after Frodo had awakened. Minas Tirith is full of thousands of people from across Gondor and representatives from across the realms of the Free Peoples. For today, they have all gathered to witness the crowning of a king.
The past month has been full of activity. The Army of the West had finally returned and been welcomed back as heroes. All of Sauron's forces had been destroyed or made to retreat back to their own lands.
The Rohirrim had been welcomed in Gondor as brethren and friends. Theoden's body had been returned back to Rohan with a combined Rohirrim-Gondorian escort. Gar had gone with them, as he had developed a friendship with Theoden and wanted to see the body of his friend returned safely home.
Relations had begun to develop between Gondor and the other realms of Middle Earth. Erebor and Dale were very grateful for the aid of the Mandalorians. Trade agreements had already been signed, and the Dwarves had agreed to assist in the rebuilding of both Minas Tirith and Osgiliath. In addition, Eomer, the as yet uncrowned new king of Rohan, had remained behind with a contingent of Rohirrim for the events of this day.
The realms of the Elves had also sent their representatives. Thrnaduil had come with some Woodland Elves, as had Elrond with some of his people. Leading the Elves were Galadriel, Celeborn, and several notable Galadhrim.
In addition to these people, gathered for the coronation today were many Mandalorians. In addition to the sixty who had come at the Battle of the Black Gate, more members of the Free Mandalorians had come in the month since. Aragorn and Boromir together had held up Denethor's promise that the Mandalorians would always be welcome in Gondor. The leaders of the other realms of the Free Peoples had also promised friendship with the Mandalorians. The Dwarves had offered to show the Mandalorians their methods of armor crafting they use to possibly add to their knowledge of crafting their signature armor. Aragorn had also promised the Mandalorians the right to make a settlement and base in Gondor.
And now, all of them have gathered together on the top level in Minas Tirith to witness Aragorn's coronation of Gondor and Arnor. In the time since the Battle of the Black Gate, the White Tree has once again come into bloom, and flower petals from the tree float through the courtyard.
Jakan stands at the front of the Mandalorians along with Bo-Katan not far from the steps leading up into the Citadel, where Gandalf, Aragorn, and Boromir are all waiting. Aragorn is dressed in the finest armor and vestments, showing his status as the new king. Boromir is wearing similar clothing to his father. Despite Boromir's belief that the office of Steward was no longer needed, Aragorn insisted on him maintaining the position, and operating much like his prime minister.
Everyone watches with joy as one of the Tower Guards emerges from the CItadel holding a small chest. Reaching the three distinguished individuals, he halts and opens the chest, revealing inside the crown of the King of Gondor.
Boromir steps forward and removes the crown before handing it Gandalf. Gandalf smiles slightly as he turns to face Aragorn, who kneels before the wizard. Gandalf raises the crown almost to his eye level before lowering it onto Aragorn's head, resting it in place before lowering his hands. Pride swells in his heart as he sees the man who has known would grow to greatness since infancy finally assume his destiny. He smiles gently as he declares, "Now come the days of the King!" He pauses, then says just loud enough for Aragorn and Boromir to hear, "May they be blessed."
Aragorn rises and turns to face his subjects and guests. Applause and cheers erupt across the courtyard. Even the Mandalorians, many of whom don't really know Aragorn, cheer in honor of the coronation of a new ruler.
"This day does not belong to one man, but to all," Aragorn says to the crowd, his characteristic humility shown in his first words as king, "Let us together rebuild this world, that we may share in the days of peace."
Another round of cheering and applause greets Aragorn's words. However, silence begins to fall again as Aragorn begins to see in Elvish, singing the words that Elendil had sung upon his arrival to Middle Earth following the fall of Numenor.
"Et Earello Endorenna utulien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta."
Few in the crowd understand the words, but all are silenced in some way by the words and the majesty of Aragorn. After a moment, Jakan whispers to Bo-Katan, "I'll consider taking the title of Mand'alor if I don't have to sing." Bo-Katan just smirks in response.
Aragorn walks down from the steps and begins to walk among his people and guests. Many, including Faramir and Eowyn, Eomer, King Brand of Dale, and Lord Bofur, the representative of Erebor, bow to Aragorn in homage. As he pases the Mandalorians, Jakan raises his hand and salutes Aragorn, and the rest of the Mandalorians follow his example.
Aragorn then reaches the Elven representatives. Legolas is leading them, a bright smile on his face as his friend approaches. The two friends and members of the Fellowship approach each other and stop before each other. Aragorn then reaches out with one hand and rests it on Legolas' shoulder, which Legolas copies. The two smile at each other before Aragorn greets Legolas simply, "Hannonle."
Legolas smiles, then inclines his head backwards slightly. Aragorn leans his head slightly to the side and looks behind Legolas. Near the back of the column, he sees Lord Elrond standing at the back, with a herald beside him with their face hidden by a banner. Then, as he watches, the herald slowly moves the banner aside, revealing their face.
Aragorn feels his heart filled with a surge of emotions as he sees the face of the herald. It is none other than his beloved, Arwen Undomiel. Aragorn slowly makes his way towards Arwen, meeting her after a few steps. The two stare at each other for several moments before Arwen inclines her head in respect, but Aragorn quickly raises her head with two fingers. The two stare deeply into each other's eyes for a moment before Aragorn leans in and captures her lips in a passionate kiss. They spin around in place, locked in their embrace as those watching begin to clap. Even Jakan can't help himself but clap.
The couple finally separates, only to share another quick kiss before Arwen embraces him with a giggle. When they finally separate again, Aragorn takes her by the hand, and leads her through the crowd. Everyone around bows in respect to her, recognizing she will almost certainly be their queen.
Within moments, the couple reaches the four Hobbits. The Hobbits bow forward in respect, but Aragorn will have none of it. He steps forward and says, "My friends!" As the Hobbits stand up to look at him, Aragorn declares emphatically, "You bow to no one!" He then bows his head before he sinks to one knee before the Hobbits, Arwen immediately following his example. Then, in a wave, everyone in the courtyard begins to drop to one knee, bowing to the Hobbits. Jakan smiles as he also drops down into a bow to his friends and the heroes of Middle Earth. Seeing how quickly Jakan bowed to them, and most of them knowing what they had done, the rest of the Mandalorians also drop into a bow to the Hobbits.
Night has fallen over Minas Tirith, but the festivities have not ended. Within the Merethrond, the festivities have only ramped up, for all of the important people in the city had been gathered to witness Aragorn and Arwen finally marry. As they had fulfilled the conditions Elrond had set for their marriage, the two did not wish to wait a moment longer.
The wedding ceremony had mostly been conducted in Sindarin, but translations for many of the important parts had been provided by some of the Elves present. Then, following the ceremony, the reception and wedding feast had begun.
A number of Mandalorians had been invited to the ceremony and celebration alongside Jakan. The Mandalorians are now mingling among all the other guests, and are treated like old friends by everyone they come across.
In one corner of the room, Bo-Katan is watching the proceedings, drinking a mug of ale. This is the most relaxed and at ease she had been in many years, but also feels somewhat uncomfortable. This is not her kind of scene, and she is not used to such socialization, although the rest of the Mandalorians do not suffer from such awkwardness.
"Lady Bo-Katan."
Bo-Katan turns to the sound of the face, and sees an Elven woman of incredible beauty just a few feet away. She remembers her name as being Galadriel, and that she was the queen of an Elven realm.
"Lady Galadriel," Bo-Katan says in greeting, inclining her head respectfully. Galadriel commands such a feeling of majesty and honor Bo-Katan cannot help but show her such respect.
"You do not feel you belong in this situation," Galadriel observes. Bo-Katan just nods in response. It wouldn't really take a genius to see that she's mostly isolating herself at this party.
"You believe that you belong on the field of battle, not at a celebration. But, even the most seasoned warrior must learn that enjoyment is no sin," Galadriel says.
Bo-Katan sighs before she says, "I've dedicated my life to the way of the Mandalore since my early years. It's all I know at this point."
"That is not true, Lady Bo-Katan Kryze," Galadriel says, surprising Bo-Katan at her knowledge of her family name, "But your dedication to the ways of your people may prove to be crucial in the days to come. I have said this to your friend, Jakan Shan. The crucible of the Mandalorians draws near. And you will play a crucial role in it. The future of your people will rest in part on your shoulders."
Bo-Katan stands there in shock, unable to speak after Galadriel's words. She looks down for a few moments, wondering what to think. Then, she looks back up to speak to Galadriel again, only to see that the Lady of Light is gone. Her mind is drawn back to Galadriel's words, wondering what she could mean.
Elsewhere in the Merethrond, Jakan is speaking with Elrond, taking the time to catch up with the Elven lord he felt he could call a friend before he left Rivendell with the Fellowship.
"It seems that my gifts served you well," Elrond says with a slight smile after Jakan finishes sharing his story of his duel with Darth Maul at the Black Gate.
"Yes, they did. And, speaking of which, I think it's time to return this to you," Jakan says. He then reaches down and removes Hadhafang and its sheath from his belt, then holding it out to Elrond. Elrond looks down at his sword for a moment before he smiles and takes the sword back, attaching it to his belt.
Jakan then reaches down to his hand to remove Vilya to return it to Elrond. However, Elrond reaches out and stays his hand. "No, Jakan Shan. Keep it. With the defeat of Sauron, the power of the Three Rings is ending. I have no need of it. Without this ring, you would not have defeated Maul. You may keep it."
Jakan looks at Elrond for a moment before letting go of the ring. "Thank you, Lord Elrond. Though its power may be waning, I will keep it safe," he says. Elrond just smiles and nods.
Jakan looks around the reception hall, watching all of the celebration going on. At long last, after months of traveling and fighting, peace has come to Middle Earth. The question for him is what his future holds after such a journey.
And, I'll end the chapter there. Hope you liked this one.
Next one will wrap this story up. Now, I will write the last chapter in such a way that although it will serve as a good end for a stand alone story, yet leaves room for a possible sequel. Let me know if you might be open to a sequel to this dealing with a Star Wars threat threatening Middle Earth, and possibly involving Din Djarin.
The last chapter will be up soon. Until it is, please leave a review and stay tuned!
