By the words of the lady of the House of Healing, Aragorn revealed himself to be the rightful king of Gondor. With just his touch, he could assuage the pain of the people within and soon the news broke out all throughout Minas Tirith that the King of Gondor had returned. For a few precious days, the brave people of Minas Tirith could rest. But ere long, Gandalf came and declared something that quailed even the bravest who had fought valiantly: The Rohirrim, the Fellowship, the men of Gondor and all who were willing to go with them, must ride to the very gates of Mordor, for the Eye of Sauron was ever watchful, and if they did not do something quick, it would see Frodo and Sam as they headed towards the Cracks of Doom to destroy the One Ring of Power.
And hearing this, Ithildin made up her mind to go with them for she would not part with Legolas again. Her heart was heavy, but she knew that she must play her part in this war, though her part be small and insignificant. So, she journeyed with the men and Aragorn rode forward with Gandalf and their plan was this: Aragorn would pretend to have the One Ring and to claim himself as the new Lord of the Rings. Being that he was Isildur's heir, Sauron would easily be tricked and his attention would be turned away from Frodo and Sam. It was a dangerous trap and the chance of survival was low, but what else could they do?
The journey there was dark and few spoke and none sang. Ithildin rode beside Legolas but neither dared speak a word for the Dark Lord had many spies whose eyes could pierce thought and flesh. Then finally, they were there: At the gates of Mordor, the Black Land. With a cry, Gandalf issued his challenge and suddenly, the gates opened and the hosts of Mordor issued forth.
What followed then was the inevitable battle between the last remnants of good in Middle-earth and those who sought to destroy all things fair and beautiful. Ithildin weilded her sword and fired her bow, but ever the enemy issued forth. Suddenly, she found herself near brave Pippin, the youngest of the hobbits in the Fellowship. She had no chance to speak, though. A great troll had come forward and with one swing, had felled Beregond his friend, a watchmen of Minas Tirith. In rage, Pippin slew the troll, but as the troll died, it fell onto Pippin and others around him, trapping them underneath his great weight. Then, Ithildin made her way through the chaos about her, and with the strength she possessed from her power, she tossed aside the great troll and picked up Pippin.
Soon the others began to come to, but Pippin remained unconscious in her arms. Ithildin checked him and found to her relief that he was all right. As quickly as she could, she made her way through the battle, dodging orc and fell beast and soldier alike, until she was far from the battle atop a mound of land. There, she laid Pippin and covered him with her cloak to keep him warm and went back down to rejoin the battle.
The Fields of Cormallen were a beautiful area of land surrounded by red and gold trees. Long had this place been fair even against the tumult of the east and it was here that the men and women retired who had challenged the very hosts of Mordor at the Black Gates. Sam and Frodo recovered from their wounds in this land in North Ithilien, which had been one of the fairest cities in Middle-earth. Indeed, in the days that followed in Cormallen, much that had been sundered or lost was re-united and found.
Joyous was the singing and merry-making and there was a great feast to honour the heroes of the War: Frodo and Sam and Merry and Pippin, as well as Gandalf and Aragorn, Isildur's heir, and men gathered to celebrate the return of the King. A minstrel sang songs in the fair Elvish tongue and then in the speech of Men and all who heard felt calm and at peace. Then, words of beauty and love were spoken so that all who were present ached in the heart and their happiness was mingled with their sorrow and loss and their spirits ever writhed in sweet turmoil.
It was for more than two months that they dwelt there and none begrudged the time spent. Yet, all good things must come to an end, as the sun itself must inevitably give in to the darkness at the end of the day and soon, the time came for these dear friends to depart. At first, all traveled southwest, but soon they parted ways. Aragorn returned to Minas Tirith to take up the throne as King and with him went Ithildin, Legolas and Gimli. The hobbits rode away north with Gandalf and Elrond and Galadriel for their home lay northwestward. But before they left, Pippin pulled Ithildin aside and thanked her.
"For what?" asked Ithildin surprised.
"Why, for taking me away from that awful troll," said Pippin merrily.
Then Ithildin laughed and hugged him, for there was truly something to be said for the strength and endurance of hobbits. With a wave, Pippin rode off with his friends and Ithildin's heart was sorry to see him go. She went back to Legolas and together, along with what remained of the Fellowship, they rode back to the White City.
Glorious were the songs when Aragorn took his place as the last of the great Kings of old, and Arwen his bride, was beautiful and celestial. For a while, Legolas and Gimli remained with their friend, for they were the hunters three who had journeyed together after the battle at Amon Hen in search of the then captive Merry and Pippin. But soon, Legolas and Gimli took up residence in fair Ithilien, which was not far from the White City, and Ithildin went with them.
For many years, Ithildin and Legolas lived in peace, save for a time when Legolas and Gimli traveled to the caves of Helm's Deep and the forest of Fangorn due to a pact they had made with each other. Ithildin did not accompany them, though she changed much while they were gone. Finally, though, after a few years, Legolas returned. Soon, many of the woodland elves of his kingdom journeyed west and helped him and Gimli repair Ithilien and Minas Tirith. Then, the White City shone anew and its gates were strongholds of which nothing could penetrate. Ithilien bloomed, under the guidance and love of Ithildin and became the fairest city in all of Middle-earth. There, she and Legolas were content and he was among his kin and this gladdened his heart.
One day, Legolas and Ithildin journeyed to Minas Tirith for they desired the company of Aragorn and Arwen. They were welcomed warmly in the city and a feast was prepared in their honour. When they had eaten to their heart's content, they sat by the fire in the great hall and talked of things past and forgotten and things to come.
"How much had changed since that day we set out from Rivendell," remarked Legolas, wistfully.
"Yet," said Aragorn. "Would you have it any other way? We are for the most part happy and at peace. Evil has been destroyed for now and our children may roam free from care." With that, Arwen smiled and placed a hand on her stomach.
"I miss the merry hobbits," said Ithildin. "I do hope that their road takes them to their beloved home safe and sound."
"Of that, we shall never know," said Aragorn. "But like you, I hope for the best for these delightful creatures. And yet, I fear for Frodo, for he alone has suffered the most in this quest and my heart tells me he will not be able to go back to his simple way of life. Too much has he endured and seen and experienced and it is foolish to think that he could ever be content in his home. Sam may do his part to assuage the pain of his master, but I fear that a higher power is in need. Oh, but for the shadow of evil we could all live in peace and glory!"
And then they all fell silent, deep in their own thoughts until the hour grew late and it was time for Ithildin and Legolas to return home. They mounted their horses and with a final farewell, journeyed off into the night. As they rode, silence followed them for they were each thinking things that need not be spoken. But finally, Legolas broke the silence.
"I heard the cry of the gulls," he said.
Ithildin was startled out of her thought and did not know at first what to make of what he had said, but Legolas continued.
"I should not have, for it was deemed long ago that the cry of the gulls would awaken in me a desire and longing for the sea. And it was true, for now I have become restless and long for the free waters. Yet, I would not forsake my city and my land, nor my friends and kin." And she could see that Legolas was torn.
Then Ithildin reached out and took Legolas's hand in hers as they rode. "Wherever you go," she said, "I will follow if that is your wish. I know not much of the sea, or of the great West that is whispered, but if I can, I will accompany you when you desire to go elsewhere."
"That is good," said Legolas. "I could not bear the thought of leaving you behind. But let us speak of this no more, for when the time comes when such matters will arise, we will discuss them at our leisure."