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Frodo smiled through his tears of happiness after he heard his tale told by Aragorn. Sam too was affected in much the same way, for he had desired such a thing for so long and they had talked of it many times during their journey to Mordor. Now the Sun had taken its place behind the mountains in sleep, and the Empress of the Night, the Moon had taken his place. Frodo and Sam were dressed in mail, swords hung at their sides and circlets of silver upon their heads. They walked bashfully in front of Gandalf as he prodded them along towards the tents in the pavilion. Food was set out, delicious scents rose in the night air, along with the joyful laughing of those around them.
They came to the main tent and to the main table, where sat Aragorn, King Éomer of Rohan, and the Prince Imrahil. The others smiled as Gandalf, Sam and Frodo took their places at the table. Frodo looked about in wonder at the sights before him. All this time he was treated as a hero and a sort of savior and he was not used to it as of yet. A figure emerged from the darkness that he recognized, Gimli, clad in armor, shining bright as fire, took his place at the table. He smiled and waved slightly in Frodo's direction, before plopping down in his seat, eyeing the food with anticipation. Two other figures emerged from the fragrant trees to his left. Two Elves, both dressed in fine, light garments. The male Elf was clad in shining silvers and light greens, his long blonde hair falling down over his shoulders, his eyes shining. The female Elf at his side, wore a dress of brilliant silver, shining as the stars above them. Her brown-red hair fell down her back as a waterfall, the simple silver circlet upon her head gleaming as of fire. Her brilliant, shining eyes met with Frodo's and as she smiled, he noticed the white bandages upon her fair hands. He smiled with relief as Aria and Legolas approached and took their place beside Gimli. Gimli smiled and poked Legolas when Aria was not looking, which made Legolas turn faintly red.
The feast was wonderful, the food delicious, but the talk and company more satisfying than any food or drink. To simply have Pippin, Merry, Sam and the others by his side, Frodo was more than satisfied. He yearned to know all that had happened among the others while he had been on his own mission, and Pippin had assured him that he would know all after the feast. He smiled with satisfaction as he looked over his friends, but his gaze lingered longer over Aria and Legolas. They sat beside each other, speaking in low tones in their own language, their eyes shining. Once Aria blushed fiercely as Legolas murmured something in her ear, a small embarrassed smile on his face. "Pippin says that they've gotten close during this time. He says that Legolas even acted like he loved her when they were at Isengard." Sam whispered in his ear. Frodo turned to him, his eyebrows raised. "Love her? Does she love him?" Frodo asked. "I don't know. Thats just what Pippin says. Thats what he thought anyway." Sam said, shrugging his shoulders before digging into the meat on his plate. Frodo looked back towards the Elves, unsure of his feelings. It seemed strange to him, for two friends to love each other, stranger still, that they were companions of his. But he knew that Pippin would tell everything he thought and knew, for Pippin was always a holder of gossip and news.
After the feast, the hobbits, Gandalf, Gimli, Legolas and Aria rose from their places and seated themselves under the gently waving trees of Ithilien where the entire tale was told from beginning to end. Of the Orcs, the Ents, the confrontation with Saruman, the great battles, the encounter with Denethor, and Aria's brush with death. When it was all over, Sam and Frodo shook their heads in amazement. "Its gonna take me weeks to get this all sorted out." Sam murmured, scratching his head. Frodo smiled at his friend and sighed contentedly. Gandalf rose and sighed. "I'm afraid it is time to sleep again my friends. Though you have rested much, you must rest again." He said. "And not only Sam and Frodo, but you as well Pippin and Merry, for you have suffered much. I as well, shall take to my bed." Gimli said gruffly.
Legolas smiled and jumped to his feet. "And I shall walk in the woods of this fair land, which indeed is rest enough. In days to come, if my Elven-lord allows, some of our folk shall come here, and when we do it shall be blessed, for a while. For a while: a month, a life, a hundred years of Men." Aria too stood to her feet, with help from the gentle hand of Legolas did he take her hand and lift her. "I shall join you, for I am weary with desire to see these forests and hear the trees call." She said softly. Legolas smiled and took her hand in his. "The forests are wonderful! But Anduin is near, and Anduin leads down to the Sea. To the Sea!" And as the two Elves walked down the moonlit path side by side, Legolas sang softly,
To the Sea, to the Sea! The white gulls are crying,
The wind is blowing, and the white foam is flying.
West, west away, the round sun is falling.
Grey ship, grey ship, do you hear them calling,
The voices of my people that have gone before me?
I will leave, I will leave the woods that bore me;
For our days are ending and our years failing.
I will pass the wide waters lonely sailing.
Long are the waves on the Last Shore falling,
Sweet are the voices in the Lost Isle calling,
In Eressëa, in Elvenhome that no man can discover,
Where the leaves fall not: land of my people forever!
Aria listened to him silently, her eyes joyful in taking in the beauty of the forests of Ithilien, but her heart trembled with sorrow as she heard his lonely tones singing of the beauties of the sea. In fact, in her mind, she feared he would fly to the sea here and now if he had a mind to, therefore she grasped his hand tightly to her and did not release it even after the song had ended. After the song ended, Legolas and Aria walked silently down the path before they stopped at the feet of a particularly large tree. There did Aria release her hold on Legolas' hand as she leaned up against the tree. Then she smiled and spoke gently to him in her native tongue.
Tiro! Êl eria e môr. (Look! A star rises out of the darkness.)
I 'lîr en êl luitha 'uren. (The song of the star enchants my heart)
Legolas smiled, but stood still, taking in her figure before he spoke softly at first, then with determination. "Aria, what will you do when Aragorn takes his throne?" He asked quietly. "I shall return to my sister in Lorien, then to my people in Nethrana." She answered. Legolas looked up at her, a surprised look in his eyes. "You would go?" He asked. "I would stay if someone wished it." Aria said pointedly, her blue eyes burning into his own. "I must fulfill my promise to Gimli. I promised to see the caves with him, as he promised to see the glories of the forests with me. I must do this first when we leave Ithilien." He said off-handedly. "I see. Then what shall you do?" Aria asked. "I know not. That depends." He said softly. "Depends on what?" Aria asked, raising her head as Legolas took a step nearer. "It depends on how you answer my question. Aria," Legolas took another step closer and took her bandaged hands in his own. "Will you complete my heart truly when this journey is done? Will you take your place at my side forever as the moon does with the stars? For I tell you, it is this that I desire and nothing more." Legolas said firmly. Aria did not hesitate, for the same thought was expressed in her own heart as well. "I will do this." And beneath the brilliant moon of Ithilien, the two Elves embraced, seeing their fate before them, knowing that each would forever follow the other, even to the ends of the earth.
For many days after this night, the Fellowship remained together even after Aragorn was crowned King Elessar, remaining in a home with Gandalf within the city. They all waited together, not knowing what Aragorn waited for that kept him from dismissing them. But finally that day came, when they found out for whom they waited. It was upon the Eve of Midsummer when the riders came. Aria watched from the steps of the castle with Legolas and the Fellowship as they approached. First rode Elrohir and Elladan with a banner of silver, then came Glorfindel and Erestor and all the household of Rivendell. After them came the Lady Galadriel and Celeborn, Lord of Lothlorien, riding upon brilliant white horses and with them many fair folk of their land, grey-cloaked with white gems in their hair. But at last came Elrond, holding in his hand the scepter of Annuminas and beside him rode Arwen, the Evenstar. Aria looked upon her great-niece with satisfaction as she saw her beauty, and she smiled with happiness as she saw her sister's serious face.
Aragorn decended from the steps and welcomed them. Elrond stepped from his horse and embraced Aragorn gently before he raised his scepter and laid Arwen's hand in the hand of the Aragorn. Gently, the two kissed and together they went up into the High City. To Aria it seemed that in this moment, all the stars flowered in the sky and set off a radiant gleam as of diamonds. Aragorn the King Elessar wedded Arwen Undomiel in the City of the Kings upon the day of Midsummer, and the tale of their long waiting and labours was come to fulfillment.
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Many days later did Aria join the Fellowship and the Lords of the Mark to bury Theodin, Lord of the Mark in Edoras. The journey was long but the time was well spent as she spent time with Aragorn and Arwen, the Fellowship and her sister. During this time, she confessed to her sister that she had given her heart to Legolas Greenleaf of the Elves of Mirkwood, and asked for her blessing. Galadriel gazed at her sister for a long time, taking her in. The bandages had long left her hands, but they were rough and calloused. Her face had not changed in facial expressions, but had aged greatly, the knowledge and wisdom showing in her face. She did not act with the rashness of a child any longer. She had grown and had learned more than Galadriel could have ever taught her. Galadriel laid her hand upon her sisters and smiled. "I give you my blessing to do as you will." She said softly, taking Aria into a gentle embrace.
After the buriel of Theodin, Lord of the Mark, Aria walked about the people, searching for Legolas. She found him at last, doing as the others were doing, readying their horses to proceed away from that place. He smiled as she approached and he took her hand gently in his. "What is it Aria?" He asked. "Where are you going from here? Are you not going to accompany us?" Legolas smiled and shook his head. "I have promised to go with Gimli to the Glittering Caves and I must keep my promise. But we shall meet with you again in Fangorn." Legolas said quickly. "If this is not suited to your liking my Lady, Legolas can back out and be known as one who goes back on his word." Aria smiled and turned in the direction of the rough voice. Gimli had approached them and had heard the words and he stood expectantly. "I would never keep Legolas from doing something that he has promised to do Gimli." Gimli grunted with satisfaction and walked away. "I think he was trying to get out of seeing Fangorn." Legolas said with a smile, then he sobered. "I shall see you soon." He said gently. Aria nodded and stepped away from him, returning instead to her own people of Lothlorien to ride with them.
They proceeded to Isengard where Gandalf spoke with the Ents to see their progress. Aria shivered with dread as she saw the tall imposing tower of the Orthanc. In her head she saw and heard her own screams as she was thrown from marble wall to marble wall by the magnificent power of Saruman. She felt her own breath die in her throat and remembered the darkness. She closed her eyes tightly, but opened them as she felt Galadriel's reassuring hand upon her. They remained there and after they spoke with Treebeard, they lingered for a short time, for Galadriel and Celeborn spoke with Treebeard. It was during one of these deep conversations that Legolas rode up to them upon Arod, Gimli beside him.
Aria walked to him slowly, but he did not dismount from his horse. He stared down at her, a small smile on his lips and happiness in his heart. "I am going to show Gimli the wonders of Fangorn, then we will return to Mirkwood and the lands beyond." He explained softly. Behind him, Gimli grunted. "I don't think she is pleased Legolas. Any woman would not be pleased with the way you're abandoning her. I've seen enough trees." Legolas frowned and turned to look at Gimli. "Are you going back on your word? You? A Dwarf of stature?" He asked incredulously. "No, of course not! I was simply pointing out that you were leaving her alone again!" Gimli spluttered.
Aria smiled and turned to Gimli. "Thank you for your concern Gimli, but I do not fear being left alone. I have been alone many times, and this shall not be the last time. Soon we shall be joined together as one, and I would desire your company upon that day." Aria said gently. For once, Gimli was silent, his eyes wide with surprise. "You would want me, to come for your wedding?" He asked. "I would not have anyone else." She said. "But I would merely impose. The other Elves would not want me there." Gimli protested. "Then they must leave. Besides, Galadriel would be pleased to see you once more." Aria wheedled. Gimli's eyebrows raised and he spluttered. "Then I shall attend. Goodness, I didn't know that." Gimli finished with certain undiscernable mumblings as he mumbled to himself. Legolas turned to Aria and smiled. "When shall I see you again?" He asked. "I shall send you a message." She said simply. Legolas bent down and gently kissed her lips before he took off into the forest, Gimli beside him.
At the Gap of Rohan did Aragorn take his leave of them. Very sad were the goodbyes as he spoke to them all in turn. When he finally reached Aria, he rested his hand gently on her shoulder. "I remember the day we truly set out upon our journey. I told you that you could go, but you never did. I was grateful for that. For your strength." Aria shook her head. "I was not as important to this cause as you were Aragorn. For without you, we would have stopped long ago." She said gently. Aragorn did not contradict her, for he knew it would be useless. Instead he placed his hand on his forehead in respect and bowed slightly. "Hail Queen Aria! May your rule be long and your life full and happy." He said boldly. Aria did the same, placing her hand upon her forehead. "King Elessar, may your rule be prosperous and your life full and wonderful as the sun. My blessings are upon you." And with that, Aria bent down and kissed the head of Aragorn, son of Arathorn, giving him her blessing.
Six days after Aragorn left found the group in the forest at the foot of the Misty Mountains. There on the road they saw a beggar, clothed in rags of grey and leaning heavily upon a staff. Behind him another beggar followed. Aria's blood ran cold as she recognized the face behind the grime and the straggly white hair. Saruman. "Well Saruman! Where are you going?" Gandalf asked. Saruman turned upon him with a vengeance, and fire was in his eyes. "What is that to you? Will you still order where I go? Are you not yet content with my ruin?" He snarled. Gandalf sighed and eyed Saruman with sympathy. "You know the answers, no and no. But in any case the time of my labours now draws to an end. The King has taken on the burden. If you had waited at Orthanc, you would have seen him and he would have shown you wisdom and mercy." Gandalf said.
"Then all the more reason to have left sooner, for I desire neither of him. Indeed if you wish for an answer to your first question, I am seeking a way out of his realm." Sarmuan growled. "Then once more you are going the wrong way and I see no hope in your journey. But will you scorn our help? For we offer it to you." Gandalf said hopefully. "To me? Nay, pray do not smile at me! I prefer your frowns. And as for the Lady here, I do not trust her; she always hated me, and schemed for your part. I do not doubt that she has brought you this way to have the pleasure of gloating over my poverty. Had I been warned of your pursuit, I would have denied you the pleasure." Saruman said glaring at Galadriel. Galadriel too sighed and looked upon Saruman with pity.
"Saruman, we have other errands and other cares that seem to use more urgent than hunting for you. Say rather that you are overtaken by good fortune; for now you have a last chance" said Galadriel. "If it be truly the last, I am glad. For I shall be spared the trouble of refusing it again. All my hopes are ruined, but I would not share yours. If you have any." He snapped. Galadriel sat back upon her horse and said nothing, but Saruman could not lock his gaze with her and he dropped it. But he looked upon Aria and a gleam entered his eye. "Why are you not buried deep in the ground Elf-maiden? I thought I had rid myself and this world of you long ago. It would have been a better place had you stayed there." He said. "I do not take beatings and threats lightly Saruman. I did what I was forced to do." Aria said simply. "So do you come to mock me like your sister and the great Gandalf?" Saruman asked sarcastically. "Neither of those two have mocked you Saruman. It only you who believe it to be so." She said, unwilling to engage in a debate with him. Saruman glared at her, and kicked the beggar in front of him, moving away from her. Aria sighed and placed her hand upon her face, satisfied that she had faced her fears.
When the group reached the gates of Moria, they stopped for seven days. They did not wish to leave each other so soon, for soon Aria and her people would journey to the East and back to their own lands, while the others would proceed to Rivendell and the Shire. It was during this time that Aria spent the most of her time with the hobbits, who relished in her company, for they were sad to be parted from her. It was on the seventh and last evening that Aria spent speaking with the hobbits, till the others had drifted into sleep, leaving her and Frodo alone in the darkness.
They spoke quietly of their adventures and of what they would do when they reached their respective lands. Finally, all talk drifted into silence. Frodo looked at Aria, dropped his head and blushed before he spoke quietly. "Is it true what is said? That you love Legolas?" He asked. Aria smiled at Frodo's embarrassment and nodded. "It is true. In time, we shall wed in Lothlorien, among my own people." She said. "Will you rule in Nethrana?" Frodo asked. "That is a matter that I have not yet decifered. My people have been in the hands of my second-in-command this entire time. I shall put the question to you: should I reclaim my lands, or shall I put the decision to the people?" She asked.
Frodo dropped his head in serious thought, trying to decide the best decision. "I would say to let the people decide. They are your first priority are they not?" Frodo said finally. Aria smiled. "I am glad that that is your answer Frodo. For it was the answer that was in my heart." She said with satisfaction. "What shall you do when you reach your home?" Frodo asked. "I shall stay with Galadriel in Lorien for a time. Then I shall proceed to Nethrana to decide what shall happen there. At some point during that time, I shall send for Legolas and we will be wed beneath the trees of Lothlorien. I wish you to come Frodo. You and the others. It would mean much to me if you were there." Aria said. "I would be honored to come. I'm sure the others would as well." Frodo said with a smile.
"What do you intend to do when you return home Frodo Baggins?" Aria asked. "I intend to spend the rest of my days in Bag End. With Sam perhaps. I don't know. I've only gotten so far as to live peacefully in Bag End." Frodo said with a smile. "That sounds fine to me Frodo. Deal with the rest as it comes." Aria reassured him. Frodo nodded and sighed, looking up to the stars. "Life shall seem very strange after all this. It will seem almost empty. Though I've yearned for it to be over, now that it is over, I don't really know what I shall do." Frodo commented. "I feel the same. But our lives will run their courses as they will." Aria said. "I hope I can see the others and you again. I don't wish to never see you all again. Not after spending so much time with you all." Frodo said sadly. "Don't worry Frodo. We shall see each other again. There was a reason that we were brought together on this mission, and there will be a reason for us to see each other again. We are all too close not to." She said gently. Frodo gazed at Aria and she at him, both in silence, but they had no need for words. They had said all that was necessary to know the other's heart.
The next day, the Elves of Lothlorien took their leave of the group. Aria embraced the hobbits fiercely one by one, kneeling down in order to press them to her. The hobbits held her close as she embraced them, tears welling in their eyes, but they shoved them back, unwilling to cry now. Sam had a particularly hard time of it, but he managed until Aria held him close. He snuffled a bit and turned a bright red as she released him and saw his face. "Don't worry Sam. We'll see each other again. I promise." She whispered. Sam nodded, his face full of trust. Aria reached for Frodo and as the two embraced long and hard, the connection that had been forged between them when Aria had reached into the hobbit's mind, became stronger and unbreakable. Ever after, Aria felt his presence many times in her life, and Frodo felt her comforting spirit in his hours of deepest fear and anguish. And it was there that Aria of Nethrana took her leave of the hobbits of the Shire, never to see them all together again until the day when the Ringbearers would depart across the sea.
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When Aria returned to Nethrana, her people greeted her with joy and anticipation. They had learned of her travels and of her encounter with the Ring and wished her to tell them of it. She did so, and learned that they desired her presence as their Queen. With a happy and full heart, Aria once more took her place as Queen. In the month of March on the thirteenth day, the Elven people of Mirkwood processed into the woods of Lothlorien to celebrate the wedding of Lady Aria and Prince Legolas. In the lead were Elves carrying banners of silver and green, behind them came many others holding banners of many colors of the forests in spring, summer and fall. Behind them upon a tall white steed sat King Thranduil, and beside him, his son, Prince Legolas Greenleaf. Behind Legolas on his white steed, sat Gimli, tall and proud. Not long after the Mirkwood Elves entered Lothlorien, the Elven people of Rivendell, lead by Elrond arrived, followed in splendor and glory by King Elessar and Queen Arwen Undomiel, Gandalf the White accompanying them. Not far after them came Eomer and the Lords of the Mark. Among them were Pippin and Merry, wearing their uniforms proudly as they stood among the crowds.
Only two were missing that day and they were Samwise Gamgee and Frodo Baggins. For the day was the thirteenth, the anniversary of Frodo's poisoning by Shelob. But even as he tossed and turned in his bed, in his hazy and confused mind, Frodo saw Aria, and saw her look of happiness as she was wed. As his mind's eye watched, the pain grew worse, his body becoming almost inflamed with fever. He barely felt Sam's gentle hand on his forehead, nor the wet cloth that he placed there. But as the worst of it all took hold of him, Aria's voice echoed in his mind,
Lasto beth nin. Tolo dan nan galad Frodo. (Hear my voice. Come back to the light Frodo.)
The pain that racked the small hobbit's body lessened and his breathing gradually became regular as the words echoed in his mind and his fingers grasped the necklace of Arwen Undomiel. For Aria had felt his distress, even as she walked down the natural aisle that the trees around her created. She whispered this phrase and it reached him, causing him peace and causing him to remember the way she looked as she proceeded towards her destiny. And indeed it was a moment never to be forgotten. Under the white trees of Lothlorien did Galadriel and Celeborn stand above Aria and Legolas as they proceeded up the stairs to them. When they reached the two, Galadriel's soft white hand lifted her sister's hand and placed it in the waiting hands of Legolas. And with that, Aria whispered the words that she had uttered under the trees near Isengard. "I choose you Legolas, your heart to be united with mine, until the end of the ages." Legolas smiled gently as he replied, "I choose you Aria, your heart to be united with mine, until the end of the ages." As the two kissed, the bond was sealed, two hearts were one, and one they would be until the end of time.
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Author's Note: GAK!! DON'T LEAVE!!! IT'S NOT DONE YET!! PLEASE!!! :-) We've still got a few chapters to go before we see the end of Aria and the Fellowship, well, the broken Fellowship. But another thing, I just wanted all you guys to know how much I've enjoyed this ride that we've gone through. Because when you guys read the story and review it, it makes me feel like I'm reading it right along with you. It makes me so happy to receive your comments and encouragements because it truly encourages my writing. Thank you so much! I have no idea how many times I can say that! Well, I better stop, because I'm gonna put one of these things up at the end of the story, so I don't wanna use up ALL my words of praise!! ;-) Luv ya'll!!!
Yours,
T.H.