Ch. 22: End of ch. 21 and final notes

"The realm of Sauron is Ended! The Ring bearer has fulfilled his Quest." ² It was over. They had dared the impossible and somehow, succeeded. Carried by the Eagles, Gandalf flew with all haste into Mordor, to Mount Doon itself.
Aragorn ran to Worf, but the wound was mortal. "This I cannot heal. I would if I had the strength. I am sorry, my friend."
"Do not apologize. Today is indeed a good day to die. You have been a good and honorable friend. Now I go to my people. Farewell, lord!" There before the gates of Mordor, Worf, son of Mogh, breathed his last and was welcomed with honor into Sto-Vo-Kor.
The second of the Fellowship to die, Worf was mourned by all who remained. Aragorn was crowned King of Gondor and married Lady Arwen. The hobbits scoured the Shire and Éomer ruled Rohan for the rest of his life. Life went on, but they all remembered the strange warrior who had come in their hour of need.

¹ p. 187, Return of the King
² p. 252, Return of the King


Thank you to everyone who has reviewed this story. I never expected to get so many reviews (as I write this I'm at 64). I hope you have enjoyed it. Please accept my apologies for anything that has given offense and times when I haven't been able to re-edit to everyone's satisfaction.
I know I left you with a sad ending. I decided on it just before posting the chapter. I said there would be two more chapters, but really it ended up being only one because I rewrote the ending (two if you count this page).
I have a short Gimli romance that I'll be posting shortly (hopefully within a week or two), and several ideas for stories to write after that one is done. My other posted story is a humorous M*A*S*H/LOTR crossover (accessible via my author page).

Specifically, I'd like to thank: arynetrek, Samus, Kookaburra, GreyLadyBlast, KarateElf, San Antonio Rose, Soledad, shirebound, Anya - Ring of Sarcasm, c, Zerah Star, Finch, Karina, Europa, The Evil Old Woman, Meethril, Lantarmiel, CoolGirl89 + Palanantoiel, and B-Elanna. Thanks for all the reviews and advice. Also, thanks to everyone who read but didn't review. God bless you all!