Alright, I hadn't planned on updating this soon, but AAAclub, your pleading was effective, so here is:
Chapter Twenty-Five
There, innocently, among the other clouds, formed a cloud-ring. My heart flipped as I wondered if flying through it would take me back to my home in Vermont.
But then I wondered what I would be returning to. Earth. A world so normal and practical. Completley void of all the things that made Middle Earth so incredible.
My family. They probably thought I was dead. My friends. But they seemed so shallow and ignorant compared to who(m?) I knew in Middle Earth, or just Gondor alone. My heart felt torn in two, and I watched the cloud ring grow larger.
When I had flown through the other one in my plane, the Raven had disappeared, because airplanes don't exist in Middle Earth. But giant eagles don't exist in any part of Earth. Would Meneldor simply vanish?
But I didn't really belong in this world. I was merely jolted into it my some strange force. Earth was my home...
I glanced at Minas Tirith, glowing in the afternoon sun. It was so beautiful. My eyes returned to the coud ring, which had begun to shrink. This was it. I had to make a decision that would determine the rest of my life.
My mind had already made its mind up. I closed my eyes briefly, and then smiled slightly as I watched the ring shift into just another cloud.
I turned my gaze resolutedly to the battlements of Minas Tirith, that were swiftly drawing nearer.
When Meneldor landed, I leapt off, hugged him, thanking him again for his services, and dashed into the citadel.
Aragorn jumped as the door banged open, but smiled widely when he saw me. Faramir sat at his dais, but stood when I entered.
I hugged Aragorn briefly, and then asked, "Where are the others?"
"Merry and Pippin are in the House of Healing with Sam and a recently awakened Frodo. Legolas and Gimli have gone on another one of their walks, Mithrandir failed to tell me of his plans, and I believe you will find Eomer in the Rath Dinen."
I thanked him, and left the room. I wasn't quite sure where the Rath Dinen was, but I had a good idea. Passed a few doorways, down several halls, and one short staircase, I found the grand doors of the Rath Dinen. I pulled one of them open, and entered.
Silence surrounded me like a blanket. I wandered among the tombs, looking for a live person, but found none.
"Eomer?" I whispered, my voice echoing off every wall.
That creeped me out. I hurried back throught the door and into the main room, not wanting to return to the Rath Dinen. Aragorn and Faramir continued their conversation, and I flung the citadel doors open to look outside.
And there he was. He stood at the end of the battlement, gazing into the horizon. Slowly and silently, I approached him, until his back was only a few feet away. Then I took a breath, and began, "Hello again."
Eomer jerked a little, and turned slowly to face me. His face seemed gloomier than it had been the day I left; He didn't reply.
"Eomer, I'm sorry for how I reacted that night," I started, "but you took me by suprise, and I just wanted to tell you..." I trailed off, because something had glinted in his eyes, and he nodded encouragingly.
"I just wanted to say..." I stumbled, and then realized that I couldn't put my feelings into words. They could only be interpretted in actions. Grinning, I kissed him hard on the mouth.
When we had finished, Eomer held me at an arms length away, a broad smile now on his face too, "Lady Eleanor, you have made me the happiest man alive, and if there is anything I could do to let you know how much I care for you, all you need do is say it."
"Thank you," I replied, still grinning, "I'll remember that offer." Eomer chuckled, but then, stopping, he looked me right in the eye, "Eleanor, I would be honored above all else if you would be my wife."
"And I am honored as any woman should be that you would be my husband." I answered, feeling my heart soar with elatedness.
"Is that a yes?" Eomer asked, smiling. I nodded happily, looking up at the sky. Eomer sweeped into a bow, kissed my hand, and concluded, "I am forever in your debt."
"And I in yours, so let's call it even."
It was Eomer's turn to nod, and without another word, he headed for the citadel. I leaned against the stone wall, and looked down again at the bustling city. It felt as though everything I had ever needed found me. Friends, hope, love, contentment.
.
A month passed. Frodo, now lacking a digit, grew as healthy as he would ever be. Legolas began talk with Gimli of travelling back to Helm's Deep, and then to Fangorn, while Merry and Pippin kept asking if they might return home.
I handed over the five palantiri to Mithrandir, whom I trust will distribute them wisely. It felt odd knowing that I had restored a part of Middle Earth's history, but I know I will never regret it.
Aragorn's coronation was coming up, which is why he asked the Hobbits to remain. Rumors kept flying around the city that Aragorn's bride would be arriving any day now, and people, including myself, kept peering out into the horizon to see if they could spot the company of Elves.
On the morning of the coronation, Eowyn and I were in a, I believe, our first, frenzy to look perfect. Since we shared a room, we shared our things, although my collection was pathetic compared to hers. She lent me her comb, which I was very grateful for, and I helped put up her hair the way she wanted it.
I slipped on the red dress Galadriel had given me. It was the first time to wear it, and I was worried constantly that something would happen to it.
Eowyn chose a dress one of the women of Minas Tirith had made her; a light yellow gown. Finally declaring ourselves presentable, we headed to the battlement.
In the citadel, we met up with the Hobbits, Gimli, Legolas, Faramir and Eomer. The last two mentioned approached Eowyn and I as our escorts, and, shooting a grin at Merry and Pippin, both of whom were looking very handsome indeed in their fine clothes, I followed the others outside into the sunlight.
It was a beautiful day. Perfect for a coronation, I guess. We went to our positions, and waited. Everyone, it seemed, in Minas Tirith, and perhaps from other cities, had come to this event, and were murmuring softly to each other.
And then Aragorn made his appearence. I had never seen him look so noble and kingly. He smiled at all of us, and then the ceremony began. Mithrandir began talking in some tongue for awhile, and gestured to Faramir to draw nearer.
The steward now held an ancient looking box covered in writing, and when he opened it, and withdrew its contents, I almost gasped.
The crown was absolutely dazzling. To compare it to the one portrayed int he movie would be a sin, for the true crown sparkled and glinted in the sunlight like no other metal known. Its pearl and silver twined into intricate designs, forming wings like of a seabird's around it.
Faramir handed the box to someone else, and bore the crown a few feet forward. Then Frodo met Faramir, and took the crown. I smiled inwardly as I saw him struggle with the weight momentarily, but then he recovered, and handed it gently to Mithrandir. The crown was then set in Aragorn's hands, and he held it aloft.
"Et Earello Endorenna utulien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta." After singing this, he placed the crown on his head, and the crowd errupted in cheers. I blinked back tears of joy as I watched Aragorn descend the steps. He looked so fulfilled. The world was at peace again; back to the way it should be.
As I continued to watch Aragorn's face, and was suprised to see it change to wonder and hope. I turned to see what he was looking at, and saw Elven banners drawing near. Legolas was with them, and grinning broadly at that.
And lo and behold, out from one of the banners stepped Arwen. She, like everything else today, looked radiant, and almost unearthly. People around her gasped as they looked upon her, but she just walked slowly to Aragorn.
The new king of Gondor had other ideas, however. He rushed forward, and kissed her, twirling her around in happiness.
There was more applauding and cheering, and then Aragorn, leading Arwen, went over to the Hobbits. He exchanged a few words with them, and then bowed down before them. The rest of the crowd followed suit, and as I bent down, I snuck a glance at Merry and Pippin, who were looking as if they were trying not to grin.
They needed this, I thought, they have been through so much, and seen so many things that would haunt other men to their deaths.
When we rose back again, Aragorn and Arwen approached where Faramir, Eowyn, Eomer, and I stood. He talked softly with Eowyn for a moment, then Faramir, and then to Eomer. As he turned to me, I smiled.
"Orthalion," he began, "you have helped to restore Middle Earth to the way it was. There is no praise high enough I feel I can give you."
"I did not expect anything," I replied, "knowing that I helped Middle Earth at all is all I need." Aragorn nodded, glanced at Eomer, and finished, "May your life with Eomer King in Rohan be blessed."
Eomer King. I had forgotten that part. Would that mean I would become a queen once we were married? I decided to Eask omer about it later; now I just wanted to enjoy the celebrating.
.
The celebrating lasted all morning and afternoon, but in the late afternoon, everyone began to prepare for the evening ceremony of marriage.
Aragorn and Arwen, and Faramir and Eowyn had agreed to marry on the same day. Aragorn said he would be honored if Eomer and myself wished to be wed along with them, but Eomer replied that he would prefer the ceremony be in his own land, with his own people.
I was tempted to ask Aragorn if he had appointed Frodo the ringbearer for the wedding, but then I learned that in Middle Earth, they don't do the whole ring business.
The weddings were fantastic. I have never seen Eowyn so happy as she was at the end. Then there was a great feast, plentiful in every food, including mushrooms, to the Hobbits' delight.
The partying went well into the night, but by midnight, I was tired, and ready for bed. I said my goodnights, and headed for my room.
I was suprised to see Legolas leaning against the wall, staring up at the ceiling. He straightened when he saw me, and smiled, "Hello, El."
"Hey," I replied, "What are you doing here by yourself? Isn't there some pretty Elf here you could party with?"
Legolas's grin widened, "Nay, the Elf-maidens of Rivendell, though fair, can not compete with the lovliness of those in my father's realm. And to answer your first question, the smoke which wreathes so many of the men was bothering me, so I am avoiding it."
"Ah. Well, I am off to bed. See you in the morning." As I walked away from him, a question popped out of nowhere that I had been dying to have answered by somebody for sometime.
"Legolas?" I began, turning around, he looked expectantly at me, and I continued, "What does Orthalion mean?"
The Elf smiled, "Strong redeemer. Aragorn was correct in naming you. Sleep well."
I nodded my thanks, and continued on my way. As I climbed into bed, I found I couldn't sleep. Staring up at the ceiling, I decided to try my hand at poetry.
In the back of the book Galadriel had given me were a few blank pages. Using a piece of charcoal, I began to write.
.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
.
Empress Guinevere Sparrow: Yey for Radagast. I always thought he was nifty, and needed more recognition.
chibi-mairi: I based the lake monster-thing off the Watcher of the Water in the movie, but I wasn't sure if he had a real name or anything. Perhaps Giganta tentaclus... You like my explanation? Oh yey.
AAAclub: Yep, I hate cliffhangers too, which is why I didn't draw out the interval between these two chapters. I hope I updated soon enough for you. :-)
Chapter Twenty-Five
There, innocently, among the other clouds, formed a cloud-ring. My heart flipped as I wondered if flying through it would take me back to my home in Vermont.
But then I wondered what I would be returning to. Earth. A world so normal and practical. Completley void of all the things that made Middle Earth so incredible.
My family. They probably thought I was dead. My friends. But they seemed so shallow and ignorant compared to who(m?) I knew in Middle Earth, or just Gondor alone. My heart felt torn in two, and I watched the cloud ring grow larger.
When I had flown through the other one in my plane, the Raven had disappeared, because airplanes don't exist in Middle Earth. But giant eagles don't exist in any part of Earth. Would Meneldor simply vanish?
But I didn't really belong in this world. I was merely jolted into it my some strange force. Earth was my home...
I glanced at Minas Tirith, glowing in the afternoon sun. It was so beautiful. My eyes returned to the coud ring, which had begun to shrink. This was it. I had to make a decision that would determine the rest of my life.
My mind had already made its mind up. I closed my eyes briefly, and then smiled slightly as I watched the ring shift into just another cloud.
I turned my gaze resolutedly to the battlements of Minas Tirith, that were swiftly drawing nearer.
When Meneldor landed, I leapt off, hugged him, thanking him again for his services, and dashed into the citadel.
Aragorn jumped as the door banged open, but smiled widely when he saw me. Faramir sat at his dais, but stood when I entered.
I hugged Aragorn briefly, and then asked, "Where are the others?"
"Merry and Pippin are in the House of Healing with Sam and a recently awakened Frodo. Legolas and Gimli have gone on another one of their walks, Mithrandir failed to tell me of his plans, and I believe you will find Eomer in the Rath Dinen."
I thanked him, and left the room. I wasn't quite sure where the Rath Dinen was, but I had a good idea. Passed a few doorways, down several halls, and one short staircase, I found the grand doors of the Rath Dinen. I pulled one of them open, and entered.
Silence surrounded me like a blanket. I wandered among the tombs, looking for a live person, but found none.
"Eomer?" I whispered, my voice echoing off every wall.
That creeped me out. I hurried back throught the door and into the main room, not wanting to return to the Rath Dinen. Aragorn and Faramir continued their conversation, and I flung the citadel doors open to look outside.
And there he was. He stood at the end of the battlement, gazing into the horizon. Slowly and silently, I approached him, until his back was only a few feet away. Then I took a breath, and began, "Hello again."
Eomer jerked a little, and turned slowly to face me. His face seemed gloomier than it had been the day I left; He didn't reply.
"Eomer, I'm sorry for how I reacted that night," I started, "but you took me by suprise, and I just wanted to tell you..." I trailed off, because something had glinted in his eyes, and he nodded encouragingly.
"I just wanted to say..." I stumbled, and then realized that I couldn't put my feelings into words. They could only be interpretted in actions. Grinning, I kissed him hard on the mouth.
When we had finished, Eomer held me at an arms length away, a broad smile now on his face too, "Lady Eleanor, you have made me the happiest man alive, and if there is anything I could do to let you know how much I care for you, all you need do is say it."
"Thank you," I replied, still grinning, "I'll remember that offer." Eomer chuckled, but then, stopping, he looked me right in the eye, "Eleanor, I would be honored above all else if you would be my wife."
"And I am honored as any woman should be that you would be my husband." I answered, feeling my heart soar with elatedness.
"Is that a yes?" Eomer asked, smiling. I nodded happily, looking up at the sky. Eomer sweeped into a bow, kissed my hand, and concluded, "I am forever in your debt."
"And I in yours, so let's call it even."
It was Eomer's turn to nod, and without another word, he headed for the citadel. I leaned against the stone wall, and looked down again at the bustling city. It felt as though everything I had ever needed found me. Friends, hope, love, contentment.
.
A month passed. Frodo, now lacking a digit, grew as healthy as he would ever be. Legolas began talk with Gimli of travelling back to Helm's Deep, and then to Fangorn, while Merry and Pippin kept asking if they might return home.
I handed over the five palantiri to Mithrandir, whom I trust will distribute them wisely. It felt odd knowing that I had restored a part of Middle Earth's history, but I know I will never regret it.
Aragorn's coronation was coming up, which is why he asked the Hobbits to remain. Rumors kept flying around the city that Aragorn's bride would be arriving any day now, and people, including myself, kept peering out into the horizon to see if they could spot the company of Elves.
On the morning of the coronation, Eowyn and I were in a, I believe, our first, frenzy to look perfect. Since we shared a room, we shared our things, although my collection was pathetic compared to hers. She lent me her comb, which I was very grateful for, and I helped put up her hair the way she wanted it.
I slipped on the red dress Galadriel had given me. It was the first time to wear it, and I was worried constantly that something would happen to it.
Eowyn chose a dress one of the women of Minas Tirith had made her; a light yellow gown. Finally declaring ourselves presentable, we headed to the battlement.
In the citadel, we met up with the Hobbits, Gimli, Legolas, Faramir and Eomer. The last two mentioned approached Eowyn and I as our escorts, and, shooting a grin at Merry and Pippin, both of whom were looking very handsome indeed in their fine clothes, I followed the others outside into the sunlight.
It was a beautiful day. Perfect for a coronation, I guess. We went to our positions, and waited. Everyone, it seemed, in Minas Tirith, and perhaps from other cities, had come to this event, and were murmuring softly to each other.
And then Aragorn made his appearence. I had never seen him look so noble and kingly. He smiled at all of us, and then the ceremony began. Mithrandir began talking in some tongue for awhile, and gestured to Faramir to draw nearer.
The steward now held an ancient looking box covered in writing, and when he opened it, and withdrew its contents, I almost gasped.
The crown was absolutely dazzling. To compare it to the one portrayed int he movie would be a sin, for the true crown sparkled and glinted in the sunlight like no other metal known. Its pearl and silver twined into intricate designs, forming wings like of a seabird's around it.
Faramir handed the box to someone else, and bore the crown a few feet forward. Then Frodo met Faramir, and took the crown. I smiled inwardly as I saw him struggle with the weight momentarily, but then he recovered, and handed it gently to Mithrandir. The crown was then set in Aragorn's hands, and he held it aloft.
"Et Earello Endorenna utulien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta." After singing this, he placed the crown on his head, and the crowd errupted in cheers. I blinked back tears of joy as I watched Aragorn descend the steps. He looked so fulfilled. The world was at peace again; back to the way it should be.
As I continued to watch Aragorn's face, and was suprised to see it change to wonder and hope. I turned to see what he was looking at, and saw Elven banners drawing near. Legolas was with them, and grinning broadly at that.
And lo and behold, out from one of the banners stepped Arwen. She, like everything else today, looked radiant, and almost unearthly. People around her gasped as they looked upon her, but she just walked slowly to Aragorn.
The new king of Gondor had other ideas, however. He rushed forward, and kissed her, twirling her around in happiness.
There was more applauding and cheering, and then Aragorn, leading Arwen, went over to the Hobbits. He exchanged a few words with them, and then bowed down before them. The rest of the crowd followed suit, and as I bent down, I snuck a glance at Merry and Pippin, who were looking as if they were trying not to grin.
They needed this, I thought, they have been through so much, and seen so many things that would haunt other men to their deaths.
When we rose back again, Aragorn and Arwen approached where Faramir, Eowyn, Eomer, and I stood. He talked softly with Eowyn for a moment, then Faramir, and then to Eomer. As he turned to me, I smiled.
"Orthalion," he began, "you have helped to restore Middle Earth to the way it was. There is no praise high enough I feel I can give you."
"I did not expect anything," I replied, "knowing that I helped Middle Earth at all is all I need." Aragorn nodded, glanced at Eomer, and finished, "May your life with Eomer King in Rohan be blessed."
Eomer King. I had forgotten that part. Would that mean I would become a queen once we were married? I decided to Eask omer about it later; now I just wanted to enjoy the celebrating.
.
The celebrating lasted all morning and afternoon, but in the late afternoon, everyone began to prepare for the evening ceremony of marriage.
Aragorn and Arwen, and Faramir and Eowyn had agreed to marry on the same day. Aragorn said he would be honored if Eomer and myself wished to be wed along with them, but Eomer replied that he would prefer the ceremony be in his own land, with his own people.
I was tempted to ask Aragorn if he had appointed Frodo the ringbearer for the wedding, but then I learned that in Middle Earth, they don't do the whole ring business.
The weddings were fantastic. I have never seen Eowyn so happy as she was at the end. Then there was a great feast, plentiful in every food, including mushrooms, to the Hobbits' delight.
The partying went well into the night, but by midnight, I was tired, and ready for bed. I said my goodnights, and headed for my room.
I was suprised to see Legolas leaning against the wall, staring up at the ceiling. He straightened when he saw me, and smiled, "Hello, El."
"Hey," I replied, "What are you doing here by yourself? Isn't there some pretty Elf here you could party with?"
Legolas's grin widened, "Nay, the Elf-maidens of Rivendell, though fair, can not compete with the lovliness of those in my father's realm. And to answer your first question, the smoke which wreathes so many of the men was bothering me, so I am avoiding it."
"Ah. Well, I am off to bed. See you in the morning." As I walked away from him, a question popped out of nowhere that I had been dying to have answered by somebody for sometime.
"Legolas?" I began, turning around, he looked expectantly at me, and I continued, "What does Orthalion mean?"
The Elf smiled, "Strong redeemer. Aragorn was correct in naming you. Sleep well."
I nodded my thanks, and continued on my way. As I climbed into bed, I found I couldn't sleep. Staring up at the ceiling, I decided to try my hand at poetry.
In the back of the book Galadriel had given me were a few blank pages. Using a piece of charcoal, I began to write.
.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
.
Empress Guinevere Sparrow: Yey for Radagast. I always thought he was nifty, and needed more recognition.
chibi-mairi: I based the lake monster-thing off the Watcher of the Water in the movie, but I wasn't sure if he had a real name or anything. Perhaps Giganta tentaclus... You like my explanation? Oh yey.
AAAclub: Yep, I hate cliffhangers too, which is why I didn't draw out the interval between these two chapters. I hope I updated soon enough for you. :-)