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Chapter 4 The Conclusion

Legolas looked up to see two huge creatures creating an enormous shadow over Minas Tirith. As they began to descend, just outside the city, the sun was unveiled, and the elf recognized them as a pair of great eagles. The light of the sun gradually returned to the city, as if a blanket had been removed. On the back of the larger eagle, Legolas saw a familiar figure clothed in white. The elf raced from the city to greet his friend, Mithrandir. A hopeful smile played upon his face and was affirmed by the kindle of joyful light in the wizard's eyes. Each of the eagles bore an unconscious, but very alive, Hobbit. Tears of joy streamed down the elf's face, for he had been certain that both the Ringbearer and his faithful companion had been lost in the explosion of Orodruin. He gently lifted first Frodo and then Sam into his arms. Gandalf dismounted Gwaihir.

"Thank you, my friend. Thank you very much." Both wizard and bird smiled, grateful for their strong friendship and that Sauron was finally defeated. Then the eagles lifted off, covering Minas Tirith in shadow once more for a few moments. Then they disappeared against the horizon.

"Come, let us find a room for these brave Hobbits," Gandalf said. They found a room and Legolas set to healing their wounds, which were not life-threatening. He was frustrated that he was not as great a healer as some of his people. He did not trust himself to treat Merry's injuries.

"I will go and see to Merry's wounds. Stay here with Frodo and Sam," Mithrandir said, as if reading Legolas' thoughts. After he left, the elf breathed a sigh of relief. Everything would be fine now that the wizard was there.

The white rider entered the Hobbit's room. Merry still lay motionless on the bed. Gandalf took his hand and held it gently in his.

"Lasto bethnin to lo dan na galad." He could feel some of his power transferring to Merry. Slowly, but surely, Gandalf felt peace fill the room. Whatever happened, Merry was relaxed and content. That was essential. The wizard closed his eyes and placed his hand on Merry's forehead. He whispered some elvish blessings, then left the room, returning several minutes later with a bowl of water and several varieties of plant-life from the gardens of Gondor. One of the plants he placed over Merry's forehead. The others he placed near his wounds. Then he waited, his hand on Merry's once more, deep in meditation.


"Where is he?" Pippin cried the moment he entered Minas Tirith. Gandalf and Legolas had gone to meet the others.

"He is resting," Gandalf said. "Come. We will have a fabulous meal."

The meal was truly spectacular, as Gandalf had promised. Faramir, Eowyn, and Eomer joined the small company in the throne room. Gimli made quite a show by sitting in the Steward's throne, in which Denethor had previously sat. By all rights, it should have been Faramir there, but, since Aragorn refused the King's throne, he was quite content to reside in a normal chair alongside Eowyn, who had warmed up to him considerably. All their conversations and jokes couldn't take Pippin's thoughts from Merry and every five minutes or so, he asked when he could see him. After quite a while of not answering, Gandalf promised he would take him when dinner was finished if Pippin wouldbe silent.

Finally, they were done and Gandalf reluctantly took Pippin to Merry's room. The older Hobbit was standing in the doorway with a broad smile on his face.

"It's about time you showed up," he said.


The Hobbits stood together during the coronation. They were all on the mend and knew they would soon be off home. They were forever changed, though. They were much more aware of everything and grateful for every breath. Merry took hold of Pippin's and Frodo's hands. They had triumphed.