Title: Doubts
Author: Cheska
Rating: PG-13
Chapter 8
Disclaimer: This whole story, past chapters and this current one are not owned by me. They respectfully belong to their own creators. No matter how much I wish they were my own.
Author's Notes: AH! This is finally over! Over! This is the last and final chapter. It has been a long journey indeed, has it not? I'll probably repeat this again in the end notes, but to make sure, here goes. I may or may not make an epilogue; it really depends on my mood. The Lotr/SM fanfic has proved to be difficult and one of the most challenging yet. Therefore, if I do make an epilogue it will be simple, possibly an overview of what has occurred to Serenity, Legolas, and Gimli. Others may be involved, who knows?
With that said, I hope you enjoy this last chapter.
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Serenity watched dispassionately as the first assault crushed into the enemies, wondering who would die and who would live in the end. The orcs had severely hindered them, and then she saw great companies of hill-trolls rising from Gorgoroth. It was like a storm that broke out, bellowing and beating upon helms, arms, and shields, unbending and destructive.
Another great trumpet cried out into the mess, indicating that she would now move in and join in the battle. Reaching to her waist, she unsheathed her sword and blankly stared at it as the blade gleamed in the darkness. For a brief moment, she remembered the night…the moment…
Raising the bright sword high in the air, she let out a cry and charged forward just as a loud voice rang above the din. Up in the sky came the Eagles of the North, mightiest of the descendant of old Thorondor. Behind them in long swift lines came all their vassals from the northern mountains, speeding on a gathering wind. Straight down upon the Nazgul they bore, stooping suddenly out of the high airs and the rush of their wide wings. Serenity knew that the Nazgul would be no match for such wondrous beings, and true to her thoughts the Nazgul had turned and fled, vanishing into Mordor's shadows.
As if this was some wondrous sign, the Captains of the West cried aloud, their hearts filled with a new hope despite the darkness. Out of the hills, all the knights and Riders drove against their wavering foes, piercing the press with the thrust of bitter spears. Serenity followed suit and thrust her blade forward, clanging against metal as she strove to fight her enemies.
As she continued to concentrate on the enemies surrounding her, Serenity began feeling a familiar pull tugging upon her soul. The stars were calling out to her and she would not deny them. Without another thought, Serenity gave into the feeling as the stars sent her vision upon vision upon vision. Her body moved mechanically throughout this whole process as her vibrant blue orbs glazed over, her thoughts now lost into the powers that be.
It seemed almost an eternity before Serenity returned to herself and as she felt her presence return, she understood what she had to do as steel-like determination encompassed her. With another great shout, Serenity raised her sword high into the air and swung it in an arc, striking the next available enemy – a large troll.
A feral grin broke over her face as she charged into battle, both sides whirling in confusion at the sudden change that suddenly occurred. It seemed that the silvery blonde-haired maiden had changed sides once again, and neither side knew what to do. Whether to attack or block her assaults, before long it became increasingly apparent as to the side that Serenity was now in. And as an Orc came around, he did not hesitate as he swung his large club her way, but neither did a Rider from Rohan fail to come to her aide as he crashed to the side of the Orc and blocked the club from nearly hitting Serenity.
The Rider grinned, Serenity smiled.
"Thank you, Eomer."
"Anytime, my Lady…"
The two broke their connection as another horde of monsters came charging down on them, the two drew back to back and readied their stances.
This will be an interesting battle.
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Throughout the battle, all she took in were the numerous creatures of Sauron. Adrenaline coursed through her veins, sweat matted her brow, and blood marred her silver garments as she made her way through the pile of corpses that began to cover the blood-soaked ground. Her crystalline blue eyes analyzed the numbers and took down the enemies that she could stand a chance against and evaded those that she could not, at least not by herself. She had already lost sight of her old comrade in the fray, believing him to have taken the course down south and away from where she currently resided. She briefly wondered if he may need help but decided against it, Serenity knew that the Rider could hold his own. After all, did she not lure him into the Forest to face against a band of Orcs?
Clang! Clang!
Serenity whirled around just in time to dodge a spear thrown her way and tumbled into the ground, picking up a corpse in time to block an array of arrows. Without hesitation, Serenity picked up a few unbroken arrows and a bow that was still firmly held by a dying man and knocked them. Pulling back, she let them loose and straight into an Orc that had its dark eyes set upon her.
Throwing the weapons down, Serenity got up once more and wove through the army, lending help where it was needed or simply knocking down the numbers from Sauron's creations. A glee surged within her chest at the very thought of how Sauron was taking in all of this, he did lose one of his best people after all – namely, herself.
Turning to the right, a flash of blonde hair and elfin ears caught her sight. Moving to that direction, Serenity came to a halt and her eyes widened in surprise at the sight.
Legolas!
Flashes of images roared through her haphazard mind as she took a step forward, her hands clutching the hilt of her ruby encrusted sword. Memories upon memories resurfaced inside her mind's eye and before she knew it, Serenity came charging forward as she raised her sword high in the air and it clashed against the thick hide of a hill-troll.
A swing from its large hands came winding down on Serenity and she braced for impact.
Crash!
Serenity flew into the air and landed onto her side. Shaking the dots that lined her vision, Serenity raised herself back up and found Legolas holding his own, albeit desperately, against the large troll. Without another word, Serenity jumped back and fought beside him. The duo was parrying and dodging, both consistently attacking against the large creature. Until at last, the creature fell and crashed onto the ground.
Serenity grimly noted how difficult it was to fight against the monster using mortal means before turning her attention back on the battle, just as she was about to make her way into the fight a hand held her arm, forcing her to look up to the owner of the hand. Tilting her head up, she met a pair of confused blue eyes.
"Serenity…" Legolas began.
A smile graced her features as she stared at him, recalling and echoing the words she had uttered so long ago, "Does it matter, so long as this war is over?"
A faint smile ghosted his lips as he replied in similar, "No, it doesn't."
Just then Gandalf stirred upon his perch on the hill-top, white and cold as no shadow fell on him. The wizard lifted up his arms and called in a clear voice: "Stand and wait! This is the hour of doom."
As the last word faded from Gandalf's lips, Serenity suddenly received a vision as her eyes drew forth into the distant land, toward Mount Doom.
…. Vision ….
A rumble, rising to a deafening crash and roar; the earth shook, the plain heaved and cracked, and Orodruin reeled. Fire belched as the skies burst into thunder seared with lightning.
A cry pierced all other sounds, tearing the clouds asunder, the Nazgul came, shooting like flaming bolts, caught in the fiery ruin of hill and sky.
"This is the end, Sam Gamgee," said Frodo, his eyes peaceful, neither strain of will, nor madness, nor any fear. The burden that he once held was no longer there.
"Master!" cried Sam, joy filling up his heart from the knowledge that Frodo's burden from carrying the dreadful One Ring was gone, Frodo was free.
"I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam."
… End Vision …
"…ity. Serenity!" shouted Legolas as he held her close to his chest, worry evident from the strain in his voice as he repeated her name, calling her back to the present time.
All around them, the earth rocked beneath their feet. High above the mountains, a vast soaring darkness sprang into the sky, flickering with fire. The earth groaned and quaked. The Towers of the Teeth swayed, tottered, and fell down; the Black Gate was hurled in ruin.
Shakily, Serenity rose to her feet and turned her head towards where she last sensed Sauron. Without pause, Serenity took off winding down the path towards where she had last seen the Dark Lord with a handful of his minions close by. Steel determination was evident in her eyes; she would see this to the end, of that she was sure.
"Serenity!" Legolas was just as quick as her and before long he turned her around and into his arms, his blue eyes ablaze with concern, "Serenity…"
"Legolas," shock turned into tenderness as she witnessed the emotions filtering through his face. For once, the elf was quite emotional, despite their current predicament.
"I won't let you leave, not again," the elfin prince softly uttered, and in those eyes she saw the emotion hidden behind his words.
Another smile lit her face as Serenity tip-toed up and kissed the side of the elfin's cheek, surprise was evident on his features as Serenity took a moment to memorize his appearance before she left his arms.
"Do not worry for my safety, all will be well," Serenity uttered and fled.
Deaf to the cries that followed her, Serenity subconsciously leapt over a pile of corpses and went on as she neared her chosen destination.
Then finally, she was there and it seemed that Aragorn had already beaten her to it. In front of her stood the King of Gondor, the Lord of the Western Lands. With a hidden power unbeknownst to everyone save her and Aragorn himself, he drew Anduril and held it up, glittering from some unknown source of light.
As Serenity strode closer, a loud shout cried over the land, "The Ring-bearer has fulfilled his Quest!"
Gandalf, Serenity noted, had just informed them all of this amazing news. She was glad that the Hobbits had fulfilled their duties, surely they still lived…
With a lighter heart, Serenity stood beside the King of Gondor and stared at the one she had previously called milord.
"Your realm had ended, your power is no more…" she could hear Aragorn stating, his eyes darkening and shining with great passion that stemmed from the knowledge that this war would soon be over.
"You…" Sauron turned to face the silvery blonde-haired maiden, the one who had been his advisor and close confidant up until the war. "You have promised me victory and all I see now is this!"
"No," Serenity shook her head, her silvery blonde hair glittering amongst the light that had begun to filter through the sky, "I promised no such thing."
"You were supposed to remain by my side!" anger surged through the man as he unsheathed his sword and swung it up in the air, bearing it down upon the traitor that dared stand before him.
Clang!
Aragorn intervened, his blde striking against Sauron's as he pushed the man back, causing him to falter.
"I remain in no one's side but my own. You should know better than to assume such notions," Serenity coldly stated, "This war is now over, your Ring is no more, and your power is dwindling even as we speak."
Serenity held her own sword high in the air and swung down, and as if with an unspoken command, so did Aragorn's as he, too, swung Andruil down and both impaled the once-mighty Sauron, straight into his chest and into his blackened heart.
Sauron cried out in agony, as a long ruinous noise echoed throughout the Land of Mordor.
Shortly followed by his cry, a huge shape of a shadow, impenetrable, filled all the sky. Enormous, it reared above the world, and stretched out, terrible but impotent. Serenity looked up and knew that it was once Chaos, a mere fragment of him, and as Serenity stood still, she called out to her powers, asking them to lend her their strength. With grim determination, Serenity ran toward and into the darkness.
(Chaos!)
Lightning fell every which way, cries fell everywhere, and blood littered the ground. Despite the fear that instilled her heart, Serenity berated herself that this was not the time to give into her fears and forced herself to remain strong. She had sworn to protect this planet, its people, and everything within it.
(I must be strong, I must be brave!) Serenity hardened her heart and strode forward, eyeing her surroundings…
Lightning and thunder roared!
(Fear is what feeds the heart of Chaos. I will not let him win!) Serenity grimaced.
Her hand clasped tightly onto her sword, and with a sigh she brandished it out in front of her.
(This is close enough, let's end this!) Serenity closed her eyes and kneeled onto the ground, ignoring the stench that surrounded her.
(Selene! My friends…Together… we shall end this.)
Light brighter than the stars, the Sun, and the moon's light. Rays of varying colors shined throughout the darkness, and all of them were coming from one source, a lone entity.
Serenity, now known as Cosmos.
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As the Captains gazed at the black pall of a cloud, they were surprised to see an abrupt light begin to emit from the center of the dark mass. Light filled all of the sky and then with a great burst, a sudden luminosity swelled and blew throughout the site, the once-impenetrable shadow that had been there was no more. Instead a new entity stood in its place.
There, hovering in the center of the battle ground was an angelic being, on its left hand was a ball of light and to its right was a sword. With a flap of its radiant wings, the Captains noticed that their enemies were flying and the power of Mordor was scattering like dust in the wind. Another flap of its wings and the creatures of Sauron began crawling up the hills like ants who wander witless and purposeless. Be it Orc or troll or beast spell-enslaved, they ran hither and thither mindless; some even slew themselves or fled to hide in any dark holes that they could find.
Those that served the longest in evil, proud and bold, gathered themselves for a last stand of desperate battle. But as they stepped closer to the angelic being, they cast their weapons down and begged for mercy. Knowing that the battle was finally coming to an end, the angelic being known as Serenity rose high into the air and with a large flap of her wings, a gust of wind swirled around her figure, picking up debris and hiding her from everyone's sight. By the time everyone could look toward the center of the battlefield, the winged being was no longer there.
Calling everyone to arms, Gandalf set out for preparations alongside Aragorn, as the Captains of the West gathered upon the hill-top.
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"I am glad that you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam." Frodo said as Sam grasped his hand into his.
"Yes, I am with you. And you are with me. But after coming all that way I don't want to give up yet."
"Maybe not, Sam, but it's how things are in the world. Hopes fail, an end comes. We have only a little time and there is no escape," said Frodo, a sad smile on his lips as he stared at his companion.
"Well, we could at least go further from this dangerous place in the Crack of Doom, if that's its name, couldn't we?"
"Very well, Sam, if you wish," Frodo consented as they rose up and slowly went down the winding road, despite the billowing smoke and steam that belched, the quaking ground beneath the Hobbits' feet.
And as a fiery heave rolled down in a slow, yet thunderous wave down the mountain-side, Frodo and Sam knew that they could go no further. Their last strength left their side as they reached a low hill at the foot of the Mountain. Surrounding them were deep rifts and pits of smoke, fumes leaping up as the Mountain convulsed.
It was only a matter of moments before Frodo and Sam would be engulfed, especially as they witnessed a rain of hot ash falling from the blackened sky.
"I wish I could hear the tale that we have been in, I wonder how it will go…" Sam sighed.
Even though Frodo could hear Sam's words, he chose not to comment as his eyes trailed toward the north, to where the sky far off was clear.
And it was where Serenity found the two Hobbits, forlorn and hand in hand as the earth shook before them. With a small smile, Serenity wound down and landed beside the two. The two lay side by side, unconscious but very much alive, and so Serenity swept them up into her arms and bore them up far away out of the darkness and into the light.
(You have done well, both of you. You have done Selene proud…) Serenity's eyes tenderly gazed down at the two Hobbits resting in her arms as she took off, heading for the one place she knew they would recuperate, Ithilien.
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Serenity watched from a far distance amongst the eaves of the trees as the Hobbits finally woke up and now followed Gandalf down a long green lawn. She was sincerely glad that the two were fine and could now walk under this glowing sunshine that greeted them all.
Then before her eyes and surely the Hobbits' as well, Serenity watched as Aragorn faced them with kingly eyes. It didn't shock her in the least when Aragorn, King of Gondor, lord of Men bowed his knees before the two and called for everyone to praise the two brave Hobbits for their hard journey. After all, Serenity knew how hard their paths have been, especially with the difficult obstacles she had created from. She momentarily paused in silence at the thought of Shelob and Gollum.
"Praise them with great praise…" Serenity echoed along with the others.
As the day ended and the Sun had disappeared over the horizon with the Moon rising amongst the mists of Anduin, Serenity crept closer still to observe her old companions. She faintly wondered to herself why the stars had yet to summon her back to resume her place amongst the stars, but decided not to outwardly question them, enjoying this newfound freedom.
Frodo and Sam sat under the whispering trees amid the fragrance of fair Ithilien; talking deep into the night with Merry, Pippin, and Gandalf, and after awhile Legolas and Gimli joined them.
There they were informed of much that had happened after the Fellowship was broken. Orcs, talking trees, galloping riders, glittering caves, the battles, and a winged entity passed before their mind until both were quite bewildered.
"All of this is certainly difficult to take in, talking trees and a winged being, indeed! Mr. Frodo will need to be locked up in a tower to write all of this down. Otherwise he will forget half of it!" Sam piped up, astonishment covering his features, "I wonder, however, how did we come to be here?"
All eyes turned toward Gandalf, each wondering if he had something to do with it but the wizard merely shook his head, not knowing himself.
"You were simply found on the outskirts of Ithilien, we are quite uncertain about how that had come to pass…" Gandalf uttered.
"Maybe that winged being saved us!" Sam said; wonder coloring his words at the thought of meeting the winged one that had mysteriously appeared during the last battle.
"Perhaps, but now it is time to sleep again." Gandalf rose after a long silence.
"And not only Sam and Frodo here, but you too, Pippin. I shall never forget how I found you on the hill of the last battle. I heaved that great carcass off you; I could have torn out my beard with worry. I had believed that I had lost you…just as I had believed…" Gimli paused, shaking his head, "Never mind, off to bed with you. And so shall I."
"And I," said Legolas after seeing Gimli leaving and disappearing off the distance, "I shall walk in the woods of this fair land, which is rest enough. In days to come, some of our folk shall remove hither. For awhile: a month, a life, and a hundred years of Men. But Anduin is near, and Anduin leads down to the Sea."
With that Legolas went down the hill, leaving the others to themselves.
"What did Gimli mean; it seems that he wanted to say something else…" Frodo and Sam stared at one another and then at the others who remained mysteriously silent all the while.
When no answer came, the others departed and Frodo and Sam went to their bed and slept.
Off to the distance, Serenity remained, watching from the eaves of the trees before, she too, slept, and waiting until the Sun rose to greet her.
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Many days passed and Serenity still remained in the mortal world, the stars soothing her frayed nerves whenever it arose, assuring her that all was well despite her worry that something must be wrong. And so, Serenity kept on watching from far away at her dear companions who spent the days in relative peace. There were times when she would catch the cloud of sadness cover her two closest companions, Gimli and Legolas, but they would as quickly fall away from the site of the Hobbits.
Then something amazing occurred as a commotion occurred in the City. The sky was blue as sapphire and white stars opened up in the sky; the air was cool and fragrant as riders came down to the gates of Minas Tirith. First rode Elrohir and Elladan, and then came Glorfindel and Erestor and all the household of Rivendell, and after them came the Lady Galadriel and Celeborn, Lord of Lothlorien, riding upon white steeds and with them many fair folk of their land. Last came Elrond, mighty among Elves and Men, bearing the scepter of Annuminas and beside him rode Arwen his daughter, Evenstar of her people.
For a brief moment, Lady Galadriel cocked her head to the side and stared up upon the eaves of a nearby tree that Serenity hid in, the two made eye contact but before Serenity could react, Lady Galadriel drew her eyes back and faced forward, making it all seem to be a passing look, nothing more. But Serenity certainly knew better and a small smile adorned her pink lips as she continued to watch the procession from afar.
"At last I understand why I have waited, surely this is the ending…" Serenity murmured to herself.
The King welcomed his guests, and they alighted; Elrond surrendered his scepter, and laid the hand of his daughter in the hand of the King, and together they went up into the High City where all the stars covered the night sky. And Aragorn the King Elessar wedded Arwen Undomiel in the City of the Kings upon the day of Midsummer.
"This night shall be beautiful and blessed…"
There were many days of rejoicing until the time came that the Companions thought of returning to their own homes. From there the day of departure drew close and came, and a great and fair company made ready to ride north from the City. With them came Queen Arwen, and Celeborn and Galadriel with their folk, and Elrond and his sons; with many captains and knights. Hidden amongst the trees, Serenity watched and drew to the shadows of the trees, matching them stride for stride with the aide of Uranus' speed.
At one point, during a dark night after watching the burial of Theoden the King, having passed away in his realm, Serenity carefully fell down from her perch upon the trees and watched the stars.
"Do you not believe that it is enough?" a familiar voice inquired, startling Serenity from her reverie as she turned around with wide eyes.
"My Lady, I did not hear you," Serenity proclaimed, a hand to her heart.
"Many do not hear an elf's steps, for they are silent as the night," Lady Galadriel softly explained, her eyes clearly reflecting a hint of amusement.
"Many days have passed, I do not know, I have lost count…since I have last made myself known. This new age proves strong; I can only hope that this peace will last for as long as it can." Serenity whispered, staring over the encampment.
"A New Age begins, and in this age it may well prove that the kingdoms of Men shall last for a long time yet. But come, tell me and I shall listen, why do you not see your friends? I feel that they grow with much worry over your disappearance."
"I grow weary of this and fear for what may come," Serenity sighed, carefully moving behind a large tree at the sight of a blonde hair off to their right in the distance.
"Hiding solves nothing, dear one, you most of all should know that. But the night grows late and soon Dawn will be amongst us. Rest well, dear one, and I hope to see you, at some point of this long journey," Lady Galadriel smiled softly at the silver blonde-haired young woman and took her leave.
(I know it solves nothing. Nevertheless…) Serenity deftly climbed back up the tree she chose as her resting place and stared up into the night sky.
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More days had passed and still Serenity remained silent as she followed the Company from far away. She knew Lady Galadriel, at times, would look up and would stare at her before returning her attention back to the road. It was during those times Serenity truly felt like a coward. She had faced so many monstrous beings and treacherous obstacles, and yet, she could not even bring herself to face her old friends. And so, with a heavy heart Serenity turned her attention to watch her old friends more closely.
Sam and Frodo were in a company with Merry and Pippin, quite happy as they continued to ride with a bright cheer, happy to be together once again. With a faint smile, Serenity turned her attention to Aragorn with Arwen alongside Gandalf. The three conversed with one another, at times, bringing others into the conversation. Then last, but not least, she watched Gimli and Legolas riding together upon Arod, their faithful horse. At first glance, nothing much could be said about the two close friends but as she observed them more closely she noticed a certain resignation about their stances. As if they had lost something dear to them.
As the group came closer to Helm's Deep it seemed to Serenity that her two dear friends were even more rigid in their stances. And as they chose to rest at Helm's Deep for two days, Serenity came to a sudden realization.
"The promise…" Serenity said with quiet awe, "The caves of the Dwarves and the woodlands of the Elves. Our promise…"
Bowing her head, Serenity gave in at last to her emotions as silent tears tumbled out. She never intended to be very close with them, but she had and they became very dear to her heart. For a few moments she remained in that fashion, until, at last she rose up and jumped to the ground.
With quiet acceptance, Serenity made her way to the Glittering Caves, intending to fulfill the promise that she and her two companions made.
And after a few hours, that time truly did come as two familiar silhouettes treaded softly amongst the patches of grass and dirt until they came to the entrance.
"Welcome. It has been awhile, Gimli…Legolas," Serenity greeted as she rose up to address the two, a smile evident upon her face.
"Serenity…" the two echoed with surprised, clearly not expecting such a surprise to greet them.
"I trust that you two remember our promise, of course. To visit the caves and the woodlands, was it not?" smiled Serenity.
Without another word, the two approached and embraced the silver-haired woman.
(I suppose they did miss me, about as much as I missed them…) Serenity inwardly rejoiced at this newfound information as she returned their embrace.
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The trios marveled and were in awe of the beauty that the Glittering Cave held for them. And when they returned, many were surprised at the new addition in their group. But they accepted her, all coming to know the silvery blonde-haired maiden that called herself Serenity. When they asked Legolas of how he took the trip to the caves, he remained silent and could not find the words to speak them.
To this, Serenity and Gimli laughed with Serenity commenting, "A Dwarf has finally claimed a victory over an Elf in a contest of words!"
The group chuckled in response and before long they continued on with their journey. During that time the travelers grew closer and got to know the company and silently, Serenity wondered how long it would take before the stars did call her back again but decided to, once again, not question their silence.
As they passed through Fangorn Forest, Legolas turned to stare at Gimli and Serenity, and then addressed the rest of the group.
"Come, Gimli, Serenity!" said Legolas. "By Fangorn's leave we will visit the deep places of the Entwood and see such trees as are nowhere else to be found in Middle-earth. You both shall come with me and keep your word; and thus we will journey on together to our own lands in Mirkwood and beyond."
With a grand smile, Serenity agreed but no smile emitted from Gimli.
"Here then at last comes the ending of the Fellowship of the Ring," said Aragorn.
Gimli nodded and said. "Well, farewell. Some of us may yet meet at times; but I fear that we shall not all be gathered together ever again."
"I had a great time with all of you. And I thank you for accepting me as part of your own, despite all that has transpired…" Serenity lightly smiled.
"It matters not for what has occurred in the past, but the achievements that you have accomplished," Lady Galadriel uttered.
"You have traveled with us and lent help when needed, that is enough in its own," Aragorn said, clasping a hand on Serenity's shoulder for emphasis. "Take care."
"I don't know when, and if ever, we shall all meet again. But I am glad that the war has ended," Serenity smiled and turned to stare at Frodo and Sam, "You have done well, both of you. It was a harsh journey, but you have managed in the end. It was a close one, was it not? I thank Selene that you were saved before those hot ashes and that fire reached the two of you."
With that said Serenity turned and started off, making their way into the trees and disappearing from sight with Gimli and Legolas. In the distance, Serenity could almost make out the shock that enveloped Frodo and Sam as they stared in wonder at the silvery blonde-haired maiden named Serenity. It seemed that she was the one who saved them from their little island.
""""""""""""
Serenity looked up at the stars, once again silently wondering why they have not called upon her; to this day they still remained silent. So many years have passed by in a blur, not without its joys or sorrows. She, along with Gimli and Legolas, traveled side by side, going hither and thither, visiting and witnessing so many places, so many things, and so many creatures. Together, after all this time, they remained together.
Their time spent together had grown closer, their travels filled with adventure and excitement, but not without its relevant periods of peace and relaxation. Her relationship with the two had grown so much that they regarded one another as more than mere friends, but as a family. She saw Gimli as more as a big brother, protective and true, she could rely on him no matter what. As for Legolas, Legolas was…
Legolas was…
"Serenity?" Legolas softly called out, throwing Serenity back to reality and before she could comprehend what her companion was saying, he stood kneeling in front of her, holding her firmly by her shoulders, "Serenity?"
"Legolas…" Serenity blinked, recalling her surroundings and looked up and into concerned blue eyes. It seems that ever since the last battle and after her return, he would continuously look for her whether he was aware of his actions or not. "Legolas, what are you doing here? I thought you were going to walk through the forest."
"I was, but when I returned and you…" Legolas began but stopped himself, shaking his head as he gave her a tentative smile and released the hold he had on her. "Never mind, I apologize for disturbing you…"
For a moment, Serenity watched as the blonde haired elf start to make his way back to their encampment but then chose to intervene.
"Do you sometimes wonder if the stars in the sky have something planned out for you?" Serenity commented, making sure that he could hear her, and as the footsteps stopped, her eyes closed momentarily with relief right before she opened them. "At times, I can hear them speak out to me, calling me, asking me for their attention…"
"What do they say?" Legolas sounded closer now, she could almost feel the warmth radiating off of him, and she let herself relax.
"Long ago they would inform me of others' destinies, their fates, and the paths that they were set out to achieve. At times, they would even show me of what had transpired or what will occur. They have even shown me my own destiny," Serenity softly stated, "Did you know that not once had I doubted them?"
"Everyone has doubts, even I," the silvery blonde haired woman could hear him much closer now, and she heard a small ruffle of the crisp grass as he settled himself right beside her.
"Hmm, I suppose I have had my own share of doubts. There were times, in the past, where I questioned my loyalties and my duties, but they were few and far between," Serenity acquiesced, recalling what had occurred not too long ago, even though it had been years since the last battle, "Do you remember the last battle?"
"It was not too long ago."
"No, it was not. That was probably the last time I could vividly remember the stars speaking out to me. After that, their voices began to fade and wane away. I wonder what happened…" Serenity stated, voicing out her concerns.
"Did they tell you…show you…" she could hear Legolas try to find his voice.
"It was during the fight, amidst the chaos, the sweat, and the blood, that the stars called out to me. They showed me, in the heat of battle, the end result and the side that was meant to be won. And so, I did what I was meant to do. It was that time that I was wholeheartedly glad of my change of allegiance. I never meant to cause any harm to any of you…" Serenity answered his unvoiced question and was met with silence, letting the information soak in.
"They no longer speak to me, but I can still feel them beneath the blood in my veins. I fear, at times, that I may wake up from all of this and realize that I no longer belong, that I may…" Serenity shuddered, wrapping her arms around herself.
"Then do not dwell in it. Enjoy the time that you have. Know that we will be there for you for as long as we can," Legolas firmly stated as he wrapped his arms around her, enveloping her in a warm embrace.
"What if I…" Serenity began but was met with a firmer grip and she let herself relax in the elfin prince's arms.
"Do you not wonder, my silvery blonde-haired maiden that the reason why the stars remain silent is because they do not wish for you to know what path lies before you in this world?" Legolas asked, lifting a hand up and cupping her pale cheek.
"They've always spoken to me before, why stop now?" Serenity softly asked.
"You fear for the worst, doubts continue to cloud your judgment from time to time, why else?" Legolas uttered, tracing her cheek with soft fingers, a light blush began to form, causing the elfin prince to smile, "Did you not say to me, right before you left me in that battlefield, that all will be well?"
Before Serenity could respond, Legolas dipped his head and captured her lips in a soft, chaste kiss. And deep in her heart, Serenity knew that she didn't need to respond to his words, as she responded to that kiss. Without another thought, Serenity chose for that time to stop questioning the stars' motives.
And as the two continued to share their moment of intimacy, the stars in the night sky suddenly flared into life.
Burning brighter in the night sky, and deep in the veins of the silvery blonde haired maiden known as Serenity, otherwise known as Cosmos, she could feel the stars calling out to her, speaking once more. However, this time, it was not to show her what path she should now take. It was not to show her visions of impending doom or of things to come, but to assure her.
The stars twinkled merrily and rejoiced, speaking to their maiden to continue on as before. To live the lives set out before her and enjoy her time on Middle-Earth. She would live her life and enjoy it for what it really was in moments like this, with close companions and with a love that would stand by her side and never let her go.
And she knew from that time on, that all really would be well.
And not a single doubt crossed her mind.
The End.
"""""""""""""
Well there you have it, the end of Doubts! Finally! I can't believe I'm saying this, but for once, I really am relieved to see a fanfiction of my own creation, ending. This Lotr/SM has proved to be one of the most difficult stories I have had to make. Nevertheless, I have stormed in and was quite determined to finish it, even though I was almost pressured to chuck the whole thing away. I doubt that I will ever set foot into this realm again, but who knows? Maybe I'll end up batty and actually try it, but for now, I am pretty much certain that I will not.
As for the ending that I have inserted, I apologize to those who do not find the ending quite as fitting as they would like it to be… I didn't really plan that, I just threw it in there. I was going to do something else, but it proved hazardous and ill-fitting in some ways.
I may or may not write an epilogue. If I do, it would probably be mere snapshots and a brief overview of what occurred to Serenity, Legolas, and Gimli. May a mere passing of what happened with a few of the others. Even so, I will still abide by what has transpired in the book-version of Lord of the Rings.
With that said, I bid thee a fond farewell.