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Chapter 33: Crowning of a King
Ellethwen moved quickly to Dallin's side. He was sleeping soundly as she looked down at him. There was an herbal cream on his cheeks and Iroeth smiled as she silently walked over and sat down a basin of water. "He's going to be fine," Iroeth said startling Ellethwen. Ellethwen looked up and smiled at the older healer with teary eyes.
"I know, Aragorn, took care of him," Ellethwen said softly as she let her hand hover over her son's dark hair. "I don't know if I would have been able to handle it if something happened to him," she whispered and Iroeth put her hand on Ellethwen's shoulder.
"He's still young, you'll have many things to worry about as he grows, but know that he shall be better by the time the dawn comes," Iroeth said in a comforting tone and Ellethwen looked at her with a small smile.
"Thank you Iroeth," she said and Iroeth lowered her hand.
"It is good to have you back, my dear," she said. "I shall say that when you were banished, Lord Boromir was beside himself with anger. It was rumored that he nearly fled the Citadel, but remained because of his brother. His mood darkened the day you were banished, and all knew that there was something between the two of you. However, unlike the Steward, most of the servants of the Citadel thought it was a good match. You weren't as hated as you'd think, Ellethwen." Ellethwen's interest was peaked and she stood straighter. "Matira was given your position as his chambermaid, and Boromir only kept her for not even a month. Oh, and she was livid. Lord Denethor released her of her duty and she hasn't been heard from since."
Ellethwen managed a small smile and shook her head as she looked down at her son. It didn't really surprise her that Matira was given her position. She knew the other woman had wanted it. She truly wanted to get her claws into Boromir, but Boromir had claimed her before Matira could even bat an eyelash at him.
"Do you think I will be able to take him to our chamber?" Ellethwen asked and Iroeth nodded.
"Aye, however, I just have to get you a small bowl of the ointment for his cheeks." Ellethwen smiled and sighed softly.
"Thank you," Ellethwen said. Loud footsteps echoed and Iroeth slipped away. Ellethwen startled a bit when a warm hand was suddenly on her waist, but she knew the touch, so she did not have to look and see who came in.
"How does he fair?" Boromir asked her softly and she looked over her shoulder and up at his face.
"He's fine," she whispered. "Thanks to Aragorn," she added. She gasped suddenly and straightened. "Oh, I didn't thank him! What must he think of me?" Boromir smiled and shook his head.
"He understands, Ellethwen, I already thanked him for both of us. If you wish it you can thank him in the morn." Ellethwen nodded and turned to look at their son once more. She leaned back against Boromir and sighed. "Can we take him to our room?" Ellethwen nodded.
"Yes, Iroeth went to fill a small bowl of ointment for his face. Boromir, I have never been more frightened. Even when I worried for you, I was not that scared. I felt as though my world was falling around me," she whispered and Boromir kissed the top of her head.
"It is because you worried for your son," he said softly into her hair. "A life you created with your husband." She closed her eyes as the warmth of his breath danced in her hair.
"How is Frodo doing?" Ellethwen asked. Boromir had finally told her of the quest he had been on, and the reason for such an odd fellowship of hobbits, elves, dwarfs, wizards, and men the night before at the feast. She had met the Frodo and Sam at the meal the night before. It was Frodo's first venture from the house of healing, and he seemed surprisingly strong, but still weak at the same time.
"He is fine, Aragorn told us this morning that he was walking through the Citadel with the other hobbits." She nodded, thankful that Frodo was doing better than most expected him to. Footfalls caught her ears and she opened her eyes and smiled at Iroeth who carried a small jar.
"Here you are," Iroeth said and Ellethwen moved from Boromir who took the jar. Ellethwen carefully scooped up Dallin, who snuggled into her as she cradled him.
"Thank you, Iroeth," Boromir said and Iroeth nodded.
"Bring him in the morn, so we may check on his rash," she said. Ellethwen nodded.
"I will bring him in the morning," Ellethwen said and Boromir wrapped his arm around her waist and led her from the house of healing. Soon, they were in their chamber and Ellethwen settled Dallin into his crib. She kissed his forehead and Boromir did the same before she pulled the blanket around him. "Sleep well, my son," she whispered and Boromir led her from the room and into their chamber. Once, there, Ellethwen slumped against him as they stopped near the burning fire.
"Are you hungry? I could send for something for you to eat," he told her gently and she shook her head.
"I'm not hungry, but are you?" she asked as she looked up at him. Boromir smiled and pushed her hair from her face.
"No," he told her and she sighed before she laid her head back down on his broad chest. "The sun has been gone for an hour now, my love, you should change for bed," he told her softly and she nodded. "I'll stay in here and change, to keep an ear out for Dallin." She smiled and looked up at him before she raised up and kissed his lips softly.
"I love you," she whispered and he smiled as he once again fingered a lock of her dark hair.
"And I you," he said softly before he leaned down and kissed her once more. Ellethwen pulled away and with one last look into Dallin's nursery she moved from the bed chamber across the sitting room and into the washroom where she changed for bed.
Weeks passed and Dallin's strength returned and the dawn of Aragorn's coronation had come. Ellethwen was being bustled about by Trassa and another young maid she didn't know. "Do you have a proper dress to wear?" Trassa asked as she opened the wardrobe. Ellethwen thought a moment and took a deep breath.
"I have the dress I made for when Boromir and I were wed," Ellethwen said as the other maid made up the bed. "However, since giving birth I don't know if it will still fit." Trassa gave her a look that clearly said her form was just as it was before and Ellethwen blushed as she moved over to the wardrobe. She pulled a soft black bundle and laid it on the freshly made bed. She untied the string and pulled the dark blue and silver cloth from the package.
"You made this?" Trassa asked as she held out the fabric and Ellethwen nodded.
"Yes, I spent many a night working it. The fabric was given to my by the Golden Hall's seamstress as payment for helping her weave a complicated silk pattern for King Theoden."
"It's beautiful," Trassa said and Ellethwen smiled. "Safria, would you help Ellethwen into the dress, while I check on Dallin." The brown haired woman nodded and moved quickly to Ellethwen's side. Ellethwen gave the nervous girl a smile.
"Safria is it?" Ellethwen asked as Trassa moved to the nursery. Dark blue eyes turned to hers with a nod. "Don't be nervous. I'm not stuffy, or going to bicker at you. I was once in your position." Safria looked at her with wide eyes. "I'm more than capable of dressing myself, but your help with the bindings would be greatly appreciated." Safria gave her a smile and nodded her head.
To her surprise, the dress fit her perfectly, however, it was a little tight in the bust area because she was still nursing, but it fit as it had the only other day she worn it. Safria talked happily with Ellethwen as she laced the dress.
"Lord Boromir is very lucky to have such a kind wife. I was once Lady Heldwen's maid and she was . . .," Safria blushed and looked away and Ellethwen giggled.
"Go on, you can speak freely with me, my friend. I shall take nothing to heart." Safria smiled.
"She was a challenge." Ellethwen smiled and nodded her head. "May I do your hair?" Ellethwen looked at Safria and nodded.
"Of course, if you'd like to." Safria smiled brightly.
"I would." Ellethwen moved to her vanity seat Boromir had brought in for her. Safria smiled and quickly brushed out Ellethwen's hair. "You like to wear your hair simply?" Ellethwen nodded and Safria smiled. "Then I have the perfect idea."
Moments later, the sides of Ellethwen's hair were braided by to the middle of the back of her head where they were held by a silver clip that was encrusted with blue and white crystals.
"There you are, my lady," Safria said and Ellethwen smiled at her reflection.
"It is lovely Safria, thank you," she said kindly as she stood. The young woman blushed and bowed her head.
"You are most welcome." Trassa came from the nursery carrying Dallin who was wrapped in a dark blue and black blanket and smiled at Ellethwen.
"Well, you do look lovely. Safria, you did beautifully on her hair," Trassa said and Safria blushed even more. "Here is your son. Lord Faramir, your husband, and the others shall be waiting for you in the hall." Ellethwen nodded and took Dallin.
"I shall see you at the ceremony," Ellethwen said and Trassa and Safria smiled and nodded. Ellethwen slipped from the room and made her way down the corridor to the great hall where she was to meet with Boromir, Faramir, and Éowyn.
Ellethwen, holding a wiggling Dallin, stood near the steps to the entrance of the Citadel with Faramir on her right and Boromir on her left. Éowyn stood on the other side of Faramir. Ellethwen had never seen so many excited faces before in her life. All around her stood the Gondorian guard and across from her stood Éomer with his Rohirrim, and thousands of people stood upon the upper level of the city all excited and anxious for the crowning of their king.
"I have never seen the people of Minas Tirith so happy," she said softly to Boromir as she looked up at him. Boromir looked down at her with sparkling eyes. He too was happy a king had returned, even though Ellethwen knew that in his past he wanted his family line to be named king because Gondor had gone so long without a true king. However, his thoughts changed upon meeting and fighting along side Aragorn. He opened his mouth to speak but Gandalf moved to the top of the stairs and all sounds and chatter stopped. Ellethwen and Boromir turned their eyes to the stairs and smiled at the tall white wizard.
"People of Gondor, of Rohan, and the Elves of many realms, today you bare witness to a glorious event," Gandalf said his gruff voice echoing all around for every ear to hear. Aragorn took a deep breath before he moved up two steps and stood before Gandalf. Gimli moved forward with a dark blue velvet pillow that held the crown of the king. Gandalf picked up the crown and held it over Aragorn's head. "Now come the days of the King!" he exclaimed as he placed the crown on Aragorn's head.
Ellethwen smiled brightly and cheers erupted around them. Dallin fussed when the noise met his ears but Ellethwen just rocked him and looked to Boromir. Her husband looked and he clapped heartily for her as well because her hands were full taking care of their son. Aragorn turned to face the crowd. Ellethwen could see a slight nervousness in his eyes, from where she stood, although it was well hidden behind his calm and cool expression, anyone who knew the man could tell he was nervous.
"This day does not belong to one man, but to all. Let us together rebuild this world, so that we may share in the days of peace," Aragorn said loudly and all cheered once more. As Aragorn began to sing, everyone quieted. His words were beautiful, although Ellethwen didn't know what he was saying for he was singing in the Elvin tongue. When his song finished he descended the stairs. Petals began to fall from the high tower and Ellethwen curtseyed as best she could and Boromir bowed next to her as Aragorn past them. He inclined his head and continued down the line.
Ellethwen's eyes followed Aragorn as he walked and was met by Legolas who led several elves. Legolas wore a circlet upon his head and for the first time since meeting him, she realized that Legolas must someone of high standing in his realm. Aragorn seemed to hesitate as he spoke with Legolas and then he looked to the left. The most beautiful woman Ellethwen had ever seen stepped forward carrying a silver banner. It was then that she realized the woman was an elf.
"Who is that?" she asked Boromir as she watched Aragorn move to her slowly.
"Lady Arwen of Rivendell," Boromir said quietly remembering his own encounter with the elleth. She had told him he would see his love again, and there he stood with her.
"She's beautiful," Ellethwen said softly and Boromir smiled as Aragorn took Arwen in his arms and kissed her. Cheers erupted again and Boromir looked to Ellethwen. He raised his hand and ran a calloused finger down her smooth cheek. She looked up at him and leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"She may be," he told her softly. "But I'm afraid I have been captured by the most beautiful woman in all of Gondor." Ellethwen blushed and Boromir's smile only grew when she tucked her head into his shoulder to hide her blush. He put his hand on her lower back and she looked up at him. At that moment, Boromir knew that the rest of his years would be long and happy as long as she was at his side.