Disclaimer: The Lord of the Rings is property of Tolkien and there are many references throughout to Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. I only own what you do not recognize. The character Chinky is not meant to cause offence and is named after a real horse whose name has been shortened from a Fiat Cinquecento (Chinky – Chento).
Authors Note: Heya, thought I'd tell you first, despite what the ending of this chapter is like it is not the last one. Another point is that I nicked quite a bit out of the Return of the King book for this chapter, as know one can put across the feelings I wanted quite like Tolkien so you have been warned!
And thanks for all the reviews for the last chapter, I was so excited (I'm such a child!).
Happy reading.
Chapter 48: Coronation
Aragorn stood with Gandalf on the slopes behind Minas Tirith and looked out over the golden kingdom. Not two days into the future he would be crowned king of this land and the land to the north.
"This is your realm, and the heart of the greater realm that shall be. The Third Age of the world has ended, and the new age begun; and it is your task to order its beginning and to preserve what may be preserved. For though much has been saved, much must also now pass away; and the power of the Three Rings also is ended. For the time has come for the dominion of Men and Dwarves, and the Elder Kindred shall fade or depart." Gandalf said.
"I know it well, dear friend," said Aragorn; "but I would still have you counsel."
"Not for long now," said Gandalf. "The Third Age was my age. I was the Enemy of Sauron; and my work is finished; I shall go soon. The burden must lie now upon you and your kindred."
"But I shall die. For I am a mortal man, and though being what I am and of the race of the West unmingled, I shall have life far longer than other men, yet that is but a little while' and when those who are now in the wombs of women are born and have grown old, I too shall grown old. And who then shall govern Gondor and those who look to this City as their queen, if my desire be not granted?"
"Amy will still be here at your side. She vowed all those years ago to fight for Gondor, and she does not abandon honour lightly. She will fight for this land until you or one of your blood line release her. Do not fear, you stand not alone." Gandalf said trying to placate the man encase he was having second thoughts of becoming king. For a brief second Gandalf imagined him running all the way back to Rivendell, but he knew the man in front of him could not falter now.
"The Tree in the Court of the Fountain is still withered and dead. When shall I see a sign that it will ever be otherwise?" Aragorn said.
"Turn your face from the green world, and look were all seems barren and cold."
Then Aragorn turned his face from the Great Plains in front of him to the barren slopes he was standing on. Behind him stood a small sapling growing out of the mountain snow. It was not more than a foot tall yet had let loose leaves and tiny blossoms grew next to small buds. Its silver bark glowed and its white petals shone like the sunlit snow.
"This is a scion of the Eldest Trees! How comes it is here? For has yet to reach its seventh year."
"Undoubtedly this is a sapling of the line of Nimloth the fair; and that was a seedling of Galathilion, and that a fruit of Telperion of many names, Eldest of Trees. Who shall say how it comes here in the appointed hour? But this is an ancient hallow, and ere the kings failed or the Tree withered in the court, a fruit must have been set here. For it is said that, though the fruit of the Tree comes seldom to ripeness the life within may then lie sleeping through many long years, and none can foretell the time in which it will awake. Remember this. For if ever a fruit ripeness, it should be planted, lest the line die out of the world. Here it has lain hidden in the mountain, such as the race of Elendil lay hidden in the wastes of the North. Yet the line of Nimloth is older far than you line."
Gently Aragorn placed his hand around the whip thin trunk, only light was its hold to the earth and it came up easily in his fist. Wrapping it in his cloak he bore it down to the citadel and ordered the dead tree removed. When the soil had been tended he placed the young tree down and bade Amy water it. Under the nutrient water from the Maia it grew instantly, reaching the height of five foot, it would thrive in years to come.
BREAK
The Tower of the Guard sat in the evening light, the setting sun glancing off her white shining walls sending shadows over the lower circles of the city. The citadel was still glowing in the late sunlight, the White Tree standing in the centre, a small plant that would grow into the mighty tree of its forbears. Small white petals floated softly down and blew against the stoic guards like soft feathers on their faces. Their appearance may be dominating, yet in their hearts they smiled for they had lived to see their King return and a white tree in the citadel again.
What was more fascinating about the citadel on this day was the sheer number of people it held. The lower circles had been emptied and tumbleweed blew through the streets, for every person now stood in the grand citadel waiting the crowning of the king.
Above the gates to the main palace sat Amy. One leg either side of the arch, her arms resting on the stonework. Her long black hair for once hung completely loose shrouding the side of her face as it hung in waves to her hips. Her mithril circlet standing out starkly on her jet head, her eyes shone out from beneath the curtain of hair and her lips were curved into a smile as she watched the people in front of her.
Many people still gasped when they set eyes on her, for burned in many of the fighter's eyes was the image of a goddess riding on the back of a dragon commanding the power of the earth and fire. Now they gasped because not only was she one of the immortal elves, she was a Maiar spirit, one of the godly creations of this world. Created by the very first gods of the land to serve and protect; a creature beyond even immortality, a power limited only by her own imagination. Here she sat above them all, clothed only in a pair of cropped trousers, a near transparent top and her cloak like hair. Barefoot she watched them and her smile lit the citadel. All were jealous as they watched the golden haired prince step up beneath the arch and smile up at her, knowing that they held each others hearts. Two beautiful, immortal beings ready to spend the rest of eternity together.
BREAK
The crowd's mutterings and rumblings stopped as steady drum beats filled the air, their eyes rose to the sky as two booms filled the now darkened sky. Bright coloured lights now slowly fell from the sky and settled themselves around the citadel letting off a soft light. A few stole glances at the small girl sitting on the arch and watched her lowering her arms slowly. All eyes were drawn back to the main gate as it slowly creaked open and the White Wizard walked through followed by four hobbits. The centre hobbit, which many recognised to be Frodo, from the missing finger, carried a black velvet cushion. On the cushion sat the royal crown on Gondor, many stared in shock as it had not been seen since the elder days and many thought it had been destroyed. There it sat in all its winged glory, putting the citadels' guard's helmets to shame.
After them came the royal figure of Aragorn, walking slowly with one hand on the pommel of Andúril and the other hand across his chest. An almighty cheer arose as they saw him and they quietened only when more fireworks were shot into the sky by Amy. They watched as Aragorn looked up above him and saw the girl; he nodded his head to her and dropped the hand from his chest. Saluting him she placed her right fist to her chest and grinned.
"My King, your people await."
BREAK
Aragorn turned away from Amy and towards Gandalf. As he turned he saw the people of Gondor standing before him, his people. He took a big breath as he looked at the white wizard, this was it. He was about to become the thing he had aspired to be ever since he had learned of his heritage at the age of twenty. Brief thoughts of running crossed his mind, but he squashed them down easily. This was his job, his place, his destiny.
Gandalf took the large silver crown from the velvet cushion that Frodo was carrying. He lifted it up gently as he said; "now come the days of the King. May they be blessed."
The crowd watched silently as he lowered the crown onto Aragorn's immaculate hair; courtesy of Amy. The people of Gondor then cheered as their new king turned to face them. The noise carried on for several minutes until they saw him about to speak.
"This day does not belong to one man, but to all. Let us together rebuild this world that we may share in the days of peace." Aragorn said. His head turned to the sound of fireworks shooting upwards and he smiled as they exploded in brightly coloured plumes in the midnight coloured sky. Slowly he brought his head back day and started to sing.
"Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar ten' Ambar metta." (Out of the Great Sea and to Middle Earth I come. In this place will I abide, and my heirs, unto the ending of the world.)
He slowly walked down the lines of people. He came to the dwarves and bowed to them. Gimli grunted at him before smiling. "You've done well Laddie. We'll have some Mithril gates up and running for you in no time."
"Do not exert your self master dwarf; I would not want you to tire." He said with mirth in his voice.
"That would never happen!"
Aragorn smiled to Throd and the rest of the dwarves before continuing. He reached Èomer and placed his hand on the shoulder of the newly appointed Rohan King.
"May this be the start of a stronger bond of fellowship between our two countries. Forever may we fight in arms." Èomer said clasping the other king on the shoulder.
"May our countries always be at peace."
Standing next to Èomer was the beautiful Èowyn and clasping her hand was Faramir. He placed a hand on the fair Shield Maiden's cheek and let his thumb gently caress the soft skin. "You have found love, and forever I pray it may last. Beautiful Èowyn, fair as the morning dawn, slayer of the Witch King."
Aragorn saw her smile and he dropped his hand before turning to Faramir. "You are still the Steward of Gondor and I will crown you the Prince of Ithilian. I am glad that you have found love, be warned she is a strong one." He said before grinning slightly at a prod in the side from the Shield Maiden. "The only regret I have is that your brother could not be here to see this day. Yet Boromir fought a mighty part in this war and without him the hobbits would not be alive and this world would have tumbled into rack and ruin. Hail your brother and never forget his memory."
"My brother was a mighty man; his only fault was his desire to please our father. Never could I forget him."
Aragorn nodded before continuing; finally he reached the line of Elves. Standing at the front was Legolas, for once he was dressed up in his royal attire, his long golden hair swept back and pale silver robes wrapped around him. His crown sat on his head and he looked every bit the prince he was.
"Legolas, there are no words I can say to describe how I feel. You are my best friend and my brother. Long I wish you happiness with Amy." Aragorn said pulling the blonde elf into a fierce hug.
"I am glad this is over so I can enjoy the peace again. I think I will stay here with you if my father gives me leave. You have not yet met my brother have you?" Legolas said reaching behind him and pulling out a small elfling.
Aragorn almost gasped as he saw the young elf that Legolas pushed in front of him. When the boy's head was down it was hard to distinguish him from any other child, elf or man. Yet when he raised his head, his short blonde hair fell behind his pointed ears, and his milky blue eyes shone up at him.
"Hello Aragorn Telcontar." The small boy said staring intently at Aragorn. He raised a small fist to his chest and hit his heart in a salute.
"What is your name tiny prince?" Aragorn asked staring at the angles on the child's face and seeing that they matched Legolas' exactly. All bar the eyes they could have been identical.
"My name is Wing. I am not tiny Mr. King I am thirty four summers old!"
"I stand corrected!" Aragorn said laughing at the little boy and placed a hand on his head, trying to avoid ruffling the perfectly parted blonde hair and the disturbing the small circlet. "Legolas, he is your brother through and through. I will not ask how this happened or why you never told me. Yet he is a delight."
"He is charming isn't he? A few more years and I think me and Damer will have him up to scratch. There is someone here who wants to see you." Legolas said moving aside and dragging Wing with him who was craning his small neck to see what was so interesting.
Aragorn carefully moved round the two princes and saw Galadriel, the regal elf simply nodded to him before stepping aside herself. Behind her was Elrond and standing next to him was Arwen Undómiel. She was beautiful with stars on her brow and a sweet fragrance about her, he thought of nothing more when he embraced her and kissed her soundly. Cheers erupted and more fireworks filled the sky yet all he could think about was the beautiful women in his arms. When he finally let go of her both their cheeks were flushed and he took her hand and led her back towards the gates of the palace.
The four hobbits still stood on the steps looking at the approaching king. They started to bow when he came closer yet were stopped half way.
"My friends, you bow to no one." Aragorn said as he himself sunk to his knee, followed by everyone else on the citadel. The four hobbits looked most bewildered yet smiled.
Amy jumped down from her vantage point and landed in a bow as well in front of the hobbits.
When everyone was rising Legolas took his moment and left Wing with Damer and walked up to Amy. Taking her hand he whispered into her ear. "Will you bond with me for ever more?"
"You need not have asked, for the answer is always yes." Amy said as she looked over and saw both Elrond and Thranduil with smiles on their faces.
BREAK
The two older elves looked at each other, one with hair as fair as the golden sun, the other with hair of earthen brown and smiled.
"Now at last I understand why we have waited. This is the ending. Now not day only shall be beloved, but night too shall be beautiful and blessed and all its fear pass away!" Thranduil said to Elrond as they walked to the gates.
The new King of Gondor then welcomed his guests into the palace. Elrond nodded at his foster son and surrendered the sceptre of Annúminas. He placed the hand of Arwen into the hand of the King, and watched Thranduil do the same with Amy and Legolas. Together the new couples went up into the High City Palace, and all the stars flowered in the sky.
And Aragorn the King Elessar wedded Arwen Undómiel and Legolas Thranduilien wedded Amy daughter of Onlee in the City of the Kings upon the day of Midsummer, and the tale of their long waiting and labours was come to fulfilment.
