#36 Sunrise
Minas Tirith lay before him bathed in light. The white city aglow with red and orange hues as if lit by a myriad fires. It was beautiful.
Aragorn's heart swelled with pride as he gazed upon the city he was born to rule. Here he stood on the field before it's gates, no longer garbed in the clothes he had worn throughout the quest, a ranger careworn and bruised by war and strife but now a Great Lord clad in black and silver mail. From his shoulders draped a long mantle of purest white, clasped at the throat by a large green gem that shone bright enough for an eagle flying high above the clouds to see, but even brighter still was the star that dangled upon his forehead from a slender mithril chain.
He swallowed thickly, emotion threatening to overwhelm him as he was joined by first Eomer, then Imrahil and lastly Gandalf who smiled upon him as a kindly uncle would a beloved nephew.
"It is time."
With the wizards softly spoken words Aragorn began to walk slowly towards the gates, head held high, resembling the high kings of old, all self-doubt finally laid to rest. This was the culmination of a long life's work, here now came his chance for love and peace and his heart began to lighten with every step. The trio of friends came with him, a pace behind, and behind them came the remainder of the host of knights and soldiers who had fought at the battle of Pelennor and beyond, with Gimli and Legolas smiling widely at the fore.
A single trumpet sounded out from the city as the gates opened wide to reveal Faramir standing waiting with four tall city guards and silence fell as they walked out to meet the approaching lords. For a moment the two men stood, gazing at each other with love and pride before Faramir knelt to offer his resignation and the white rod of office.
"Nay, your office is not ended." Aragorn spoke as he stooped to place a hand on Faramir's shoulder.
"Rise Steward, for that post will be yours, and your heir's for as long as my line continues."
Then as the people of the city watched he pulled the younger man to his feet and embraced him heartily before turning his attention once more to the city.
"Now Steward." He ordered with a smile. "Do your office."
Then, as the sun rose over the white city, Faramir son of Denethor, Steward of Gondor, announced the return of the King and a huge cheer rent the air.
.
.
"And there in the midst of the fields they set up their pavilions and awaited the morning; for it was the Eve of May, and the King would enter his gates with the rising of the Sun." Lord of the Rings part three: Return of the King vol. 3 ch 4 The Field of Cormallen
A/N
I know I have taken some liberties with the dialogue here but I do hope you can forgive me. I have kept to the meaning if not the exact wording in the book.
Hope you liked it.