A/N: Last chapter! Don't forget to review and tell me what you think of a sequel! I will try to start one soon!
Many thanks to...
Imamc, ColdOnePaul, Jessfairy88, Woman of Letters, Tibblets, SoraLover987142, Iduna
"Thank goodness you two are here!', I called as the door opened, expecting my brothers, who had promised to come and get me after a few hours. A dress for Aragorn's coronation had been commissioned without my knowledge, courtesy of the soon-to-be king himself, and I had been tricked into going to the fitting. I had thought it was for Éowyn, as she had been the one to bring me to the seamstresses, but I suddenly found that it was myself who was swarmed by busy hands that measured, prodded, and poked.
My glare at Éowyn did not go unnoticed by the shieldmaiden, who only chuckled and sent me a saucy wink before leaving me to the mercy of the seamstresses. They slid the prepared dress over my head, nipping and tucking the gauzy fabric here and there as they tried to find a way to make the dress suit my figure.
"I need an honest opinion: does this dress make my butt look fat?', I questioned blatantly, not even turning around to see if my brothers had been the ones to enter the room. A choking noise made me turn to see Legolas, whose face warred between embarrassment and laughter, standing there in place of my brothers.
"Whoops. Er... I guess you heard that?" Not even bothering to wait for the answer, I fisted the long skirt and waddled over to the laughing elf, ignoring the women's pleas to stay still lest I mess up their work. "I think— I prefer— the elven styles.', I puffed, out of breath and already tired of walking with the heavy fabrics hanging on me.
"I am inclined to agree with you.', he smiled. "Though I think the colors suit you, tinwë."
"Um... thanks?', I grinned. "I'm just afraid I'm going to trip in front of everyone."
"Then it is a good thing their attention will be elsewhere, Riley.', he teased. "Unless, of course, you are the one getting crowned?"
"Oh lord, no.', I said, rolling my eyes at the idea. "I never want to go through what Aragorn is dealing with." I fiddled with a ribbon that had been left unpinned around my waist, watching as the ends began to unravel. "So... why are you here?"
"Can I not simply come to be in the company of a friend?"
"Tell me if I'm wrong, but I don't think you normally come to a tailor's shop to 'be in the company of a friend'.', I said, wiggling my eyebrows at the silvan.
"In that case you would be correct.', he replied, the smile dropping from his face. "Your brothers have asked me to bring you to the libraries. They wish to discuss something with you."
"Hm." I frowned, puzzled at what they wished to discuss. "Alright. Just let me get dressed... in something other than a dress."
I disappeared into the back, politely asking for help in getting out of the dress. It took a full twenty minutes to wiggle out of the constricting fabric— utterly ridiculous, if you ask me —and I'm sure I scandalized the ladies who helped me by tossing the corset that had been insisted upon into the pile of discarded fabric.
"My lady!', one of them cried, trying to convince me to put the dratted thing back on.
"Nope!', I laughed. "I will wear my tunic and leggings, if you please."
They did not look like they 'pleased' at all, but that didn't stop me from changing into the clothes that I was comfortable with wearing. Waving in an overly cheery manner, I entered the fitting room again to meet Legolas.
"I have heard rumors in the city regarding an elven woman who defies the rules of Gondorian etiquette. You would not happen to know of what they speak of?', Legolas inquired as we walked towards the Citadel, his eyes sparkling with unspoken mirth.
"Why on earth would I know?', I replied in kind, fighting the dorky smile that wanted to come to the surface as I remembered the times I had sent the ladies of Gondor into a dither with my odd behavior.
"Hm.', he laughed. "Perhaps because you are the cause of such strange gossip that has made its way to our ears?"
"Me? Noooo! Never!"
"Have you noticed that you drag out your syllables when you are telling an untruth?', Legolas smirked down at me.
I rolled my eyes, remembering how many times we had had this conversation. I was saved from making a saucy retort when he paused in front of the correct door.
"I will leave you here, O Fair Maiden.', he teased, giving an over zealous bow. I laughed, shoving him along before I entered the library to meet with Elladan and Elrohir.
"So let me get this straight... you two are leaving to meet Arwen's escort at Edoras?"
The twins nodded.
"And you want to know if I will come with you?', I asked, trying to get the details straightened out.
"Yes.', Elrohir grinned. "We will leave a week after the coronation, of course, and Éomer has offered to let us travel with those returning to Rohan. It will be fun, gwathel! Will you please come?"
"How long will we be traveling?', I asked, still mulling over the idea.
"Close to two months, considering how many people will be going and returning with us.', Elladan informed me. "It will be an enjoyable trip, to be sure."
"Okay!', I chirped, excited at the prospect. "I'll go!"
"Really?', they exclaimed in tandem, their faces lighting up. "You will come?"
"Yep!', I beamed. "When do we leave?"
"Two weeks.', Elrohir laughed, watching in amusement as I bounced giddily out of the library.
"Hello, Pip!', I called, eyeing the hobbit as he stood at his post, a serious look plastered on his normally cheery face. "Why the sad face?"
"I missed breakfast.', he grumbled. "Being a guard of the Citadel is harder than it looks."
"Oh?', I chuckled. "Should I tell Captain Faramir that you wish to resign your post over a mere lack of food?"
I was hard pressed not to laugh at the look of sheer horror that came over his face.
"Oi! Don't you dare, Riley!', he shouted, waving his hand wildly at me. "I will survive missing a meal! My shift ends soon, anyhow."
"If you say so, Pippin!', I snickered, watching him stick his tongue out at me once he realized I was teasing.
Humming, I skipped into the Citadel, greeting several people along the way.
"Hello, Boromir!', I greeted, making the new Steward jerk his head up in surprise.
"Good morning, Lady Rielásse.', he nodded, bowing in my direction.
I frowned, crinkling my nose at the man.
"What happened to Riley or Rielásse?', I said worriedly. "I didn't do anything to upset you, did I?"
"No.', he sighed. "But we are in Gondor now, not roaming the wilderlands. There is the court protocol to consider now, and of course the gossip it would incite should we act so familiar."
I pulled a face. "You mean I have to call you Lord Boromir now? So no one thinks we're like... together?"
"That would be appropriate, yes.', he sighed, rubbing his forehead. "When we are among friends, however, you may address me as you always have."
"Sure.', I moaned, wondering what the heck I was supposed to call everyone else now. Shrugging the issue off, I simply decided to call them by their names unless they wished me to add a title. "I'm going to change into my dress for the coronation."
He choked back a laugh.
"Pickle farts! Don't tell me I have to avoid normal subjects too!?', I gaped, realizing that Boromir had not been kidding whenever he said Gondor's protocol was far more strict than I had been used to.
The Steward shook his head in amusement.
"Normally such things such as bathing, changing, and sleeping are not mentioned in polite company.', he explained through his bellows of laughter.
"Then what the heck am I supposed to say?', I cried in disbelief, only to huff in resigned acceptance as he raised an eyebrow. "Fine.', I growled. "I am going to... withdraw into my quarters in order to ready myself. Better?"
He nodded again, giving me another bow before leaving the room to attend to some last minute details for Aragorn's coronation.
"Pft. Decorum.', I scoffed in disbelief. "Talk about a culture shock. No wonder gossip has been spreading like crazy; they probably think I'm some sort of bumpkin."
I laughed at that, because in all actuality, I am.
"The last Steward of Gondor wishes to return these lands into the hands of the rightful king, and lay down his office as Steward of Gondor.', Boromir said respectfully, bowing before Aragorn during the coronation.
"Nay, the king bids you to keep your place as his Steward for the position is still needed.', the ranger laughed, motioning for Boromir to stand from his kneeled position. "And a better man I could not ask to fill the position."
"Thank you, my lord Aragorn. I ask your pardon for the harsh words I spoke upon our first meeting. You are my captain, my kin, and my king."
I watched as the Steward raised his arms and spoke loudly to the people of Gondor.
"Men of Gondor! Hear what the Steward has to say! From the shadows a light has sprung! Hope has been born to this kingless nation! For here is Aragorn son of Arathorn, chieftain of the Dúnedain of Arnor, Captain of the Host of the West, bearer of the Star of the North, wielder of the Sword Reforged, victorious in battle, whose hands bring healing, the Elfstone, Elessar of the line of Valandil, Isildur's son, Elendil's son of Númenor. Shall he claim his birthright, becoming king, and enter the city to dwell there?"
Holy bunny slippers! Aragorn's title is THAT long?! He better not make me say that every time I address him...
A loud roar of approval rippled through the crowd who had gathered, making me grin and wince at the same time. The twins sent me a sympathetic look, their own ears most likely ringing as mine were.
"Now come the days of the king!', Gandalf cried, waving Frodo to come forward carrying the crown. "And may they be very blessed."
Aragorn's back was to the crowd as the crown was set gently on his head by Gandalf. His chest heaved as he took a shuddering breath, his stance tense in anticipation. The king turned to face his new people.
"This day does not belong to one man alone. It belongs to all!"
The celebration feast that followed the coronation would not be forgotten anytime soon, I can guarantee that.
"So Aragorn.', I laughed. "How does it feel to be wearing the crown?"
"Heavy.', he replied with a chuckle.
"With great power comes great responsibility.', I snickered. "Or so a famous superhero once told me."
"Nay!', Aragorn shook his head. "I did not mean it as such! The crown itself is heavy— I have not yet had the privilege to feel the weight of responsibility!"
So with another bout of laughter, our adventure ended, but I feel another one is soon to begin. I mean, there can't possibly be a dull moment when you travel with elves like Elladan and Elrohir for two months. What could go wrong?