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A lot of canon stuff to cover in this one...and some not so canon stuff too. ha ha.
Enjoy
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Chapter 184
~X~
The coronation of King Aragorn, and his marriage to Lady Arwen, took place a few days later, with the entire city decked out in its finery, and more spectators than imagined crowding around in hopes of glimpsing the happy couple. The party from Erebor enjoyed the festivities very much, with everyone rejoicing for the new king and queen.
They spent the next two weeks as royal guests, touring the fine city of men, with Gimli and Thorin discussing in great length their plans to send workers to aid in repairing the damage done to the stone work of Minas Tirith. The dwarf king also entered into negotiations with Éomer, over the acquisition of Aglarond, the Glittering Caves of Helm's Deep. Gimli had described them with such wonder and poetry in his speech, that any dwarf would have been easily convinced it was worth possessing. In fact, his young cousin was certain there would be an endless pilgrimage of dwarves to the caves, merely for the chance to gaze upon them, all willing to pay pure gold for the privilege.
Thorin, knowing that the land of Rohan had been severely ravaged during the war, could have offered a much smaller amount, and been accepted due to sheer desperation. Food was in short supply, and many of the homes through Rohan had been destroyed, and the horsemen had very little with which to rebuild. However, Thorin promised King Éomer twice the amount that Gimli had estimated Aglarond's worth to be, assuring the Lord of the Mark that the lands would be well cared for, and not ravaged for mere gold and gems. And to ensure this did not happen, Thorin promised to give rulership of the Glittering Caves to Gimli, son of Gloin, to protect and govern for the remainder of his days. To say that the young dwarf was shocked by this, was an understatement…yet he accepted with great humility and eagerness.
The younger children from Erebor were anxious to take off and explore, and while their parents saw nothing wrong with this, they were always counseled to stay together. It was not danger from the people of Gondor that they feared, yet parts of the city itself were still in ruins, and that alone was a cause of concern for the protective parents.
Thus it was, about a week into their stay, Rose and Talin led a group of their cousins and siblings through the streets, stopping here and there to shop, or inspect something of interest to them. They received many stares as they passed, the odd little bunch a fascinating sight to be sure. What with dwarf, elf, and hobbit mixed among them, they ranged from very short to exceedingly tall…at least for ones their age. But they didn't seem to mind one bit, and ignored all the eyes that turned to gawk at them as they explored the vast city.
Raina, who had been at the back of the group, was pulled up short when she saw a lone flower, struggling to survive in a small patch of dirt beside the street. It was a lovely color of pink, with soft petals and a bright yellow center, catching the lass' eye and pulling at her hobbit-heart. Forgetting her parents' warning to remain together, her eyes darted here and there until it fell upon a small fountain not far away. Hurrying over, Raina took out her pocket handkerchief – something no self-respecting hobbit would ever be without – and soaked the cloth in the liquid, hurrying over to squeeze it out over the struggling plant. She spent a few more minutes aerating the hard soil around it with a little stick, and then giving it several more life-sustaining drinks, before standing back and eyeing it with a look of satisfaction. Raina made a mental note to check on the flower again before she left the city, hoping that her care would ensure its continued success.
Yet, when the young lass looked around, she suddenly realized that she could no longer hear her sister or her cousins' voices, and spinning in a circle, Raina found she could not see them either! Oh, dear…this was not good. Still, it wasn't like she was lost in the wilds someplace, and finding her way back shouldn't be that difficult…right?
So off Raina went, first seeing if she could locate her relatives, but after half an hour of that, she finally gave up. There were still so many wonderful things to see, and as the young dam tried to locate the building where they were staying, she found herself marveling at the each and every one. Twice Raina stopped and asked a kindly looking person for directions, but both times, after attempting to follow what they said, she got hopelessly lost once again.
"Well, I suppose that means I'm truly my father's daughter," Raina giggled, rolling her eyes at her own foolishness. Yet as the sun began to sink into the west, and her stomach started to rumble, the young princess began to wonder if she would ever find her way back to her family. Rose would surely have noticed that she was missing by now and come looking, she surmised. And yet, with as much as she had been wandering around, how in the world would they have located her? So, doing the only thing she could, Raina found a bench near a small fountain and sat down, determined to wait there until someone came to find her.
"Hello," a friendly voice was heard to her left, causing the dam to turn to see who had spoken. It was a young girl, about mid-teens by the age of men, with mouse-brown hair and a lovely smile. "Are you lost?"
"As a matter of fact, I am," Raina said with a heavy sigh. "I got separated from my family, and can't seem to find my way back to our quarters."
"You don't look like you're from around here, are you new to Minas Tirith?" the girl asked, hurrying over and sitting down next to Raina. "I've heard of so many new ones arriving lately, from all over Middle Earth, and I've been dying to know from where they came, and who they all are."
"Well, it looks like you got your wish," Raina giggled, spreading out her hands in a gesture of helplessness. "It would seem that I'm your captive audience, since I have no idea how or where to escape to."
"My name is Marra," the young girl introduced herself, holding out her hand in greeting. "My father, Kolinor, is the royal historian, and he has cared for the library for many years. I try and help him, but he keeps saying that I should be focusing on my home-making skills more, so that one day I might find a good husband. Apparently no one thinks a girl my age, or a girl of any age, should be interested in reading and cataloging books. But not me! It's my dream to one day take over for my father and care for our city's history!"
"And it sounds like a fine ambition to me!" Raina told her, liking the girl's gumption very much. She took her offered hand, shaking it firmly, pleased to make her acquaintance. "It's nice to meet you, Marra. I'm Raina, daughter of King Thorin of Erebor."
"You're a…princess?" Marra stammered, looking rather aghast at how informal she had been to royalty. "Oh, forgive me, Your Highness…I didn't know." She quickly looked down, unwilling to make eye contact wither Raina any longer.
"Why would I need to forgive you?" the dam questioned. "You did nothing wrong, and until I introduced myself…how would you have known?"
"I just…well…you don't look very much like a dwarf," Marra began, but then appeared even more horrified by her words. "Not to say you don't look…I mean….I've just never met a…a…" Here she gave up and covered her face with her hands in mortification.
Raina only began to laugh, reaching up and pulling her hands away, forcing the embarrassed girl to look at her once again.
"A dwarf lass is called a dwarrowdam," she explained. "But I'm not a full dwarf, but instead part hobbit. My mother came from the Shire to help the dwarves of Erebor farm their land, but in the process, she met and married my father. So, if I don't look very much like what you think a dwarf should, that's why."
"Oh, that's fascinating!" Marra said, her eyes wide with interest. "I've never actually met a hobbit before…well, at least not close up. Though I've seen the four that traveled with King Aragorn from a distance. Until they came, your kind have been nothing but legend to us, being only known by the name of Haflings."
"My mother's people have often been called that," Raina nodded. "But we prefer the term hobbits."
"I'll remember that," the girl promised, taking out a small roll of paper and a pencil as she scribbled down this information. "I'm so glad you got lost, for if not, I would never have had an opportunity to speak with you, and I do so love meeting new people and learning new things."
"Something tells me that you and my friend Ori would get along famously," Raina laughed.
"Ori? Is he one of the dwarves who was in your party…or is he a hobbit too?" Marra asked, looking genuinely interested.
"He's a dwarf," the princess confirmed. "And just like you, he doesn't go anywhere without a piece of paper and a pencil…always jotting down notes and making quick sketches for his research."
"What does he study?" she asked.
"Everything!" Raina told her with a roll of her eyes. "But he's excellent at his job, he is the royal scribe, and I don't think my father could get along without him in Erebor."
"See, that's what I would love to do," Marra huffed. "To be useful in some way to King Aragorn, and not just be looked upon as a mere child or a silly girl. I have a mind! I'm smart! I just wish someone would notice!"
"Well, to me it's as plain as the nose on my face," Raina assured her. "And maybe, I could put in a good word for you with the king, or perhaps Prince Faramir."
"Oh! Faramir is very well thought of here in Gondor," Marra stated, a wide smile coming to her face. "So was his brother, Boromir, may he rest in peace. And it was a fine thing that the king did, naming him Prince of Ithilien. Lord Denethor's sons had gained far more respect than their father ever did among the people. If you could…I mean, if you would say something to him, that would be ever so wonderful."
"Consider it done," Raina grinned. "However, I won't be able to say a thing if I can't find my way back to the royal house."
"Oh, I'll show you the way!" Marra assured her, leaping to her feet. "Just follow me and I promise to get you there in no time at all."
Raina was about to happily accept her new friend's kind offer, but was stopped short by the sound of her name being called down one of the long and curvy streets.
"Raina? Raina, where are you?" came a voice she easily recognized.
"Princess Raina?" shouted another, one she also recognized…as Prince Faramir, the very man they had just been discussing.
"Pippin?" Raina called out, standing up and looking in the direction the voice had originated. "Here I am!"
"Raina!" the young hobbit cried, obviously having heard her, and came racing around the corner. When he saw the missing princess standing there safe and sound, his face broke out into a wide grin. "Where have you been? Everyone's been out looking for you for hours!"
"I…I kind of got lost," she admitted, lowering her eyes in a look of shame. "Twice."
"Well, it is an easy thing to do in such a large city," Faramir told her, coming up behind Pippin, his own face holding an understanding smile. "We are simply happy to have found you at last. King Thorin and Queen Marigold are beside themselves with worry."
"I'm very sorry to have caused such a fuss," she told them both. "And I had just met a new friend who was about to escort me back to where I belong." Here Raina gestured to Marra, who gave a fine curtsy.
"At your service, Lord Faramir…Master Hobbit," she said, quite overwhelmed by being in the presence of two such renowned people.
"We thank you very much for finding our errant princess," Faramir told her, placing his hand over his heart and bowing his head slightly.
"It…it was no trouble, I assure you, My Lord," Marra confessed.
"Yet…as payment for her doing so, I was wondering if I could speak on Marra's behalf, Prince Faramir?" Raina said, making her new friend blush. "You see, this fine lass here very much desires a position in the archives, alongside her father, and I for one believe she has the keen mind and fortitude to do so, regardless of the fact that she is a female and not a male."
"Is that so?" Faramir asked, giving the young girl a look of appraisal. He was well aware of the rather archaic attitude most males had for women, but since meeting his intended bride, Éowyn, he now knew just how strong and formidable the fairer sex could be, and he was not about to dismiss this lass too quickly. "How old are you, Miss Marra?"
"I…I am fifteen," she answered, daring to look up at the man who was questioning her.
"And you would desire to be stuck in a dusty room with scrolls and books that are far older than you, instead of pursuing another form of employment?" he continued.
"Oh, yes!" Marra nodded eagerly. "More than anything. I don't sew very well, and I can hardly cook, so I would much prefer an academic profession to that of a wife and housekeeper."
"Well, I tell you what," Faramir began, bringing his hand up to stoke his chin thoughtfully. "Master Ori has been pestering me to give him a tour of the archives for days now, but I have simply not found the time. How about I assign you the job, and if you do well at it, I will mention your assistance to King Aragorn and see what we can do. Does that suit you?"
"That suits me just fine, Lord Faramir!" Marra squealed with glee. "When do I begin, and where do I find this Ori, and what does he wish to see?"
"Hold on now," the man laughed, raising his hand in order to silence her myriad of questions. "Why don't you come with me, and help inform the others who are out looking for the princess that she has been found. Ori is among them, and I can introduce you to him then. However, I still insist that I get your father's permission first, before this goes any farther."
"Oh, he'll say yes…I'm sure of it," she nodded, truly hoping that she was speaking the truth.
"Then let's go, Lady Marra," he stated with a jerk of his head. He turned and waved to Pippin and Raina. "Glad you are safe, Princess. I'm certain that Master Pippin will see you back safely."
"That I will," the young hobbit confirmed.
"Good bye, Marra!" Raina called, waving to the young girl. "I hope to see you again before I leave."
"Me too!" Marra grinned, looking as if all her dreams had come true. "And thank you for everything!"
Once the two were out of sight, Raina turned to stare at Pippin, an apology once more on her lips.
"I'm truly sorry if my getting lost stirred up a hornet's nest of trouble," she told him sincerely.
"No worries," Pippin said with a wide grin. "However, I do believe you might be in for a light scolding from your parents." His expression quickly turned to one of concern. "If you would like…I would be willing to go with you when you face them. I've learned from experience that most parents don't yell so much when there are others around."
"You are too kind, Pippin," Raina told him, grateful for his concern. "Yet Kili taught me the whole sad puppy-dog eyes trick a long time ago. I think I can get my adad to forgive me pretty easy. At least I hope I can."
"Well, King Thorin would have to have a heart of stone not to be moved by one as beautiful as you, whether you use the puppy-dog eyes or not," he laughed.
"You…you think I'm beautiful?" Raina gasped, shocked by the hobbit's kind words.
"Of course!" Pippin assured her. "I've always thought you were very lovely, and kind. All us lads in the Shire thought so." He gave her a little wink before he held out his arm in a gallant manner. "If it pleases you, Your Highness, I will happily escort you back to your parents, just so you will not become further lost."
"I…I would be delighted, Master Pippin," she grinned, tucking her arm through his elbow as the two headed off, taking the one road that Raina had not yet tried. She was still a bit flustered by what he had said about her being beautiful. No one had ever told her that before, except for her parents and a few relatives.
On the way back, Pippin talked non-stop pointing out everything he knew concerning the White City. And while Raina had known Pippin most of her life, having often visited the Shire since she was a babe, she now took the time to truly look at Peregrin Took…really look at him. His brown curly hair was neatly cared for, and she found that he looked rather dashing in the fine looking uniform from Gondor. His infections smile seemed to captivate her as he prattled on about this and that, and even his voice was a delight to her ears. And suddenly, between his description of the white tree of Minas Tirith, and something about a mysterious orb that let's one converse at great distances, something hobbitish woke up in Raina, something she had never expected to happen at her age.
All at once, and quite unexpectedly, Raina, daughter of King Thorin and Queen Marigold, found Pippin Took very attractive! And she began to wonder if he might be thinking of her in a different way as well! She had always favored her mother's people in looks, even if everyone said she'd inherited her father's temperament…and apparently his sense of direction. Still, she felt she had a pleasing figure, bouncy curls, and was not like some of the more empty headed dams in the mountain that were around her age. And, it would seem, that just like Torin, her hobbit side was making itself known, and her sudden attraction to Pippin was the unexpected result of this. Oh, Raina could just imagine the livid fit her over-protective father was going to have when he found out!
"Why are you laughing?" Pippin asked, turning to look at the giggling lass at his side. "Did I say something funny?"
"Oh, no…I'm sorry," she replied, covering her lips with her fingers, though her eyes continued to twinkle with mirth. "I was just thinking of something is all…forgive me, Pippin, please go on."
Pippin gave her one more confused look, but then, with a shrug, he continued talking, all the way back to the royal house…with Raina hanging on his every word.
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The missing princess did indeed receive a stern lecture from her father and mother, but she wisely put on her sad face, and even managed to squeeze out a tear or two, hoping to garnish some sympathy. And after giving her adad a rather convincing story about how she had been so terribly frightened, Thorin quickly engulfed his daughter in his strong arms, kissing her gently on the top of the head.
"No real harm done, my dear," he soothed, simply happy to have her back safe. "Just please, don't wander off again. I prefer to keep all my treasures right where I can see them."
"Yes, Adad," she nodded, giving him a reassuring squeeze. "And I'm very grateful to Master Pippin for finding me and escorting me safely back to you. I don't' know what I would've done if he hadn't come to my rescue. He's a true hero."
"I am indeed very grateful to him for locating you," Thorin nodded, not at all aware of how his daughter was setting things up.
"We should invite him to join us for dinner tonight, don't you think?" she suggested. "Just to say thank you."
"Fine, fine," Thorin agreed in a rather placating manner, still not quite catching on. "If it makes you happy, my dear, you may ask Master Pippin to dine with us tonight."
"Thank you, Adad," Raina grinned. "I will go find him right now!" And off she ran, determined to locate the hobbit that had suddenly caught her fancy.
"Thorin, my love…are you truly that blind?" Marigold asked with a secretive smile, once they were alone. "Did you not notice how Raina's eyes lit up at the mere mention of Peregrin Took?"
"How her…what?" Thorin asked, looking at his wife in confusion.
"Your daughter's eyes…how they glowed when she mentioned the young lad, Pippin?" she repeated, stressing a few of the key words in hopes that her somewhat thick headed husband might catch on. "She is growing up, you know."
"What?" the dwarf king stated, a look of disbelief on his face. "No…you're joking. Raina? She's just a child! Nowhere near her majority."
"Not for a dwarf, but she is far past the age of maturity for a hobbit," the queen pointed out. "And you saw how young Torin was when he fell in love."
"But…but…Raina's my baby!" Thorin stammered, unable to hardly find the words to express his distress.
"Well, technically, Náin is your youngest, but I know you'll always look at each of your children that way," Marigold laughed, rising from her chair and coming over to put her arms around him consolingly. "Rose and Náin are more dwarf, but Raina…well, she's always favors my side, and to be honest, I'm surprised it took her this long to become infatuated with someone. Hobbits usually start courting at a much younger age, you know."
"Yes, I remember," Thorin grumbled, looking down at his wife with narrowed eyes. "You were kissing lads beneath the party tree long before you met me!"
"I let one boy kiss me, and you know very well that it meant nothing to me!" Marigold chided, swatting his rock-hard chest playfully. "But that has nothing to do with your daughter, and you must come to terms with the idea that she might find love far sooner than either of her siblings."
"NO!" Thorin said firmly, crossing his arms over his chest. "I won't let that happen! I am the king, and I strictly forbid it!"
"Oh, my dear, stubborn husband," Marigold laughed. "I don't think you get a say in the matter…king or no king." She then reached up and ran her fingers through his hair, which was now more grey than black, but still she adored every inch of him. "When love strikes, there's nothing one can do but let it happen. And at least if Pippin is the one Raina has set her heart on, we are assured that he comes from a fine family, and will treat her well."
"Well?" Thorin fumed, still looking as if he wanted to throttle something…or someone. "He will treat her far better than just well! He will treat her like a queen, or he will feel my wrath!"
"Yes, yes, of course he will," she nodded, doing her best not to laugh at his outburst. "Still, we don't know if the lad in question is even looking at your daughter in that way. This might all be a one sided thing, you know."
"WHAT?" Now Thorin was angrier than ever. "What's wrong with Raina? Is my daughter not good enough for him? Who does he think he is, snubbing my little jewel?"
"Oh, Thorin," Marigold sighed, taking his hand in hers and guiding him towards the door. "I can see that this is going to be more difficult than I thought. Just please, do me and your daughter a favor, and don't bite the lad's head off at dinner?"
"I make no promises!" Thorin growled, not sure what irked him more; Pippin liking his daughter…or him not liking her. The dwarf king didn't want to lose his child to anyone, but neither did he want to see her heart broken. "Why is being a father so blasted difficult?"
"Because if it were easy, then it wouldn't be worth doing," Marigold reasoned. "Now come, let's go over what you can, and cannot, say tonight at dinner. All right?"
Thorin only gave a snort of derision…but followed her lead nonetheless.
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As it turned out, Pippin was a sheer delight at dinner, talking about this and that, and while he was nothing but polite to Raina, he didn't appear to be looking at her with anything but friendly affection. However, that didn't seem to bother the young princess in the least, the infatuated lass practically staring at him all evening, and drinking in his every word.
In the end, Thorin decided that he would let Pippin live, but he would be keeping an eye on the young Took, as well as his daughter, until it was time to return to Erebor. Perhaps a bit of distance would cool the flames that he saw burning in his Raina's eyes. At least he hoped so! For Thorin Oakenshield was not ready for this particular battle!
Not in the least!
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Ori had been delighted when Faramir told him he had found someone to guide him through the library and ancient vaults of the city. For Gandalf's description of all the documents and books stored down there collecting dust had intruded him greatly. Marra was indeed allowed to show the curious dwarf around, aiding him in finding many of the scrolls he desired to read, even suggesting a few of her favorites - be it stories, histories, or a few long-forgotten recipes. Ori was beside himself with delight, and he and Marra spent the next week covered in dust, and their noses in books, laughing and talking about the literary treasures surrounding them.
When it came time for Thorin and his company to leave, Ori had given Marra such a glowing report, that King Aragorn did in fact recommend that the young girl be trained to be a future historian, working alongside her father and several others in similar fields. Needless to say, Marra was nearly giddy with joy, and promised to keep in touch with both Raina and Ori.
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Attending the coronation of the king had only been part of the reason the party from Rohan had returned to Gondor, for they also wished to escort the body of their fallen king, Théoden, home for burial in his own lands. Aragorn, Arwen, and a great number of others chose to join the procession, wishing to show honor to the valiant man who had given his life during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.
So it was, on the nineteenth of July, the funeral procession set out, accompanied by the remaining eight of the original fellowship, Lord Faramir, Dwalin, Balin, Bergie and Talin. For the dwarf and hobbit family dearly wished to visit the Shire and meet little Fundin at last. And since Frodo and the other hobbits would be journeying there themselves, they figured to tag along. That way, after a nice visit, they would be on hand to travel home with Flinn and Frerin - much to the appreciation of Fili and Sier. Elrond, Galadriel, Celeborn, Glorfindel, and the elf twins accompanied them as well, for they would be traveling on the same road to their own homes for a good stretch of the way.
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Thranduil and Bard, as well as Thorin and the rest of his party, journey with them as far as the Eastfold, where they bid them a fond farewell and headed north, back to Erebor, Dale, and the newly renamed Wood of Green-leaves.
Raina made sure to tell Pippin goodbye personally, giving him a package of seeds that she had purchased in Gondor, ones what would produce the same flower that had been the cause of her getting lost in Minas Tirith. She of course didn't tell him why they meant so much to her, but Pippin thanked her for the gift, telling her that he would plant them when he got home, and that maybe when she came to visit, they would be in bloom. Thorin had watched the whole exchange with narrowed eyes and his hand fisting over the pommel of his sword…until Marigold cleared her throat, warning him to stop being such a grump.
Gimli, though quite anxious to make his way to the Iron Hills, had one final promise to fulfill…and that was to take Legolas through the Glittering Caves, and then journey with him through the ancient trees of Fangorn Forest, with Treabeard's permission of course. Yet when that was done, the elf prince promised to personally escort his dwarf friend to the kingdom of Lord Dain, so he could officially ask for the hand of the dwarrowdam, Astra.
Gimli's parents were shocked by this news, having had no idea that their son had possibly met his one before leaving Erebor. They peppered him with questions about her, which Gimli was only too happy to answer…well, as much as he could after only having spoken to her twice. Still, even after a full year of being apart from her, the now famous dwarrow had no doubts that she was the one Mahal had meant for him to be with, and he intended to act upon those feelings as soon as he could.
Gloin and Dena hated to part with their son again so soon, but the idea that when he did return to Erebor he'd be bringing a bride, cheered them greatly. Dena simply couldn't wait to meet this dam who had turned her son's head…or to hold a grandchild of her very own in her arms. So needless to say, Gimli was instructed to keep their side-trips short.
Dwalin and Thorin spoke in private for a bit, the two sword-brothers reluctant to part, yet even the king knew he could not keep his war chief from the Shire any longer. The two finally embraced, slapping each other on the back before parting – both doing their best not to let anyone see them cry. Bergie and Marigold wept openly, with the younger hobbit telling her aunt to say hello to everyone for her once they arrived. In the end, the company did split, wishing each one a safe journey.
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Later, when it came time for Gimli and Legolas to break off from the rest, there came at last the parting of the Fellowship of the Ring, and while they knew they would see each other from time to time, they realized that it was very unlikely that they would all be together once again. It was a sad moment, to be sure, and yet, with Aragorn sitting on the throne of Gondor, there was at least the hope that peace would once again come to Middle Earth…and that was a fine thing indeed.
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Next came the time for the hobbits, and the elves of Rivendell, to continue west, as well as Galadriel and Celeborn to head north towards Lothlórien. It was a tearful time for the new queen of Gondor, for while this might not be the last time she saw her father, grandparents and brothers, it was still painful to say goodbye. Still, they all did their best to part with a smile, as Galadriel leaned in and kissed Arwen on the forehead.
"I wish thee only joy, my daughter's daughter," she told her. "And while your choice was not an easy one, I foresee that it will bring you great happiness." Galadriel then looked over at Aragorn. "Elfstone, through darkness you have come to your hope, and now have all your desires fulfilled. Use well your days."
"I will, Lady," Aragorn promised, placing his hand over his heart and giving her a deep bow.
"Kinsman, I bid you farewell," Celeborn said next. "May your doom be other than mine, and your treasure remain with you to the end."
Thus the Lord and Lady of Lórien took their leave, the group waving until they were only small specks in the distance.
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The hobbits were also greatly grieved to part with Aragorn, for he had never failed them and had guided them safely through many perils.
"I wish we could have a stone that would allow us to see all our friends, and keep in touch with them when we are parted," Pippin lamented. "Then we could speak to them from far away."
"Only one of the seeing stones that can be used remains," Aragorn told the despondent hobbit. "And that one I shall keep, so that I can see what is passing in my realm, and what my servants are doing. Do not forget, Peregrin Took, you are still a knight of Gondor, and I do not release you from your service. You are now going on leave, but I may recall you." He then turned and laid his hand on Frodo's shoulder. "And remember, dear friends of the Shire, my realm lies also in the North, and I shall come there one day, perhaps stopping in for a visit on my way."
"We would enjoy that very much, Aragorn," Frodo said, shaking his hand enthusiastically. "We will miss you terribly."
"And I you," he nodded. Next he looked at Sam and gave him a wide smile. "We have come a long way since our meeting in Bree, where you did not care for the look of me. I do hope I have earned your trust by now, Master Gamgee."
"Oh, don't even joke about such things," Sam blushed. "You know very well that you have more than earned my trust and gratitude a million times over. You have taught me a valuable lesson, Aragorn…to not be so hasty and quickly jump to conclusions."
"Now you sound like Treebeard!" Merry laughed. "Do not be hasty, or so he always says!"
"And wiser words you will not find anywhere," Aragorn laughed. "Farewell my dear, dear friends.
With that they parted, and it was then the time of sun-set; and when after a while the party of elves, hobbits, dwarves and one wizard stopped and turned to look back, they saw the King of the West sitting upon his horse with the men of Rohan and Prince Faramir about him. The failing sun shone upon them and made all their harnesses gleam like fiery gold, and the white mantel of Aragorn was turned to a flame. Then, the king took the green stone, which had been given to him by Galadriel, and as he held it up, it seemed as if a green fire issued from his hand.
And for some, that was the last time they looked upon the King of Gondor.
Well, another bunch of sad goodbyes! I expect that some of you recognized many of those lines directly from the book...yes, I 'borrowed' some words from Tolkien here.
Sooooooo, looks like Thorin might have to suck it up and let his little girl fall in love! At least he still has Rose and Nain. If I were Pippin, I would watch my back. (and yes, he actually married some chick named Diamond, but who cares, I like Raina better - and they were the only ones not related too closely!)
As for Marra and her father - they are they brain child of a reader named 'tgo62', and she offered to let me borrow them to fill out Raina's little adventure in Minas Tirith. Thanks, and I hope I did them justice!
Now with everyone on their way home...we need to find out what is going on in the Shire! That's coming up next!
Guest Reviews:
dojoson41: Yep, Flinn should have listened to you! Guess they will have to deal with things now! Thanks
arrondissement: Glad you like Elenaur's name, and you want more Fili huh? ME TOO! who do we need to talk to about that? Oh...right...ME! ha ha. Thanks
Emrfangirl: Yes, that IS how the book should have gone. And in mine...IT WAS. ha ha. Yah, I tried to figure out how to get Flinn and Frerin there for the wedding of Aragorn and Arwen, but it just didn't jive with the time-line. Ha ha, you don't want Lotho eaten? Yah, me neither. ha ha. Ewwwww. Thanks
abc: Oh yes, these last few chapters do have a lot of action in them...and lots of PEOPLE! Hard to get them all in! Well, I think Gimli did promise to send some dwarves to Gondor in the book too, so it wasn't all MY idea. ha ha. I think everyone falls under Galadrial's spell. ha ha. Tauriel and Arwen did indeed commiserate well. Yep, Flinn and Frerin are still in the Shire and Lotho is...is...well, you will see in the next chapter. Thanks