*Please note that I have change the timeline of events just a little in this chapter. I have combined Aragorn's coronation with his wedding to Arwen*

Chapter 11

The Coronation June 1 T.A. 3019

"Come, there is someone I wish you to meet." Elladan spoke, leaning against her doorframe, arms wrapped loosely across his chest.

Looking up at her friend, she cast him a withering look. She had meet all the arrivals. The Lord and Lady of Lothlorien had arrived, and she had been thrilled to be reunited with them, though she was saddened to learn that Haldir had been unable to accompany them. He stayed behind to watch over the realm. She had spent much time with Lady Galadriel, filling her in on her time in Valinor, and gaining her input and opinions on everything that has since occurred.

So Evelyn could not fathom who was left to meet. Everyone had arrived for the Coronation, other than a few who sent messengers stating they could not make the journey. However, she knew if she stayed here reading the book, there was a very real possibility sleep would claim her, and that was a chance she did not wish to take.

Laying the book gently down on the table, she stood from the wicker chair and walked to Elladan, taking the arm that he offered.

He took her to the guest wing, where people were milling about, all in a rush for the celebrations to come. Most paid them no heed, but there were always those that stopped to stare, and although not oblivious to them, they hardly bothered her anymore.

The hall ended with a large oak door which he lead her through. Behind her was a large open foyer, decorated with large tapestries and refreshment table in the middle. The foyer was a semi-circle, with four small oak doors along its perimeter.

"What is this place?" She finally asked.

"A private section of the guest wing, very rarely used, and for reasons you will see shortly, very much needed." He smiled and lead her to the second door on the right, giving it a quick knock.

A dark haired elf, dressed in rich fabrics opened the door, offering a slight bow to Elladan, "My Lord, they await you in the sitting room."

"Thank you." He replied before looking back at Evelyn, "This way."

The room they were currently in was small, but nicely decorated, and like the larger foyer outside, it housed multiple doors, Elladan lead them through the first, and Evelyn caught a glimpse of two elves seated in ornate chairs, around a large stone table ladened with fresh fruits and wine. Both were pale with dark hair, those the man's was pen straight, the woman's fell in loose waves down her back.

They both stood as they entered, and Evelyn was instantly struck by the woman's beauty. She instantly knew who she was starring at, but she was not sure how it was possible. They sent word, they could not make the journey.

"Evelyn, this is my father Lord Elrond of Rivendell, and my sister, Lady Arwen."

Doing her best to curtsey, she acknowledged the lord and lady before her, "It is a pleasure Lord Elrond and Lady Arwen."

"The pleasure is ours, please come join us." Arwen bade, her vice silky smooth and most endearing, as she swept her arm out, ushering them to the table.

Evelyn was without a doubt that the tales where true, Arwen had to be one of the most beautiful elves to walk Middle Earth since her ancestor Luthien. There was not an imperfection on her porcelain skin, and her eyes shown with such mirth and love—a pang with through her heart when she knew those emotions came for Aragorn, but she quickly pushed it aside. As envious as she felt, she did not wish it to mar what could be a new friendship for her.

"Pardon me if this is rude, but I do not understand how you are here?" She asked breaking the silence, giving a withered look to Elladan, who she knew kept her in the dark.

"We arrived in secret a few nights past. My sons, with the help of MIthrandir and Faramir, were ale to orchestrate it so." Elrond replied, "My gift to Aragorn on his coronation, the hand of my daughter." He looked at Arwen with the proud smile of a father who loves his child more than anything in the world, and with a terrible sorrow of one who knows he will never see her in Valinor.

This is what love was like. The sacrifices made in its name. And why, she learned the hard way, it was not something to be handed over lightly. However, in the right hands, the greatest gift that can be given. If she could not have her happy ending, she was glad that her friend would. Evelyn could hardly imagine the joy when she would be presented in front of him. A small smile graced her lips at the thought.

"So, Evelyn, tell me about yourself. My son tells me you are quite the horsewoman."

Evelyn did as she was asked. She knew that Gandalf and Elladan had told him more than enough about her. He knew abutter powers, her death, and she was thankful he did not ask for about it, instead he acted as if he truly wanted to know about her. That being said, she was not blind to his inspection. From the moment she walked into the room he had been studying her, but to his credit, the Lord made it inconspicuous and did not seem at all ill at ease in her presence like most did upon their first meeting.

At first Evelyn found herself uncomfortable speaking with the Lord Elrond and Lady arwen, but quickly fell into companionable conversation. Whether they were truly interested or not, she could not be sure, but they asked questions and seemed genuinely interested. Hours passed as the group talked, the time, for once, escaping Evelyn. When Elladan finally stated it was time to return, as the coronation festivities would soon begin, she was at loathe to leave, however, she knew she must.

"It was a pleasure meeting you both," Evelyn said, giving a slight bow of her head, "And thank you for you hospitality and company."

"The pleasure is all ours." Arwen said, giving the woman a hug, taking Evelyn by surprise, as she gingerly return the embrace. "Anyone who can befriend and put up with my brothers, is a friend of mine. I do not know how you have managed!"

"Some days have been challenging I assure you my lady." Evelyn replied, not looking at Elladan, remembering their biggest argument being over Legolas.

Turning to walk to the door with Elladan, Elrond's voice stopped her, "I have an offer for you."

Evelyn looked over her shoulder, wondering what in the world an Elven lord could want to offer to her.

"Have you thought of where you will go after the Coronation and Wedding?"

"Much thought my lord. Lady Galadriel has offered to let me return to Lothlorien should I wish."

"Is that was you wish?"

"I don't know." She replied, shocked at how quickly and honestly the answer spilled from her lips. Evelyn was not truly sure if that is what she wanted, but what other choice did she have? Staying in Gondor was not a possibility.

"Many or our people have sailed, but there are some who have chosen to stay. It seems, I am in need of a new keeper of my horses. The position is yours, should you wish it."

She opened her mouth in shock. He was offering her a place to live, but more than that, a livelihood, and one that was everything she had had before her death. No words came out, she could only stare at him, mouth agape.

Smiling, Elrond raised a hand, "I do not need an answer now, take some time think on it."

With her mind whirling, Evelyn did not heed her trip back to her room, Elladan dropping her off in Ceilin care, or her handmaiden putting her through the routine grooming until she felt the corset around her waist tighten, only then did she come back to reality, sucking in a deep breath, her hand flew to her stomach.

"Sorry," Ceilin called from behind you.

"Its not your fault, its what I get for being off in space."

"I beg your pardon?" the girl asked, not understanding her choice of words.

"I was not paying attention, and therefore caught off guard. No fault of your own."

Ceilin chose not to respond. Even since the incident with the ice storm in the room, her mistress had not been the same. She was withdrawn and reserved. There was a dullness to her that no one could pull her from. More often than not, her mind was elsewhere. Ceilin was fairly certain she knew the cause, but said nothing. She just made sure that tonight, of all the celebrations, she would have Evelyn looking her best, make her the envy of all there.

"You are ready," Ceilin told her some time later, walking her to the mirror, and for the second time that day her mouth hung agape.

Her hair, she had enhanced her waves, turning them into loose curls, with a few pieces pulled back, leaving enough to frame and soften her face. Added in, were thin strands of silver twine that glittered in the candle light. The deep burgundy dress, clung to her body in all the right places. The satin material shimmered in the candlelight. Its deep V-neckline, was accented with chiffon, with intricate silvery accents to make it the right modesty. The chiffon blended into the sleeves, so that the sheer material ran the length of her arms, hiding the scars. The sleeves ended in a point on her hands, wrapping around her middle fingers to keep them in place. At her natural waist sat a belt made into the dress. The base red matched that of her dress, but over laid were crystals of silver made into elven designs. From the belt the same sheer material that covered her arms was attached to fall over the red satin,shinning in the light caught in jewels. A good sized train trailed behind her, made only slightly shorter by the silver heeled shoes Ceilin put on her feet.

Never had she been in a dress as fancy as this, even with all the Olympic parties and gatherings, nothing compared. She had to admit, that although she felt very self conscious for her fancy dress, Evelyn had not felt so pleased with her looks since arriving in Middle-Earth. For a time she could forget the scars that covered her body. A brief thought of Legolas raced through her mind—she wondered what he would think. Just as quick, she closed her eyes tightly, taking a deep breath. He had his pretty little blonde elf to flaunt around. He made his choice, she had to live with it, and jealously was not going to mend her broken heart.

She smiled at the handmaid, "You have done a brilliant job, thank you." Now she had to wait on Gimli. With the twins planning to introduce Arwen to Aragorn with their father, they could not, and Gandalf would already be there with the future king, and obviously it could not be Legolas. The dwarf had come to her rescue. They had not been able to spend much time together as of late, his friendship with the elf prince had seen to that.

Soon, a harsh knock sounded on her door, and Ceilin, who had sat with her while waiting, answered. The dwarf stood there, looking gathered awkward if she had to admit. Evelyn was not sure when she had seen him so cleaned up and presentable. When he looked her way, she was sure his eyes were going to pop out of his head, causing her anxiety and self-consciousness to increase. Did she really have to draw more attention to herself?

Setting her shoulders, she walked to her escort, knowing full well that there was nothing she could do about it now, she was dressed and ready with no time to change now.

"You look astonishing lass," his gruff voice broke through her thoughts, He gave a little cough, offering his arm to her as he forced his eyes away from her.

"Thank you Gimli." She responded, taking his outstretched arm, though it was a bit awkward with her arm. He walked her forward, leaving them both in silence. it was finally Gimli who broke the silence when he realize dat would not be her.

"I have missed ye lass." He stated, refusing to look up at her, knowing the fault lie with him even more than the blond elf. He did not know what had transpired between the two. Legolas had not mentioned her, and he dared not bring up the subject, his friend had been much to rigid lately. He spent no more time than usual with his friend, but that time no longer involved Evelyn, and he had not exactly make that time to go seek her out, the thought caused a pang of guilt to ascend in his throat like bile. He should have done better and he knew it. Gimli also knew that he would have had much better company than with the Elleth Legolas chose to spend his time with from Mirkwood. She was beautiful no doubt, but she, like many other elves, regarded him with hate, and recurrently made derogatory comments. Evelyn had always treated him as an equal, despite her status.

"And I you." She replied. Her voice he noted was without much emotion, her eyes holding a dull quality that he never remembered seeing in them, even during her darker hours with the company. It was an emptiness he knew came from the quarrel with Legolas. To his utter disgrace, he did not know what to say to her, and therefore remained silent, hating himself for it.

Evelyn felt sorry for the dwarf, she knew he was at a loss of words, yet could not bring herself to help hm out. She wanted to, no doubt, but her mind was elsewhere, on a certain elf prince she wished she could remove from her mind—but it was inconceivable, this would be their first encounter since the day at the White Tree. There was only one option, and it was what she had been doing since then, avoiding him at all cost. Setting her shoulders, she followed Gimli and braced herself for the encounter.

There were more people gathered that Evelyn could ever remember in her life. The entire top level of Minas Tirith was filled with the people of Gondor. The lower levels, too, were brimming with he people who did not make it in time to get on the upper most section. People were packed in like fish. Evelyn was glad she held her place of distinction for once, as she was out of the mass and had plenty of space to call her own, flanked by Gimli and the hobbits.

She watched in awe, as Gandalf lifted the crown above Aragorn's head, the sunlight glinting off the polished silver and gold. He had done it, he had persevered, survived and endured against all odds, and here he was being crowned king of Gondor, Evelyn's heart, despite is brokenness, soared for her friend. For her family.

"Now come the days of the King!" Gandalf's clear strong voice rang out among the thongs. "May they be blessed." Slowly Aragorn's head rose and he smiled at the wizard before him. Standing, Evelyn watched him take a deep breath as he turned to his people.

The cheers that erupted were deafening as the people embraced their king.

"This day does not belong to one man…" He began, effectively silencing the crowd. "But to all. Let us together rebuild this world, that we may share in the days with peace." And again the crowd erupted in sound as Aragorn lifted his voice in song. It was not the silky smooth vice of the elves, but its husky quality was a sound she missed from music back home. Evelyn found herself closing her eyes to listen.

"Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien.

(Out of the Great Sea to Middle-earth I am come)

Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar

(In this place I will abide, and my heirs,)

tenn' Ambar-metta!

(Unto the ending of the world.)"

As his voice faded, Evelyn slowly opened her eyes, He was standing in front of her, looking through the mass. s his eyes met hers, he smiled acknowledging her, then stopped, looking straight ahead. Turning to see, Evelyn had to hide her excitement. Being in the procession of Rivendell elves were Elladan and Elrohir.

Smiling widely at his brothers he greeted them each with an arm on the shoulder, thanking them. She watched as a frown formed upon his brow as both twins darted their eyes to he right, making his attention travel there. The surprise that registered when he saw Lord Elrond, was nothing compared to when the banned was removed and Arwen stood before him.

The look that was in his eyes was nothing she could explain, all the hurt and pain, and trails he had been through vanished. His fear of loosing her forever—gone. In its place was the hope that she had helped kindle. There was a light shinning in his face that she had not seen before. Love. Love like she had never known before encompassed him and looking to Arwen, the same emotions were mirrored there. It did not matter, mortal or immortal for them, all that mattered was their love and being together. All he hardships they would face would be worth it, for they had each other.

Gingerly, she watched his hand come forward, touching her chin as if with one featherlike touch, she would dissipate, be nothing more than a figment of his imagination. When she didn't evaporate, he snatched her to him, crushing his lips to hers in a tight embrace, twirling her around. by the time they had finished, foreheads together, Evelyn had to force her attention elsewhere, but not before she caught sight of Legolas. Her stomach flopped inside her. Thankfully he did not look her way, his face was trained on the couple before her, and Evelyn could not help wander what thoughts were passing through his mind after their last talk.

Shaking her head slightly, she pushed those thoughts away, and returned them to Aragorn and Arwen. The assembly was now beside themselves with applause and cheers. As they walked forward they greeted the hobbits beside her, who made an attempt at a bow for the new king before he stopped them.

"My friends, you bow to no one." And with that statement he shocked everyone, except maybe his companions, by bowing before the ring bearer, making the whole assembly follow suit.

The rest was mostly a blur to her as they made their way into the Thrown room, where the wedding between Aragorn and Arwen took place. Evelyn could not recall much of the service, as she chose the focus her mind on other matters. Doing her best, of course, not to be obvious. Happiness was all that she felt for the two on this day, but the pain it caused her to know hers would never be was almost more than she could take. The only thing keeping her still was the fact that she refused to cause any type of scene during the ceremony. Gondor had a king again and a new Queen, and she would not be the one to take away from the enormity of the day.

Once they retired everyone to the ball room for the celebration, Evelyn found the first servant she could and relieved them of two tall wine flutes, drowning them both quickly, before going to find a corner to herself.

She watched as dance after dance Aragorn and Arwen spun across the floor, masking everyone in their wake. Their love and happiness permeated every niche in the room, and finally it was more than she could take. Standing slowly, so as not to draw attention to herself, she made her way to the terrace. Leaning her forearms against the stone wall, she looked out into the city, where lights flickered from every corner and music drifted upon the air from the celebrations being held.

"It is better this way." A silky smooth masculine voice spoke from behind her, startling her.

Straightening quickly, she looked behind her to see King Thranduil gliding up behind her. His blonde hair shone in the candle light. His rich and luxurious clothing swished around him like water and his crown glistened in the night. Evelyn wandered to herself how he did not fall over from the weight of both, for as gorgeous as they were, they had to weight a ton. This was a statement, however, she kept to herself.

"Your highness," She replied, giving him the required bow before continuing, "I'm not sure I know what you are talking about."

He gave her a knowing smile that sent shivers down her spine. "I believe you do. I am referring to you and my son." Her startled expression let him know he was correct.

"There is nothing between us." She stated icily, turning her gaze back out to the city, ignoring the fat that the King now stood beside her doing the same. Quickly she added, "Your highness."

"Ah, but there was. I could see it in the way he looked at you that day on Pelennor, the way he snuck glances at you this evening. Though in that dress, had you wanted I am sure you could have commanded the attention of everyone in attendance." His voice was just as icy as hers, if not more so, and it was all she could do to not shrink before him.

Yes, he may have seen them together on the fields that day, though she had hoped he had not, she was quite certain Legolas had not paid her heed since the day he said they should have nothing more to do with each other, and he certainly did not look at her tonight.

"Prince Legolas, has made certain there is nothing between us." She told Thranduil, knowing it was what he wanted to hear. He wanted his son to have a long happy life, sail to valinor, and return to his family for the rest of history. She could not fault a father in that, as much as she was at loath to like the King of Mirkwood.

"As I said it is for the best. Relationship between elves as mortals never end happy."

"I have read much during my time here, I have learned much of elves, and their culture, your highness. I read of the love that elves have. When they love, it is forever. Like a saying from my home…When two become one. I can promise you, it is not your sons life or heart you should worry about. His is intact and working quite well I assure you."

Thranduil realized then, the woman before him was heartbroken. He knew there were harbored feelings under her shell, but he had not suspected love. Thranduil felt for the woman.

"Your pain will lessen, such is the gift of mortals." He stated matter of factly, no emotion present in his voice. Her torment and agony were naught to him. He would have his son, that was all he cared about.

Finally she drew her eyes away from the horizon and looked at the King to her right, letting her barricade drop, and she instantly saw the shock and recognition in his own. "If only I were mortal, your majesty." She countered with venom, feeling ice forming on the railing beneath her hands. More quietly she added, "May I be excused? I feel I've had enough fresh air this evening."

He nodded his head, and she took the opportunity to flee, but his voice cut through the night air again, "Sometimes, fading is a blessing."

She stopped, bowing her head slightly. For once his voice held some feeling as he spoke the words. And as harsh as they sounded, she knew he offered them as some sort of comfort, from one who was living without his own wife in this world.

Finally, she was able to reply, "Fading, Your majesty, was not a blessing I was granted." And with those final words she slipped back into the throng of people, leaving Thranduil alone on the veranda.

**A/N: I have been receiving many favorites and follows! Thank you guys so much! However, the reviews have dropped drastically. Please review, tell me what you think, like, don't like, and any ideas and thoughts you have for the coming chapters. I love hearing from my readers! Also here is a link to the dress I ROUGHLY based her coronation gown on.047500f7e06bc2c68002eea95d8e28ae . jpg (take out the spaces)