Chapter 22

Return of the King

The next day, all the people of Minas Tirith had gathered around, along with the many soldiers from Rohan. Elves from Legolas's homeland had come to celebrate the end of the Dark Lord. It was at the top of Minas Tirith. People stood all around the white tree as Aragorn knelt down in front of Gandalf. The wizard raised a beautiful crown in the air and slowly placed it on Aragorn's head.

"Now come the days of the King." Gandalf announced proudly. "May they be blessed." He said softly to Aragorn. The man stood and turned to face the crowd, who cheered in joy.

"This day does not belong to one man," Aragorn said. "But to all! Let us together rebuild this world that they may share in the days of peace!" White rose petals fell like confetti. The crowd cheered as they fell, that is until Aragorn began to sing. His voice rang out in elfish, his clear voice was beautiful.

Aragorn walked about to greet his people. Eyown and Faramir stood side by side. While the others left to battle by the black gate, the two stayed behind. During the long and painful wait, the two had developed a friendship, which turned into love. Now they stood together, never leaving each other's side.

Eomer stepped forward, bowing to Aragorn with respect in his eyes. Legolas and his people stepped forward, walking in union. They placed a hand on each other's shoulders. Aragorn said something in elfish. Legolas nodded.

Aragorn looked behind the elf and saw two familiar faces. Elrond was standing next to someone. The maiden was holding a flag with the symbol of Gondor. She moved it aside to reveal herself. There was Arwen.

The elf maiden walked forward until she stood in front of Aragorn. Her face seemed so hopeful. She bowed her head to the King, who reached forward and lifted her chin. She smiled before he gave her a passionate kiss.

The crowd once again cheered. Aragorn led Arwen through the crowd until they stood in front of the six hobbits. They looked up at the king and future queen before bowing.

"My friends," Aragorn said. The hobbits straightened and looked at him. "You bow to no one." He and Arwen knelt on the ground, and the rest of the crowd did the same.

Hazel had never felt so proud or even appreciated for that matter. For so long she wanted to feel like she had done something for the world and for herself. Now she was here, and hundreds of men and elves were bowing to her, appreciating her, and showing their gratitude. Without warning, tears poured down her face.

~jb~

Hours later in the halls, Hazel ran into Pippin. He seemed very nervous and agitated the moment he saw Hazel. She didn't think much of it at first.

"Hello Pippin," She said politely. "How are you?"

"Good," Pippin nodded. He seemed somewhat awkward.

"Is something bothering you?" Hazel asked.

"Sort of," Pippin replied. "It's just that…you love your sister, right?"

"Of course!" Hazel said.

Pippin laughed. "I remember when I put that spider on her violin, and she almost dropped it and broke it. I remember you slugged me a good one!"

"Yes, I did." Hazel said. "It was the same when you picked on Sam."

"Yes," Pippin agreed. "Hazel…I love your sister. Truly I do, and there is no one else in her family I can go to."

"Really?" Hazel asked, smiling and folding her arms in interest.

"Yes," Pippin said. "Are you surprised?"

"Pippin," Hazel said. "I'm never surprised by you. I have always known you loved Ruby. From day one, I could see behind the glares and teasing grins. And for that reason, you don't have to be afraid of me."

"Really?" Pippin asked.

"Unless you do something to really hurt her," Hazel said. "Then you would have to answer to me!"

Pippin laughed and nodded. "I'll remember that!" He said before bowing.

~jb~

Sam had found Merry's pipe on his desk in the room he was staying. He examined the pipe while sitting on his bed, pondering about all that had happened. Hazel walked in to greet her cousin. She stopped and noticed a concerned look on his face. She sat down next to him and waited.

"It's so strange," Sam said. "Everything's going be different now."

"Yes, Sam," Hazel said. "It is,"

"Why?" Sam asked.

"Because that's how life is," Hazel said. "You have changed a lot, my cousin. You are smarter and braver than before. But one thing that hasn't changed is the way you see the world."

"How is that?" Sam asked.

"Bright," Hazel replied. "Never change that, Samwise Gamgee." The two cousins embraced.

"What's this?" Hazel asked, after pulling away. She took the pipe and examined it. "This looks like Merry's."

"It is," Sam said. "I'm not sure what it's doing here."

"I'll give it back to him," Hazel said. She stood and left the room and wandered around, looking for Merry.

She finally found him, pacing in the halls. He seemed sad and…guilty perhaps.

"Hello Merry," She said, handing him his pipe. "You left this in Sam's room, I think."

"I did," Merry said, taking the pipe. "I did that on purpose."

"Why?" Hazel asked. "I thought you liked to smoke…what's wrong?"

"I don't think I'll ever smoke again." Merry said. "You know how I told you about Theoden? Well, he died in battle when Minas Tirith was being invaded. Before that, he said that he and I should have a smoke after the battle was over." Merry looked down at the pipe, his eyes watering. "Now…that will never happen." He held the pipe out to Hazel, expecting her to take it, but Hazel simply pushed it back toward him.

"Merry," She began. "Theoden's death was not in vain. This pain you feel will fade into a memory-a memory you shouldn't let go of. Don't quit because you feel guilty, but smoke and remember of him!"

Merry looked at her in surprise, but then he smiled, and his eyes filled with hope. "Thank you, Hazel." He said. "Thank you," He handed her something before walking away and lighting his pipe. Hazel examined the vaguely familiar object. She gasped as she realized what it was.

The old cover of her book, sitting right in front of her!

What?! It survived! It was a shame really, for it was one of her favorite books. But she shrugged and held it firmly still.

~jb~

Hazel could not stand it anymore. She just had to talk to Ruby. All the excitement and wandering around Minas Tirith had thrown off her focus, and she and Ruby never got the chance to talk alone. She and Ruby sat on Hazel's bed and just…talked. They talked about everything that had been going on in their adventures. Hazel never felt more proud of Ruby in her life when she heard how she awakened a tree army, found the cover of Hazel's book, lit the beacons, escaped death multiple times, and even fought in battle!

"Hazel," Ruby said. "There is something I have not yet told you."

"Yes?" Hazel pressed.

"Well," Ruby hesitated, and lifted her eyes toward the ceiling, figuring out what to say. "During the journey, I sort of…fell in love."

"With Pippin," Hazel finished. Ruby turned and looked at her in surprise. "Ruby, I was right. I told you that lad loves you. You didn't believe me."

"I know," Ruby said, blushing. "If only I had!" They laughed. "So," Ruby said when she regained herself. "What about you and Frodo?"

"I'm not sure," Hazel said. "I'm waiting to see what happens when we get back to the Shire."

Ruby nodded, her face lighting up. "Ah, the Shire! It's been a long time…such a long time! Too long, in fact! I can't wait to go back, I haven't even thought about it."

"I know what you mean," Hazel said. "Ruby, we owe mother-big time!"

Again, the two girls began to laugh.

When the days of rejoicing were over at last, the companions thought of returning to their own homes. Frodo went to the King as he was sitting with the Queen Arwen by the fountain, and she sang a song of Valinor, while the white tree grew and blossomed. They welcomed Frodo and rose to greet him.

"I know what you have come to say Frodo," Aragorn said. "You wish to return to your own home. Well, dearest friend, the tree grows best in the land of its sires; but for you in all the lands of the West there will ever be a welcome. And though your people have had little fame in the legends of the great, they will now have more renown than many wide realms that are no more."

"It is true," Frodo said. "I do wish to go back to the Shire. But first I must go to Rivendell. If there could be anything wanting in a time so blessed, I missed Bilbo, and I was grieved when among the household of Elrond I saw that he did not come."

"Do you wonder at that, Ring-bearer?" Arwen said. "For you know the power of that thing which is now destroyed; and all that was done by that power is now passing away. But your kinsman possessed this thing longer than you. He is ancient in years now, according to his kind, and he awaits you, for he will not again make any long journeys…save one."

"Then I beg leave to depart soon." Frodo said.

"Of course," Aragorn said.

But then Arwen spoke up again. "A gift I will give you. For I am the daughter of Elrond. I shall not go with him now when he departs to the Havens; for mine is the choice of Luthien, and as she so have I chosen, both the sweet and the bitter. But in my stead you shall go, Ring-bearer, when the time comes, and if you then desire it, and if Hazel desires so too, have her depart with you. If your hurts grieve you still and the memory of your burden is heavy, then you may pass into the West, until all your wounds and weariness are healed. But wear this now in memory of Elfstone and Evenstar. Wear it, with whom your life had been woven!"

She took a white gem like a star that lay about her neck upon a sliver chain, and she set the chain about Frodo's neck. "When memory of the fear and the darkness troubles you," She said. "This will bring you aid."

Another sappy chapter. But I remember crying while writing this chapter…

Some elements of this chapter were also pulled from the book.

And apparently, Hazel is as proud of Ruby as I am…maybe more so, sense they are sisters.

I hope you enjoyed!