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A man stood on the balcony on top of one of the highest buildings in the city of Prague.
One could say he was a man of exceptional beauty, with eyes the color of greenest emeralds, skin as pale as moonlight, and a lithe, strong body dressed in an emerald, button up shirt and skin tight black pants.
A warm wind danced in raven black, shoulder long tresses. If one looked close enough they would see strange veins on his skin. They were of a lighter shade, but could only be seen if you truly looked hard enough.
A small sad smile decorated his full, lush lips.
He sighed and looked at the sky, shivering as the chilly autumn wind danced around him.
"Ren?"
He turned slightly and looked at the man that had called for him, emerald orbs filling with love as he gazed upon the newcomer.
He was of a stronger, taller build than Ren, with hair the color of white gold and eyes as blue as the clearest skies. His ears were slightly pointed and he carried himself with the grace of a lord. His dark gray shirt and pants accentuated his pale skin and his chin long hair fell around his oval face.
"Are you ready to go?" he asked and Ren nodded. He walked over to him, placed his hands on the broad chest and leaned up to kiss thin, pale lips.
"Are they on their way?" Ren asked and his beloved nodded in answer.
"Galad just called in," he said. "Mihrimah and Seraphim are already there with their husbands and our grandchildren. Gale, Sarabi and their children should arrive shortly after us."
Ren smiled and nodded. "Let's go then. We don't want to be late."
They shared another kiss and made their way out of the apartment. Once they got out of the building they got into their car with Ren taking the passenger seat. He tied his seatbelt and leaned his forehead against the cold glass of the window.
It looked as though it would rain again.
"What is it?"
Ren looked at his beloved and smiled. "Nothing, Hale," he said and looked through the windshield.
"You've been quiet for a few days now," Hale commented dryly. "I think that after all this time I can see when you are troubled by something."
Ren laughed sadly and shook his head. He looked at his hands and his eyes settled on the two Rings he wore on his left hand. One was a wedding band, resting on his ring finger. The other was an ancient looking ring; two snakes, twisting and turning, one holding a flower, the other biting the first one's tale.
Ren sighed, looked up and a single tear slid down his cheek. "Ai amar prestar aen, Haldir," (the world has changed) he spoke in a low, deep whisper and the blond shivered at the name he hadn't heard in many, many years. "Ai amar prestar aen." (the world has changed)
Haldir reached over and covered his beloved's hands with his bigger one. "Amin sinta," (I know) he spoke in a whisper, giving his lover's hands a comforting squeeze. "I know, Ruth."
A sigh rolled off of lush lips, and Ruth rested his forehead against the window again.
'Ai amar prestar aen.' (The world has changed.)
They drove out of the city and drops of rain started to fall on the glass and slide down it.
'Han mathon ne nen.' (I feel it in the water.)
Images started flashing through Ruth's mind and he closed his eyes, forcing down a difficult swallow.
'Han mathon ne chae.' (I feel it in the Earth.)
Emerald eyes opened, a glimmer of pure silver passing through the iris.
'Han nostun ned gwilith.' (I smell it in the air.)
He caught sight of a ray of light breaking through the clouds as images of a battle fought so long ago filled his memory.
'Much that once was is lost. For few now live who remember.'
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Aragorn sat up straighter on his horse's back and spared a glance to the side. Haldir, Gandalf, Viresse, Luinil, Eomer and Theodred were to his left. Legolas, with Gimli behind him, Radagast, Boromir and Faramir were to his right and the whole army of Middle-Earth was behind them. His heart ached as he gazed upon the Gates of Moria.
For Frodo. For Ruth. For Arwen, Aragorn thought to himself and grasped the necklace that hung around his neck tightly. He nudged Brego forward and stopped half way between his Army and the Gates of Mordor.
"Let the Lord of the Black Land come forth!" he shouted. "Let justice be done upon him!"
Brego shifted and Aragorn patted his steed's neck in comfort as the huge gates in front of them started to move. Gandalf and Boromir rode over to him and Aragorn looked at them.
He looked back at the gates and frowned when a single thing - for it could not be called human - astride a decaying horse rode towards them, stopping some 10 feet in front of them. The only part of the rider that could be seen aside a full helmet and armor, was a grotesque mouth.
"My master, Sauron the Great, bids you welcome," the Mouth of Sauron spoke and all those who could hear him shivered and sneered in disgust. "Is there any in this rout with the authority to treat with me?"
"We do not come to treat with Sauron, faithless and accursed," Gandalf spoke up, with his head held high. "Tell your master this: the armies of Mordor must disband. He is to depart these lands, never to return."
The Mouth of Sauron tilted his head to the side towards Gandalf and the White Wizard frowned at him. "Old Greybeard," the Mouth of Sauron spoke, "my master knows your plans and schemes. Middle Earth belongs to him. He knows the One Ring is close, although he cannot see it, but he will find it. He will. And the Halfling that dared touch what belongs to my master will pay dearly." The three tensed up as the Mouth of Sauron grinned at them. "I heard Halflings can endure much pain. Negotiate with my master and you might find your deaths quicker."
Aragorn nudged Brego, and Gandalf and Boromir exchanged a glance while Aragorn rode forward.
"And who is this?" the Mouth of Sauron spoke mockingly. "Isildur's heir?" He snickered evilly as Aragorn approached him. "It takes more to make a king than a broken Elvish b…"
With a quick, hard slice, Aragorn cut the Mouth of Sauron's head off. He snorted as the horse broke into a run and the decaying body of the Mouth of Sauron joined its head on the ground in front of the Gates.
Aragorn turned Brego around and looked at Gandalf and Boromir.
"I guess that concludes negotiations," Boromir spoke with a smirk, one Aragorn responded to with a smirk of his own.
They tensed up when they felt as though a burning hot wind hit them and Aragorn turned to look up, only to lose his breath. The Eye of Sauron was upon them and the door started to creak open, revealing an army of marching Orcs.
The tower of Barad-dur loomed in the background, the Eye now staring at Aragorn.
"Pull back..." Aragorn hissed and Boromir and Gandalf turned their horses. "Pull back!"
They galloped back to the first line of defense. Aragorn looked at the marching Army of Mordor and then at those fighting for the Freedom of Middle Earth. He looked in their eyes and his heart clenched.
"Hold your ground!" Aragorn called out and every head turned to him.
Elves and Men alike stood in front of him and Aragorn felt as though his heart soared. He looked at Gandalf and Radagast, at Viresse and Luinil, at Boromir and Faramir, at Theodred and Eomer, at Legolas and Gimli and his eyes settled on Haldir. It was as though he could see Ruth's comforting eyes looking at him through Haldir's unyielding gaze.
Aragorn nodded for himself and looked at his Army again.
"Sons of Middle Earth!" he shouted. "My brothers! I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me!" He looked around.
The Army of Mordor was closing in on them, spreading to the sides, trying to surround them, and Aragorn swallowed audibly and straightened his back turning to face his friends again.
"A day may come when the courage of Men fails; when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of Fellowship, but it is not this day!"
His closest friends looked at him and he could see hope shine in their eyes. Radagast and Gandalf held on to their staffs, their eyes glowing with power Aragorn has never seen in them.
"An hour of wolves and shattered shields when the Age of Men comes crashing down!"
The men let go of a thundering roar and Aragorn felt every single hair on his body rise. It felt as though he could hear their hearts beating as one and his heart soared.
"But it is not! This! Day!"
The Army cried out a powerful cheer, and Aragorn raised his head proudly as swords and spears and shields rose in the air.
"This day we fight!"
Another cheer, louder than the last one, louder than anything Aragorn has ever heard broke the air and the sun shone upon them.
"By all that you hold dear on this good Earth, I bid you –stand, Men of the West!" Aragorn turned Brego around with his sword held high. The Army of Mordor encircled them and for a second everything stilled as Aragorn gazed up at the Eye.
"Aragorn…"
The Dúnedain's eyes widened and his heart clenched within his chest.
"Elessar…"
An ominous whisper caressed Aragorn's mind and cold shivers passed down his back, making him lose his breath. In the next moment warmth spread through his body, and new strength surged through him.
'You will not harm him!' Ruth's voice echoed through Aragorn's mind and his heart felt as though it would spring out of his chest.
Aragorn smiled and looked at his closest friends over his shoulder for a second, with an almost serene smile.
"For Frodo," he spoke lowly before he turned to face their Enemy. "CHARGE!"
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"TAUMADA!" (Grandfather!)
"Galen! Harmony!" Ruth called out in joy and kneeled to catch two of his grandchildren into a warm, loving hug.
"It's been so long, taumada," Harmony said and Ruth laughed happily.
"Yes. It's been quite a while," he said and let go of them to stand up.
"What? I am not worthy of greetings?" Haldir spoke from behind Ruth and the younglings cried out in denial, rounding Ruth to jump on Haldir.
Ruth looked up and saw two of his children standing there with their spouses and older children.
Mihrimah, his youngest and only daughter, was still as beautiful as ever. She had long, flowing blond hair and she inherited Haldir's eyes as well. Her figure was curvaceous and she carried herself like a princess even after all these years. A small smile was tilting her lips and her husband stood beside her with their other children, Aragorn, Evan and Evelyn. Each had something of Mihrimah and something of Jonathan, their father, but Aragorn and Evelyn had something only four other of Ruth's children and grandchildren had.
His eyes.
Beside them stood Seraphim and his husband Ruben. Seraphim was Ruth and Haldir's second son and he was practically a spitting image of Ruth with his lithe form and raven black hair and Ruben stood beside him like a huge, stone wall, topping even Haldir for a few centimeters in height. Standing beside Seraphim and Ruben was Raphael, their first son, grandson to Ruth and Haldir.
All of them were smiling at Ruth lovingly and he hugged each one of them tightly upon reaching them.
"It really has been a long time, Ada," Mihrimah said after they exchanged hugs.
"Your father and I were up to our necks in business, yelya," (my daughter) Ruth said. "This past year alone has been quite strenuous."
"You still could have called, grandpapa," Evelyn complained and Ruth looked at her with eyes full of sadness.
"I am sorry, Eve. I promise it will not happen again," Ruth apologized lovingly.
Just then another car parked beside Haldir and Ruth's car.
"Tegalad!" Ruth called out happily and his firstborn waved at Ruth while helping his lovely wife, Sarabi, out of the car. Their youngest son, Peter, came out of the car and two more cars drove over. Tegalad's sons, Frodo and Samuel, with their wives, Lucy and Rahela, came out, helping their children out of the car.
Ruth swallowed with slight difficulties as he watched his big family.
They were all together now.
Haldir walked over to Ruth and wrapped an arm around his smaller husband's waist before he bowed down and stole a chaste kiss from Ruth's willing lips. "We are all together now, Ruth," he said and the Wizard smiled up at him.
"Ná," (yes) Ruth said and grinned widely as his great-grandchildren ran towards him.
We are all together.
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"The Orcs are leaving," Sam whispered. He and Frodo were hiding behind a rock.
Orodruin was right in front of them and they watched as hundreds of Orcs marched towards the Gates of Mordor. The Great Eye was pointing in the same direction and Frodo couldn't help but laugh weakly.
He was tired and aching and the Ring has grown heavier despite Ruth's enchantments. "We must hurry," he spoke. "We're getting closer."
Sam nodded and looked around. Their eyes met and Frodo offered Sam his hand. Sam swallowed, smiled at Frodo and took his hand, squeezing it tightly.
Frodo smiled at Sam and pulled his hood low over his face. Sam did the same and they disappeared from sight.
They pushed forward as fast as they could. They were close; so close.
Just a bit more and everything would be over.
It would be over.
It would be over.
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Ruth felt it the moment it happened. His heart stopped beating for a second, his breath hitched in his throat and his knees gave out from underneath him.
"Master Ruthímiel!" Derum cried out in fear and rushed over to Ruth. He kneeled beside the Wizard and looked around in panic. "Matron Rosemary?! Matron Rosemary!"
"Derum!" Ruth gasped and fisted his hand on Derum's shoulder and the young soldier looked at him with panic written all over his face.
"What is it?" Derum asked in a breathless, wavering voice.
"Take me – Take me to the citadel," Ruth breathed out and Derum gaped, wanting to argue but not finding the right words. "My – My spells on the Ring have broken. Frodo is not yet at Orodruin. You must – you must help me get to the citadel."
"But…"
"Please!" Ruth cried out weakly and looked in Derum's eyes. "Please!"
Derum nodded quickly. He wrapped his arms around Ruth's waist and hoisted him up and Ruth threw his good arm around Derum's shoulders. They rushed out of the Houses of Healing as quickly as they could.
It took them far too long in Ruth's opinion to reach the citadel, but once they were in the Throne Room, Ruth pushed himself away from Derum and rushed over to the Throne. On the first step, lying in a pile of fur was the Palantír. Ruth fell on his knees in front of it and looked up.
"Please," he pleaded, praying for forgiveness. "Please, forgive me," tears trailed down his cheeks, "but I cannot let him die. Take my status. Take my powers. But please, let me help him. Let me help him. One last time."
Derum's eyes opened wide. The bandage that was on Ruth's good arm for safety reasons burned away as the Istar looked down at the Palantír. In that moment a strong wind picked up speed and Derum was pushed back. He yelped and raised his arms to protect his face from the cutting wind.
Through the gap between his arms he saw Ruthímiel grab the Palantír with his good arm before raising it up and looking into it.
Derum screamed as he was thrown out of the room. He fell on his back and just as he climbed back up to his feet the door of the Throne Room slammed closed.
"No..." he breathed out as the skies darkened and thunder clashed. "Master Ruthímiel!"
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"What is this?!" Eomer shouted as the ground shook.
They were standing their ground successfully up until the moment when thunder roared in the sky. Aragorn looked up and his heart sunk. The Great Eye was turned towards Orodruin.
"Ruth's spell must have broken! Sauron can feel that the Ring is close!" Faramir shouted before he decapitated an Orc.
"FIGHT! DO NOT LET THE ORCS RUN FOR ORODRUIN!" Gandalf yelled while Radagast looked around nervously. Seeing he had no immediate enemies, he put his hand to his lips and let go of a high pitched, loud whistle that made everyone wince, even the Orcs. A moment later he went back to fighting. Another thunder clashed and everyone stumbled when a loud screech broke the air.
"What is going on?!" Boromir shouted and everyone looked up. Men, Elf and Orc alike looked in shock as the Great Eye spun around wildly.
"You will not take him!"
A familiar voice echoed through the air and a wave of powerful magic shook everything.
"Ruthímiel!" Haldir shouted, voice dripping with pain and sorrow.
"You cannot have any of them!"
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"Hurry, Mr. Frodo! The entrance is right over there!" Sam shouted, grabbed Frodo's arm and pulled him along. Both were tired, both were holding on to the last bits of strength they had, but they would not give up. They would not give up now that they were so close to bringing their quest to an end.
"You cannot have any of them!"
Frodo's head snapped up when Ruth's voice thundered through the air, breaking through the haze the Ring caused in Frodo's mind. New determination shone in Frodo's eyes as strength filled him and he pushed himself up. Sam grinned and together they walked through the entrance of Orodruin.
"There!" Sam shouted and pointed at the top of a cliff above the fiery chasm.
Frodo pushed himself to his limits and ran forward, ripping the ring from around his neck, but before he got far he heard Sam yelp in pain and someone slammed into him.
"Smart little hobbitses!" Sam turned on his back and found Gollum leaning over him with an insane look in his eyes, jumping off of Sam and charging at Frodo. "Gollum! You won't destroy Precious! Gollum!" The poor creature screamed as he tried to take the Ring from Frodo, but the Hobbit fought him with all his might.
"No!" Frodo screamed when Gollum managed to pull the Ring out of the Hobbit's hand and jumped away from Frodo. The chain the Ring hung on met the ground as Gollum danced around, laughing loudly.
Anger filled Frodo's heart and he pushed himself up. "I didn't go through darkness and flame for this," he growled as he advanced towards Gollum. "I did not suffer the weight of the Ring for this!" he screamed and attacked Gollum.
Sam opened his eyes weakly and his heart skipped a beat when he saw Frodo and Gollum struggling on the very edge of the cliff. "FRODO!" he screamed when the two slipped and fell. He jumped on his feet and ran forward, falling on his stomach, crying out in relief when he found Frodo holding on. "TAKE MY HAND!" he shouted and Frodo looked up at him. His blue eyes were filled with something indescribable and he was looking at Sam with an unreadable gaze. "REACH!" Sam screamed and that snapped Frodo out of stupor. He growled as he swung his arm back. In the next moment Sam grabbed Frodo's arm and pulled him up.
At that moment, the Ring melted in the fires of Orodruin and everything shook. The two ran out and fell to their knees.
A screech of pure hatred, rage and pain filled the air and they looked up.
It has been done.
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It took a moment for the Men of Middle Earth to realize what has happened, but as the Orcs started running away in panic and fear they finally figured it out.
Heartfelt cheers filled the air as the Fellowship gathered around Aragorn.
"FRODO DID IT!" Gimli shouted. "HE DID IT!"
Aragorn's eyes, filled with joy, met Haldir's wide eyed stare and Aragorn's heart stopped. The Elf looked pale and shaken and he was looking around frantically. "Haldir!"
"I must go to Ruth!" Haldir shouted. He finally found a horse without a rider and ran towards it.
"Haldir, wait!"
In that moment the Eagles swooped down on them, distracting Aragorn for long enough, and Haldir galloped away.
Please be alright, Ruthímiel! Please! Please, be alright!
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"I sure hope we'll have enough place for everyone, Ruth spoke jokingly as they entered the huge Mansion in the Carpathian Mountains, mountains once known as Emyn Muil.
It was more a palace then a mansion. Ruth and Haldir had it build far away from any city, town or village. It was a place where they could all be themselves without fearing normal, unknowing humans would see their children practicing magic or sword fighting or merely having fun.
"Evelyn, please show the youngest among us to their rooms," Ruth asked. "Sarabi, Mihrimah, I will need your help in the kitchen." Haldir smiled at Ruth and kissed him before joining their sons and son-in-laws on their way toward the back garden.
"I will help you as well, ada," Seraphim said and followed his sister, sister-in-law and Ruth into the kitchen.
The night was still a few hours away but they were a big family and they needed to be fed and if they knew anything about their ada, it was that he loved to see his family happy.
And they were.
They were.
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"Ruthímiel!" Haldir shouted as he slammed the door of the Throne Room open Derum standing behind him pale and panicking. Haldir halted in his step, his heart skipped a beat and his breath hitched in his throat.
At the bottom of the stairs was Ruth. The Palantír was lying broken by his side.
And Ruth wasn't moving.
"RUTH!" Haldir screamed in pain and ran over to him. Tears trailed down his cheeks as he gathered Ruth's lax body into his arms. "Please, Ruth…" he whispered as he brushed Ruth's hair away from his face, caressing pale cheeks and wiping the blood off of full lips. "Please – please wake up!" He gasped out a breath and hugged Ruth close to his chest. "Don't leave me alone! Please!" he cried out and hugged Ruth tightly to his chest. A breath of warm wind danced around him and Haldir's breath hitched in his throat when Ruth shivered in his arms. "Ruth!" he cried out and moved back a bit.
"Haldir?" Ruth murmured and looked at Haldir with bleary eyes. "What – What happened?"
In that moment a light shone in front of them and Haldir raised his head. A beautiful woman with dark skin and long white hair appeared before them. A loving smile was on her lips as she kneeled beside Ruth, looking down at him with a motherly gaze.
"You've really outdone yourself this time, my Son," she spoke and her voice sounded like millions of voices whispering at the same time.
"Mother?"
"Magic?" Ruth and Haldir spoke at the same time and Magic giggled. She ran her fingers through Ruth's hair and to Haldir's surprise the sling on Ruth's left arm vanished, the blood stopped flowing from his nose and he started breathing lightly.
"You've broken every possible rule in the Book, Calenim'othar," Magic spoke fondly and Ruth laughed brokenly.
"I know," he whispered and Magic's eyes filled with love.
"You know that you must be punished for that," she stated and Ruth gulped.
"Punished?" Haldir stuttered out weakly and Magic looked into his eyes.
"Yes, I am afraid it is so."
"Have the Valar decided on my punishment?" Ruth asked and his hand fisted on his stomach.
"Yes, my Son," Magic spoke lovingly. "You are to remain in Middle Earth until the End of All Days with your husband and however many children you might birth. On the Final Day all of you shall be allowed to walk into the Undying lands, but not a day sooner."
Ruth's eyes opened wide and Magic smiled at him.
"But that is not..."
"Do not look a gift horse in the mouth, young Elf," Magic spoke mischievously and winked at Haldir, "lest it bites you." She looked at Ruth again, bowed down and kissed his forehead. "Live and be happy, my Son. I shall watch over you. Always."
In a flash of blinding white light Magic disappeared.
Haldir looked around in confusion until a gentle, loving hand cupped his cheek. He looked in Ruth's beautiful eyes and his heart danced in his chest. "Ruth?"
"Kiss me, a'mael," Ruth whispered and Haldir felt as though all the fear and pain, sorrow and suffering was washed away. "It is over. It has been done." Ruth's lips tilted into the most beautiful smile Haldir has ever seen. "We won."
Haldir bowed down and kissed his beloved with everything he had.
Yes.
They won.
They were finally free.
They won.
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Ruth smiled as he looked around. The celebration in the honor of Aragorn's coronation was in full swing.
Aragorn and Arwen were sitting at the King's table with huge, happy smiles on their faces. The Hobbits were fooling around in the dancing crowd. Legolas and Gimli were locked in a fierce drinking duel. Boromir was dancing with Viresse. Faramir and Eowyn were not far behind them, while Luinil and Eomer watched over them with fond smiles, standing suspiciously close. Gandalf and Radagast were on the balcony, shooting thousands of fireworks into the night sky.
Men and Elf alike were drinking and laughing and celebrating.
Ruth sighed and rubbed his stomach lovingly.
It has been a month since the war ended.
A lot has happened in the mean time, but it would not be mentioned tonight anymore. Honors were given to the brave dead. Now it was time for the living.
Ruth shivered when two loving arms wrapped themselves around his waist and warm lips kissed his shoulder.
"Lle Maa vanima," (You look beautiful.) Haldir whispered against Ruth's ear. The Istar laughed quietly and turned in Haldir's arms.
He kissed his proud Elf with everything he had and felt Haldir's moan resonate in his chest. "We are free. We are alive. I think there is no bigger beauty than that," Ruth whispered and looked up in Haldir's scorching gaze.
"I do believe that you are wrong," Haldir said and Ruth raised an eyebrow at him, "for there is no greater beauty for me in the world than seeing a smile on your face."
Ruth's smile widened and he kissed Haldir again.
"Ruth!" They parted when someone called out to the Wizard and the two realized the hall has grown silent. "Sing something for us!" Pippin shouted and Ruth rolled his eyes.
"You are drunk, young Pippin!" he called out to the Hobbit and everyone laughed.
"Please, sing for us, Ruth!" Frodo shouted.
"Sing!" Merry cheered and all of a sudden every single person in the hall was chanting. Ruth laughed when Haldir kissed his forehead and pushed him forward.
"Alright! Alright!" Ruth walked over to stand beside Aragorn. The King of Gondor smiled at him and Ruth nodded in return. He raised his head and looked at Haldir. A smile tilted Ruth's lips and his eyes drifted over the gathered men and women.
And he knew just which song to sing.
There was a time when the skies were gray;
when souls were crying and hearts were breaking.
There was a time when thunders were clashing
and mountains and plains burned in flames.
There was a time when all hope was lost,
when we cried and prayed for a new dawn to shine.
There was a time when boundaries were crossed,
when we knew not if the Sun would rise.
There was a time when we were alone;
when cold was the night and all light was gone.
There was a time when we died and lost.
There was a time when a war was fought.
Then there came the Sun with a phoenix' song;
trumpets sounded in the dead of night.
The night grew darker, just before dawn,
and hope grew strong in our hearts.
Then there was joy and strength and valor;
the voices of Men crying out freedom.
Swords were brandished, shields were risen
and horse hooves shook in a maddening rhythm.
There was a time when we sang songs of woe.
There was a time when we cried in pain.
Tonight is the night when we celebrate life.
Tonight is the night when we cry in joy.
Raise your heads, proud sons of Men.
Raise your cups and sing until dawn.
You are free of sorrow; free of war.
Let the skies shake with your triumphant song.
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"Careful!" Ruth called out as he, Mihrimah, Sarabi and Evelyn brought dessert on the table and everyone started reaching for the delicious treats. Ruth shook his head with a fond smile as he walked over to take his seat at the top of the table to Haldir's left.
"You promised us a story, taumada!" cried Tegalad's granddaughter, Allison, and Ruth laughed.
"I thought you were too old for bedtime stories," he drawled and she rolled her eyes.
"I think I heard you say once that one is never too old for storytelling," Seraphim teased his father and Ruth rolled his eyes.
"Besides, it's tradition," Mihrimah said and Ruth sighed.
He looked around at all the joyful faces.
It has been over 4000 years. A very, very long time.
The world has changed, he thought. He had loved and lost only to love again with his family ever growing. Friends came and went as time took them, but Ruth couldn't say he was unhappy.
Haldir squeezed Ruth's hand and the Istar looked at his beloved.
No, Ruth could never say that he was unhappy.
He had Haldir.
He had his sons and daughters.
He had his grandchildren; and his great-grandchildren.
And he was happy.
"Grandpapa?"
He looked down when the youngest among them, three year old Eowyn tugged on his sleeve. He smiled lovingly at her and picked her up, putting her in his lap.
"Alright," Ruth said and she grinned at him. "What story should I tell you?" he asked and looked around.
"The story you're writing!" Galen yelled and hopped in his chair and everyone else nodded in agreement. Ruth smiled as Eowyn snuggled against him. Haldir threw an arm around Ruth's shoulders and Ruth leaned into his side.
"It is a long story," he warned.
"We have all the lifetimes of the world, Ada," Tegalad said and Ruth smiled.
Yes.
They had all the lifetimes of the world.
They have seen civilizations rise and fall.
They have seen wars and times of peace.
They have seen a lot and stayed together through it all.
And they still had time.
They had all the time in the world.
"Alright," Ruth said and kissed Eowyn's forehead.
Everyone settled more comfortably, their gazes locked onto Ruth filled with excitement. He laughed quietly, started running his fingers through Eowyn's soft, golden locks and started the long story.
"In a hole in the ground there lived a Hobbit…"
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THE END
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And now excuse me while I go and cry.