Ok, I know I keep saying that the next one will be the last one but I really mean it this time. This just seemed like a good place to stop and it's longer than most chapters so I thought I would leave it there. There is one chapter left where Legolas will finally be able to talk to Estrella about what she said to him and an epilogue if I reach 200 reviews. I'm sorry this isn't the chapter you were hoping for but I wanted one dedicated to his reaction and this had way more stuff that needed to happen in it so I just left it there. Please forgive me! The next one will be up soon though and I promise it will be the one you've all been waiting for! Thanks for your patience!

Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings.

Chapter 20:

It was Eomer who found me wandering.

"You're awake!" was the first thing he said, the surprise clearly visible on his face.

"Yes I am," I laughed.

"I was worried," he said seriously as he stepped towards me, his brows furrowed.

"As you can see, there was no need for that. I am alive and well." I held out my arms as if to demonstrate that I was whole. His face turned slightly pink. "What?" I asked.

"Your attire," he replied, averting his eyes. I looked down and saw I was still wearing my nightgown. I rolled my eyes.

"Oh yes," I commented sarcastically. "How scandalous." His face turned a little redder at that but he still wouldn't look at me. "Oh for the love of...I'll go change, alright?"

"That would be best." Eomer agreed, keeping his gaze on the wall behind me.

I shook my head and made my way back to my room. I entered and stopped in my tracks as three different women turned to look at me.

"Uh-what?"

The rest of the morning was a blur.

Apparently the three women were sent to "get me ready" for Aragorn's coronation. It seemed that that was happening later that day and everyone in the Citadel was preparing themselves for it. Two of the women tugged my hair every which way and the other was making adjustments on the dress that had been chosen for me. I was very thankful when it was over.

"Take a look," the woman who had been doing things to my dress said as she stepped back to admire her work. I turned towards the mirror and examined myself.

I had to admit, I didn't look bad. My hair was done up in an elaborate style with a silver circlet weaved through it. A few golden strands fell loose and framed my face. There was no makeup, I assumed they didn't have that in Middle Earth but for whatever reason my cheekbones seemed more defined and my lips a bit pinker. My dress was long and a light blue, like a clear stream. The middle opened up to reveal a white skirt beneath, as dresses did in olden times. It was simple but I liked it.

"Thank you," I said genuinely to the women. They nodded and smiled before leading me out to the place where I had watched the sunrise. It was full of people and I suddenly felt overwhelmed. There was a small part sectioned off with guards and that's where I found Eomer. I gripped his arm after he greeted me and tried not to focus on the crush of people, rather working on keeping my mind and eyes on the spectacle taking place.

I watched as Aragorn walked up the stairs, truly looking like a king in his red cloak. Gandalf placed the crown on his head dramatically and I smiled. Aragorn would be a great ruler, I just knew it.

"Now come the days of the king," Gandalf told the people gathered for the ceremony. His voice was amplified in the way that only his voice ever managed to be. Then he said quietly, so only the people closest to him could hear, "may they be blessed."

"Here, here," I said softly and Aragorn's eyes flickered over to me. He looked shocked for a moment before a smile covered his features. His eyes sparkled with the promise that we would talk later. I nodded at him ever so slightly.

He turned to his people and as he did so, he seemed younger than I had ever seen him. The lines that the war had brought to his face disappeared and he looked more regal than ever. The crowd cheered as he faced them and I knew that he would be loved dearly by all who met him.

"This day does not belong to one man," he began as everyone quieted. "But to all." I squeezed Eomer's arm and he looked down at me, softness in his gaze. I smiled at him and he returned the gesture. "Let us together rebuild this world that we may share in the days of peace." Everyone cheered again and white rose petals fell from the sky. I spotted Eowyn through the crowd with a handsome golden haired man I had never seen before. I waved at her and she nodded in reply, an expression of love and joy on her face. It suddenly occurred to me that I didn't see Theoden. I wanted to ask about him but I felt that now wasn't the time.

The crowd went dead silent to listen as Aragorn began to sing. His voice was deep and gravely, like sand over rocks but at the same time, soft. It was entrancing, the kind of voice that you didn't get tired of, that could sooth you in the darkest of times.

Eomer pulled me out in front of the guards as Aragorn began to walk down the steps. We both nodded at him as he passed, as did Eowyn and her blonde friend. Next came Legolas and a party of elves who seemed to glow as if they bathed in liquid moonlight. I felt my heart stop for a moment as I gazed upon him, not seeing anything else other than him. He wore a silver circlet similar to mine and I felt my stomach drop in realization.

"He's a king," I breathed. Eomer shook his head.

"He's a prince," he whispered to me. How could I not have known? I should've realized by the way he spoke of his father and Mirkwood. I wanted to bang my head against the wall. Sometimes I was so stupid.

I watched as Aragorn placed a hand on Legolas's shoulder. Legolas responded in the same fashion, putting his hand on the new king's opposite shoulder. Aragorn said something in Elvish and Legolas smiled softly, glancing away from him for a moment. Aragorn's head turned in that direction and I could just barely see the hope and astonishment on his face as two elves stepped aside to reveal a white banner. There was an elfin woman behind it and I only just managed to stop myself from gasping when I saw her. She had an incredible resemblance to Lúthien; they shared the same nose, eyes and dark hair. She was not quite as gorgeous but she was pretty close. As I had with Eowyn, I felt an irrational rush of jealousy. I blushed at my vanity.

Aragorn moved away from Legolas slowly, treading carefully as if afraid he were in a dream and he could wake up at any given time, spoiling it. The woman walked towards him, the banner still in her hands. They stopped about a foot from each other and I could see tears in her eyes. Aragorn reached down and took a hold of the banner, giving it to someone off to the side. She bowed her head and he lifted her chin. The smile that graced her lips was one of pure happiness and light. They stared at each other for a moment more before Aragorn surged forward and kissed her passionately.

"Whoa," I said so only Eomer could hear. "That escalated quickly." He snorted but hastily turned it into a cough when someone looked our way. He glared down at me as everyone cheered. "What?" I asked innocently. He tried to look serious but his smile betrayed him as he shook his head at me.

"You are ridiculous," he stated.

"And that's why you love me," I said with a grin as I turned back to the action

The people had parted so Aragorn and the lovely woman could get through. They stopped and gazed at someone.

"Lift me up," I told Eomer. He shot me a look.

"What?"

"I can't see!"

He seemed like he was going to refuse judging by the scandalized expression he wore but I gave him my best puppy dog eyes and he sighed. He took a hold of my waist and lifted me so I could just make out the top of 4 little Hobbit heads. I recognized Merry and Pippin and assumed the others were Frodo and Sam, who I had heard about. When did they get here? I wondered. They bowed to Aragorn and he stepped forward.

"My friends," I heard him say as Eomer put me down. "You bow to no one."

And then everyone was on their knees, myself included. I glanced up to see three of the hobbits looking confused and uncomfortable and Pippin looking pleased as if he was finally getting the respect he deserved. I stifled a laugh and promised myself I would give him a small whack on the head later to keep him humble.

After the coronation there were festivities. Everyone laughed and drank and danced until our faces hurt from the smiles that we had held there for so long and our throats were raw from all the singing and talking. It was near the beginning that Eomer pulled me aside to tell me what had happened when I was asleep.

I had needed to sit down. Theoden was dead.

"This is my fault." I said looking up at him with tears in my eyes. "If I hadn't told him to go to Gondor-"

Eomer shook his head and assured me that it didn't have anything to do with me.

"He died the death he had wanted." He told me sincerely. "A hero's death."

That had made me feel a little better but it didn't stop me from crying into Eomer's shirt as he held me, apparently throwing propriety to the wind to comfort me in my grief. He also told me that Frodo had succeeded in dropping the Ring into Mount Doom (which I had guessed already since people wouldn't be so happy if the we hadn't won the war) and that the Eagles had flown over to Mordor to retrieve him and Sam before the entire land collapsed in on itself.

"How did I get out?" I asked in confusion once I had wiped away my tears and pulled myself together.

"Legolas," was all Eomer said in reply. I opened my mouth then closed it. Eventually I just nodded.

After that Eomer went to introduce me to Eowyn's betrothed, Faramir, the steward of Gondor. He was very nice and kind of perfect for her, even though I didn't know her that well. I went to see the Hobbits next, introducing myself to Frodo who had dark hair and the bluest eyes I had ever seen in my life. He was honestly the most adorable thing and I hugged him and thanked him for saving my new home. Sam had light hair that was shorter and less curly than the other Hobbits.

"I've heard you were very brave," I said with a kind smile as I kneeled next to him. He blushed and shook his head.

"I didn't do much," he began. I cut him off by kissing his cheek. His blush deepened.

"That's not what I heard." My eyes sparkled as I stood. I made to leave and ended up almost running into Gandalf.

"Oh, there you are." The way he said it made it seem like he had been looking for me for ages. "I heard you were awake."

"You heard correctly." I replied with a small tilt of my head in acknowledgement.

"We should talk." It sounded like a suggestion but I knew it wasn't. He led me out of the main room and into a corridor where we were alone.

"What did you want to speak about?" I asked.

"Your memory," he said and his eyes twinkled as if he already knew the answer to the question he was about to ask. "Did you regain it?"

"It doesn't matter," I told him firmly. "My place is here now and these people are my family. My old life isn't an issue anymore. I'm Estrella and I plan on staying that way for a long time."

He then smiled at me like a father might and laughed deeply.

"Wonderful," he said. "Since this is no longer a problem, go back and enjoy the festivities."

I nodded and returned the room, deciding not to worry for the rest of the night; deciding to only have fun.

Love it? Hate it? PLEASE REVIEW! It would mean a lot and it would mean more reviews for you! 1 chapter left and an epilogue if I get to 200 reviews! It'll be up soon. Hope you liked the chapter even though it was a filler one! Tell me what you think!

Thanks,

~Liliana