Chapter 81

The day that Aragorn was crowned King was magnificent. People filled every space they could find in their attempt to see the new King of Gondor. I had no doubt in my mind that this place would flourish under his care. Eowyn stood nearby, and I had allowed Akira to accompany Eomer. Over the last three days the two had taken much interest in each other. I didn't know how to fell about that.

Gimli stood proudly, holding the crown that would be placed upon Aragorn. I smiled a little, and looked at Thorin as he wrapped an arm around my waist. Leaning into him quietly, I watched as the crown was lifted into the air. Years ago, Gandalf had done the same for us.

"Now come the days of the King," Gandalf announced after he lowered the crown to Aragorn's head. "May they be blessed."

I could tell Aragorn was nervous from where he stood. This had been a huge turn of events for him, but I knew he'd handle it with much more grace than I ever did. That almost had me snorting to myself. He had royalty running through his veins, it was natural for him to be a leader. Aragorn walked up the steps, and slowly turned to present himself to the people. Cheers and clapping erupted from behind us and I was glad we had a front row position to see him. Joy spread through the men and women among us and I clapped with them.

"This day does not belong to one man, but to all," Aragorn announced. "Let us together rebuild this world, that we may share together in the days of peace."

My ears rang with the cheering that erupted again. I lowered my head with a soft smile, and for once all the worry we had carried over the years was gone. We could be happy. Thorin pressed a kiss to the side of my head, and for a moment I was overwhelmed with emotion. His fate had been to die, but it had not been so. It was the same for his nephews. Sauron thought he could take over this world, and it had not been so. For once, we had won. We could have our happy ending. Aragorn's voice drifted over the people as he sang a soft tune, before he made his way down the aisle to greet people.

The guards stood firmly in their place as the King walked forward with a few others. He nodded toward Eowyn, and Eomer moved forward from beside the Rohirrim that was with him. He and Akira both bowed to Aragorn, who returned the gesture. I hummed softly to myself, watching my daughter before Aragorn came to stand before us. Thorin and I dipped our heads in our show of respect, and Aragorn reached forward. He took my hands, and dropped to a knee.

"Thank you, for all that you have done," he said softly. "I may not have seen you at the battle, but I know of what you did."

"Oh, hush," I smiled, as he rose to his feet. "It was nothing you wouldn't have done for us."

He grasped Thorin's arm quietly, the two warriors showing their own respects before he had to move on. I watched him approach Legolas, who was clad in finer clothes. He was taking the place as Prince, for his father. Thranduil had done wonders during the battle, having repelled attacks from Dol Goldur. A scent drifted toward my nose, and I tilted my head to see Lord Elrond present among the elves, as well as Arwen. I sucked in my breath at the emotional reunion between Aragorn and the woman he loved. He had surely thought she had either perished, or sailed to Valinor. I smiled and wrapped my arm around Thorin's.

"Don't get emotional," he grunted, his voice thick with amusement.

"It's so touching," I whispered, and Thane grunted from beside me.

Thorin chuckled softly, and I listened closely as Aragorn approached the hobbits who had been waiting for him. I could only imagine how uneasy they were, begin surrounded by humans. Especially Frodo, having just woken not long ago.

"My friends," I heard him say. "You bow to no one."

Everyone around him bowed, so we followed suit. Those extraordinary little hobbits had helped save the world. That was good enough for me. Once the crowning was over, the hall erupted into festivities. People celebrated the return of the king. It was an amazing thing to watch, and for once Thorin and I didn't take part in the large party. Lord Elrond sought us out, and we walked with the elf to a quiet place to talk.

"So what does this mean for you?" I asked, looking at the elf lord.

"When it is time, I am sure that I will be sailing West," he rumbled, glancing at me affectionately.

I nodded quietly. "Makes sense."

"Until then, you both are more than welcome to come to Rivendell whenever you'd like," he smiled. "We will keep in touch."

"Thank you, for everything," Thorin rumbled, nodding.

"And to you as well, Master Oakenshield. You have restored the alliance between elves and dwarves like never before. If any should linger in Middle Earth, may that alliance stay strong."

"We will welcome any such alliance, should elves and dwarves continue to live in Middle Earth," Thorin nodded, his expression easy.

"Father!" Thane called grinning. "May I steal you away?!"

I watched our son hurry forward, and for a moment, Thorin sighed quietly. "What have you done now?"

"I may or may not have entered you in a drinking contest," Thane answered, and Thorin groaned.

I laughed. "Since when did you ignore a good challenge."

"Since I'd like to find my own way to bed tonight."

"I'll carry you," I teased, as Thane dragged his father off.

Elrond and I both chuckled as the King was led off back into the hall. The elf looked at me, and then offered his arm. I took it as we walked to a place we could watch the sun set. He patted my hand.

"I have watched you over the years, and I'd like to tell you how proud I am," he rumbled. "You went from a shy girl, to a warrior and a beloved Queen."

"All the years of hardship make this worth it," I murmured. "To be here with him. To go home and see his nephews, and so many others. I know you can't save them all, but at least I saved them."

"That's all that matters I guess, doesn't it?" Elrond smiled.

"That is all that matters."

I turned my head at the sound of footsteps, and I watched as Aragorn and Arwen came out to join us. I smiled at them both, and let Arwen take my hands when she got to me. I squeezed them tightly for a second before dropping them.

"You both will be great rulers," I smiled.

"Thank you," Aragorn smiled.

Looking at the sun for a moment, I hummed softly to myself and then stepped off the edge of the cliff. I pushed myself into my dragon form and spread my wings wide. Lifting straight up into the air, I let the rumble leave my chest. It brought several people out to see, as I landed as gently as I could in front of the King of Gondor. Arching my neck, I lowered it down to him, and let him reach forward to lay his hand on my nose.

"Should you ever have need of me," I rumbled. "I will come. The dragon will defend this land, in case you cannot, and you will forever have an alliance with Erebor. We will join you in trade, and we will help you rebuild this world while we yet live."

"Thank you, Arina," Aragorn murmured, as I adjusted my wings. "What you have done for us, I cannot thank you enough. Should you ever have need of us, Gondor will answer."

Baring my teeth in a smile, I nudged him gently, before lifting my head again. There was my dramatics for today. Having so many people witness this form pledging an oath to Aragorn was all that was needed. The news of it would spread through the land quickly enough.

I hummed to myself and pushed myself to my human form again. I was hoping that I'd never have to use my dragon form again. Now that Middle Earth was safe, the dragon didn't need to be used. Aragorn smiled again, and reached forward to hug me. I returned it, and then excused myself to go and find Thorin. I had lingered outside with everyone long enough. I had no doubt that Thane had managed to get his father into quiet the predicament.

Moving through the crowd of people once I entered the hall, I simply followed my nose to the booze. Thorin and Thane were crushing their opponents, and for a moment I felt sorry for the poor men. Thank Mahal that Dwalin was not here.

"What did I tell ya!" Gimli snarled happily. "No one can defeat the King Under the Mountain!"

As I watched Thorin, I took in how relaxed he was. The smile that was on his face reminded me of old times, years ago. Before all of this, before our marriage. Back when Erebor had still been new, and Frerin was still alive. It seemed that just standing at that table, he was young again. Each cup of ale was downed without a breath, and he was beckoning for more. It made me smile, seeing him drinking with me. It was something I thought I'd never get to witness.

His family would be so proud of him, I knew they would. Someone came up next to me, and I looked at Akira as she folding her hands together. She smiled at me, before looping her arm through mine and leaning against me.

"Seeing Adad happy…." she murmured. "Makes all the pain we've had to go through worth it."

"I agree," I said softly, and then arched a brow. "The King of Rohan?"

Her cheeks turned tomato red, making me throw back my head and laugh. She squirmed at the noise that left me, and I turned toward her. Grabbing her hands, I kissed them, and let our foreheads touch.

"I wish you nothing but happiness, daughter," I whispered. "I really do. We all deserve it."

"Thank you, Amad," she whispered back, her cheeks still flushed.

I'm so sorry this took me so long to get out! June is a busy month! :D

Enjoy! Review?!