The remaining Ringwraiths have taken to the air again. I see them approaching the fight below on their steeds, ready to terrorize my friends. "Those vile beasts." I hiss. The memory of my last encounter with them stands fresh in my memory. Gwaihir casts his eyes back to me as I fidget restlessly.
"Let us free the world of their terror! May their haunting shrieks never echo across the plains again, sending fear through every living creature and filling the nightmares of children! Never again!" I call out to my companions, only to receive angry and determined cries in return.
Gwaihir and the others fold their wings for a quick descend and swoop in before any of those Ringwraiths can as much touch one of Middle-Earth's children. Soon the air is filled with shrieks and snarls. They are no match as we outdo them in speed, strength and durability. One after the other falls.
I swipe my blade within the fray and hardly look back as a Ringwraith is beheaded as a result, its body collapsing in on itself. Leaving the safety of the eagle's back, I jump off to face the next one. I am careful not to be caught off guard again.
We are just finishing with a cleansing of the air when a terribly shriek pierces the air. My head whip towards the source, my eyes searching the barren lands beyond the walls. The only things to stand out are Mount Doom and the black tower, upon it is the terrible eye of Sauron, burning from eternal flames…but something seems amiss.
It writhes as if in pain, before shrinking slightly. It is then that its pillar starts to crack and crumble. I watch in amazement as the tower collapses, at a complete loss for words. Suddenly, the eye seems to implode on itself before sending out a tremendous shockwave.
I tumble in the air a little as I get caught up in it, but manage to stay in flight. The dust spreads in a large cloud, but despite the chaos, amazement grips my heart. I can only come to one conclusion. Turning my gaze towards the mountain, I know that Frodo and hopefully Sam as well, are there somewhere. And they did it…they destroyed the One Ring.
The earth crumbles like the tower, taking Orc, Trolls and Goblins to its depths. Meanwhile, the Rohirrim and my friends are left unharmed. It's as if the land has been rotting as evil walked upon it and is finally breathing a sigh of relief before letting go of it all.
I look down at the people below me and see Gandalf sticking out like a sore thumb in his white robes. He glances up at me and I swear I can see his eyes water. I smile down at the Wizard, and he laughs, full of delight. Cheers fill the air. Victory is ours.
A sudden explosion makes me jerk in surprise and as I look up, I'm faced with a sight that makes dread fill my heart. "Noooo!" I scream in horror as Mount Doom unleashes its fury. An eruption sends lava, rock and smoke high into the air. I know that anyone in or on it has not stood a chance. "Frodo. Sam." I whisper, my lips trembling.
I sink to the ground, feeling weak. We are at our most powerful moment, and I feel weak. I can't bare to look at anyone's faces. I can guess what they express. I hear the Hobbits crying over the violence of the mountain.
"Let's find them." a soft voice utters next to me, making me glance up to find Gandalf. A tear rolls down his aged cheek. "But Gandalf…" I utter in whisper. 'There might be nothing left to find.' I tell him through my eyes, making him suck in a breath through his teeth as he squeezes his eyes together as if in pain. After taking a deep, breath, he opens his eyes again. "Let's find them." he repeats.
I blink up at him for a moment before nodding slowly. "All right." I say before taking off again, knowing Gandalf will be close behind with the help of Gwaihir.
I soar over the barren land that is starting to fill with the spilt glowing rock mass. The hot air beats at the bottom of my wings in an erratic way. I have trouble to keep myself steady as my eyes roam over every inch of rock that is left untouched.
Circling the mountain, I gasp as my eyes fall on two figures amidst the bubbling heat. Stranded on outcrop like an island in a fast ocean of red, they lay there, motionless. Without a second thought, I dive towards them, trying to ignore the scorching heat that bites at my skin. It is near blistering.
"Sam! Frodo!" I call out over the roar of the mountain, putting my hands to their chests. To my relief, I find a heartbeat, though weak. It is no wonder. As I look them over, they are in a bad state. I can only guess at what they have been through. It must have been horrendous.
I'm very much surprised when Frodo opens his eyes just slightly. "Frodo! Hold on my dear Hobbit!" I call to him, grasping his limp hand. He seems to want to speak, but can only open and close his mouth soundlessly. "Promise you'll stay with me Frodo. Home is not far. Your friends wait for you." I tell him, making him break the tiniest of smiles before his eyes roll to the back of his head.
Worry grips my heart, but there is nothing I can do now. Looking up, I see Gandalf approaching. Stepping aside, I let the eagles swoop past me and take the limp bodies away from the pits of fire before following them. "It's over my friends. Now live."
I doze in the sunlight, soothed by the steady beat of a heart below me and fingers nimbly running through my hair. "I love you." a voice whispers in my other ear, making my mouth twitch. "I love you too." I reply in a whisper, sighing as soft lips brush my cheek. "Marry me."
"Really?" I ask, looking over my shoulder with wide eyes at the Elf straddling me from behind as we sit in the window seat overlooking the white city. Legolas laughs loudly at the question, rocking us both in our seat. "You are incredible Therith." he heaves as his laughter dies down. I blush at the statement.
He shakes his head in amusement. "I ask you to spend your life with me and that is the answer I get." he scolds light heartedly, not in the least worried about it. "I'm sorry." I quickly apologize before smiling up at him. "I have no doubt in my heart if it concerns you. If forever existed, I would take it." I tell him, making his smile broaden. "Good." he says, capturing my lips with his.
After a moment of bliss, I can't help but pull back, out of breath. That's when a thought occurs to me. "B-but…" I stammer, making him quirk a brow curiously. "Your father…" I continue, stopping there. It's all I need to say. "Ah." he hums, though looking amused. "I can't remember having that stopping me for a long while. Since I met you to be precise."
"He'll say I've badly influenced you." I say with half a smile. Legolas shrugs in reply. "Then I'll kindly have to disagree. I believe you bring out the best in me, my Lady." he says, taking my hand and kissing my palm.
I blink, letting it all sink in for a moment. "I must be dreaming." I finally conclude, unable to believe the prospect of spending the rest of my years at Legolas' side. "If you are, don't wake up." he murmurs, closing his eyes and pulling me closer to him, burying his face in my hair.
I relax and we sit there quietly for a moment before an impatient knock sound on the door. Jumping up, Legolas retreats to a corner, out of sight. "I'm not here." he whispers, putting a finger to his lips. I suppress a giggle remembering when he was reluctant to step into my room in Rivendell, feeling that it is not something a gentleman should do.
I open the door to Aragorn carrying a bright smile. "Why, what has you so happy?" I wonder. "I heard Frodo is waking. Are you coming with to see him?" I feel my mouth drop a little, before matching his smile. "Would I ever. Finally." I sigh, relieved. He's been asleep for seven days now.
"Legolas, will you be joining us?" Aragorn calls out into the room. He grins as the Elf steps out of his hiding place and eyes our reddening cheeks. "How did you know?" Legolas asks, looking like he was caught steeling. Aragorn only grins cheekily before walking off.
Quickly catching up to him, we soon arrive at the House of healing. I can hear the sound of laughter inside and quickly follow after Legolas to see what is happening. I can't help but join in the laughter as I see Frodo sitting up and looking quite well. I take a few quick steps and bend over to hug the Hobbit. "Oh, I'm so glad to see you well." I tell him as he returns gesture.
Letting go, he turns to see Aragorn follow after us and calls out his name in happiness. Everyone is here but for Samwise, who follows last, looking quite shy. They share a knowing look before Sam quickly joins his friend. I suppose they never expected to be reunited with the fellowship, or what is left of it. They have been through so much together while never expecting to return alive. I'm sure it has left a mark.
I gasp loudly, making the person before me slap a hand in front of my mouth before more sound comes from it. I look back and forth between the two in the room with me. "Don't spoil the surprise Therith." Arwen scolds, a magical smile on her lips. I quickly shake my head, making her step back.
"I cannot believe it." I breathe, looking at the once Elf. "He will be so happy." I tell her, referring to Aragorn. It's as if all the pieces of a puzzle fall into place. I cannot wait to see the look on Aragorn's face when he sees his love, whom he thought perished. Now human no less, and all for him.
"All right you two, the ceremony will start soon, we must make for the court." Lord Elrond urges the two near giggling women. Arwen looks up at her father with a meaningful smile and he shares the gesture, nodding once before leading the way.
Outside the door, Legolas waits and is quick to hold out his arm for me to take. He was the one who brought me here without alerting Aragorn. I lay my hand on his outstretched arm and the four of us walk outside to take our respective places.
At the steps, Gandalf takes the crown from Gimli and holds it up high for all to see before placing it gentle atop Aragorn's head. "Now come the days of the King! May they be blessed." he states, smiling down upon Aragorn fondly.
Aragorn rises to his feet and takes a deep breath before turning and facing the crowd that has come to see him be crowned King of Gondor. His people cheer in glee to finally see a King back on the throne. Gondor will be sure to prosper.
"This day does not belong to one man but to all. Let us together rebuild this world that we may share in the days of peace." he declares, making another round of cheers erupt from the crowd before they fall silent to hear him sing a lament for his people. It's a moving ordeal.
After having fallen silent, he walks through the crowds, passing his friends, old and new. He halts when he reaches us and we step forth. I try hard to ignore the entourage of Woodland Elves behind us that have come to pay respects. Whatever secrecy the relation between me and Legolas held was broken this day. Legolas however looks like he hasn't a care in the world and it lifts my confidence. Somehow it will be all right.
Aragorn greets us, laying a hand on our shoulders. Legolas motions for him to look past us and I can't help the excitement from bubbling in my stomach. They step forth, hidden behind a banner of their kin, but slowly she shows herself to him and I can see his breath leaving him. Lord Elrond gently urges his daughter forward and she crosses the short distance.
Aragorn meets her halfway, his eyes dazed. Slowly he takes the banner from her and sets it aside. Lifting her shy gaze, he is quick to capture her lips as if he has just found a new reason to live. That is probably true. I smile at them as they look so happy to finally be together.
After having their moment, he leads her forward until they finally reach the four Hobbits. They look a bit out of place in the midst of it all and seem to be very aware of it. They bow before Aragorn out of respect for the new King, but Aragorn will have none of it. "My friends…you bow to no-one." he states, before slowly taking to one knee. Everyone follows his example and soon, the small Hobbits, stick out from the large crowd, looking as if they don't know what to do with the situation, but honored nonetheless.
A few years have passed when I find myself by the sea, standing beside the last boat to set sail for the West. The weather is perfectly calm and the gulls cry out as they dance across the sky.
Elrond chuckles in amusement as a tiny hand grabs onto a lock of hair and gives it a hard tug. The child in his arms coos as it plays with his dark strands. "Mischievous, are you, little one? I suppose you got that from your mother." he muses, looking down at me with a glint in his eye. "That is up for debate." I chuckle.
Galadriel swoops in to rescues her son-in-law and smiles down at the child that now lies in her arms. Their eyes meet momentarily before the child releases a large yawn. "Oh dear." she hums, rocking the child back and forth. "Am I not as interesting?" she nearly pouts, making me bite my lip to keep from grinning.
Lord Celeborn smiles softly before turning his gaze to me. "Agoreg vae, henig. (Well done, child)" he says in an endearing tone. I smile shyly, not sure what to say to that. Luckily I do not have to say anything as voices grow closer. Turning around, I smile to see five Hobbits and a Wizard approaching.
Galadriel returns my daughter to my awaiting arms when the group notices us. Smiling brightly, I walk up to them.
"Oh! If that isn't Lady Therith if my eyes are not mistaken." Bilbo exclaims, stepping forward with some help. It seems his age has finally caught up to him. He looks so different now. "What have you got there, my Lady? My eyes are not what they used to be." he wonders.
Crouching in front of him, he looks down in wonder. "New life." he breathes before a smile bursts from his aged face. "Wonderful!" The other Hobbits agree full heartedly as they are quick to surround us, cooing over the tiny creature. My daughter can only look up at them in wonder.
"Mighty fine lad, I'd say!" Pippin exclaim, making Merry smack the back of his head. "You idiot. Can't you see it's a girl?" he scolds. Pippin blinks in surprise before looking at me apologetically. I chuckle at the honest mistake. It happens, so I've noticed. "A princess in every sense of the word." Gandalf chuckles from behind them. "Very true." I agree, rising to my feet.
"But, enough small talk I suppose. Though I will miss it." I say sadly, glancing at the awaiting Elves. Bilbo follows my gaze and bows lightly in greeting.
"The power of the Three Rings is ended. The time has come for the Dominion of Men." Galadriel speaks, her voice carrying in the wind. "I Aear can ven na mar. (The sea calls us home)" Lord Elrond says, opening his arms in welcome for the old Hobbit.
Bilbo seems to brighten. "I think I'm quite ready for another adventure." he states happily before making for the ship, not looking back once. Lord Elrond boards after him and after a moment and a final smile, so do Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn.
I turn my gaze to Gandalf as he breaks from the group to stand before them. 'Gandalf, oh my dear Gandalf.' I muse. "Farewell, my brave Hobbits. My work is now finished. Here at last, on the shores of the sea, comes the end of our Fellowship." he says gently. The Hobbits are visibly shaken and Merry sniff loudly. "I will not say: "do not weep", for not all tears are an evil." the Wizard muses.
Turning, his eyes meet mine and I can feel them moisten. His hand cups my cheek, wiping away a stray tear. "You are all grown up." he states with a proud smile before turning away and making for the ship, only to halt next to it, gazing expectantly at Frodo.
"It is time, Frodo." he says calmly, making the Hobbits look back at said Hobbit in surprise. "What does he mean?" Sam wonders in alarm.
Frodo turns to his dear friend. "We set out to save the Shire, and it has been saved…but not for me…" he explains, making Sam sob loudly. "You don't mean that, you can't leave." he says, shaking his head in disbelief. Frodo produces a leather bound book, giving it to his friend. "The last pages are for you, Sam." he states before turning to the other two.
He hugs them goodbye before also hugging Sam a final farewell. I bend down and kiss his forehead in goodbye. "I will look after them. Do not worry." I assure him, making him smile a little. "Thank you." He meets up with Gandalf, taking his hand and together they board the ship.
Standing beside the remaining Hobbits, I gaze at the faces on board. Slowly the distance increases. I swallow hard. I knew they would part from us, but it is not easy. They left such an impact on my life, on every life in Middle-Earth. I will miss them dearly, but that's okay. They will be in my heart forever and I will tell their stories. I glance at the now sleeping child in my arms and smile. I will have a lot to tell indeed.
Merry and Pippin turn around and slowly wake their way from the harbor. I turn to Sam, who hesitates. Placing my hand on his shoulder, I squeeze it in an attempt to comfort him.
Casting a final glance at the sea ahead, the vision of the sails dim as they pass out of sight. "Time to go home." I whisper.
So, that's the end of it. It was along journey and I had fun writing it. I hope you all enjoyed reading it. I certainly enjoyed receiving your reviews and I hope to get some more now that you've finished with the story. I'm dying to know what you think. Thank you for reading my story!