Journey’s End

Chapter 41

The Return of the King

The days before Aragorn’s coronation were busy, to say the least. I barely managed to catch a glimpse of him, let alone talk to him. As the day grew closer, preparations had to be made. The city of Minas Tirith had to be restored to its former glory, the battlefields had to be cleared, word had to be sent to other lands that Sauron was defeated, and I was caught in the middle of all this, not knowing whether I was coming or going half the time. I was so distracted, that I barely had a moment to myself, and therefore, no time to think about my feelings for Aragorn.

Finally, the day arrived, and I found myself standing on the crowded parapet outside the Hall of Kings. I wore the clothes I had been given a few days ago, my blue shirt, and grey tunic, and I had been given the tabard of Gondor to wear. There was barely room to breathe; it seemed that the entire population of the city, along with the Rohirrim, and every other visitor from a distant land stood there, but somehow, they all managed to fit. I stood beside Legolas, before a party of elves. I knew I didn’t really belong with them, but I had no one else to stand with. I had been able to briefly speak with Lord Elrond when he had arrived, so I knew he was somewhere in this crowd. I also knew that the Hobbits were here, Gimli was to bear the crown, and Gandalf was to crown Aragorn. Somewhere ahead of me, I had spotted Eómer; Eówyn was there too, but she stood beside Faramir. I was glad that she had found him; they seemed perfect for each other, both brave with good hearts.

I smiled to myself as I spotted Aragorn climbing the steps to the hall dressed in his ceremonial armour, and kneeling before Gandalf, who already stood there. Gandalf lifted the crown of the King high above his head; it glinted in the brilliant sunshine as he lowered it onto Aragorn’s head.

“Now come the days of the King…” He announced in a loud voice, which rang out over the crowd. “May they be blessed.” I heard him say softly. Aragorn stood and I saw him take a breath to steady himself, before he turned to face the crowed, which cheered and applauded. I clapped along with them, feeling a smile break across my lips as Aragorn began to speak.

“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.”

The answering cheer of the people was deafening, and white petals began to fall from the air. I plucked one from my hair as Aragorn bowed his head, and began to sing.

“Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta.” (Out of the Great Sea to Middle-earth I am come. In this place I will abide, and my heirs, unto the ending of the world.)

As he sang, he began to descend from the steps, and walked amongst the crowd. They all bowed as he passed by. Legolas left my side, and lead the party of elves towards him to pay their respects. I lingered behind, indecisive about what I should do. I watched as Aragorn put his hand on Legolas’s shoulder, and Legolas did the same.

“Hannon le.” I heard Aragorn whisper, and I saw Legolas tilt his head slightly in my direction. I smiled weakly as Aragorn spotted me. As he walked to me I bowed my head in respect, until I felt his fingertips lightly touch my chin. I looked up, shyly meeting his gaze as he smiled at me. He pulled me into a tight hug, and I smiled as I wrapped my arms around his neck. The embrace was a little uncomfortable, considering he was wearing so much armour, but I didn’t mind.

“Will you walk with me?” He whispered softly in my ear, and I nodded as he pulled back and took my hand. He led me slowly down the avenue, until we found ourselves before four small, nervous looking figures. I smiled as the Hobbits looked at us, and then bowed their heads. Aragorn frowned and stepped forward.

“My friends, you bow to no one.” He murmured, dropping down onto one knee and bowing his head. I followed his lead, as did the thousands of other people that surrounded us, leaving the four Hobbits standing above everyone else, looking rather bewildered. I saw tears spring to Frodo’s eyes as he looked around. These Hobbits were so far from home, and had achieved so much; I doubted that the magnitude of what they had done had really hit them yet…

***

That evening, there was a great feast in the hall in Aragorn’s honour, although I wasn’t in the mood for celebrating, so I slipped away, hopefully unnoticed, and made my way to the end of the parapet, leaving the bright, cheerful lights and the sounds of people happily feasting behind me. I walked almost to the very end of the empty avenue and lent against the wall, watching the sun begin to set in the West.

It was truly beginning to dawn on me now, that Aragorn was King. In my mind I saw no way for us to be together… But then again, I didn’t even know if he wanted to be with me…

I sighed sadly and watched as the dying rays of the sun illuminated the clouds with fiery pinks and oranges, which faded into the darkening sky. I was so preoccupied with my thoughts, that I did not notice the sound of footsteps approaching me.

“Rana?”

I jumped as I realised that Aragorn stood behind me. He moved to my side and leant against the wall beside me, also watching the sunset, I didn’t take my eyes off the sky, frightened of what I might say if I looked at him. “There is something bothering you.” He stated. Was I really that bad at hiding my emotions?

“It’s nothing.” I murmured. How could I tell him the truth? I would probably only end up hurting him…

“Rana, I know you too well, something is wrong.”

“I’m fine.” I insisted quietly, refusing to look at him.

“I hate to see you unhappy.”

“Well there’s nothing you can do!” I snapped, clenching my fists, hating myself for pushing him away like this.

“If you tell me what is troubling you I might be able to help.” He said softly, remaining calm whereas my temper flared. My anger wasn’t directed towards him, only myself.

“I can’t… I can’t tell you.” I whispered, suddenly finding my emotions in turmoil.

“Why?”

“Because, I don’t want to hurt you.” I choked, forcing back tears. I heard him turn towards me, but I still couldn’t look at him.

“Is it because I kissed you?” He asked in confusion. “Did I offend you?”

“No!” I cried, a little too quickly, turning to look at him. This was a mistake, as the second my eyes met his stormy grey gaze, all I wanted to do was tell him everything. “No… You didn’t…” I murmured softly, dropping my gaze.

“Then what is it?” He asked, moving towards me, as if to hug me. I stepped back, shying away from him. “Rana, what is wrong?” He asked in confusion, looking hurt that I was trying to distance myself from him.

I sighed and ran one hand through my hair. I couldn’t keep this up much longer… Aragorn moved towards me and gently touched my cheek, wiping away a tear that I hadn’t realised that I had cried. “This is about the kiss, isn’t it?”

I shook my head.

“It began long before that…” I whispered, so quietly that I didn’t think he heard me.

“What did?” He asked.

“I cannot say…” I said softly, staring down at the ground. I then backed away from him and walked back to the wall, cursing my own stupidity. “It’s impossible anyway.” I muttered.

“Rana, I don’t understand…”

I could sense his confusion and hurt, and I hated myself for making him feel like this.

“If I tell you, things will change…” I whispered as my resolve weakened.

“Rana, I assure you that nothing you tell me can damage our friendship.” He murmured. I shook my head.

“You’re wrong…” I choked as a tear fell from my eye onto the white stone.

“Why do you think our relationship would change for the worse?” He asked.

“Because I’m in love with you!” I cried tearfully, as I lost control of my emotions and I then turned to run back towards the hall, but Aragorn caught my arm.

“Rana…” He murmured softly, pulling me gently towards him. I looked down at the ground, refusing to meet his gaze. “Did I prove nothing to you when I kissed you?”

“I-I thought…” I stammered as he pulled me closer towards him.

“That it was only because we faced death?” He finished my sentence quietly. “No, it was because I regretted not telling you of my feelings sooner.”

My eyes widened at his confession and I looked up into his eyes as he smiled gently. Then I remembered what had been bothering me.

“We can’t…” I whispered sadly. “You’re the King of Gondor and I’m… Nothing.”

“Rana you are everything.” He contradicted me. “Everything to me, anyway… Think of everything you have done. You have saved my life countless times since we met, in more ways than on the battlefield.”

I blushed and looked down.

“But we can’t be together.”

“What gave you an idea like that?” He whispered with a smile. “Things like titles and bloodlines don’t matter to the heart. I love you. That is all that matters.”

My eyes grew even wider as he put his hand to my face and tilted my chin upwards. My heart pounded frantically as he softly brushed his lips against mine, before slipping his arm around my waist and pulling me closer. I closed my eyes, feeling like this was another one of my dreams, but it wasn’t… It was too perfect. I timidly began to kiss him back, and then wrapped my arms around his neck, holding him closer until he moved his lips away from mine, to my ear.

“Le melon…” He whispered softly, the words he spoke in the first dream I had about him, the words that meant ‘I love you.’

“I love you too…” I murmured breathlessly as he leant his forehead against mine. He moved his hand away from my waist and lifted one of my hands, holding it gently between our two bodies.

“Le no an-uir nîn?” (Will you be mine forever?) He whispered. I nodded a little against his forehead, feeling too overcome by emotion for words. I felt him slip something onto one of my fingers, and I looked down to see the Ring of Barahir resting on it. With a smile I finally understood what my dream had meant.

Aragorn still held my hand, and he lifted it to his heart, covering it with his other hand. My fingertips lightly brushed the jewel that hung around Aragon’s neck. I smiled, feeling like I could overflow with happiness. I had never dared to dream for a moment like this, and yet here I stood. I looked up into Aragorn’s eyes and lifted my free hand to his face, bringing him closer so I could kiss him again.