Journey’s End

Chapter 43

Marriage

I woke one morning, and with starling realisation remembered that today was the day when Aragorn and I were to marry. Last night we had reluctantly parted, after agreeing not to see each other until the wedding.

One thing that I had never really thought about before now was marriage. It had never crossed my mind as something I would do. It was something other people did. I had assumed it was people tying themselves down, whereas I preferred to wander through life freely, only really depending on myself. But now that I was facing it, it felt like none of those things, it felt right. It made sense, now that I knew I was in love with Aragorn.

I was dragged away from my thoughts as several women entered my room, lead by Eówyn. I looked at her questioningly as I scrambled out of bed.

“We have to get you ready.” She smiled as I rolled my eyes. I had very deliberately had nothing to do with the organisation of today, mostly because I hadn’t a clue about what I wanted… Why should I care about what colour flowers are around? I had never taken an interest in anything like that before… It was all too feminine for me.

“Do your worst…” I muttered as they approached me. I was soon to regret those words.

In less than an hour, I found myself washed, and standing once again having the final adjustments made to a dress, while various people tugged mercilessly at my hair and Eówyn was standing staring at me smiling uncontrollably. I looked down at the dress I wore, but quickly had my head jerked back up as a comb was pulled through it. Instead I looked to a tall mirror that had been set before me. I wore a long, Elvish dress, coloured white (actually, Eówyn had said it was ‘pale ivory’… It looked like white to me). The long sleeves draped almost to the floor, and the trimmings glittered with various unknown decorations.

“Are you nervous?” Eówyn asked from where she stood.

“Should I be?” I asked a little anxiously.

“No.” She smiled, “Everything is going to be perfect.”

I sighed with relief, glad that she had taken over the organisation of today. If I had been in control… Well… I didn’t even want to consider that. I had never been an organised person.

One by one, my ‘torturers’ stepped back, and I was able to take in my whole appearance. I curiously touched the delicate Mithril headdress I wore, woven with tiny white flowers. I had no doubt that Elrond was somehow, once again behind the mysterious appearance of all this beautiful clothing. A small white jewel hung down onto my forehead, casting beams of light around the small room as the sun hit it. I smiled a little to myself, and then something occurred to me.

“How many people are coming?” I asked Eówyn. I still wasn’t accustomed to large crowds watching me.

“Erm… A few.” She answered indirectly and bit my lip nervously.

“How many is ‘a few’?” I pressed further, my anxiety growing by the second. She mumbled something under her breath and I frowned. “Eówyn, tell me.” I insisted.

“Most of the city…” She muttered as I groaned. I couldn’t handle that many people… “It’s alright.” She said, approaching me, “All you have to do is walk for a little bit, tell Aragorn how much you love him, and then it’s over!” She smiled comfortingly. “You can do that, can’t you?”

I nodded and sighed, shifting nervously where I stood and twisting the Ring of Barahir on my finger – a habit I had quickly developed. Suddenly I was feeling a lot more uneasy…

Not long after I was finished changing, I was left alone in the room. I paced nervously, waiting until the time came when I was allowed to see Aragorn again. I tried not to think of the crowd of people that would be watching me and judging my every move. I jumped in alarm as I heard a soft knock on the door. Was it time already?

“Rana?” Aragorn’s calm voice reached me from the other side of the door. I walked over, my hand hesitating over the handle. “Don’t open the door.” He said softly. “We can’t see each other, remember?” I nodded, before realising that he couldn’t see me.

“Yes, I remember.” I answered.

“Are you alright?”

“Of course I am.” I smiled, leaning against the door. “I miss you though.” I admitted quietly. I heard his gentle laugh from the other side.

“It’s not long now.” He murmured as I placed my hand on the panel of the door, wishing I could see him.

“I know…” I sighed, closing my eyes and waiting for the sound of his calming voice. Instead, I heard someone else enter the room on the other side of the door.

“Aragorn?” Legolas called quietly, and I heard Aragorn turn away from the door. “It’s time.” The elf murmured. I could almost see Aragorn’s smile in my mind.

“I’m coming.” He said. I waited until the sounds of his footfalls died away, and then Eówyn entered the room via a different door.

“It’s almost time.” She smiled, leading me out into the hall. There were a few people there, but most slipped out through the main doors as we entered. The doors closed as Eówyn and I walked up to them and she turned to me.

“I have to go now, good luck.” She murmured. My eyes widened.

“I have to walk up alone?” I whispered in shock. Eówyn smiled.

“No, I have arranged for you to be escorted, they’re waiting on the other side of the door.” She quickly handed me a bunch of white flowers before hurrying out a side door.

I was left alone in the hall, which I was slightly glad of, as I was convinced that anyone standing within twenty metres of me would be able to hear my frantic heartbeat. Suddenly, the doors began to open and bright sunlight streamed into the hall. I nervously waited for someone to appear, and then I heard a cough. I looked down to see four smiling faces and I almost laughed with relief as I saw the Hobbits. Frodo politely offered me his arm and I smiled. I didn’t even have to stoop, but I supposed that I was a little short anyway. For the first time I looked up, and saw the massive crowed, lining the long avenue, just like at Aragorn’s coronation. At the very end of the crowd, stood Gandalf, flanked by Legolas and Gimli, and nearby Faramir, Eómer and Eówyn, and before them all, Aragorn. I smiled nervously as I saw him staring at me, and Merry and Pippin began to walk before us, with Sam behind. Frodo began to lead me past the crowd, while I tried to concentrate on not tripping on my dress… It seemed like something I was liable to do. However, I didn’t take my eyes off Aragorn’s face as he smiled at me in a way that made me want to run to him, but we finally stood before him, and I quickly thanked the Hobbits as they took their place in the crowd and Eówyn stepped forward and took my flowers from me. Aragorn reached out and took my hands as we turned to face Gandalf.

“You look beautiful.” He whispered with a smile. I blushed a little and smiled shyly as Gandalf began to talk.

The ceremony seemed to fly by, and before I knew it, Aragorn had vowed to be mine forever. I smiled as Gandalf turned to me.

“And you Rana?” He asked quietly. I nodded.

“Forever.” I smiled, as out of the corner of my eye I saw the wizard nod to Aragorn. He gently took my face in his hands and smiled as he leant forwards and kissed me. I closed my eyes and hugged him tightly, smiling against his lips and kissing him in return. I laughed as he lifted me by my waist and spun me around, reminding me of when we were reunited back by our waterfall all those months ago. I heard the crowd applaud and cheer, as Aragorn set me down and once again kissed me. I smiled uncontrollably as Legolas cleared his throat in a joking way, and Aragorn pulled back, casting him a sarcastic glance. He then turned back to me and leant his forehead against mine, holding my hands.

“Le melon.” I whispered softly through my smile.

“I love you too.” Aragorn grinned, leaning in to kiss me again.