"All crowns are a burden. Even a delicate one such as this." - Anberenien

TW: execution scene depicted

21st June/ Nórui 3019, Anberenien's Quarters, Minas Tirith

From his place by the window, Thurindaer observed Anberenien and King Elessar's conversation in the Solar. Part of him was angry Elessar had put her through such an ordeal. But as a king, he understood the necessity of such questioning when making judgements over life and death.

Anberenien stared at the floor while Elessar sat beside her on the couch. "My apologies for making you endure such questioning. If there were any way I could have avoided it, I would have. I hope you will forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive. Justice needed to be done," replied Anberenien coldly.

"You do not have to attend tomorrow. You have been through enough."

Anberenien lifted her head to face him with that look of sheer determination he knew so well. "No, I will not shy away from my duty. I will see justice done."

"Your courage humbles me, Anberenien. We shall ride to the House of Detention an hour before dawn." He patted her shoulder and rose from the couch. "I will leave you to rest now. You must be exhausted. When the business is done with tomorrow, will you join me in the dining hall for breakfast? Legolas and Mithrandir will be joining us, as will a few other close friends I wish you to meet."

Anberenien gave him a weak smile. "I think it will be a welcome relief," she replied. She rose from the couch and embraced Elessar before kissing him on the forehead. "The shadow is finally passing from this world."

Elessar smiled, his grey eyes becoming moist. "And soon the light will come into my world. For the rest of my days." He took his leave of Anberenien and left the Solar.

When he had gone, she removed the crown from her head and stared down at it before looking in Thurindaer's direction. "All crowns are a burden. Even a small one such as this."

She was right. His crown had been weighty indeed. For centuries, he had carried his burden alone and without complaint. For Legolas, for his kin, for his people. Only Calenamath truly understood his burden. His counsel never failed. Now he was gone, wandering the Halls of Mandos like his father until deemed worthy of rehousing.

He thought of Anberenien's burdens. Once Wed, they would eventually have to go into the north to oversee the rebuilding of Arnor. His father had established his realm long before he became king, but her's was a broken country, and she would have to convince those within its bounds to respect her authority. A heavy burden indeed.

Thurindaer smiled from beneath his hood. "A weight you need not bear alone, Melleth Nin."

Elweth entered the Solar. "Princess. You have a guest this evening. Lady Lothíriel of Dol Amroth shall be dining with you tonight. She is a fine young Gondorian maiden of about your age. The King thought she might lift your spirits."

"The king is very thoughtful. I will retire to my room and rest so that I can be an attentive host. I shall leave tonight's menu in your capable hands, Elweth."

Elweth gave her a thin smile. "Very well, Princess, I shall ensure my ladies prepare the finest local dishes." And strode off toward the kitchen.

Anberenien shook her head. "I wish he had not done that. I am so weary."

Thurindaer longed to comfort her, but knew it was too risky with Elweth's watchful eyes constantly upon them. He caught her hand as she passed him and kissed it gently. She giggled slightly, giving him a faint smile before retiring to her bedchamber. Thurindaer stared out of the window, watching faint clouds floating around the tops of the mountains. Then he heard a noise coming from the direction of the bedchamber. A snuffle at first, then open weeping, and his heart broke with every sob.

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22nd June/ Nórui 3019, Anberenien's Quarters, Minas Tirith

Lady Lothíriel was a bright, bubbly young woman with long dark hair and laughing grey eyes. She wore a bright blue sleeveless gown in the Gondorian style, with white swans embroidered at the bottom of the skirt.

At first, Anberenien was surprised to see a maiden in blue and wondered if Gondor had different customs to the North. Then she remembered that her father, Lord Imrahil, had worn a similar coloured garment during the trial. Elweth beamed widely when she saw her and asked Lothíriel if her family were well. "We are all very well, Elweth, and grateful to have all survived the war when many of our countrymen were not so fortunate," she replied.

"Elweth! How long will dinner be?" said Anberenien, a little irritated that her servant had been so familiar with a guest.

"I shall go to the kitchen directly, Princess."

Anberenien noticed a slight smirk on the housekeeper's face before she strode off towards the kitchen. The woman had deliberately wanted to disrespect her.

Lothíriel stifled a giggle."Thank goodness that old bat has gone. Now we can get to know each other properly."

"Lady Lothíriel, you cannot call her that," replied Anberenien in surprise.

"Why not? It is the truth. She is a miserable old bat, always has been." Lothíriel explained that Elweth used to serve in her father's household in Dol Amroth but had moved to Minas Tirith to be closer to her kinfolk.

Anberenien agreed that Elweth was a bit of an old bat. "I always feel she is looking down her nose at me," and they both fell into fits of giggles. While they dined, Lothíriel spoke of Elessar's coronation and how much she was looking forward to the wedding and serving as a maid of honour for the new queen. "I never thought we would have a king and queen in my lifetime. Mother and I were preparing to flee north by ship, had things turned out differently."

When Lothíriel spoke of Dol Amroth. Anberenien wondered how different her life might have been if she had been fostered by Prince Imrahil as her kinfolk had planned. "I do hope you will visit while you are in Gondor. Our palace is so beautiful with wonderful views of the western sea."

"I am sure it is very beautiful, but I do not expect to remain in Gondor for long. Once the King is wed to Arwen, I will be preparing for my own wedding."

"Really? The king did not indicate that you were also to be wed. You must come to Pelargir at least. Now that the Corsairs are defeated, the markets will offer even more exotic goods and spices than ever before. There will be fine bolts of cloth, perfect for wedding clothes. Who is your betrothed?"

"King Thranduil of Eryn Lasgallen. We intend to wed after I come of age in August."

"You are to wed an Elf, too? How exciting! One of my ancestors wed an Elf woman. But she disappeared after raising their children. She probably sailed over the sea. That is where most Elves go. That's why none of our menfolk grow beards. It's the Elven blood in their veins. Have you met Legolas, King Elessar's friend?"

Anberenien chuckled slightly. "I would hope so. I am betrothed to his father and have lived in the woodland realm since I was a maiden."

Her fascination led her to ask many questions. Although she was of Elven descent, she had never met Elves in real life and was very curious. "Is it true the Elves there live in caves? I don't think I would like to spend the rest of my life in a cold, damp cave."

"Oh no, most of the Elves live in the great beeches that cover the forest. And the cave is not cold or damp. It is a royal palace and rather beautiful."

Lothíriel blushed and lowered her head. "Oh, I am sorry, my Lady Princess. I did not mean to offend. I am sure it is lovely. I hope I have made a good impression. King Elessar speaks so highly of you. He says you are brave, strong, and wise. But he never told us how beautiful you are. Your hair is magical, and your eyes are like nothing I have ever seen. It's like you're from another world."

Anberenien smiled and blushed. Lothíriel's kindness and honesty greatly impressed her. "I think that is the nicest compliment anyone has given me." Lothíriel beamed with delight. But all too soon, their time together came to an end. The young noble woman took her leave, promising to show her the sights of Minas Tirith. Anberenien had at least made one friend in this strange realm of men.

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The first sign of light was beginning to appear in the eastern skies when Anberenien met King Elessar at the Royal stables. She wore her gown of state beneath her grey cloak but did not wear her crown on top of the long braid trailing down her back. Elessar's companions, Mithrandir and Legolas, were already mounted. A groom brought Calithiliel to her, who looked well-rested after her long and arduous journey. But there was no time to pet her or feed her an apple. That would have to wait.

"Is your honour guard really necessary, Anberenien? I have plenty of guards," said Elessar.

"Even so, his presence comforts me," replied Anberenien.

Elessar reluctantly agreed, and Mithrandir gave her a wry smile, but Legolas frowned suspiciously and muttered something under his breath. Anberenien thought nothing of it, her mind was focused on the unpleasant event she was about to witness. No one spoke, and even the horses seemed subdued as they plodded through the empty streets to the second level.

When they reached the gate, the company dismounted and walked swiftly to the House of Detention. It was a large, fortified building carved into the mountain. Outside was a small square crowded with people, where a scaffold had been erected. Before the structure, Anberenien noticed Borion and his knights. No doubt to get a clear view of the proceedings. There was a strange party atmosphere with shouts from food sellers and street vendors making their way through the crowd. Anberenien found it distasteful. This was an execution, not a parade.

The Citadel guards shouted at the crowd to make way for King Elessar. A hush came over the crowd as they parted ways. The Guards of the Citadel and the city watch formed a cordon which led to an official-looking building of white stone with a balcony on the first floor adorned with the Gondorian flag.

At the entrance to the building, Faramir stood waiting. He gave Elessar a solemn bow but did not speak. Faramir ushered the company quickly through the building and up a flight of simple steps. He led them to a large room, where two large windows opened out onto the balcony. "Anberenien, your guard of honour will have to remain here," said Elessar. Anberenien nodded and instructed Thurindaer to remain in the room whilst she accompanied Elessar onto the Balcony. Mithrandir, Legolas and Faramir followed behind.

Some of the crowd gasped and whispered when they saw Anberenien, as she had not yet been formally introduced to the City. Faramir stepped forth and quieted the crowd. "Good people of Minas Tirith. King Elessar and his royal sister, Princess Anberenien of Arnor, come among you this morning to oversee The King's judgment carried out before you all....."

As Faramir spoke, Anberenien's mind drifted back to Elessar's judgement at the hall of Kings, how Nuta had screamed and raged at the King when he had found all the priests guilty and sentenced them to death.

The other priests had shown repentance; they had fallen on their knees and begged for mercy. King Elessar had commuted their sentences to exile in the far south. But Nuta screamed that she did not recognise the court. She had shot a look at Anberenien and stated that there were authorities far stronger than a man's court at large who could bring him down to nothing. But no one paid her wild rantings any heed, and Elessar ordered her to be taken back to the House of Detention to await her doom.

The clang of the prison doors brought Anberenien back to the present. Two burly guards brought Nuta, still in her prison garments, out of the House of Detention. Behind them was the hangman and his assistant. The sky was now bathed in the golden hue of the first rays of the sun. In the square below, the crowd pushed, shouted abuse at the condemned and threw rotting fruit and vegetables at her. One of the crowd grabbed her eye patch, and it came away, revealing the full horror of the scratched and eyeless socket beneath.

Anberenien could not help but feel some sympathy for the scarred and dishevelled woman being manhandled up the steps of the scaffold. She looked pitiful, covered in rotting food, with a purple bruise appearing on her cheek. But all thoughts of pity ended when Anberenien brushed back the sleeves of her gown. "You do not need to watch this, Anberenien. It will not be pleasant," whispered Elessar.

Anberenien covered her arm and took a deep breath. "No, Brother, I must see the murderer of my Kinfolk brought to justice. She made me watch when the Orcs tried to hang Radagast. I will not look away now!"

"Radagast? I did not know this. Does he still live?" asked Mithrandir.

"The Elves saved him. But he has gone further into the forest. Away from prying eyes."

While the Hangman and his assistant prepared the rope, Faramir again silenced the crowd and produced a scroll from his tunic, reading from it as he addressed the condemned.

"Nuta of Barad-Dur. High Priestess of the Temple of Melkor. You have been found guilty of the following crimes. The massacre and destruction of Duincar Village and its people on the Angle of Eriador. The murder of the King's kindred, Lord Beren, Lady Naerien and Lady Gruinith. And finally, the abduction, torture and attempted murder of Princess Anberenien, the King's royal sister!"

The crowd reacted with gasps, shouts, and muttering. Nuta showed no emotion. Her remaining eye was firmly fixed on the balcony. Faramir continued.

"The penalty for one of these crimes alone is death. You have shown no remorse or repentance to be granted the king's mercy, and so your sentence will be carried out. If you have any last words, speak them now and may Mandos have mercy on you!"

The crowd waited in silent anticipation. Nuta's gaze did not leave Anberenien as she spoke. "I do not come here to beg for my life or plead for merciful servitude like my companions. I come here to die and join the Great Master in the great void with Melkor the Mighty! There I shall serve them until the great reckoning, when my master shall pour his vengeance upon you all. Like a great torrent that will flush his enemies away like he did on the Island of Númenor!"

At this, the people grew angry and called for Nuta to be hanged as she continued her tirade. "But you need only agree to serve him, and you will be spared his wrath when he comes!"

"ENOUGH!" Elessar's roar not only silenced Nuta but the entire crowd. "YOU will speak your vile filth no longer!"

He gave a silent nod to the hangman, who immediately placed an execution hood over Nuta's head before placing her on the stool. He quickly slipped the noose around her neck and pulled it tight. No sooner had he done so, the assistant kicked away the stool. The crowd roared with delight as Nuta's body dangled beneath the gallows, shaking and swinging as her life was choked from her.

Anberenien stood transfixed, unable to look away. She wanted to feel horror, disgust, or hatred, but felt nothing. Nuta thoroughly deserved her fate, it would never truly compensate for all she had done. "Would you have pardoned her if she had repented?" she asked Elessar.

"It would not be an easy decision. But a king must uphold the law and trust in The One, Anberenien," he replied.

He squeezed her hand and ushered those on the balcony to return inside. "Now the darkness has been extinguished, it is time for lighter matters to prevail."