The Tale of Anwyn, Part Eight: Estel

1

"Where are we?" Anwyn blinked, trying to recognize her surroundings. She rolled over. "Legolas, are you awake?"2

"Yes, I'm awake."3

Anwyn looked around herself. They were lying in a giant, soft bed in a gray stone room with large windows. "Where are we?"4

"The Houses of Healing," Legolas answered. "We're here to rest." 5

"Mmm." She closed her eyes again, clearly getting ready to go back to sleep.6

"Anwyn." Legolas reached up to touch her face. "Anwyn..."7

Her eyes fluttered open, and she gazed sleepily at her prince. "Hm?"8

Legolas smiled. "Never mind." He ran gentle fingers over her eyelids. "Sleep."9

*~*10

Days passed, and on the morning of Aragorn's coronation, Anwyn left Legolas to talk with Gimli while she went for a walk in the gardens outside the Houses. She was standing in the shade of a willow tree when the silence of the gardens was broken.11

"When last I saw you, my people called you Elbereth," said a calm and musical voice.12

Anwyn turned, and marvelled at the sight. It was Arwen! She ran to her friend and embraced her.13

Arwen was laughing. "Anwyn. It's been too long."14

"They told me you'd left," Anwyn told her. "Sailed into the West."15

"Who did?"16

"In Mirkwood. Thranduil--"17

"Anwyn! Your ears!" Arwen reached out to touch the pointed tips. "What's happened?"18

She got a smile in reply. "I've been to Lórien."19

"Galadriel. The Draught of Carnil."20

"Yes."21

"Then you have the life of the Eldar?"22

"Yes, Arwen, I do." Anwyn was beaming.23

"Then you and Legolas-- have you been married yet?"24

"Upon our return to Mirkwood, we shall be joined." Her face was bright. "You and Aragorn?"25

Arwen only smiled.26

*~*27

It was midday in the city of Minas Tirith, and a space before the walls of the city was filled with Elves, Men, Dwarves, and of course, the four Hobbits. As Aragorn, clad in black and gray and silver, stepped out from the host of Dúnedain, the crowd fell silent; Faramir met him, bearing a white rod.28

"The last Steward of Gondor begs leave to surrender his office," he said quietly but clearly, and held the rod out to Aragorn.29

"That office has not ended," replied Aragorn, "and it shall be yours and your heirs' as long as my line lasts." He handed the rod back to the Steward.30

Faramir straightened himself. "Men of Gondor, hear now the Steward of this realm! One has come to claim the kingship again at last. To you I present Aragorn, son of Arathorn, chieftain of the Dúnedain of Arnor, Captain of the Host of the West, bearer of the Star of the North, wielder of the Reforged Sword, the Elfstone, Elessar, Isildur's son, Elendil's son of Númenor." He looked out into the throng of people. "Frodo."31

The Hobbit who had borne the Ring from the Shire to Mordor came forth, now bearing the silver-winged crown of Eärnur. He presented the crown to Gandalf, who stepped forth and set it on Aragorn's head. 32

"Now come the days of the King," proclaimed Gandalf, "and may they be blessed while the thrones of the Valar endure!"33

And the trumpets were blown and the people rejoiced; the White Tree burst into flowering, and snow-white petals rained down upon the stones of the city.34

But Aragorn's moment of joy was still to come. For down the long aisle walked Lord Elrond, walking beside a person carrying a the Standard of Gondor, the curtain shielding her face. Aragorn saw Elrond and was joyful, for among all his friends across Middle-earth, Elrond was one of the most dear to him. But before he could greet the Master of Rivendell, the curtain was moved, and before his eyes was Arwen Undómiel, with all her light returned to her.35

Aragorn stopped short and gazed upon the Evenstar, in disbelief that she was truly there before him.36

"Estel," he breathed. "Arwen."37

A smile crept slowly across Elrond's face. He placed Arwen's hand in Aragorn's. "Maliten' he," he whispered; and at that moment, he was not the grand Lord of Rivendell, but simply a father who loved his daughter more than life itself.38

"Hannon le," breathed Aragorn, taking Arwen's other hand. Her eyes twinkled, and Aragorn kissed her, there in front of the entire assembly.39

Legolas looked at Anwyn, who had tears in her eyes as Aragorn and Arwen were joined together. "It will be us soon, a'maelamin," he whispered, and Anwyn slipped her hand into his.40