We meet again

Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait, but as I said, I was stuck. Still not sure if I would end here, but if I don't, there will only be one more chapter to go (at most). I have already planned that chapter, but I could not find the words with which to present the story. Hope you will enjoy this short update, and reviews and comments are, as usual, welcomed :)

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters nor the scenes from the movies (etc), except for my own ideas.

Chapter 3 (Aragorn's coronation)

Gandalf lifted the crown, and it dazzled under the sunlight, as if waiting to finally rest on the place where it belonged. Slowly, stately, the man in white, the figure synonymous with bravery and power, placed the crown on Aragorn's head.

"Now come the days of the King," Gandalf announced majestically. The hand lifted; the crown was restored, and Aragorn looked up at Gandalf. He gave a small smile, and the wizard looked at him fondly yet not without a hint of hesitation, for Gandalf knew the responsibility that has been placed upon this young man whom he had known ever since the man was a small child who sought refuge in Rivendell—they were almost as close to father and son, and no father would wish for his son to take up such heavy responsibility.

But it was done, and Gondor needed him: his wisdom, his learning, his leadership.

"May you be blessed."

With that, Gandalf took a step back and Aragorn rose. He felt a twinge of nervousness and suddenly wished that Legolas would be there to tell him if his demeanour was right. Legolas would know—he was a prince himself! But Legolas was not there, and he would have to face the crowd alone and hopefully not make a fool of himself. He took in a deep breath and exhaled, trying to calm down, hand clenching his sword even more tightly than before.

He turned around and the crowd cheered, which calmed his nerves significantly, for he had not been sure if the city was ready to receive him after so many years of ruling by the Stewards.

"This day does not belong to one man, but to all. For together we built this world, that we may share in days of peace." His voice was loud, strong and clear.

No stumbling, not bad for his first speech in front of his people and a very good first impression it made, for the people cheered wildly and happily and looked forward to the peaceful days to come.

The white petals fell, and slowly, quietly at first, he started singing a song, the song that spoke of the oath of Elessar, many years ago. It was a sweet song and though the inhabitants did not recognise the tune nor the words, they stood transfixed at their king, some impressed by his knowledge, others impressed by the sense of power and age exuded by the king.

He began to walk down the aisle opened for him, greeted by his new Steward and his fiancée, then by the new King of Rohan, both dressed in the colours of their respective cities. Suddenly, he found himself face to face with many figures—elves—dressed in stately silver, and at the contingent's head stood a familiar face.

Legolas, in dazzling silver with his hair tied in a neat braid that would have made many maidens (elf or not) swoon, stood right in front of him, almost glowing with happiness.

The tension eased up significantly and Aragorn's eyes lit up and sparkled, for he was glad that his friend could make it to the ceremony after he had announced that he would be leaving Gondor for some important matters. What matters he did not know, but Legolas was there, had rushed here after tidying up his issues, and that was enough.

The two stood face to face before each of them put his hand on to the other's shoulders, and Aragorn remembered all the times when his friend had supported him, through his childhood and through the journey: when Gandalf had fallen in Moria and the burden of leadership weighed upon him; when he commanded the armies at Helms Deep; when he returned to Rohan after falling off the cliff.

Scene after scene came to him and he saw the same reflected in his friend's eyes.

"Hannon le," he said softly.

Legolas smiled, his eyes twinkling, as if he was hiding something from him. Legolas cocked his head slightly, inviting him to see who else awaited him.

Aragorn's gaze shifted and his eyes widened.

Arwen. Shyly holding the flag that bore Rivendell's crest, was his Arwen, his beloved.

She did not sail. And Legolas… Legolas must have escorted them here.

No words could describe how much he appreciated his friend for doing it, just as no words could describe the happiness he felt when he saw Arwen again, coming to him finally with her father's blessings.

Legolas looked at them as the pair kissed in front of the people and beamed happily. He was glad that his friend was finally reunited with his beloved, and infinitely pleased that he was the one to escort her here.

It was a start to all the good days that were to come.

-End of this chapter-