Author's Note:

So we have come to it at last, my dear readers. Together we have been on a journey of 544 pages and 222,143 words over the course of 2 years 3.5 months (or 848 days).

It's hard to believe that this is coming to an end after so long. I am very grateful to the 157 reviews, 353 favorites, 427 alerts, and the 4 C2 Communities (regardless of their category) that I have received from you fine people. It's hard to believe that this story blossomed in my head so long ago and I finally had the courage to share it with you all. I hope that you have thoroughly enjoyed it and come back to reread it again and again, as I certainly do as well. And if you were here in the middle of the rewrite, you know that more ideas pop into my head and who knows, maybe this story will have added elements in the time to come. :-)

As for a sequel...

Many of you have asked if I would write one and while I would very much like to do this, I cannot make that promise. I have had some ideas come to mind and I have actually written out a few scenes, but nothing concrete. If I can find a way to meld and mesh these scenes together with a great story then I certainly will post a sequel and inform you all here.

I hope this has eased your hearts and thank you all for your support and love!

Without any further ado I give you the final chapter to Guardian of the Dúnedain.

Epilogue

Fourth Age 120

Authiel sat on the edge of her bed, holding Aragorn's hand as she looked at him lovingly. He had his eyes closed and was resting quietly but he was not asleep. The Half-Elf smiled sadly, looking upon her husband with his gray hair and wrinkled face as age had caught up to him. Unable to resist, she reached out to caress his forehead hoping that he would open the grey eyes that she loved so much and were still bright and youthful.

Aragorn obliged her and smiled up at her, "My sweet Authiel." he spoke quietly in Elvish and reached up to touch her youthful looking face. "You are still as beautiful as the day I fell in love with you."

Authiel smiled warmly at him. "And you are still just as handsome in my eyes, despite what you may think."

Aragorn let out a huff, not believing her, but his eyes showed that deep down he did. He lowered his hand from her face and just continued to gaze at her. "I'm sorry that I will be leaving you soon."

"Hush, we will not speak of this." Authiel said immediately.

"We must, for there are requests of great importance I wish to make of you and I fear my time is very near." Aragorn pleaded with her.

Authiel's eyes turned sad, but she nodded her head gently. "Very well."

Aragorn took both of her hands in his and squeezed them gently. "I ask that you not follow me once death takes me from this world." Authiel furrowed her brows at him. "I ask that you remain here and watch over Eldarion and our daughters for a time, though they are in adulthood they will need their mother in the times to come. I ask that you find joy in all of our grandchildren to replace the grief that you will feel at my loss. In time if you still feel such a great sorrow that you bear it away with our memories of days together across the sea to Valinor where you can find joy once more. In Valinor, I will know that you live on, for I cannot endure the thought of you gone from the living world."

"No." Authiel answered him immediately. "I will not sail to Valinor where you will be nothing more than a memory that will still bring me grief for the rest of my days."

"You will tarry here in sorrow?" Aragorn's voice was saddened.

Authiel searched his eyes and tried to smile at him and pulled one of her hands from his and caressed his cheek. "I made that decision long ago when I choose to love you. I will stay in Middle-Earth and endure my grief for as long as I can. I will do as you ask and watch over our children and grandchildren and perhaps our great grandchildren, but one day I will follow you to the Halls of Mandos where we will continue our journey together."

Aragorn looked grieved by this news, but eventually accepted it and nodded his head. "If this is your heart's true desire then I will wait for you." Authiel smiled at him then leaned down to kiss Aragorn lovingly on the forehead. "Send for our children and grandchildren. The time is near." Aragorn asked quietly.

Authiel rose from the bed and went to the door, calling a guard to her and asking that their children be brought to them. When she came back into the room she went to the dresser and picked up the crown and scepter Aragorn had borne for many long years, along with the small silver circlet that she wore as Queen since the day she married Aragorn. She brought the scepter to him and laid it on the bed, but gently placed the crown on his head before resuming her position next to him, her own circlet upon her brow.

Some time passed, but then a knock at the door sounded before it was opened and Eldarion walked in with his wife, their newborn son in her arms. Behind them came his sisters with their husbands and children in tow. Authiel moved from the bed to stand next to Aragorn's head while their family filled the room. The small children climbing on top of the bed and crawling towards their grandfather, who smiled brightly and laughed despite the dark hour approaching. Lastly, Eldarion approached and placed his son in Aragorn's arms, who looked adoringly at the small babe.

"The line of Kings will endure, father." Eldarion whispered to Aragorn.

"Indeed it will." Aragorn answered quietly touching the infant's head lightly then passing him to Authiel. "Kneel my son."

At his words, Eldarion went to one knee beside the bed and looked upon his father. Aragorn reached for the scepter beside him and passed it to Eldarion. "You are my heir and in you the line of Númenor will endure. I pass onto you all of my titles as you accept your duty as King of Gondor and all its realms. May you rule justly and in peace so that your days as King will be blessed." Then Eldarion bowed his head and Aragorn reached up and removed the crown on his own head and placed it on his son's brow. "Rise, King of Gondor." And Eldarion stood and he was tall and proud like Aragorn had been when he assumed the throne. Eldarion's sisters, brother-in-laws, nieces and nephews all bowed and curtsied before him.

Authiel passed her grandson back to Eldarion before approaching his wife, Ivorwen, and smiled down at her daughter-in-law. "As my son's wife I now name you Queen of Gondor. May you be the King's pillar of strength and kind hand, showing him wisdom when he needs it most." Authiel removed the circlet from her head and placed it carefully on Ivorwen's brow. "May the two of you rule justly for many long years."

"Hail the King and Queen!" Aragorn called from his position and they all bowed their heads to Eldarion and Ivorwen.

For many long minutes after that, Aragorn addressed each of his young grandchildren. Speaking to them quietly and telling them how much he loved them before kissing them and saying goodbye. When he had seen all of his grandchildren and bid farewell to his sons-in-law and the now Queen of Gondor, they left, but he bid his children to stay behind.

"My children," he began with a loving voice as his eyes looked over the sad faces of his children. "Words cannot express how very proud I am of each and everyone of you and of the love I bear for you. It it with a deep sadness that I will be gone in a short while." His daughters started to wipe their eyes as the tears began to fall, but his son tried to remain strong to support his sisters though his eyes were shining. "Know in your hearts that I will be watching over you from the Halls of Mandos."

"Please do not say such things, Papa, my heart cannot handle it." Berúthiel, their eldest daughter spoke through her tears.

Aragorn beckoned her forward and took her hand and brought it to his lips to kiss it. "But you must stay strong, my Berúthiel. I will not leave you alone in this world." He looked over his children once more and explained. "Your mother will not leave for Valinor as some of you thought she might when this day came. She will stay with you all for a time, which I hope is long, before she follows after me." Their children looked to their mother and Authiel could not hold back her tears as she looked at the sorrowful faces of those that she loved most in this world. "Take heart for that time will be long from now when you're children have had children of their own."

Aragorn looked back to Berúthiel whose hand he still held. He gently pulled her down to sit by him and spoke quietly to her, so the others save Authiel could hear. Then with tears in both of their eyes they embraced tightly and he kissed her forehead before sending her from the room and beckoning another one of his children forward. He did this with each one of his daughters and son until he was left alone with Authiel. Aragorn held out his hand to her and she took it.

"You're breaking my heart." Authiel told him, slipping into Elvish as she attempted to dry her eyes on a handkerchief, having heard every emotional word passed from him to their children.

Aragorn gave her a sad smile because he knew there was nothing he could say or do that would comfort her. Then he gently spoke, "Lay beside me as you have done all these years. I wish to have you in my arms in my final moments."

"To the very end?" Authiel nearly smiled echoing the phrase that she had said to him so many times in his journey to the Throne of Gondor.

Aragorn smiled. "To the very end." He repeated and Authiel could not refuse him and climbed into the bed beside him, wrapping her arms around his chest and he put his around her shoulders. She looked up at him and he dipped his head to kiss her deeply. When they broke apart, Aragorn kissed her forehead as she laid her head down on his shoulder. After a few quiet moments, she glanced to his face and saw him smiling.

"What are you thinking about?" she asked quietly.

Aragorn opened his eyes and looked down to meet hers. 'Do you remember that time we were in the garden, right before Eldarion returned from his first trip North to the Dúnedain."

Authiel smiled as the memory resurfaced in her mind. "I do."

Flashback….

In the gardens of Gondor two people were walking slowly together under the warm sunshine of the afternoon, hand in hand.

Aragorn turned his head to look at his Queen and smiled lovingly at her. The long years had not touched Authiel in the slightest. Her long dark hair, which she now wore loose most of the time was touched by no frost and her pale creamy skin showed no indications of her age. Not a mark or age spot marred her complexion, unless it be a scar from her long life and years of wandering the wilds and fighting dark forces. Her figure had not lost it's shape either, keeping the slight and lean frame the Elves were blessed with, even after the many children the Half-Elf had bore for Aragorn. The only indication that the years laid on her were in the deep depths of her eyes. Though they no longer showed sorrow, instead it was only happiness and a love that could only come from a loving marriage and the act of bringing children into world and watching them grow.

Feeling eyes upon her, Authiel turned her head and her crystal blue orbs met those grey eyes of Aragorn that she loved dearly.

"What is it?" she asked him, a flirtatious smile gracing her soft lips.

Aragorn's smile only grew as he looked at her face. "It's nothing, my heart. I was merely admiring your beauty."

Authiel scoffed and her eyes glinted with a mischievous light. "Admiring my beauty?" her tone teasing. "You mean examining how I still remain so young looking yet when you look into a mirror you see an old man."

"Only in appearance." Aragorn quickly responded to the jest. "I'm not the one that is over 1100 years old."

That had quickly closed Authiel's mouth, but they still looked at each other warmly, even as Aragorn led them to a stone bench and sat themselves down.

Authiel's eyes were now wandering over her husband. The years had certainly fallen on him since he took his place as King of Gondor. Gone was the dark hair and beard that had always adorned his face, it was now gray in color. Authiel had loved the color of his hair in his younger years, but the gray color didn't bother her. He was still handsome in her eyes and the gray made him more distinguished. His skin had few age spots, but age lines and wrinkles had begun to set in, mostly around his eyes and mouth. He would like to think that they came from him laughing and smiling with his family and friends and Authiel was sure that was mostly the case, but age was another factor. His form was still lean and strong, as he had never put up his sword and still trained with the Gondorian guard and Rangers. That aided him in staying healthy and his body not breaking down at the joints that usually came with age.

Authiel reached up towards Aragorn's face and lightly brushed her fingertips across his cheek, his beard sending tickling sensations down her fingers. Aragorn's eyes slid closed as he sighed contentedly from her touch.

"I told you long ago," Authiel began in a whisper, "that no matter what time did to you I would always love you. It's the man inside your body that captured my heart, not what I saw on the outside." Authiel leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. When they pulled back from one another her eyes glinted with mischief once more. "Well, your looks may have helped. You were very handsome in your younger days."

"You little wench!" Aragorn's voice was teasing as was the smile on his face, but he reached for Authiel's waist.

Authiel yelped in surprise as Aragorn began to tickle her mercilessly and as much as she tried to fight out of his grip she couldn't. Aragorn may have looked like an old man, but he was still as strong and quick as he had always been. The two were soon laughing with Authiel pleading with him to stop his assault. Even as they slipped from the bench and landed in the grass, Aragorn still continued his tickling and laughter.

A cough suddenly sounded which caused the King to stop his playful assault on the Queen. Both looked up from where they lay on the ground to see a tall man in his mid 40's looking down at them with a smile on his face. He was dressed in dark leathers, dark grey cloak, with a bow and quiver strapped to his back. At his left side was a sword and on his right a small dagger. A silver seven pointed star was pinned to his left shoulder. The man's hair was dark and shorn about his shoulders and he bore a beard. Set in a tanned face was a pair of crystal blue eyes that looked warmly at the King and Queen lying in the grass in a rumpled heap.

"It's good to see that you two have not changed in my absence." the man stated as Aragorn helped Authiel to her feet.

As soon as she was standing, Authiel launched herself at the man and embraced him tightly. "Oh Eldarion!" she murmured into his shoulder. "I have missed you!" she pulled back and kissed him on the cheek before embracing him again.

Eldarion laughed lightly as he returned her embrace. "I have missed you too, mother." he told her, then released her to be turn to Aragorn.

"My son." Aragorn said gently taking him by the shoulders and looking him over before pulling the younger man into his arms. "I'm glad to see you returned to us unharmed."

Aragorn released Eldarion as the young man inclined his head to his father. "It is good to be home and even better to see that old age does not have you bedridden." Eldarion smiled broadly with the jest.

Aragorn looked at his son in disbelief. "First your mother, now you. There is no end!" he said exasperated in a joking way. His grey eyes found Authiel who was smiling sweetly at him. "You have poisoned my only son against me!"

Authiel rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Nonsense dear. It was his sisters."

…End Flashback

Authiel laughed gently at the memory. "It was a wonderful day and a memory that I will hold dear."

"Yes, a wonderful, happy day, my dearest love." Aragorn whispered.

The night continued, and neither Aragorn or Authiel slept. The Half-Elf merely kept her hand on Aragorn's chest to feel his beating heart. They often spoke quietly about times long passed and bringing happy memories to the forefront of their minds. They shared many long and loving kisses, but the night waned and so did Aragorn's strength. He fell silent and did nothing but lean his head against Authiel's and his fingers made small circles on her shoulder.

"I love you." he whispered sometime in the night and Authiel replied with the same sentiment still listening and feeling the beat of his heart. Then slowly the beats became softer and eventually they stopped altogether and the hold that Aragorn had on his wife slackened.

Authiel looked up at Aragorn's face to see his eyes lightly closed with a faint smile on his lips. He looked to be sleeping, but she knew that he had finally left her. "Aragorn?" she whispered knowing that she would receive no answer, but tried nonetheless.

At his silence, she leaned up and kissed him once more on the lips. "Be at peace, my love." The Elvish words came out whispered before a torrent of tears flooded from her eyes until the dam broke and spilled down her cheeks like waterfalls, lowering her head she wept hysterically into the chest of the man that had stolen her heart for all eternity.

The night grew old and the stars began to fade as the first glimpses of the sun began to rise in the cold morning. When the orange glow hit the White City a single bell tolled loudly, echoing off the buildings and surrounding mountains, as Queen Authiel informed the Guards of the Citadel of the death of King Elessar and the world seemed less bright.

That day the city seemed devoid of life as there was no laughter or music with the passing of the King that had renewed the world of men. The people of Gondor wept for their King who had been kind and just. All loved him and all would long mourn his passing.

Aragorn was laid out in honor beneath an ornate wooden gazebo located in the gardens that he enjoyed spending time in with his family. All those who wished it were allowed to come and pay their respects to the great Lord of Men. Those that looked upon his peaceful face saw a great beauty revealed in him, so that all looked on him in wonder; for they saw that the grace of his youth, and the valour of his manhood, and the wisdom and majesty of his age were blended together. And long there he lay, an image of the splendour of the Kings of Men in glory undimmed before the breaking of the world.

When the time came, Aragorn was carried to the Hallows of Minas Tirith, where his ancestors were buried, and placed in his stone tomb. A stone statue carved in his likeness closed the tomb so that his image and memory would be preserved for all time.

The weeks that followed Aragorn's burial were sorrowful, but Gondor endured as they welcomed their new King and Queen to the throne. Eldarion was loved by his people and very much like his father. The people did not fear he would lead them astray, but protect and govern them justly as Aragorn had done.

As the people came out of mourning and found joy in their lives once more, Authiel tarried in her grief. She remained shrouded in black and would stand or sit by the stone likeness of her husband, uncontrollably shedding tears as she tasted the bitterness of mortality once more. The light of her eyes was quenched, and it seemed to her people that she had become cold and grey as nightfall in winter that comes without a star.

Her children tried to comfort her and bring her back outside into the light, but she would not oblige them. Even Legolas and Gimli, who had come to say their farewells to Aragorn when the news reached them, tried talking her out of her sorrow. Legolas had even offered to take her to Valinor on the ship that he was building for Gimli and himself. He feared that soon she would succumb to her grief and die of a broken heart, but she refused him.

"Come with us." Legolas begged her from where he knelt next to Authiel as she sat in the Hallows. Legolas took her hands in his and squeezed them. "Please, Authiel. I cannot bear the thought of you wasting away in these stone halls. Aragorn would not wish this fate on you. Bear away your sorrow for Aragorn to Valinor where you can find your joy and hope once more."

"Hope?" Authiel's voice was quiet as she tore her eyes from Aragorn's stone face to meet the concerned blue eyes of her dear friend. "He was my Hope, Legolas, and I will never find it again."

Legolas sighed and bowed his head at her response, deeply saddened by how his friend had transformed. Her children had told him how she spent everyday in the Hallows, her grief unable to leave her. She barely ate or slept and stayed long into the night next to her husband as if holding a silent vigil to protect him.

"Please Authiel." Legolas looked at her once more. "Think of what Aragorn would want for you."

"I don't need too." she answered in a grave tone. "He's already told me."

Legolas furrowed his brow, questioning his friends sanity for a moment, for it sounded as if she had been conversing with the dead. "Authiel, he could not of told you."

"He did." Authiel cut him off. "Before he died." She looked away as her eyes began to shine with tears.

Legolas moved closer to her and squeezed her hands once more, comforted that she had not lost her mind. "And what did he say?"

"To watch over our children for a time before sailing to Valinor." she told him.

"Then Gimli and I will wait until you are ready to sail. Years if need be." The Elf answered.

"No." Authiel said quietly. "You and Gimli must sail soon before age catches up with our friend. Already he is considered old amongst his kindred."

"But that will leave you abandoned here on the shores of Middle-Earth." Legolas was confused. "Will you not fulfill Aragorn's final wish?"

"I will." She answered and turned her eyes back to the Elf. "We discussed it at the end. I will stay and watch over our children as long as I can endure my sorrow, but then I will die and follow him."

Legolas searched her eyes and saw the truth of her words in their depths. "I will grieve when that day comes." He finally told her. "But if you are to honor his wishes, you must first leave this house and be with your children and grandchildren." Legolas released her hands and stood, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Gimli and I will not sail until we know you are well." Then he left her there with her husband.

Days turned into weeks, but Legolas continued to work on his ship with Gimli. The two hopeful that Authiel would eventually emerge from her sorrow.

Then on one morning the sun rose and it was a clear day. The sky a bright and deep blue that could rival any sapphire and bring warmth and joy to any that felt down. The birds were chirping and the flowers were in full bloom. Minas Tirith was bustling with business as it's people carried on with their duties. Laughter and singing was all around.

Legolas and Gimli found themselves in the garden's, playing with Aragorn and Authiel's grandchildren as their parents watched over them. The King and Queen were present, having a small respite from their duties to spend time with their large family.

Legolas suddenly stopped his pursuit of the laughing toddlers he was running after and looked back towards the Citadel. Walking towards them clad in a light green gown and with what seemed like a star shining upon her breast as the sun caught the blue pendant that hung from her neck, was Authiel. The Elf searched her face and she was smiling and her eyes were alight, though they were still sorrowful. But as Authiel looked over her family, the sorrow seemed to vanish some and she greeted them with love as they were happy to see her emerge from the dark.

Legolas and Gimli shared a look as they watched Authiel sit amongst her grandchildren, holding the youngest babe in her arms. Her eyes were alight and she was laughing. Their time for departure was closing in, now that they had done their final task for Aragorn and ensured that their friend would not waste away.

Weeks later Authiel stood with the last remaining members of the Fellowship. The parting was bitter and there were many tears as Authiel embraced Legolas and Gimli. Though she was sad, they did not have to worry about her succumbing to her grief once more. She was happy once more and found joy in her family as Aragorn requested. The three companions said their final farewells and Authiel watched as Elf and Dwarf rode away towards the harbor to take the last ship from Middle-Earth to Valinor.

In the years to come, Authiel found her place in the world once more. The former Queen of Gondor took up the ways of the Dúnedain again and entered the wild as a Ranger from time to time. Her children were devastated at her decision, but were relieved when she would only venture away for a week or so at a time. Acting as more of a scout for her son as he ruled over the land.

Aragorn had been right when he said that their children would need her. Years into Eldarion's reign there was a rise of a cult that worshipped Melkor and Sauron. They had gained strength and began threatening the free people's of Middle-Earth once more. As the only surviving being in Middle-Earth that had fought in the War of the Ring against Sauron, she guided her son through the war. Authiel helped Eldarion lay out battle plans and strategies, he looked to her solely at times for the best course of action since she had seen much war. In the end the threat was destroyed as Eldarion led his armies to victory in numerous battles, Authiel by his side as his most trusted Captain. Aragorn, from wherever he was watching over them, would have been beside himself with pride.

Once peace had resumed and the years passed by, Authiel's happiness and joy began to fade. Time was her greatest enemy and now her children were beginning to pass into the next world. The sorrow that she felt at Aragorn's passing returned to her heart tenfold. Her children lived long lives, having the blood of the Dúnedain and of the Elven-folk, but none surpassed the age of their father, who died at 210 years. So when all of her daughters had passed on, and lastly Eldarion died after ruling 100 years, Authiel went to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She spoke to each one much like Aragorn had done, kissed them all lovingly on the foreheads and said farewell to her family.

Authiel went to the Hallows of Minas Tirith, her feet knowing the path quite well to the tomb where Aragorn rested. The Half-Elf looked down at the stone face of her husband and lightly ran her fingertips over the forehead, drinking in the great detail the mason's had done on the sculpture.

"At long last I can no longer bear the grief of this world, my love. It is time that we are reunited, Aragorn." she spoke quietly and leaned down to place a kiss upon the stone lips of the man.

Authiel then climbed onto the stone slab and laid next to the statue of Aragorn, much like she had on his final night alive. She rested her head on the unmoving stone shoulder and placing her hand over where Aragorn's heart would have been.

"I love you." she whispered into the silence and closed her eyes.

At the breaking of dawn the bell tolled loudly through Minas Tirith as sorrow once again filled the hearts of it's citizens. Their once great Queen had been found in the Hallows, curled against the side of her husband, and life had left her. Though Gondor grieved for her loss, there was no need as their Queen was finally at peace and had found joy once more beyond the living world.

Clad in a shinning white gown, Authiel walked through the doors of the Halls of Mandos and was greeted by all of her children waiting for her. Large smiles were on their faces as they looked upon her, but then they parted and looked behind them.

Behind her children stood two figures dressed in forest green. A man and a woman, or more specifically a Dúnedain and an Elf. Authiel recognized them both immediately, her parents. The father she had missed for so long and the mother she had never met.

"Papa? Mama?" Authiel whispered and Dírhael opened his arms to her. She immediately sprinted and jumped into his arms.

"My little Ranger." he whispered into her hair and he embraced her tightly.

Authiel pulled back and smiled up at him and then turned to her mother.

"I have waited for this moment for a long time." Elgarain spoke and took Authiel into her arms and embraced her with all the love a mother could have for their child.

"I have dreamt of this moment many times." Authiel whispered into her mother's shoulder.

Elgarain pulled back and touched her daughter's cheek. "As much as I wish to hold you in my arms forever, there is someone that has been waiting for you." And Elgarain looked behind her and Dírhael.

Standing there with hands clasped behind his back, clad in deep blue robes, with the largest smile on his face was Aragorn. Looking like the young man that had fought his way through darkness and doubt to Gondor. Grey eyes alight with joy. Authiel was frozen to the spot, but in an instant she sprung forward and leapt into Aragorn's waiting arms raining kisses down upon his face as tears came to their eyes. Breaking apart, Aragorn set her back down on her feet.

"My dearest, Authiel." Aragorn whispered as he touched her face. "I have missed you."

Aragorn lowered his head and captured Authiel's lips in loving kiss then leaned his forehead against hers when they broke apart. They smiled as they gazed joyfully into one another's eyes. Then Aragorn took her by the hand and led her further into the Halls of Mandos as they began the next step of their journey together.

Finish.