Fifty Three - Happiness, Safety, Love

It’s been one week since we returned to Minas Tirith. 

One week since the fighting was finally over. 

One week since Sauron’s death.

One week where we finally had peace. 

Gandalf found Sam and Frodo on Mount Doom with the eagles and brought them straight here. We healed both of them, but they would wake in their own time. Sam was first and asked about Frodo immediately.

I sent our armies back to their homes with Cleos, Zion, and Alek. Iston went with them, then to Lorien.

Hadrian refused to leave me, stating firmly that he was the Commander of my Queensguard and there were no negotiations.

Late at night, I couldn’t sleep. Ever. I would sit next to Frodo and watch him sleep. Strange, I know, but I feel as responsible for him as Gandalf does. 

“Verena,” Gandalf sighed as he walked into the dark room. “I was just checking on him,” I said, standing. “It’s alright,” He held his hand out, gesturing for me to sit back down. 

“It feels like it’s been years,” I sighed. “That it does,” He agreed. 

“We’ve heard from Lord Thranduil,” Gandalf said. “What news?” I asked anxiously. “The spiders had grown weaker and smaller. They terminated the last of them,” He said and I smiled. “Good,” I said.

“Gandalf,” I said. “Yes?” he asked. “Did I do the right thing? With Sauron?” He sighed and sat next to me. “Legolas’ arrow or not, he was not going to live long. The Ring was the only thing tying him here,” Gandalf said.

“But maybe there was a way we could have saved him. He still had us. The Tempests. We were supposed to be his family, instead, he felt like an outsider in his own home,” I said. 

“What’s done is done. Letting yourself be guilted by his death will only torment you,” He said.

“I just can’t help but wonder… if I could’ve helped him. Saved him from the darkness he created from the spite and anger Edrick caused him,” I said. 

“His heart was lost long ago. It was clear by what you told me. Family was not enough for him, Ver. He wanted power,” He reasoned and I nodded.  

~~~

You might be asking why I haven’t been crowned yet. I’m not ready and I will hold it off as long as I can, if I’m being honest.

I will wait for Frodo to wake, then send for my family to attend Aragorn’s coronation then… I’ll go home and have mine.

“And where were you?” I jumped at Legolas’ voice, my hair catching fire and I turned to look at him. He chuckled as I ran my hands through the flames, bringing it back to normal. 

“What are you doing here?” I asked. “You didn’t answer my question,” He said. “I was sitting with Frodo,” I answered, lighting a few candles. 

“Your turn,” I said. “We need to talk,” He replied, looking me in the eye. “What about?” I asked. “Why you left, what you were thinking… the letter,” He listed.

“We had to get his direct attention somehow,” I answered the first question. “After what I had seen in the Palantir, as well as the Ring, I saw him. Not just a beaming evil light that he spoke from, but as a person,” I explained. 

“You could have gotten yourself killed,” He said. “I could have lost you. Is that not what we promised each other all those nights ago? That we would live?” He asked in a hurt tone.

“I’m right here, Legolas. You didn’t lose me,” I whispered in Elvish. I leaned up and kissed his cheek and hugged him. He hugged me back even tighter. 

“Now it’s your turn again,” I smiled. “Tell me what you’ve been wanting to tell me,” I said. “I thought you said you already knew,” He said. “I just want to hear you say it, since we’re alive,” I reasoned and he laughed. 

“It’s you. It has been you for as long as I can remember. I love you, Verena Tempest,” He said. I leaned up and kissed him. He smiled into the kiss, pulling me closer and holding me tighter. 

Happiness, safety, and love. 

I haven’t felt all three things in forever. 

Now that I have it, I will not let it go.

~~~

“Frodo’s awake!” I announced, taking Legolas’ hand and quickly running down the corridors to his room, following the laughter. 

“Ver, slow down, he isn’t going anywhere,” Le laughed. “Clearly you know nothing of Hobbits,”

We slowed down as we got to his door and walked in to see Merry and Pippin on the bed with him and Gandalf and Gimli standing off to the side. 

Frodo smiled widely at us, then looking at Aragorn as he walked in as well. Sam came last, smiling as Frodo as Merry and Pippin continued to laugh.

~~~

Days later, Elves, Men, Dwarves, and Tempests gathered at Minas Tirith for Aragorn’s coronation.

Once Dessa and Esme saw Legolas and I, they immediately began planning our wedding. My sisters are the most supportive people I’ve ever had. 

Thranduil was elated to see us together, telling me he knew exactly when his son began to develop romantic feelings for me, embarrassing Le. 

We weren’t going to make it about us. This was for Aragorn. 

Elrond had brought Arwen with him to surprise Aragorn. She was strong and healthy now that the Ring was gone.

 I stood at the front of the Tempest and our people with my family, watching as Gandalf placed a crown on his head. 

“Now come the days of the king,” Gandalf announced. He stepped back as Aragorn stood, turning to us. 

The crowds cheered and clapped, then calmed as he began to speak. “This day does not belong to one Man, but to all. Let us rebuild this world that we share in the days of peace,” 

Petals fell above and Aragorn began to sing the Song of Elendil. “Out of the great sea to Middle Earth I have come. In this place I will abide, and my heirs, unto the end of the world,” 

He walked down, others bowing and he returned as well. I stepped forward with my brothers and sisters, smiling and hugging Aragorn. “Thank you, Verena,” He said in Elvish. 

“Tiseah will always be there at your greatest needs,” I promised and he nodded, walking to Legolas and the Elves.

They placed a hand on each other’s shoulders and exchanged a few words before Legolas he continued into the crowds. I stood next to Legolas, who took my hand as we watched Aragorn and Arwen meet again.

Aragorn took the banner with the white tree on it and handed it away, then kissed her. I smiled and Legolas kissed my head as the others clapped. I looked over at my uncle, who smiled, tears in his eyes.

He continued down the path to the Hobbits and they bowed to him. “My friends, you bow to no one,” Aragorn knelt, bowing to them and we all did the same. 

They are the true heroes.