Mistress of the Fellowship (LOTR)

* 76 * Vanquishing Vows

Epona took Kordelia miles away to witness the sunset atop a mountain, away from the noise but with a breathtaking view of the sun disappear over the white city and great river. On the way though she tore away the sleeves and collar of the constricting gown so to make it the way she felt comfortable.

So many radiant colors filled the sky and it was masterful how the moon made its presence. She smiled as she sat upon the cooling grass as Epona lay next to her and Triduana perched upon her shoulder. Again she felt blessed to be in such great company as the blissful scent of sage and lavender surrounded her. A symphony of crickets began to play their nighttime serenade until the music and noise at the palace became impossible to ignore telling Kordelia it was time to return.

Once she arrived she dusted off her white gown, the dress she had promised Aragorn she would be in and there was no doubt he would ask why she had broke a promise but he was in for a surprise.

Atop the stairs to the large room she stepped forth to the noise of the many joyous people but as she came forward she could feel everyone's eyes lock onto her as the hall fell completely silent. Aragorn stood up and took a couple steps forward with eyes wide and the sight made Kordelia smile as she noticed how he did not release Arwen's hand.

Looking around she made eyes with Éomer who bore a proud grin and then she locked eyes with Legolas and in that moment she felt the wind gently run across her skin and she moved forward into the silence and allowed a song to fill the room. It was a elvish song of joy, new beginning, and giving thanks.

She had finished the song as she hit the last step of the stairs and everyone clapped before wiping their eyes.

Éomer had met her at the bottom of the stairs and offered her his arm which she accepted and they made their way to Aragorn and Arwen who were still standing and eyes still glistened from the song.

Aragorn came closer and quietly said, "May we speak in private?"

"Of course."

Aragorn gestured for Gandalf, Legolas, and Gimli and lead the way to a private meeting room.

Aragorn, Arwen, Gandalf, Gimli, Legolas, Éomer, Eowyn, Faramir and Kordelia stood around and Aragorn asked, "I will never understand why you broke your oath. I will never understand how you could break it." He paused and stared at her as his eyes glistened with tears, "But you have given me the greatest joy this day. Never before has my heart been filled with such joy. Joy I never knew existed and I must ask you why. Why did you break your word for me?"

Proudly she stepped forward with a hard look they all knew so well. "I have never broken a vow and with this second chance of life I never will. I've defended Middle Earth as I promised, I sang and danced as I promised a friend, I defeated the wicked wizard, and I sang my people's song of freedom. I have not broken a promise."

Aragorn became defensive and said, "You promised to be my bride. You promised that we would rebuild this world together. Not only have you broken your vow but have forced me to break mine."

Her eyes darkened as she snapped, "I broke no promise and I did not make you break yours! I stand by my promise to rebuild this world together and share in the days of peace. I did not promise to be your bride. I promised your bride would stand behind the banner of the elves and she was. I promised to come before you in white. Your promises have been fulfilled."

"How can you say that? You and I both know I promised to marry you." Countered Aragorn who was most frustrated now.

"Tell me what you promised. I know the words are branded into you and still just as fresh after these many years as it was the moment you spoke them."

Aragorn shook his head before squaring up to her and repeating the words, "I vow before you and the world to find this shield maiden and I shall give her my hand and make her a queen. I vow to do all I can to make her see and feel the beauty of this world and help heal her tattered heart and suede her to spare the destruction of this wondrous world." He sighed after he said it and said, "Now tell me how I have fulfilled this vow and yet you are not queen?"

"I am a queen but not of Gondor." She said loudly.

Everyone was shocked by this confession and after a moment all eyes shifted to the one she had been seen with and known to confide in."

Éomer was shocked by this turn and was truly baffled and was unsure of what was going on. He did not recall saying anything about marrying her and making her the queen of Rohan, although he would be honored to do so.

Gandalf spoke first and asked, "You are to be the Queen of Rohan?"

Kordelia was trying awful hard not to laugh but was only able to withhold it with a smirk as she said, "I am no queen to any people."

Aragorn took a breath and asked, "Please explain."

"You promised to make me a queen." She allowed the words to sink in before she continued, "And you have King Aragorn. You even have it written down."

Aragorn suddenly realized what she meant and smiled, "Warrior Queen."

She smiled, "That's right. I am the Warrior Queen and you are the one whom made me the Queen of Warriors. Don't you dare try and claim it as a fluke or just some sweet title to honor me in death. I am the Warrior Queen. You gave me your hand in battle and I took it. I took it as an ally and friend. You have shown me the beauty this world holds and it is from watching you and Arwen together. The two of you have shown me that love is the most powerful thing in this world and undoubtedly the most beautiful. You do not owe me anything. You have fulfilled your duty and we all know the greatest thing you can do for not only you but for Gondor is having your love beside you as queen. I am certainly not fit to be a queen of men but your beloved is what they need and what you need. Aragorn, King of Gondor, it is time to move forward."

Aragorn's eyes glazed over once more and Arwen stepped forward to stand beside him, a move only a strong woman, a queen, would make. He looked deep into her eyes and a tear fell down both their cheeks. The love they had for one another was so powerful that everyone could feel it in the room.

Aragorn took her hand and stepped closer to her and said, "I thank you Ryker for all of this. You have done more for me than I could ever repay you for."

"It is a new age and I believe we all should take this chance to start fresh. Remember what has happened but start anew. This day has been the beginning. No more mourning, no more bitterness, no more guilt, and no more unfulfilled promises."

"Your wisdom speaks the truth." Said Aragorn as he stepped forward followed by everyone else. "Come now my friends, let us celebrate."

They all smiled and embraced one another before departing the room with Éomer once again escorting her.

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