Last Act of Love (Sequel to The Last One)

Chapter 27

Ruive gently rapped her knuckles on the door which lead to the room Frodo was recovering in. Hearing no protests, she quietly pushed her way into the room. Gandalf was sitting on a chair at the end of the large bed, and a tired looking Sam was sitting hunched over on another chair beside the bed.

"Any change?" Ruive inquired coming to stand behind Sam, her hand landing on his shoulder comfortingly.

Sam huffed and shook his head, resting it on the palm of his right hand. Ruive sighed and soothingly rubbed her thumb along Sam's shoulder.

"Come along, Sam. Frodo will be alright, and you need to eat something and rest."

Sam appeared reluctant to leave his best friend's side, but a pointed look from Ruive and Gandalf showed that any kind of protest would be futile. Sam huffed once more and pushed to his feet, he gave Frodo one last look before walking towards the door with Ruive's guiding arm around his shoulders.

"Now, come, you must have some incredible tales to tell me, Sam."

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The Fellowship, minus Gandalf and Frodo, waiting restlessly outside of Frodo's room. Gandalf had been almost certain he was going to wake soon so the rest of the Fellowship had dropped everything to wait for the brave Hobbit's awakening. Some time had passed, and glum looks had begun to grow on their faces, growing more apparent with every passing minute. But then they heard it, the sounds of laughing rolling from behind Frodo's door. He was awake.

Merry and Pippin wasted no time in bursting through the doors and tackling their dear friend in hugs. Gimli soon followed, his booming cheer echoing through the halls. Ruive smiled and slowly entered Frodo's room. The beaming Hobbit smiled even wider as she walked into the room.

"Ruive!"

Ruive smiled even brighter and stood at the end of the bed watching as Merry and Pippin shouted and tossed themselves around on the bed, explaining all their adventures to Frodo. Aragorn was next to walk into the room, he stood between Gimli and Ruive, a large smile spread over his face. Legolas walked into the room, he nodded to Frodo with a small smile in his face before moving to stand on the other side of Ruive.

The last person to enter the room, was one that Frodo was most happy to see. Sam quietly stood in the doorway and smiled fondly at his best friend, a happy look on both their faces that said 'We made it.'

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 "Now come the days of the king." Gandalf proclaimed, placing the crown on Aragorn's head. "May they be blessed."

The crowds erupted into loud cheers and applause. Aragorn paused for a moment, before turning to face his people and friends.  

"This day does not belong to one man but to all. Let us together rebuild this world, that we may share in the days of peace." 

The crowds applauded and cheered once more as white petals from the King's tree began to fall on them. Aragorn looked among the people and slowly began to sing.

"Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta." (Out of the Great Sea to Middle-earth I am come. In this place will I abide, and my heirs, unto the ending of the world.)

Aragorn descended the stairs and walked between his people as they bowed and curtsied to their new King. Ruive and Legolas stepped forward along with the Elves as Aragorn approached them. Aragorn and Legolas placed a hand on each other's shoulder. 

"Hannon le." (Thank you.) Aragorn whispered.

As they released, Aragorn turned to Ruive who looked at him a small smile and what he could have sworn were tears in her eyes.