From Wyoming, to Middle-earth

Chap. 40 - Farewells and the Ring

After Aragorn was crowned king, there was a huge celebration in the great hall. Tables of food were laid out, and barrels of ale were out, and music was being played. Inside, I was able to change out of my armor and into a simple violet tunic, and brown pants. I still wore my red cloak. I brushed my hair and washed my face, and went out to meet the others. The hobbits were quite excited to see me, especially Merry and Pippin. I gave Sam one of my daggers, because he said he's always wanted one.

Aragorn was talking to practically everyone, and he kept looking at me. I just laughed, and filled up a plate with food. Èowyn and Faramir were holding hands. I stopped next to them, and we talked for a little until Aragorn escaped the crowd. He pulled me outside and onto a balcony. The chilled air from outside refreshed me, from being inside the hot and stuffy air.

The sunset was beautiful. It was pink, yellow, orange, and red. Flowers grew over the doorway, and seemed to glow white. Aragorn seemed to fidget with his hands, and eventually kneeled down in front of me. I froze, and then smiled.

He cleared his throat, and turned red, "Alex, you.. I.. Love... I.. Will you m.. marry me?"

I knew it was coming, but I was still in awe. I giggled, let him slide a silver ring with a green gem on my finger. He stood up, and was still red. I laughed, and kissed him. Gandalf opened the door, holding three goblets of ale.

"How did it go?" Gandalf puffed. Aragorn smiled, and took a cup from Gandalf's hand, and gave it to me. It felt weird having a ring on my finger, but I'll get used to it.

We toasted our glasses, and laughed and smiled. The whole Fellowship seemed to be together again, except for Boromir. We laughed and talked, and everyone congratulated Aragorn and I on our engagement. After the party, the people of Minas Tirith went back to their houses, and I went back to my room. The hobbits, Gandalf, Legolas, and Gimli were leaving tomorrow. A small knock on my door made me jump, and then I yelled, "Come in."

I took off my belt, sword, daggers, and bow and laid them on a table. Hands appeared on my shoulders, and they turned me around. My face whirled around, and was next to Aragorn's. I looked into his piercing gray eyes.

"Well hello," I said, and giggled. He laughed, and pulled me into a hug. My arms tangled around his neck, and I sighed. I felt relaxed.

I heard him laugh, and he kissed my cheek, and neck. I shivered, and held out my hand. The green gem shined in the candle light.

"You will be a great queen," Aragorn said quietly. I pondered his statement.

"I have no idea how to be a queen! Do I have to wear dresses?" I asked.

Aragorn laughed, "Only if you want to."

"Okay, good."

Aragorn pulled away, and kissed me on the lips. I felt a weird tingling feeling go through my body, and I shuddered. As our lips collided, I lost my sense of reality. All of my emotions I've been holding in for a long time seemed to empty. Tears filled my eyes, and spilled over. Aragorn held my shoulders, and concern was glazed across his face.

"What's wrong?" he asked me gently.

"Nothing! I've been holding my emotions in for far too long," I sobbed. He gingerly wiped my tears away, "I have a way to get rid of your stress. Come."

I followed him outside, and shivered at the sudden temperature change. He offered me his cloak, but I refused it. He then put it on me himself, and I muttered my thanks. He took me to what seemed like a training area. Targets for bows and arrows, bags of sand for who knows what, and wooden dummies for sword fighting. Aragorn handed me a sword, and said, "Take it out on the dummy."