Serafina the Grey (Book 3 of the Daughters of Durin Trilogy)

Chapter 20: Home

The young hobbit woke to the birds singing outside the window, which shone light on his white tunic and cotton bedspread. He still looked tired and worn, yes, but he had a new life about him, which shone through his bright blue eyes. He sat up, rustling the covers on the bed as he leaned against his pillows, finally catching the eyes of the figure at the end of his bed. "Gandalf?" Frodo said.

The White Wizard smiled back at him, his eyes twinkling and he began to laugh.

"Oh!" Frodo exclaimed, an enormous wave of joy cresting over him as he laughed.

Then, the hobbit was greeted by two others of his kind. Merry and Pippin came to the door, both of their faces grinning in delight as they laid eyes on their friend. "Frodo!" Merry said, running towards him and leaping on the bed, Pippin following close behind. Gandalf continued to laugh merrily, tears brimming his eyes as the three of them exchanged hugs, bouncing on the bed in Rivendell together as they laughed.

Next, Gimli came through the door and spread his arms wide, also chuckling in his true dwarfish manner as he set his eyes on Frodo.

"Gimli!" Frodo grinned, watching as the dwarf clapped his hands and strode towards the edge of the bed. Legolas followed soon after, offering a smile that the hobbit returned as he entered the room. Finally, the wild rider appeared in the doorway, not wasting a moment as he grinned handsomely at his small friend. "Aragorn!" Once he had joined them at the foot of the bed, Gimli laughed to himself, wiping away a stray tear.

Then, the great rulers of Erebor themselves entered the bedroom, wearing looks of peace and harmony. They looked unlike Frodo had ever seen them, without their armor and robes; instead, they smiled softly, donned no weapons, and wore simple tunics of blue and grey. Frodo nodded ever so slightly in their direction during his mirth, which Thorin returned. However, Ravonna took to blowing him a kiss, and when her fingers left her lips, a few beautiful butterflies flew across the room and circled Frodo's head, making the room laugh all the more heartily.

And last, but surely not least, Sam was at the door, but had a hesitant look across his features. Frodo saw this unease; he knew the pain that Sam felt, since it was akin to his own. They were missing two, and the look the hobbits shared showed how deeply it cut them. But Frodo remembered their words and their persons, knowing that they would want to rejoice, not mourn, their lives.

Frodo smiled at his friend. Sam smiled back.

...

Aragorn stood on the steps of the great courtyard in Minas Tirith, filled with onlookers sharing an expression of joy. Thorin and Ravonna stood along the sides of the steps, Legolas at Ravonna's side and Gimli at his. Gandalf lifted the King's crown up as Aragorn bowed, accepting it as it was bestowed upon his head. He had fulfilled his duty; he would now rule on the throne of Gondor.

"Now come the days of the King. May they be blessed."

The wizard moved back as Aragorn walked up the steps, turning towards the people. They all clapped and cheered in reverie, causing the new King to smile.

"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 people resumed their cheers as Gimli looked up in wonder. Petals as light as the air themselves fell down upon them, causing the dwarf to look to his queen. Ravonna could only wink in response; the tree had only needed a little bit of help to come to bloom again.

And then, Aragorn began to sing. 

He walked down towards the people, awestruck at his smooth, Elvish tone. Faramir and Eowyn bowed low to him, followed by Eomer, now King of Rohan. The elves approached him, preparing their bows, and the King put his hand on Legolas' shoulder. "Hannon le. (Thank you.)"