Disclaimer: Duh I don't own anything, if I did there'd be a lot more slash. Not that there isn't a lot already :p

Warning: This contains Aragorn/Arwen and Aragorn/Legolas so if you have a problem with either don't read the damn thing.

My Heart Weeps Yet You Do Not See

Chapter 1 - Of Immortal Love


The dim light of the moon shone on the secluded valley of Imladris, illuminating the figures of the two beings standing on a narrow stone bridge. A small stream flowed beneath them and the dense forest surrounded them, filled with the noises of birds and insects that never cease. The two figures were that of Arwen, the fair daughter of the Lord Elrond, and Aragorn, son of Arathorn, though that was only one of his many names.

At this moment he cared not for his many titles, for not many would if they too were holding the Evenstar of the elven race in their arms. He kissed her softly, marveling not for the first time at the fragile body he held in his arms. Even after the years they had spent together he felt guilty in touching something as beautiful as this elven maid, pale and flawless. He wondered why she would choose him, so scarred and dirty in comparison, when she could have the pick of the many elves residing in the valley. A feeling of dread replaced his wonder as he thought of the promise she had made him. To give up her immortality, her perfection, to become old and die with him. He loved her to be sure, and wished to live with her forever, but he could not bare the thought that he would be responsible for taking away her beauty and innocence, making her into a weak mortal creature.

Arwen's mouth parted from his and she lay her head against his shoulder, distracting him from his saddened thoughts. She stroked her fingers through his neat clean hair. "Such a change Estel. The elves do seem to have a good influence on you." Her voice sounded sweet to his ears, soft and melodic like all her kin.

Aragorn laughed quietly. "I had an audience with your father today. It would not do for the suitor of his daughter to appear dressed in the muck of a month on the muddy roads."

"And what did my father say?"

"He told me of the council to be conducted on the morrow, to discuss what will become of the One Ring. He feels it cannot stay in Rivendell and I am one to agree."

"And what of you? Will you be going when the ring goes?"

"I cannot say, the fate of the ring is not up to me but will be decided among the lords of the land. If I am needed I will not have a regret in going, but for the fact I shall have to part from you again." He sighed and looked at her with a loving smile. "But it is a burden I must bear, if the Valley is to be protected and further quiet nights insured."

"Perhaps not so quiet dear Estel" Arwen smirked. Aragorn chuckled, "My Lady how you have changed. Where is the famed modesty of Lord Elrond's only daughter?"

"Rubbed away by the vulgar talk of a human ranger I am sure," she laughed merrily, pressing herself against him and claiming his mouth before pulling away to a sound of complaint from Aragorn. "Do not worry my Ranger, you shall have a perfectly 'quiet' night when the time comes. Tonight, however, there is a feast, and as my consort I am afraid you are bound to attend."

Later they entered the festivities together, the Lady Arwen clad in a dress of glittering purple that clung to her lithe elven figure and with her silver circlet upon her brow. Aragorn was extravagantly dressed in comparison to his usual attire, in a tunic of deep blue silk embroidered with vines and a belt of silver filigree.

For once the revelries were not being held in the Hall of Fire but in a rare-used hall near the valley floor, open to the night surrounding them. Aragorn had seldom ventured here, and it came as a most pleasant surprise as he looked skywards. The high ceiling towered metres above and was delicately carved with intricate scenes of elven life and history. The limbs of the ancient trees surrounding the hall entered from the gaps in the ceiling and between the slender carved pillars that supported the roof, so that he wasn't sure where the forest ended and the beautiful elven building begun. Magical lights had been strung among the branches, illuminating the trees and the revelers below with a soft orange glow.

On the ground there were rows of tables with merrily laughing elves, piled high with food and wine. In the middle of the hall there was a space cleared for dancing and many had already taken up the opportunity, dancing gracefully to the music of the harp-players and the singing of those surrounding them.

They spotted Elrond at the head of the main table, looking as composed as ever in his robes and circlet of state, but with a slight smile curving his lips and a glimmer entering his eyes and he looked upon the celebration of his kin. As they approached the table the elves sitting there rose in greeting, welcoming him with embraces and smiles of recognition. Though it had been many a long year for Aragorn since he had parted Imladris last, for them it was a mere moment, as if he had never left. Among the friendly greetings he heard a voice he had not in years but that was instantly recognizable.

"Welcome Aragorn," it spoke, composed and casual. Aragorn turned around in surprise.

"Legolas!" he cried, grabbing his old friend in a warm embrace, "I have not seen you for many a season!"

The composed elf finally broke into a warm smile, returning the others embrace. "Indeed. I had begun to think you had lost yourself on one of your quests forever. Again you are different to when I saw you last. How quickly you Men change."

"Not for the worse I hope. You my friend are as fair as ever, it astounds me that no-one has yet managed to abduct you into marriage."

Legolas smiled at Aragorn's comment, and none of the faint sadness that passed through him showed on his delicate features. After all these years his skill at composure would have done even Lord Elrond proud. Changing the subject swiftly he questioned Aragorn about his journey and bade Arwen and him join him at the main table. As he sat across from Aragorn he thought of how like this night was to the first night they met, before Aragorn had met the Lady Arwen and inadvertently hurt him as he couldn't know.