Prologue
"It is good to see you, Gandalf," Lord Celeborn greeted, his silver hair flowing over his shoulders. Galadriel, his wife, was standing at his side looking the Queen she was. "We were not expecting you, but you are always welcomed within our court here in Lothlorien."
"Gandalf, our old friend, who is the lady standing behind you?" asked the tall, golden-haired Lady. Her bright eyes seeing everything within her domain.
Gandalf, clad in his grey cloaks bowed, "I come with a favor of the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood. This lady is with child and she needs the protection of the elves. The child she carries is the last descendant of Earnur before he was lost to the Witch-King. With your blessings, the child will be a strong ally in the future of Middle-Earth."
Lord Celeborn nodded in understanding as Lady Galadriel walked forward towards the woman, whom was standing meekly while they discussed her.
"Come here, child. Let me see you," Galadriel spoke gently but with obvious authority. Timid as a mouse, she moved forward to stand beneath the Lady's steady gaze. With a curtsey, she showed the respect the elf-woman deserved since she could not bow with her enlarged stomach.
"My Lady," the woman spoke softly. "Gandalf has told me many wonderful things about the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood. Lothlorien is truly a lovely place."
"Indeed, such kind words of our forest is always greatly appreciated. Tell me, what is your name?" Galadriel replied with a smile, as the men looked on.
"Ariel, my Lady," the woman replied kindly.
"It is a beautiful name," Galadriel spoke. She watched as a blush took over the young woman's face. "Befitting for one as yourself."
"Thank you, Lady Galadriel."
Galadriel's smile widened slightly as she brought her fingers to Ariel's chin to lift her face to hers. Ariel's face was fair as her Elven blood permitted and her eyes a deep blue, all her features were delicate as Galadriel observed her. Her hair was a golden-brown that shone in the beams of sunlight filtering through the trees.
"Your child will be faced with many perils and troubled times but do not worry, she will be stronger than all before her. Within her veins the blood of her Elven ancestors will be the strongest of all in her line. Her destiny is a great one but her path hard, she will travel and learn many in the wild," Galadriel spoke as her palm rested on Ariel's stomach.
"My child is a girl?" Arien questioned, her eyes shining with joy for she wished for a girl but would love any child regardless.
"Yes. What shall you name her?" Galadriel asked, her own eyes shining at the vision that had sped in her mind's eye.
"Arrien, I think. 'Ar' means High or Noble and 'rien' means Queen in Sindarin, correct?" At Galadriel's nod, she continued. "My daughter shall be a Noble Queen of Men."
"It will suit her well, Lady Ariel," Galadriel said, smiling. Ariel returned her smile, hope long lost filling her heart once more.