A beautiful, raven-haired queen looked out across the stromy skies of her kingdom with worried eyes. She looked young, but was aging quickly. She was seated on a silver window seat in her elegant nightgown. Another roar of thunder echoed across the gray skies, making the queen shiver.

An elderly man walked around the room, snuffing all the candles on the wall. Then he approached the queen with a single candle in his hand.

Queen Arwen, are you going to bed now, or shall I give you this candle. I'm afraid I can't keep all the candles lit when others are trying to sleep.

It's alright. I'm not going to bed. At least, not til Aragorn returns. Thank you for the candle.

My pleasure. Goodnight, your highness, the man said as he left.

Arwen silently returned to watching for her husband. Aragorn had only been gone for less than a month, but for Arwen, it felt like an eternity, especially since she was no longer an elf, she felt that every second was precious. Aragorn had left to visit Edoras, and many other small villages in Rohan, where he would help King Eomer decide what to do with Isengard, since it was so close to his kingdom. He was suppose to return this morning, but now it was almost midnight and still, Aragorn had not returned.

Then, Arwen saw something out in the distance. Several horses were approaching the gates! Finally, her beloved had returned! She pulled a robe over her nightgown, and rushed into the rain to greet him. Her bare feet splashed through the puddles as she made her way to the stables where Aragorn was bound to be with his horse. She arrived just in time to see him slowly dismount his horse. A servent came and led the horse into its home. The second he saw His wife, a soft smile spread across his tired face.

Oh, Aragorn, I missed you so much! Arwen sighed. She ran up a kissed him gently. He pulled her kiss deeper as he wrapped his arms around her soaking body. Finally, she pulled away.

Why were you so late? she asked him.

I'm so sorry, he said gently. A few of my men and I were seperated from our group for a few days. Luckily, I knew my way around Middle-Earth very well, but others did not. We still have not found a few people.

That's awful! Arwen exclaimed. But they'll make it back. They are intelligent men.

Aragorn nodded.

You look weary, she added. Let's get home so you can rest.

As they walked away from the stables, Arwen noticed Aragorn was limping a bit.

What did you do to your leg?

Oh, it's barely anything. When we finally caught up with everyone else, we almost colided. It scared my horse and she knocked me off. But it's fine, nothing to worry about.

Arwen whispered. But she did not pester him any more. She knew he just wanted to sleep.



The next morning, Arwen awoke to find that Aragorn was already gone. She was a bit frustrated that he had woken up so early when he clearly needed rest, but he was very busy, and would probibly be home early.

Arwen did not have much to do now that Aragorn was back, even though she was the queen. When he was gone, she was left to govern Gondor.

That night, Aragorn had a long meeting with his council, and returned very late. Poor Arwen was left to dine alone, just as she had been for the past few weeks.

When he returned, Arwen was already in bed, but she was not asleep. She felt a warm body snugle around her.

Estel, you are working yourself too hard, she whispered quietly in his ear.

Why are you still awake? he questioned.

It's hard to sleep without you.

I'm sorry Arwen. I've been so busy, I have had very little time for you. But I promise you I will make time.

When will that be?

Tomorrow. I will spend all morning with you.

Do you promise?

Of course I do. I promise.

Arwen smiled as she slowly fell asleep in her love's arms.


Arwen woke up early to make sure Aragorn would keep his promise, but apparently, it was too late. Aragorn had left. She knew in her heart it was not his fault. They had been married for less then a year, and she was still getting used to how busy Aragorn was, but it was almost as if they were still in the TA. She was in Rivendell, anxiously waiting his return, and he was gone.

She could tell Aragorn needed a break. He was stressed and tired and he was limping even more. She had to find a way to get him to relax with her