Father's love

Pleasant meetings

The sun was shining and a sweet breeze was blowing when Aragorn and the three Hobbits arrived at Rivendell. An entire day had passed since Frodo had been carried there by Arwen to be healed, and Sam simply couldn't wait to see his friend. Therefore they had been rushed about all the way long, and as they saw the enormous house of Elrond appearing in the distance, they suddenly felt exhausted and in need of a hot bath and a bed.
Aragorn felt happiness grow into his heart as they went through the gardens surrounding the house. The vision of his beloved Arwen was constantly on his mind, and his thoughts run to the image of them sitting in the gazebo, without neither Elrond nor her brothers hovering around them.
Merry and Pippin's best desire, along with Frodo being safe, was to have a great breakfast.
When they entered the main hall, Aragorn remained shocked. The Hall was more like a market than a house. Lots of people of different races- Humans, Elves, and even Dwarves!- stood there talking and laughing; the big sofas that used to stay in the middle of the room had been carried away, and two wooden tables had been placed sideways.
Behind them two Elf maidens were hurrying in giving keys and scrolls of parchments. One of them was…
"Arwen!" yelled Aragorn, but because of the noise she couldn't hear him. Before he started to yell again, he was reached by Elrond.
"Estel, my dear, welcome. Sorry about the mess, we're having a big party and lots of other things, so we're quite busy with the guests." He saw the worried eyes of the Hobbits. "Don't worry, Frodo is safe. A bit tired, but it's all OK. Lavien, take them to the chamber of the Hobbit".
An Elf waitress bowed and took them.
"It all looks like…don't know…a…"
"A inn, Estel. I know, but we're expecting many people for the Council, and I have to care about their stay. It's my duty. Besides- he added- it's a good business. Lots of curious onlookers. They're there for the party".
"Why's also Arwen working? I saw her at the…desk".
"Yes. I thought it was a good idea, she spends too much time thinking." Elrond's voice became cold for a second. "Come! Your rooms is always the same. I'll make you have hot water and new robes in a moment". And he pushed him on the stairs. Arwen was still giving keys.

Aragorn took off his torn robes and immerse himself into the water. His thoughts immediately flew away, and he closed his eyes, the noise downstairs nothing more than a murmur. He was home.
Suddenly a spout of freezing water made him shiver.
"What…?"
"Hello, my dear" Arwen said laughing.
"It was gelid, you treacherous…"
"Come on, don't be childish!" was her answer. She sat on the edge of the bath and kissed him. "You didn't even say me hello when you arrived…"
"I did!" he protested "bu you were busy with those stupid keys!"
"Father's idea. Quite foolish, if I can say. I mean, are we really supposed to provide food and the other stuff for about 100 people? He says that's his duty as an Elf Lord, and that Rivendell will become even more famous, and so on and so for. What I've saw since now it's a lot of trouble and noise".
"So will you have a free moment to spend with me this evening?" said Aragorn caressing her face. "Without any guests or keys or parties, of course"
"And especially without my father around! I'm sure is looking for me even now!" she sighed
"What about our gazebo?"
"I've succeeded in saving it from my father's clutches. And" she added with a malicious smile "I've carried a sofa there"
"My dear" Aragorn whispered kissing her "You're so intelligent".

The days passed quickly for Aragorn. In the morning Arwen had to help his father in their project of that stupid inn; but with all those people wandering in the house, Aragorn couldn't get bored. Indeed, he met friends he hadn't seen for ages.
Legolas, prince of Mirkwood, hadn't changed at all; they had been in close touch many years ago, and they spent many hours remembering and telling each other the news.
But what Aragorn loved most were the afternoons. He and Arwen went riding, following the river, and they used to stop near the waterfall to have a picnic. Arwen was as he remembered, too. Her laugh was shrilling and her eyes bright. He felt that he loved her more and more.
After dinner little parties took place, in which the Elf maidens danced and sang the songs of their ancestors. Arwen was forced to take part, but when Elrond didn't notice they used to dropped out and went for a walk in the garden by moonlight.
"I think it's a dream" said Aragorn one evening. "You and me, together and free. It simply can't be real".
"Is this real?" said Arwen, and kissed him. They were in the middle of a meadow. Aragorn took a flower of elanor.
"I hope it is".
"I can't understand why Ada lets us stay together. It's quite strange, isn't it?"
"Maybe he has understood. I was sure he would have seen that we really love each other".
"Don't know. He never said anything about it after the last time we met".
"Maybe he didn't notice! We have been very cautious. Even an Elf Lord can't see everything".
"It doesn't matter!"
And they kissed.

Elrond was sit in his study, looking at the moon outside the window. He seemed asleep, but, his mind was working quickly. Of course he knew everything. He could run them both through with an arrow by now, if only he had wanted. But he didn't. Actually, he was planning something else, that would have had the affaire definitely solved. He only had to wait for the party.