Chapter 1
Disclaimer: All the characters you recognize belong to J.R.R Tolkien. This story is for fun. No profit is being made.
The fair valley of Rivendell lightened Elladan's heart as he came down the hidden path. He felt the tenseness leave his twin as his own shoulders relaxed. It was ironic, he mused, how welcome the sight of his home was, and yet how soon he always desired to turn his back on it. The mists over the valley thinned as he approached the entrance of the Last Homely House. He was jostled out of his musings when he heard Elrohir's cry of delight as his twin surged forward. And then he saw her, slender and fair beyond the understanding of men, Arwen. His own delight now caused him to urge his steed forward. Lithely leaping from his horse, he watched as Elrohir crushed her to him, her laughter mingling with his. And then it was his turn and he was drawn in to her warm embrace.
"This is a pleasant surprise and it gladdens my heart. When did you return? We thought you were in far off Lothlorien." asked Elrohir
"Barely a week has passed since my return. I felt a desire to look upon our home again" replied Arwen.
"Is anything amiss?" asked Elladan. "You have the look one who desires something, and ponders upon the most opportune moment".
Arwen's laughter rang out again. "Well do you know me my brother in spite of the years we have been separated. There is indeed a favor I would ask of you. But, this is not the time. Adar is waiting and we both greatly desire to hear your tales in the wild".
"And of someone in particular I deem" Elrohir teased. To which the only response he got was a demure smile from Arwen.
"Would that we had known you would be here" said Elladan. "Estel would have desired to send word I deem."
"For now your assurances would have to do Elladan" said Arwen with a cryptic smile.
…..
Elrohir sighed contentedly in his place in the Hall of Fire. The musical voice of his brethren filled the room, but, he paid little heed to the words, contented to simply be and bask in the comfort of his home. His eyes fell on his father. Elrond looked at peace with his children around. How he wished they could settle at home and aid their father! But, ever the desire to be away and aid others in the fight against the shadow took root in his heart. Even Arwen, he mused, tired of Rivendell and would move back and forth between Lothlorien and Rivendell. His eyes fell on the object of his thoughts. To everyone else, his sister looked the epitome of grace and composure. But, to him she looked distracted. Before retiring to the Hall of Fire, they had gathered in Elrond's study for a private dinner, with Glorfindel and Erestor also being present. Elladan had spoken of the Dunedain, and their need for supplies for the coming winter. It had hurt Estel to admit the need for assistance. The need must be dire indeed for Estel to broach the subject without any encouragement on their part. Arwen's eyes had filled with joy on hearing that causing Elrohir to remark, "If I didn't know you better Arwen, I would think that the news of the Dunedains need brings you great joy".
Calm grey eyes had met him then, with no hint of the emotion he had perceived. "But, you do know me better Elrohir. Let us not digress from what must be done". He had been taken aback by her calm denial. While the others discussed on the most suitable means to deliver, he had watched her closely. But, Arwen was calm and poised. Grudgingly, he had decided to retreat. Arwen could better her brothers in hiding her thoughts. Perhaps it came from spending years under Galadriel's tutelage. Elladan was ever impulsive, and he himself was an open book.
He was startled out of his musings by light applause. A song had ended and Lindir was bowing.
Elladan was sprawled out next to him half asleep. Arwen was leaning over him, gently rousing him and bidding him to go bed. She turned and met his gaze then.
"Peace Elrohir. Tomorrow I shall reveal all."
He stood then to follow Elladan to welcome slumber, and kissed her brow. "If it is in my power to give that which you desire, then you shall have it."
"Your words warm my heart. But, I would that you hear my request first. That which you promise me so easily tonight might cause you grief tomorrow." she cautioned even as she returned his embrace. "Come now brother! Go to your deserved rest, and we shall speak of this matter ere we break our fast."
Arwen hadn't slept well that night, filled with delight with the prospect of her impending reunion with Estel. She had no doubts that her wish would be granted. Her brothers would never deny her. What I am asking is not unreasonable she told herself firmly. Estel is the only man I have ever truly known. How am I to rule with him when our hopes are fulfilled if I do not understand his people? How I envy his kin that they may toil beside him and aid him against the shadow while I sit idly in the House of Elrond or in Galadriel's realm. Adar says my presence is enough. Would that I could do more, she mused. Would that I could ride with my brethren and fight beside him. What a queen I shall make, she thought bitterly. A queen who has never been among the people she will rule, bound to them through the love of a man whom she would meet once in many years if fortune favored them. I will go to the Angle with them, she vowed, straightening her shoulders and tilting her chin. I shall tie myself to Elladan's horse if need be, but go I shall!
…
Her announcement was met with silence. Her brothers were frowning at her, but she met their gaze steadily. I will not be denied she thought firmly. Glorfindel was smiling, and she knew if her father permitted, he would follow her. Erestor was calmly waiting for her Adar's decision even as she was. And, Adar was looking at her, his expression unreadable.
"How long do you propose to stay" he asked, breaking the silence.
"Until winter has passed. I would aid them like my brothers." she replied
Elladan could wait no longer. "Have you heard of nothing we spoke?" he enquired harshly. "Were you not present when we mentioned the threat of Sauron's forces and the circumstances that has brought Estel to ask for our help? Did your mind not listen as we described how the Dunedain had to flee and scatter before gathering again in their settlement?".
"Nevertheless I shall go and lend whatever aid I may" answered Arwen.
"And what aid may that be? Can you hunt while knowing you may well have to fight more than your dinner? Have you harvested the crops of men? Do you know how to cook the food of men?"
"I can weave"
"In Imladris and Lothlorien, were the resources were plenty and time was at hand. They could ill afford the riches you are used to, and the time to make fine stitches. They weave without beauty, but rather with need from anything they can find. The men mend their own clothes even as we do."
"If I cannot provide the aid they desire, it is because I have never been granted the opportunity to live in a city of men. I shall learn."
"It is not the place or the time for learning." Elrohir interjected quietly. "Arwen the times are dark. You heard our tale on how their settlement was attacked when the men were away. The few men left behind were boys and old men. It was all they could do to raise the alarm. Their crops were destroyed, and their houses were razed. The people survived because all of them know how to disappear into the wild and start from scratch. Such is their life and they know it well. Had you been there, you would have perished. They need all the help they can get. No one can be spared to see to your comfort or teach you."
"I can see to my own comfort and no one is needed to teach me. I can observe and learn. I know how to hide in trees, and thus, can disappear myself if the need arises".
"You insult the enemy, and our warriors if you think disappearing is as simple as hiding in the trees" said Elladan. "Observe and learn you may, but they would see to your comfort whether you desire it or not."
"Would they not extend the same courtesy to you?" asked Arwen.
"Long have Elrohir and I succored them. We are no strangers to their life" replied Elladan.
"Let me succor them now, so that I too may be viewed as such"
"You speak like a fool Arwen. This is not about your acceptance. It is about the survival of Estel's kin which you may hamper with your presence."
"I shall bring hope and joy to him."
"And then well you may be a burden. Estel is not at leisure among his people. The Angle is not Lothlorien, where you may walk free of care. Estel is lord of his people and many responsibilities bind him, especially in this time of need."
"Responsibilities have ever bound him and shall ever bind him. He will not turn me away."
"Do not abuse his love and reverence for you" Elladan warned. "Do not make him decide between pleasing you and looking after those that depend on him."
"Will you decide for him and his people then?" asked Arwen.
"Enough!" Elrond spoke up. "Elladan speaks truly Undomiel. This is not a time where the Dunedain will welcome a guest. They are a proud people and would be driven to show you great hospitality. You desire for their acceptance. But, the time is not now. Well may you aid them, but think they would let you? A stranger among them, daughter of Elrond, their leader's betrothed, to swoop in their midst and start weaving for them?"
"So I must pay for not aiding them from generations past like my brothers? I pay for not giving into vengeance like my brothers did even though fury burned within me. I did not wish to torment you all with the prospects of my capture and torment so soon after Naneth had departed. But, I will not be gainsaid any longer. I go with you to render aid or I shall go alone."
"Ever have we given you all you desired Arwen" Elrohir said gently. "Can you not see the folly of your ways?"
"When shall my time come then Elrohir? The days grow ever darker. Can you not see why I cannot wait any longer? Estel journeys to many lands. I may not see him again for years hence" she pleaded.
An uncomfortable silence descended again. Arwen, pale but resolute, watched her father.
"If I may suggest a solution?" Glorfindel asked. Elrond motioned for him to continue. "It seems we are making decisions too soon. The threat has come and gone. It may be the winter is without any threat." Ignoring Elladan's furious look, he said, "We have made a list of supplies and a patrol that shall go with Elladan and Elrohir. Let Arwen go with them. She could hardly be conspicuous among a group of elves. We have been meaning to scout the areas near their settlement. I shall depart with them and take the patrol with me to scout the areas as you Elrond have deemed necessary, albeit a bit early. We would be near enough to render help if needed" he finished.
Arwen's smile was radiant as she looked hopefully at her father.
"Will you be scouting the entire winter" Elladan asked sarcastically.
"Patience Elladan! I will be back in a few days. Arwen shall leave with me or stay depending on Estel's wish."
"Will you comply with Estel's command?" asked Elrond.
"I shall Adar. I will not refute his wish. I give my word." she replied, joy clear in her voice.
Elrond looked at the gathering. Arwen radiant at her victory; Elladan glowering at Glorfindel who was pointedly looking the other way; Elrohir thoughtful and Erestor already busy with planning the journey. He sighed.
"So be it. Do not give me reason to regret my choice."