And Then She Knew

By The Last Evenstar

Disclaimer: I am not J.R.R. Tolkien, and neither Aragorn nor Arwen, not Galadriel, not even Lothlorien or Cerin Amroth are mine. I've gone visiting there, however, and the food is great. A bit leafy, though. But I digress.

A/N: This story follows Aragorn and Arwen from their second meeting in the land of Lorien until the Midsummer's Eve on which they pledge their troth. Some dialogue atop Cerin Amroth was taken from the 'Tale of Aragorn and Arwen' in Appendix A at the back of RotK. I suggest you read it; it's a beautiful little story. Most dialogue, however, is my own. (Time to run away!) This story will probably have two chapters.

Chapter One: The Man in Silver and White

Galadriel watched the young rider draw his horse in, trying to absorb his surroundings. She arose and walked serenely toward him, smiling in a most comforting and mysterious manner. "Aragorn, son of Arathorn, the day grows late. I hope you do not intend to continue your journey."

He looked up, startled, and was taken aback by the radiant white elf that stood before him. He inclined his head, unsure of how to behave. "Whom do I have the honor of addressing?"

In return, she swept a graceful curtsey. "I am Galadriel, Lady of the Light, and Lorien is my home into which you have strayed."

The young man, who looked no more than twenty-five by human standards but was in fact a Ranger of the Dunedain and forty-nine, fumbled for words. "Lady Galadriel! I – I . . . no wonder you knew my name!" His face was suffused a deep scarlet. "That is to say, I have heard much about you from Lord Elrond, my –"

"Foster father, I know," Galadriel cut in smoothly. "Come with me into Lorien and we may discuss it further."

Aragorn looked very unsure as to how to respond. "Begging your pardon, my Lady, but I had hoped to ride for Rivendell before night falls."

She smiled knowingly. "You make much haste, then, Elfstone, if you cannot halt in your journey for one night of hospitable company."

His blush deepened. "I have not been home in many years. Long delayed has been my return."

Her smile seemed, to Aragorn, both knowing and wise but still full of laughterand light. "Delay, then, Aragorn Arathorn's son, for you may find that within Lorien a greater treasure awaits you."

Hesitantly, he followed her through the wood. He felt a strange sensation in his mind, a probing of sort. He gulped. "You know, then, what I seek?"

Her eyes were brimming with laughter and mirth. "I do know, and I am prepared to aid you in your quest."

"Aid me . . . ?" He stopped short and absently handed his horse over to an Elven groomsman. "You think I have a chance of success?"

She led him into a room sheltered by the trees. "Anyone who has waited as long as you have deserves success. It is not a question of what I think but a question of what you are willing to do, and you have proven yourself ten times over in this certain regard."

Aragorn sat, still wondering if this was real. "Lady, you speak in puzzles. Is it my task to solve them?"

She laughed and placed a bowl of food before him. "Eat. You are tired and hungry. And then you will tell me everything."

Arwen Undomiel wandered through the glade and about the trees. Shadow covers the land of my mother's kin, she thought. Already the beauty of Lothlorien fades.

Sighing wistfully, she stopped and sat down in the fragrant spring grass. The flowers no longer sing, she lamented, reaching out to touch a strand of elanor. They simply sit there, heedless of the coming darkness.

Through her contemplation, Arwen heard a man's voice. Startled, she sat up, for this was no smooth Elf talking, but rather a voice rough, deep, and immensely calming.

"I loved her from the moment I saw her face. So beautiful and so wise, she walked through the woods like a shadow of a dream. Everyone tried to dissuade me. My own mother told me that I looked too high. She said it would be my doom, then, to endure bitter days and walk in the wild alone. But young and foolish that I was, I stayed, and sought her affection in any way possible. I found she was more than I had dreamed of; she was smart, she was brave, caring, and full of life and spirit. But Elrond sought to turn me against my heart, so I left, silently vowing to return for her once I was truly worthy." Here he paused, remembering. "For twenty-nine years I labored to prove myself. I became skilled in the crafts and lore of Men, but always my face was stern, for I knew of the doom laid upon me. Yet sometimes I would remember, and the hope that dwelt ever in the depths of my heart would take hold and lead me to achievement. I always meant to return, always wanted to return, but I was now hard pressed for time and thought. For alongside Gandalf Stormcrow I have waged stealthy battle against the impending evil that grows in Mordor." He let out a breath, his tale told.

Arwen was surprised to hear her grandmother's voice. "And now you think to ride to Rivendell and woo your fair maiden, my beautiful granddaughter?"

Arwen gasped. Me? Was this man talking about her? Now that she thought back, his situation seemed all too familiar . . .

Then it hit her. Aragorn. Estel. Ward of my father. She felt her eyes well up. I had no idea he would remember me so. I knew not the effect my friendship had upon him. What am I to do? She paused, thinking. Although what he said was so romantic . . . She shook her head. Stop. You must remain calm.

She stood up and began to walk, hoping to clear her mind. She passes under the trees of Caras Galadon, and stopped to admire their beauty. They were laden with flowers of gold, and though not as bright as they once had been, they still took her breath away as they had for centuries.

Hearing soft footsteps on the ground behind her, she turned, unprepared for the vision that her eyes beheld. A man strode toward her, clothed in raiment of silver and white, with an elven-gray cloak. A bright gem adorned his brow, and for a moment Arwen was sure he was an Elf-lord from the Isles of the West. Upon closer inspection he proved to be simply the handsomest man she'd ever laid eyes upon. His eyes were big and blue, and spoke to her in a way that none had before. She took a deep, shuddering breath, and suddenly saw in him a familiar face. "A-aragorn?"

He nodded, struck dumb by the sight of her. Her sense reeled as she beheld him. Of all the things I did not expect . . .

He fought to regain composure and bowed deeply. "Lady Arwen. For many years I have rehearsed this moment in my head, yet somehow nothing of this fashion occurred to me."

She laughed, her own voice strange to her ears. "Believe me, I know the feeling well."

"Will you walk with me?"

Every way she had planned to quell his interest flew from her head. In it's place, dizziness took over. "Yes."

They walked a short way, lost in silence. At last, he asked, "What news of Master Elrond?"

She tried to remember, but all she could come up with a vague picture. "M-my father?" Think, Arwen! He writes you weekly! Instead, she conjured up memories of her father talking with Aragorn, riding with Aragorn . . . how had she never noticed how handsome he was, or how caring? It was there all along . . .

Suddenly, she was seized by irrational desire. All she knew was that never in her life had she felt so vulnerable, so nervous, as she did now. And so she sought to take control of the situation. "He is well. But that's not what you wish to discuss, is it?"

"Arwen . . ." She could see the hope in his eyes. "What do you speak of?"

"What you want." She struggled to keep down her emotions. I cannot believe I'm saying this!

And then she knew. Looking up at him, his handsome face confused, she threw away everything her father had ever said. Facing him squarely, she reached out and kissed him.

She could feel his surprise as she did so. Slowly his arms encircled her waist and he returned her passion. When he released her, and her heart was light and happy as it had not been for some time, she knew for sure. She was in love.

And so her choice was made, and her doom appointed.

R&R, and next you get to hear about their season together and their pledge on Cerin Amroth! And then it will end, sorry, but while you're at it, read my other stories!