Title: An Elleth Never Forgets (Chapter 1/2)
Author: The Converted
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance/Humour
Summary: Fluffy ficlet focusing on two different incidents involving a bathtub. CHAPTER ONE: After a nasty confrontation with Haldir, Aragorn teaches Arwen the true meaning of rude awakenings.
Disclaimer: I am not Tolkien… nor do I claim to be.
A/N: I had originally intended for this to have absolutely nothing but fluff so that the two chapters would have some continuity, but alas, the plot bunnies got to me first. Don't worry, there is as much sickening fluff as you could possibly stand near the end of this chapter.
An Elleth Never Forgets
Chapter One: In Cold Water
The sun had yet to reach Imladris as Arwen stumbled towards her chambers. Tired and weary after the long ride from Lothlórien, the usually graceful Evenstar began to care less about decorum and more about the prospect of a hot bath.
Heedless of the mud clinging to her riding boots, and the glare she was receiving from her father, Arwen all but fell onto her bed.
"Not even so much as a hello, Daughter?"
"Hello," she replied curtly, turning away from him to lay on her stomach. The last thing she wanted to do was have a heart to heart with her father, let alone have to explain her disheveled appearance.
Fingering the ragged hem of her coat sleeve, she silently wished the fate of Túrin upon Haldir, impetuous little imp that he was. She allowed a small smile to slip through her currently cold demeanor as the thought of Orophin as Haldir's Nienor flittered through her mind.
Although she was partially to blame for the events that had occurred before her hasty departure from Caras Galadhon, Arwen felt that it was more the March Warden's fault for goading her into such an uncomfortable situation.
"I didn't expect you back so soon. I assumed that you were staying for at least another fortnight or so."
Best not to mention that she had left too quickly for the escorts to accompany her. He would find out in due time. Elrond's men would most likely return later that day, looking for their charge. "I had no choice. There was a rather… unexpected turn of events."
He smiled bemusedly, curiosity peaked. "Really now?"
"Yes, really." He recognized that tone of voice well, and couldn't help but laugh. Celebrían had been rather fond of using it whenever he had chosen paperwork over the more urgent yearnings of his beautiful wife.
Arwen groaned, kicking off her boots and throwing the riding coat in the corner. She groped behind her and pulled the bed covers over her body, not caring that her legs were still visible. The Lord of Imladris would get no more out of his daughter, he knew that, and retreated from her chamber, muttering something about the full moon under his breath.
Lifting her head after his footsteps had faded, Arwen reached lazily for a hair brush and began to unknot the tangles from her black tresses.
The conversation with Haldir still making its way into her thoughts, she resigned defeat and let her mind choose its own path. She was too tired of fighting the urge to recall the past week, and chose to dwell on it instead, if only in hopes of dispelling her anger.
Arwen set her brush down and walked into the adjoining chamber, the room lightening as the sun began to shine through the delicate purple curtains. Thank Elbereth for Ada's foresight. A bath had already been drawn and she wanted nothing more than to sink beneath the surface and forget. She knew that was impossible.
Gingerly reaching a hand towards the water, she quickly recoiled. It was colder than she had expected, due in part to the spring which had supplied it. Feeling too weak to remedy the situation, Arwen wandered back to bed, burying herself as far away from the world as she could.
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Two pairs of eyes followed Aragorn's path across the courtyard. His was a determined gait, one of a man who knew exactly what he wanted. And what he wanted right now was Arwen.
He couldn't recall the last time he'd held her, the last time he'd kissed her, making each second they were apart that much more painful. Leaving her was never easy, and it made seeing her bittersweet; he knew that the longer they were together, the longer they would be apart. Yet he couldn't bring himself to let her go, no matter how much it pained him to think of what she was giving up… For him.
A soft hand on his shoulder halted his procession inside.
" 'Quel amrun, Estel."
Aragorn paused before turning around, a smile spread across his entire face. "Yes, it is, isn't it?"
"Judging by the look on your face, it would seem so." Had Aragorn been a woman, Elladan would have sworn that the Ranger before him was glowing. A maternal glow was different, this was more akin to a love struck fool. And as most love struck fools were wont to do, Elladan assumed that Aragorn was off in search of the object of his affections. "You must know by now that Arwen has returned."
"Indeed I do. In fact, I was just off to see her myself."
Exchanging a knowing look with his brother, Elladan grabbed Aragorn's arm as he turned to leave. "I wouldn't go see her just yet Estel. She seemed in quite a state when she arrived."
"And almost as dirty as you to boot," Elrohir added, seeing the impatient look in his foster brother's eyes.
The anger at being denied her company forgotten, Aragorn searched the Elves' dark eyes. He could find no hint of fear for their sister, only concern.
:
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Angry voices penetrated the peaceful glen, silence shattered upon the forest floor. His grim countenance was replaced by worry as he watched the words register on her face.
Her mask slipped away, mouth falling open slightly, eyes darkening, a shuddering intake of breath. Everything he had said held true. Love, pain, life, death, she feared it all. There would be no happily-ever-after.
Heart pounding, she ran, a blur of red fleeing through the golden trees.
:
:
Arwen opened her eyes, warmth flowing throughout her entire body. She took note of the strong arm wrapped around her waist, the leg draped over hers, the soft lips against the back of her neck. Turning over to face him, she kissed his nose.
Stroking his cheek softly with the back of her hand, his eyes fluttered open. "Nae saian luume'."
Arwen laughed, "You say that as if it were my fault."
His eyes lit up and a mischievous smile graced his handsome face. No matter how painful, all those years in the wild hadn't taken away his sense of humour. "Who can you blame if not an Elf?"
"Those Rangers for starters. Nothing but trouble those ones. Rumour is, they'll steal your heart."
"Strange, that's exactly what I heard about you elleths."
Stony grey eyes met his, whispering enticing promises. He would never grow tired of looking into those eyes. They held all the wisdom he could never possess, they told of years past, they knew of love and heartache. Even blessed with a life as long as his, Aragorn would never know what it felt like to be so wise, and yet so distant.
They kissed again, Arwen seeking comfort, Aragorn trying to erase the pain in both of their hearts. He moved his attention to her long neck, feathering kisses along her pale skin. She halted his careful ministration as his hand began to move up her leg.
"Estel, not to complain, but I feel that I am too tired for such a delightful distraction."
He lifted his head from her neck. "Then I shall just have to wake you up properly, A'maelamin." Arwen noticed that smile on his face again. Grabbing her around the waist, he hoisted her over his shoulder and backed off the bed.
"Estel!"
"Arwen!" He replied in a mocking tone. After finding the firm ground beneath his feet, Aragorn began walking into the other room. "Don't worry Undómiel, after I'm done we may continue the delightful distraction."
She visibly paled. "After you're done doing what exactly?"
There was no time to question his silence. Arwen felt herself flipped forward, one arm cradling her neck, the other positioned under her knees. He smiled down at the puzzled look on her face before dropping her into the water below.
Aragorn's deep laugh filled the room as Arwen surfaced. Hair was plastered to her face, clothes sticking to her slender body, knuckles turning white as they gripped the edges of the tub.
The Elf looked at the Ranger caught in the throes of laughter before speaking. "I'd ask you to join me, but it seems that there's no room." He laughed harder, desperately trying not to meet her gaze for fear of losing it entirely.
All the thoughts that had been plaguing her mind disappeared as she watched him. Enjoy it now Estel. Just remember, I always get the last laugh.
Ada = Father
'Quel amrun = Good morning
Nae saian luume' = It has been too long.
A'maelamin = My beloved
The second chapter should be up by Friday, before I leave for California. I'm sorry for neglecting this pen name, but my other one hasn't received my due attention either. Like I said to Jenny, you have to learn to work around work, and I'm doing a terrible job.
If anything was just a little confusing, don't worry, Arwen's confrontation with Haldir will be explained further in the next chapter.
