CHAPTER TWO
Day 4
Arwen didn't come until the next afternoon and her absence bothered the bedridden warrior a great deal. He worried that he might somehow have fallen out of favour with his precious lady, but the brilliant smile she wore when she practically danced into the healing room made his concern rather baseless. Arwen brandished a smooth sturdy wooden crutch and held it out to him triumphantly. "You may move to your room today Estel, if that pleases you."
He grasped it tightly. "It pleases me very much my lady." Shuffling around, he managed to get his feet on the floor and she was right at his side for support as he tried to stand. Days abed had an embarrassing effect on his strength, but at last Aragorn was standing on his own two feet, more or less, for the first time in almost a week.
"The crutch is old but shall serve its purpose." Arwen ran a finger over the wood. "I spent some time making sure all the rough spots were gone, which delayed me longer than expected. And there are new guests at Imladris I wished to speak to." Left out was the part where she had been secretly acquiring some of the materials and adornments she needed to make the gift for her someday king.
Relief entered his eyes at her explanation and she realized he'd jumped to conclusions and assumed something bad when she did not come in the morning. Choosing to ignore that, Men were prone to worries Elves gave little time or thought to, Arwen stayed close to Estel as they very slowly made their way to his room. He breathed a sigh of relief upon entering the familiar space and stood still, soaking it all in. It wasn't a large room, neither were most of the bedchambers in Rivendell unless they belonged to married folks or were set up to sleep several at one time, but it held the necessities - sleeping couch, wardrobe, washbowl and pitcher, hooks for storing weapons, shelf or table for books and lamp, soft carpet underfoot and sheer curtains that danced in the breeze from open windows.
He smiled at the sight of his road worn travel clothes freshly washed, mended and folded, all his weapons neatly stored, before lowering himself to the bed. "I have missed this place. No other is as peaceful. Sometimes when I dream I find myself back here as a boy and I wish my childhood and youth had spanned that of an Elf so I could have spent a hundred years growing up in this enchanted world instead of becoming a man so soon and following the path set out for me of a Ranger, a soldier, an advisor, a shadow, a dream, an anonymous passerby." He dropped his head into his hand. "I fear sometimes in being known by so many names I will lose or even forget who I really am."
Arwen came and sat gently next to him, slipping her arm around his waist and placing the other palm over his heart. I will always know who you are Estel, she whispered to his spirit. I will not let you forget.
He leaned his head on hers. "Your voice has saved me before vanimelda, on dark days. I pray it will continue to do so in the future as well."
Elves do not let go, came her quiet response as his fingers gripped hers.
They stayed that way a little longer before Arwen suggested they moved to one of the alcoves, as his bandages had already been changed and his meal eaten in the company of longtime Elven friends. A sip of miruvor fortified him for the lengthy limping journey to a refuge bathed in sunlight. She settled him on the chaise and watched him relax, falling asleep much faster than expected, and sat on the steps, idly reaching out and picking daisies one at a time that she wove into a crown and placed on his head.
Smirking at her joke, Arwen knelt to examine his injuries again. His ankle was getting better, each Elf that touched him lending their healing power to strengthen the muscles. The stitches on his side would come out tomorrow and many of the bruises and other cuts were already fading. That left only his arm, which would unfortunately take a few more weeks yet for the bones to mend completely. Closing her eyes she looked into his body, willing hurts to be healed and feeling the pain leeching away under her touch. It was pleasing to be able to offer comfort to the man she loved and even to be near him right now was a gift, one she had no intention of wasting.
A quick trip to her room produced a sketchbook and pencil and on her return to the alcove she set about capturing Aragorn in his unusual position of repose. She'd sketched the man hundreds of times from memory, but never did an image do him complete justice. She intended to draw his portrait while he was here, so she would have more than just a memory to hold onto after he'd gone again.
Arwen just laughed when he woke up to daisy petals brushing his forehead but couldn't chase her past the steps because of his ankle. She stood just out of arm's reach while he uttered threats to be carried out as soon as he had full use of his leg, but finally joined him and brought her mouth to his. "There is not enough mirth in your life Estel, I thought to add a little." She fingered the hardy white blossoms. "Who knows? Perhaps one day we will have a daughter and she will also make you such a crown."
Aragorn couldn't see far enough ahead to hope for that kind of future, so he simply slid an arm about her waist and whispered, "Meldanya, I think I love you most for your confidence and unwavering optimism. Thank you for always believing." He held her a bit tighter and breathed in the sweet, peaceful Imladris air. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt so content. [Beloved]
LOTR
Day 5
Falling asleep in his own bed that night after having his bandages replaced once again had a remarkably invigorating effect on Aragorn and he rose with the dawn, practicing walking across the room a few times before conceding that he'd need the crutch for at least another day. Arwen announced her arrival a short time later by sweeping aside the fabric door and offered to escort him to breakfast. All those who were able usually joined the rest of the guests in Elrond's Hall for shared meals.
Having grown up in Rivendell meant that Aragorn was familiar with most of the faces around the long table and counted many among his friends. He greatly enjoyed the shared conversation between Elves and men and even Dwarves and hearing stories about what was going on in other parts of Middle-earth, though as the shadow grew not all news was of lighter variety. However, in Lord Elrond's realm where no evil could intrude, everyone made an effort to speak of happier things and enjoy the peace while they could.
After the meal Aragorn joined Lord Elrond and Glorfindel in his study and filled them in on all that had been happening in the world of Men and taking what advice he could from their responses. His next task was going in search of his bride-to-be, albeit rather slowly. He found her down by the stables, wrapped in a tight embrace with a tall Elf bearing the same long, dark hair as she. If he hadn't immediately known the identity of the other person, Aragorn would've found himself inclined to deep jealousy.
"Is it your custom to be so free with another man's betrothed Elladan?""
Elladan let go of Arwen and grinned at his much younger brother. "Estel?!" He grabbed Aragorn in a fierce hug cut short by his groan of pain.
Arwen slapped his arm. "Do not go undoing all my healing Elladan. Can you not see Estel is among the wounded?"
Elladan stepped back and looked him over. "It could be worse," he said at last.
Elrohir came out of the stable. "We've set him right from more serious injuries than those before." At that statement Aragorn glared and cut his gaze to Arwen. Elrohir cleared his throat. "Well...what I mean to say is that-"
She crossed her arms. "The three of you have decided what I am and am not to be told?"
All had the grace to look rather sheepish and Elladan braved stepping towards her. "Only because we know how you worry nesa. We did not want to give you more cause." [Sister]
Arwen came to the conclusion that she did not want to be sore at her brothers when they'd only just returned. "I will always have cause," she answered softly, "as long as the men I love live in constant danger." She went to Aragorn and wrapped her hands around his arm. "But one day we will have peace. Of that I am sure."
The twins kissed her and walked closed beside as they made their way back up to the house. There the four of them parted ways as Elladan and Elrohir needed to report to their father and then take some rest. Arwen could see that Aragorn was tiring and started in the direction of his room, but he shook his head. "Let us find somewhere in the sun. Will you just sit with me my lady?"
She nodded and led the way to a secluded nook away from the heart of Imladris. There she saw him settled on the chaise and sat by his side, drawing her fingers through his hair and looking at him with so much love he couldn't help but tug her down for a kiss. They shared slow caresses for several moments before she pulled back and gently pressed her fingers against his bandages, ever easing the pain by her touch. He drifted off to the feel of her gentle hands on his chest, for she'd told him prior to their last parting that she found his heartbeat a comfort.
LOTR
Day 7
In the following days they spent as much time with Elladan and Elrohir as they did alone together, though the twins were good about suddenly remembering something they had to do after a couple hours to allow their sister as much time with her usually absent betrothed as possible. After two more days Aragorn was able to lay aside his crutch, but a week was not nearly enough time to mend broken bones, so to his dismay assistance continued to be required for basic things like washing and dressing - which thankfully Elladan and Elrohir took turns helping with, family made it a little less embarrassing - and Arwen took charge of cutting food when necessary so he could manage one handed for meals.
Day 8
Regaining full use of his legs enabled him to rise at dawn the next morning and wander the area in search of a purple flower that he then left silently on Arwen's windowsill. He was waiting outside her door at breakfast to receive her thanks and tucked the bloom into her dark hair, whispering that her beauty made even the most exquisite flower pale in comparison. Aragorn endured a great deal of teasing from her brothers, who rounded the corner in time to hear his sentiment, but it was worth it for the smile that graced his beloved's face on their way to the morning meal.
LOTR
Day 10
In the middle of the next night Aragorn came to Arwen's window. "Undomiel," he said softly.
She was alert in a moment. "Estel? Is something wrong?"
He waited until she leaned out the open arch and kissed her slowly. "Nothing is wrong melin, but I wondered if you would join me for a moonlight walk?" [Love]
Her smile grew. "You are taking me seriously."
Aragorn brought her hand to his lips. "Every woman deserves to be wooed by the man who hopes to be her husband."
The look in her eyes could only be called tender. "You have made a good beginning. I will be right out."
She joined him not too many minutes later wearing a pale blue and white dress, weaving the front part of her hair into little plaits. He watched in fascination but averted his eyes when she finished so as not to be caught staring. He bowed slightly, holding out his hand. "My lady."
Arwen slid her fingers between his and leaned into his side. "Where shall we go?"
"I was thinking...to the bridge below the waterfall?"
"There are many steps. Will your ankle be alright?"
Aragorn grinned. "I believe so. However I do trust that you will catch me if I fall."
"You can lean on me my lord."
He pressed a kiss to her temple. "Oh I do. You have no idea for how much."
They followed the sound of the water and took the downward path slowly, finally reaching the ancient stone bridge. He led her out to the middle and they carefully sat down, legs swinging over the flowing river below. Aragorn leant over and cupped her face, bringing their mouths together for yet another of the kisses Arwen delighted in. Then he rested back on his good arm and posed a question. "You know only this hidden valley and the golden woods so tell me, which do you prefer - hideaways high in the trees or the sprawling refuge here?"
She tipped her head and thought about it. "There are advantages to each I suppose. I do love Haruni's treehouses - Elves have no fear of heights - and it is a fun way to live at times. But I was born here." Arwen turned to gaze on the intricate architecture of Imladris. "And I think one is often more attached to home. So I believe I would choose Rivendell over Lothlorien if that is what it came to." [Grandmother]
Aragorn thought of Minas Tirith and wondered if it would be possible to design a small part of the seventh level in the same fashion as Imladris. Valar willing he would one day be bringing her there as his bride and he desperately wanted his beloved Elf to feel at home in the city they ruled.
Arwen set her hand on his knee. "You have lived many places as many people, is this still home for you Estel?"
He stared at the falls, feeling peace flowing around him like the water. "Aye. Rivendell will always be my home, where I grew up loved and learned so much, where I met you." Aragorn lifted her hand to his heart. "Home will have no different meaning for me until we make one of our own together."
She met his eyes, uncertainty in hers. "Is it safe to dream of what that life will look like? It seems almost as if no plans should be made under the shadow, only after it is vanquished."
His lips caressed her palm, his features troubled by the flicker in her normally steadfast hope. "You feel it growing."
Arwen nodded. "Rarely now do I look east and yet I am always aware of it. And though my faith in you never wavers, my spirit is often heavy with the knowledge that worse is yet to come."
Realizing he was sitting on the wrong side to comfort her, he swiftly moved and slid his arm around her waist, letting her find shelter in his halfway embrace. "I wish I could lighten these days for you Undomiel. I pray that my love can be a warm glow in your heart even when the days feel dark."
The couple moved to happier topics after that and sometimes did not need to speak at all. It was very late by the time he walked her back to her room and she touched her lips to his cheek. "Thank you for a lovely evening Estel." She patted his chest and slipped behind the curtain but he still caught her faint 'le melin' before he moved away.
Aragorn wore the besotted smile she elicited until he rounded the next corner and found Elladan and Elrohir standing against the wall with arms crossed like twin statues.
"You make very free with our sister in the late watches of the night," Elrohir began, scowling.
Aragorn frowned right back. "You know me not at all if you think I would ever dishonour her or your father's house."
Elladan didn't look thrilled either but heard the truth in his foster brother's words. "Then what were you doing at her door at this hour?"
Tempted to ignore them both and keep walking, he tried to imagine what it would feel like to have a little sister engaged to be married and knew he would likely draw his sword on any man who gave the appearance of making sport with her. In that case, he was fortunate they settled for dark looks alone. "I am simply courting the woman I am betrothed to who deserves so much more of my attention than I will be able to give her until we are wed, and attempting to pack years of loving her into the mere weeks we may be together."
Elrohir's attitude disappeared. "Oh...good." He sighed and rubbed his chin. "I often wonder how Undomiel puts up with us always being gone, how she can love us so well when we are constantly abandoning her for other parts of the world."
Aragorn clapped him on the shoulder. "Perhaps we should just be grateful for her love and that she does not hold these absences against us."
"Well said brother." Elladan and Elrohir steered him towards his room. "Sleep well. We expect to see you in the training field after breakfast."
He lifted an eyebrow. "I cannot be good for much."
"You can still wield a sword," Elrohir pointed out.
"And throw a knife," Elladan put in.
"We can even have a game of hide and find and put your tracking skills to the test."
Aragorn shook his head but couldn't help looking forward to the following day. "Goodnight hanor-nin." [My brothers]
"Sleep well Estel," they whispered as one before turning away. It had been an unexpected night in more ways than one.
LOTR
"Not bad Estel," Elladan commented, wiggling his knife free of the target. "Considering your lack of proper rest last eve."
"I will consider that a high compliment hano," Aragorn returned dryly. No matter how much he practiced he could never best the over twenty-seven hundred years of experience his brothers had. [Brother]
Elrohir took his turn and the blade whizzed past Elladan's ear. His twin scowled. "I thought we had a rule about aiming at people."
Elrohir smirked. "I was aiming at the target. You simply happened to be in the way."
Elladan flipped Aragorn's dagger at him and Elrohir whipped his sword out to block the weapon. "Now who is breaking rules?"
Aragorn laughed and stepped out of the line of fire, drawing his own sword. "As we are all warmed up now, shall we spar?"
The twins never turned down such an offer and for awhile the clash of blades and grunts of fighters could be heard, but after his convalescence Aragorn tired quickly and bowed out, content to watch his brothers battle awhile longer. Then they all sheathed their swords and moved onto the tracking game. Aragorn gave them a two minute head start and set about following their trail. Though elves were excellent woodsmen and left little impact on their surroundings, that still gave him something to follow. Another man may have given it up for lost, but he had been reared and trained by the Eldar and his eyes were keener than most.
Arwen, who had been watching from just inside the trees and both admired their skills and grieved over how often they had to be put to use, heard them agree to hide and find and slipped silently through the undergrowth to follow her brothers' path. But when they veered left and one went up and the other down, she turned aside and tucked herself under a large bush, thankful she'd chosen a dark green dress for today that blended into her surroundings. There she waited, not knowing if Aragorn would find her but hoping to either be a joy if he did or a surprise if he did not.
Mindful of his brothers' preferences - Elladan liked to be higher up while Elrohir chose lower spots for cover - Aragorn carefully examined leaves, branches, and the dirt and grass below his feet to discern their direction. He'd just picked up a few subtle clues and was feeling the victor when another smaller footprint caught his eye. Frowning, he left his present course to track this new quarry, gaze glued to the nearly invisible course that had been followed.
He passed a large bush and continued looking for hints as to where the individual had gone but the trail ended there and though he walked around the whole thing, no other evidence appeared. It was then Aragorn caught a familiar scent and crouched down beside the bush, rubbing a leaf between his fingers. "You almost fooled me meldanya, but I would know the essence of your skin anywhere."
Branches parted and blue eyes peered at him from inside. "I will remember that for next time."
Offering a hand to help her out, Aragorn plucked a few stray leaves and twigs from her dark hair and brushed his lips over hers. "Agoreg vae." [You did well]
Arwen curtsied. "Le fael." She surprised him by taking his face in her hands and drawing him into a far deeper caress than the first fleeing one. [You are generous]
He nearly groaned at her sweet passion and wrapped his good arm firmly around her waist, giving in and tasting more of her than he usually allowed himself. Finally he pulled back reluctantly, releasing Arwen to touch her cheek. "What you do to me Undomiel," he whispered, overcome.
Before she could reply to say she was just as affected, a throat cleared nearby. "Here we are waiting to be discovered Estel and find you making eyes at our sister instead." Elrohir and Elladan had their arms crossed in a show of intimidation but both were smiling.
Aragorn closed his eyes briefly and let his lips linger on her forehead before facing her brothers. "It would seem we had a spy in our midst, for Arwen joined the game unbeknownst to any of us. It was her trail that distracted me from searching out your hiding spots."
Twin eyebrows arched at Arwen. "Where did you come from nesa?" Elladan asked.
She shrugged. "I watched your competition from the woods and followed when you left to choose your places."
Elrohir whistled. "We always knew you moved with the grace of a wood sprite Arwen, but that we noticed you not leaves me most impressed. Mae carnen!" [Well done]
Arwen accepted a dual hug from them both, after which she stole an arm around Aragorn. "Should we find somewhere to sit down melin?"
Though she phrased it delicately, Aragorn was a bit embarrassed to appear weak in front of Elladan and Elrohir and wished Arwen had said something else, but Elladan looked him over and nodded, nudging Elrohir. "Perhaps we were a bit hard on the invalid."
Aragorn glared at them. "Just wait until I have full use of my limbs again and I shall best you both in a footrace."
The twins were forced to concede defeat, for though Elves were fleet of foot Aragorn had proved long ago that he possessed the speed to outmatch them both. The group drifted back to the main house and parted ways and Arwen, sensing his irritation, touched his arm and spoke contritely, "Goheno nin. I did not mean to imply weakness." [Forgive me]
He lifted her hand and kissed the back. "U-moe edaved hiril nin. I am simply unused to feeling less than capable." [It is not necessary to forgive my lady]
Her brow furrowed. "But you have been in a worse state before, Elladan and Elrohir admitted such, as have you."
Aragorn nodded. "Aye. And they were correct. Though it does not happen often that I am so limited." He rubbed his forehead. "The most common injuries from battle are numerous cuts and bruises, sometimes damaged ribs, strained and torn muscles, but I have been very fortunate to break few bones in my years of service."
A twinkle entered her eyes. "You have not fallen out of any more trees?"
His gaze narrowed. "From whom did you hear that?"
Her attempt to appear innocent failed. "I believe Glorfindel may have mentioned it once."
"Six years you have had to learn all the stories of my childhood," Aragorn sighed. "I really must pester your brothers and grandmother for yours."
Arwen smiled. "Five years," she corrected softly. "I stayed in Lorien another year after our betrothal. And I notice you left my father off that list."
He folded their fingers together. "I confess that I rarely speak personally with Lord Elrond since telling him of our promise and your choice. I love and respect him very much Arwen and I know the thought of our union distresses him, it is why he has spent little time with us together since I've been here. Perhaps he is afraid of what he might say."
A shadow flitted briefly through her azure eyes. "Ada loves us both Estel. He has always known, since the choice was given to the Peredhil that the possibility existed and all three of us could decide to remain here rather than sail for Valinor." [Half-Elven]
She looked in the direction the twins had gone. "I do not know what path my brothers will chose, though I think where one goes the other will follow. Since I could walk I have ever been at their heels, tagging along wherever they allowed, and it is very rare to ever see them separated."
Aragorn leaned his head on hers. "I wish our love did not require this sundering of your family Arwen."
Her hand came up to rest on his cheek. "I have them for now Estel and for many years to come I think. But when we say our vows you will also be my family. And once there are children added to us they will make more of a family and so I will never truly be alone."
Except when my time comes to pass from this world, he thought, praying that day was at least a hundred years hence. "Always you put me at a loss for words Undomiel," he whispered, kissing her softly.
They continued on to the stables where Aragorn sat while Arwen curried her horse and together they brushed Galad's coat until it gleamed. He admitted a need to lie down after but promised her a walk in the woods later. That outing was postponed when he was pulled into a long, serious conversation with Lord Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir, and Glorfindel to discuss the twins' most recent account and compare that to the details Aragorn shared of what had been going on with his own people. They missed eating supper together but Aragorn and Arwen still met after to wander starlit paths before bed. His favourite moments came at their parting when Arwen whispered her love for him and sealed it with a meeting of lips. That of anything else fairly guaranteed that his dreams would be sweet.