Chapter 4:
I knew the young hobbit was in good hands with my father. The stable elf took Durrio respectfully from me so that I may enter the home of my father once again. I looked down at Áre and brushed my hand over the top of her head. She had never been to my homeland but she seemed just as peaceful as I was.
Before walking up the staircase to find my father, I whispered to Áre , "Go my friend. Enjoy yourself. No one will hurt you here." I told her before she ran towards the forest. She was more comfortable exploring the woods then being coped up.
I smiled as I watched her disappear from my sight. 'It seems that it I must face my father now' I thought to myself as I turned and walked up the staircase.
I slowing walked to the hallway which leads to the healing chambers. My father would be in there with the hobbit still, but as I ventured further I recognized a familiar old man holding his staff.
"Gandalf? Is that truly you?" I asked him making my way to him. I embraced him with a hug.
"It has been to long my lady. Where is Áre?" he asked me looking around for my white furry friend. I chuckled, "worry not, she has gone exploring. You will see her later." I told Gandalf.
"Oh wonderful. I am glad you have come home. I know your father has missed you my dear, but perhaps you should let your father finish his work." He told me then turning his attention to the healing chamber.
"You are most wise mellon [friend]. If you see him soon, would you be as kind as to tell him that I have arrived. I would like to change out of my riding clothes. I have not worn the fine dresses of Rivendell in so long." I told him with a simple smile.
"It would be my honor to." He expressed before I made my way to my former chambers.
It did not take me long to bathe and change into a beautiful blue elven dress. I brushed my hair slowly, looking at myself in my mirror. No matter how long I stayed in the sun, I would always be pale. It was my elf features. I had to admit to myself that I look beautiful once again.
Setting down my brush finally, I walked to my chamber door. Opening it slowly, I almost found myself startled at to the person standing on the other side of my doorway. It was a young hobbit, but not the same hobbit that I remembered from earlier.
"Can I help you young hobbit?" I asked him politely. He looked up at me as if nervous.
"My apologies my lady. I was told by Gandalf that you helped mister Frodo get here. I wanted to give you my thanks. If it were not for you and lady Arwen than he might…" he trailed off.
"What is your name master hobbit? And no need to worry. It was my honor to assist your friend." I said sweetly to him.
His face lit up, "My name is Samwise Gamgee, my lady." He told me.
I gave a small nod as it was customary, "My name is Raweru, Master Samwise. I hope you will enjoy your stay in Rivendell." I told him as we walked towards the outside.
Sam parted shortly after we arrived to my father's balcony. I looked out to the lands. So beautiful that I almost could not handle it for a brief moment. The memories of my mother flooded my mind. "I should have been stronger Mother… Forgive me." I whispered quietly to myself.
Then a voice sounded behind me.
"Father did not tell me that you were returning. I have missed you sister…" I heard Arwen speak. I knew that I left that day without telling anyone. Only father knew where I was heading and I could only imagine the betrayal my siblings must have felt.
"I do not expect you to forgive me Arwen for I do not forgive myself. It was necessary for me to leave; I needed to find myself once again and only there could I find it. I was not our father's daughter there… I was Raweru of the guard." I told her turning to see her standing with a rose in her hand.
"I wish you could have found it here with us but you are here now and with a white lioness nonetheless. I heard she was spotted lying behind the waterfall. Just like we used to do as little ones." She said and smiled.
I knew Arwen was happy to have me back as I was happy to be back.
"I must find our father. I have not been able to see him since my return. He had been with your young hobbit friend Frodo. But tell me Arwen, what were you doing in the forest alone and with a hobbit? It was dangerous and reckless." I said to her while my voice deepened slightly.
"I was not completely alone. Strider and the hobbits needed my help. I could not let those ringwrath's could not get to Frodo. I was the faster rider…" she spoke.
"Strider? The ranger of the north? I have heard of him from Gandalf." I expressed but then noticed something that I did not notice before.
"Arwen you have fallen for the ranger? I can sense it now. How could I have not sensed it sooner? I used to be able to sense all of your emotions, but this one I could not till now. Does father know?" I asked questionably.
How could my sister do this? He was a man and would die at the end of his time.
"I did not choose it for it chose me sister. I love him and care for him. He is not like other men. He is heir of Isildur." She told me with such hope that I would believe her.
Love was unknown to me. I had love for my family and comrades but to love another so deeply that you heart becomes bonded. That was something I had never felt.
"Isidur's heir? Then he is Dúnedain? I would very much like to meet this Strider." I told my sister knowing that if my sister continued to choose this man then she will choose a mortal life.
"His real name is Aragorn." She informed me.
~Elrond's Study~
"His treachery runs deeper than you know. By foul craft, Saruman has crossed Orc with Goblin Men...he is breeding an army in the caverns of Isengard. An army that can move in Sunlight and cover great distance at speed. Saruman is coming forthe Ring." Gandalf said.
"This evil cannot be concealed by the power of the Elves...We do not have the strength to fight both Mordor and Isengard...Gandalf...the ring cannot stay here" Elrond told Gandalf.
Gandalf turned to look out the window. Arrivals were riding in. Gandalf watched as men ride through Rivendell gate, followed by Elves and Dwarves.
"This peril belongs to all Middle earth. They must decide how to end it. Not just for themselves but for those who come after." Elrond approaches Gandalf. "The time of the Elves is over. My people are leaving these shores. Who will you look to when we have gone? The dwarves? They hide in their mountains seeking riches. They care nothing for the troubles of others." Elrond added.
"It is in Men that we must place our hope." Gandalf stated.
"Men? Men are weak. The race of Men is failing. The blood of Numenor is all but spent, its pride and dignity forgotten. It is because of men the Ring survives." Elrond responded. "I was there, Gandalf...I was there three thousand years ago when Isildur took the ring. I was there the day the strength of Men failed." He added.
Gandalf looked to his friend, "There is one who could unite them, one who could re claim the thrown of Gondor."
"He turned from that path a long time ago. He has chosen exile." Elrond told Gandalf regarding Aragorn.
~Hallway outside the study~
Arwen took my hand in hers as we walked into our fathers study. There was another than our father present at that moment; Gandalf and my father.
"Raweru, daughter please come." He motioned to me to enter further.
I hugged my father, hoping that I could stay like that in his arms. I had missed him so much. Parting from his embrace, he smiled.
"My child I am so happy that you have return. I wondered when I would be able to see that smile once again." He told me.
"I have missed you ada. Forgive me for being away so long." I lowered my head but he raises it with his soft hands.
"There is nothing to forgive. I want you to meet someone." He said to me turning me to face Gandalf.
"Lord Elrond do you not think it time to tell her? She has come all this way. See needs to know." Gandalf spoke interrupting my thoughts.
I turn my attention to them. 'That is right. Father summoned me.' I thought.
My father sighed, "Yes Gandalf, it is time. Raweru there is trouble in Middle Earth. Sauron has returned. The hobbit that you bought was carrying the one ring of power. Do you remember the stories I used to tell you?" he asked him with concern.
"Yes Ada, but it cannot be. He was defeated, I cannot believe this to be true." I said with worry. How could this be possible? Middle Earth could not stand for another war.
"There will a council tomorrow to decide the fault of the ring. Races from Elves, Dwarves, Men will be arriving. I would like you to attend." My father told me. Before I could even comprehend what he requested, Gandalf spoke.
"She is not as you believe her to be, is she now… Lion of Eru" Gandalf inserted and from that moment I knew exactly what he meant.
"Then it is settled daughter. Tomorrow you will attend." My father said concluding the conversation.