Lord Elrond of the elven city of Imladris stared his daughter with surprise in the bright light of the afternoon sun that beamed in through the window. When she had called upon him to talk with her in her husband's study, he had thought it would be about her pregnancy, for she was well showing with the future heir of Gondor now.

He gathered his thoughts before responding to her, "And just what, exactly, would you have me to do?" he questioned as only he could.

Arwen Undomiel knew by his tone what he thought and knew that she must change his mind. She just wasn't sure how yet. She looked at him with pleading eyes, "Help him. Help us." Her plea was simple yet great and she prayed it did not fall upon deaf ears.

A sigh escaped her father's lips and she knew that she had gotten into his heart, so she continued, "We miss her greatly. There has to be something we can do to find her." She looked at him with pleading blue eyes bright with tears that yearned to escape.

"I am afraid it would be nearly impossible." he stated, "It has been over twenty years since she has been gone." Elrond hated to speak so truthfully to his daughter, but knew it was for the best.

"Nearly impossible, Ada, but that still leaves a hope." Arwen argued.

"Arwen," he said her name with the tone he was fond of using when she was but an elfling. He used it then, she knew, to try and get through her stubborn side and make her see reason. The only problem with it was that upon occasion she could be just as stubborn as he; a fact he was also aware of. "It has been twenty years, do you not think she has made a life for herself? If she has lived this long." that statement seemed to bring another thought into his mind, "Are you certain she still lives?"

Arwen did not like hearing that. She refused to acknowledge that it could be true. She fought with the doubts in her head and the two elves lapsed into silence. It was so quiet in those moments that a loud breath would have startled them both. They both thought of the situation at hand but neither had an immediate answer.

"His grief might kill him." Arwen's voice was barely a whisper. "My grief is great as well. My heart went with her that day."

Lord Elrond looked at his daughter for a moment before responding, "A parent does not stop loving a child, not matter the distance that separates them." he looked pointedly at his daughter, "To loose a child is one of the hardest experiences one should never have to go through. A void is left where happiness once dwelled." The words were said quietly, but in them one could hear the pain.

Arwen watched her father speak. She knew his torment, for it was her own. She knew of not having a choice about daughters. And although she knew then, as well as now, that the decision that was made was for the best, it still did not ease the hurt. "That is why we must do what we can, Ada. For, I fear, if we do not at least try, our grief will consume us."

Elrond looked into his daughter's eyes and for once, on this subject, they understood one another. It grieved him to know that she was not to sail. He still worried greatly on what he would tell his wife when he reached the Undying Lands and his daughter did not. He closed his eyes, exhaling an indrawn breath almost painfully. He knew there was not a large chance in finding the first born of the King and Queen of Gondor. He knew also that if she was not found, or worse, found dead, the grief of his daughter and son-in-law would be tenfold.

Nevertheless, he knew how the couple felt and knew if there were any chance he could save his daughter from this damned fate of her own choosing he would take it; however small or hopeless it might be. Which is why he quietly admitted, "I know not what I alone can do to aid you in this." Arwen's face fell at his words and he watched a lone tear roll down her cheek, "But, perhaps, with the combined efforts of Gandalf and the Lord and Lady of Lorien, we could think of something."

"Oh Ada." Arwen flung herself into her father's arms as she had not done since she was an elfling. "Thank you, Ada." she sniffled and tried to stop the onset of tears, "We must find her. She must return to her rightful home."

Lord Elrond allowed himself to hold tightly to his daughter for a few precious moments before pulling away. "I will do all that I can to help." he promised.

Arwen smiled up at him through the remainder of her tears when a knock sounded on the door of the study.

After permission was granted, a soldier stepped through the door way, "My apologies for the interruption, my Queen, my Lord," his head bowed to each of them respectfully, "But a messenger from Rivendell has arrived in the city."

Concern showed in Lord Elrond's eyes for he could not fathom what the message might be. Without waiting on anything further, he made his way to the great hall where the throne of Gondor sat.

Indeed a messenger had arrived, for the king of Gondor sat upon his throne and look down at Celahir, one of the remaining elves of Rivendell. Lord Elrond was immediately on his guard, surely no harm to his remaining people had befallen them in his absence. He stepped forward, knowing that if it concerned Rivendell, it concerned him.

"I was sent by Glorfindel to bring a message to Lord Elrond." Celahir said to the king. He knew that he must first tell the king of his business before approaching his Lord, as he was in Gondor.

"You may proceed with your duty." Aragorn granted his permission. He was very curious, however, and feared that message that was sent would be ill tidings.

Celahir strode quickly to Lord Elrond. He bowed before producing a folded parchment written in Glorfindel's hand.

Lord Elrond wasted little time in reading the message. His eyes scanned the contents quickly; the fear for his people fresh in his mind. After he was done reading it he looked to his daughter, showing no expression he went to her, "I must speak with both of you." he said.

The king and queen shared a worried glance with one another before following Elrond back into the study.

After the door was closed, Elrond spoke, "This message hails from Glorfindel." he began, "It seems we have had a visitor to Imladris." At this statement the king and queen's curiosity was peaked.

"Who is it, Ada?" Arwen could not help but ask.

"A young woman." Elrond told them, "Who bears a ring made of silver with a red stone set into it." he looked at them pointedly and watched as realization dawned on their faces.

"Could it be?" Aragorn's voice was rough and came out harsh. He did not want his hopes to rise high for he was unsure if it were true, but he felt his knees buckle and had to seat himself in one of the chairs.

Arwen was rendered speechless upon hearing the message. More tears filled her eyes, but now they were tears of hope. She sat next to her husband and clasped his hand to hers.

"Glorfindel has seen the ring you have given your daughter. He knows it's appearance." Elrond said. He spoke again before Arwen and Aragorn could get their hopes up too high, "But he is not sure if she is your daughter." he amended.

"She would be older now." Arwen allowed.

"Twenty-three in two months." Aragorn stated staring at Elrond with surprise and hope in his eyes.

Elrond nodded, "For that reason, I would advise that you not allow your hopes to rise greatly over this." he warned. "Glorfindel has written that he will escort her here as soon as she is well enough to travel."

At this, the king and queen both felt a stab of worry in their hearts, "Well enough?" Arwen questioned, "What has befallen her?"

"It seems that she has hit her head and has slept her first day in Rivendell." Elrond explained.

Aragorn felt as if his heart was being ripped in two, "Will she wake?" his voice sounded grated with worry.

"Glorfindel has some skill in healing," Elrond said, "He will know how to help her."

"I must go to her." Aragorn decided and stood suddenly, making his way swiftly towards the door.

"She might be on her way here." Lord Elrond reminded, "The journey from Rivendell is not one to be made in a day."

Aragorn looked at his foster father, "I must know." he stated.

Elrond nodded, "And you will. One elf traveling will be more swift than a company. It will take them two weeks at least to travel the distance. Glorfindel will bring her here," he assured them, "but you must be patient."

The king and queen shared a look and both of them knew it would be the longest two weeks of their lives.


I didn't originally have this chapter planned. But after thinking about it I thought it might be nice to check in on Gondor and see how things were going. Besides I think that Aragorn and Arwen should know that Anna is arriving. I also wanted to show that Arwen felt the loss of her daughter as well. I know that I didn't really touch on that in the prologue, but she does feel it. If there are any mistakes, I do apologize; it's three in the morning here and I have only proof read it once. I just wanted to post it before finally getting some sleep. As always, thanks for reading.