Galadriel didn't remember drifting off, but did know the bad taste in her mouth when she woke denoted a trip to the healing flet.

"Did you have another revelation about Arwen?"

She opened her eyes into unreadable blues. "Yes…. It overwhelmed me with its graphic detail. That and I was overtired with you gone."

"Elrond told Glorfindel and I while you were unconscious that our daeriell will die. I wish you had told me, hervess-nín."

"I couldn't."

"It won't happen. She sails in the spring."

"No, Celeborn, she can't." Finally she saw a crack in his stoic facial expression as he glared at her in open shock. Lest anyone overhear, she added silently, 'I've had more visions and she is tied to Middle Earth. If she leaves, Sauron will win.'

'So our fate is tied to our beloved daeriell? You said fate took our daughter and it had to be. Why does it have to be our family that suffers so? Has your mirror told you that?' He didn't mean to be so stern with all she suffered just hours before, but patience wasn't his virtue.

'It's not our family, but Elrond's. It's his fate. We tied our destiny to his.'

'I don't understand.'

'The King of Gondor will defeat Sauron,' she patiently explained.

'I'm aware of that. For centuries you've said as much, even when Gondor still had a king. When the line was lost and a steward took its place, you held your opinion.'

'I know the king that will defeat Sauron. My earlier portents were a presage to the final battle.'

'You're talking in riddles again. I take that as your way of telling me I am not privy to his identity?' He asked with a hint of sarcasm.

'It's the child, Aragorn, son of Arathorn. Finally, our wait is over. No more Dúnadain will be born this side of the final battle.'

'How does Arwen fit into the picture?' He had to ask, although he was sure he knew the answer.

'What does any young man wish from a woman?' Galadriel countered.

'Does Elrond know?' He felt shock at what his wife was freely disclosing. Usually it was like pulling teeth to get information she knew would upset him.

'I'm not sure.'

'Before this day is out, I will know.' Celeborn vowed.

'Right now, I'm starving.'

He motioned for a healer. "Bring my lady breakfast."

With a respectful bow of his head in deference, the healer hurried away.

She reached up and stroked his face. 'I would kiss you if Elrond hadn't forced that vile concoction down my throat.'

He ghosted a smile. 'I'll eat with Elrond and Arwen. I want to be present when the youngsters meet.'

'When can I leave this hard bed?'

'When Elrond says you can. Do I have to post guards?' He actually smiled at the thought.

'Tell Elrond after breakfast he better release me or all your guards won't stand a chance against Nenya.'

He rose and leaned over her. 'I'll pass on your message, although I'm sure he is aware keeping you here is risking a war of the rings.'

'Hmmmmp,' she groused in his mind. 'I would put my powers and ring against his more powerful ring any day.'

A servant arrived with a tray and stood by the bed while the Lord and Lady held hands and looked in each other's eyes with amusement. Without a glance in his direction, the great lord departed.


Elrond knocked upon Arwen's chambers. The door, carved from a slab of Mallron, was opened by Bethíel, who smiled and stepped aside. "You weren't expected back this way. Lady Arwen will be delighted."

"Would you tell her she has a caller," Elrond requested and walked to the balcony to catch the early morning heat of the rising sun.

"Adar," Arwen cried and rushed into his arms that opened automatically when he heard his moniker. He kissed her brow while she added, "I didn't think you were coming this way for years."

With another squeeze, he released his youngest and followed her back inside the sitting chamber where Bethíel served tea in white cups adorned with Mallorn leaves scored with gold mined from Erebor centuries before. When Arwen's personal servant departed, her father questioned, "Did your daernaneth tell you of our trip?"

"She said there was a large battle and many were killed. She informed everyone here to expect losses of loved ones and made preparations of families to sail in the fall to come. Many elleth felt their fëas severed, but are waiting for official word. I visited with everyone who thinks they are sailing."

With great pride in his tone and eyes, he replied, "You are a great help to your daernaneth. All armies suffered great losses, including my warriors. I lost fifteen, but only three were wed. If I can get your Daeradar to part with a horse, I will go home to Imladris before the pass closes to inform our community and have Winter Solstice with Estel. I'm assuming the wives will sail with those from here. Your brothers stayed behind to help Lord Dáin of the Iron Hills route a band of orcs taking refuge in a ravine near his front gate. You know they won't turn down a fight with an orc. I'm not sure they'll come this way, but hope."

Arwen didn't get an answer from her beloved daernaneth on who her future husband might be, but Galadriel let it slip Elrond also knew. Now that they had a rare moment alone, she asked. "Daernaneth says you have foreknowledge on who my future husband will be. What can you share with me?" She didn't miss the fleeting ghost of anguish that crossed her father's face and hers sported a frown at the sight.

"She is mistaken. I saw something else, not your intended." Elrond spoke sharper than he usually did with her and grimaced at the memory of Arwen dying amongst the winter leaves of Lothlórien.

"But they are related, aren't they, Adar? The memory pains you, I can see it. How can my wedding bring such anguish for you?"

He forced a smile. "Visions are just that, pen neth. Not all come to pass or are presented accurately. Did your daernaneth tell you, she got only one half a vision on a horse race after the battle?" That got his desired result of turning the conversation away from his pain and she laughed.

"She told me. All she said, was the Valar were certainly amused and bored to have done such a thing."

"Oh if the Valar had a hand in it; I'm sure your naneth was paying them a visit."

Arwen sobered at the thought of her mother. "I miss her."

"As do I. Someday, you will know the joining of your fëa. It takes much perseverance to stay in Middle Earth after a death of a spouse. I know Thranduil stays for his kingdom and son….. Oh, I forgot, pen neth, Legolas came with us."

"Wonderful," Arwen exclaimed in excitement. I haven't seen him since…." she trailed off, enthusiasm waning. "He was wonderful on the trip to the Havens."

"Back then he was always trying to impress the twins or please his adar. Little Legolas is all grown up. I'll let him tell you what brings his royal highness to Lothlórien." Elrond finished his tea and stood. "I told him we would be joining him for breakfast."

Arwen jumped up and headed to her bedchamber. "Give me a moment to prepare. Since you just sprang this on me, I'm not ready to greet a prince." The door shut on anything else she might say.

Elrond smiled at the closed door. He sincerely hoped his daughter and Legolas were chosen by the Valar for each other and his fears could be laid to rest of her choosing a mortal life. He would fight that fate with everything in him. He still mourned Elros' choice.


Bilbo indulged himself with the elven baths while in Imladris although his fellow travelers opted for a fountain, so he was familiar with what soaps and oils were for. Done with his pleasurable bath, he dressed in his last set of clean clothes. In the mountain he washed them often, but seven days on the road used his clean garments and he was wondering where the laundry facilities were located. Stepping out into the bright sun, he saw a greater number of elves than lived at Rivendell.

"Master Bilbo," Figwit called as he rose from a bench. "I've been waiting to take you to Lord Celeborn's home."

Bilbo fell in step, his head never ceasing its swinging from right to left so not to miss a thing.

Figwit noticed and sported an amused smile. "I felt the same my first trip here. You will have plenty of time to explore the city."

"As long as I find a laundry and soon," Bilbo replied. "These are my last clean clothes."

"I've been told your nest Lord Elrond pointed out to you is home while you are here. Just set what needs washed in a pile and a servant will see to them."

"Can we detour back to my bed? I don't want to wear these for days on end waiting for my other clothes to be laundered. In fact when I stayed in the mountain, I washed my own."

Figwit immediately took another path and soon they were back in Bilbo's nook nestled between the roots.

Bilbo quickly took a dirty bag from his pack and looked around. "Where do I place it?"

Figwit pointed to a spot on a root that was hewn flat for a table top. "Up there. I see Lord Glorfindel has his laundry ready for pickup. Unlike Bilbo's bag, a pile of dirty clothes was strewn across the root. With patients, Figwit gathered them to him and folded them into an orderly pile. "I'll be sleeping here, as will the warriors of Imladris. Lord's Elrond, Glorfindel and Legolas will stay in Lord Celeborn's talan. After your climb, you'll see why your place is on the ground."

Each bend in the stairs up the largest tree in Caras Galadhon brought new sights and Figwit stopped often, both to allow Bilbo to rest, but to point out the sights.

Bilbo forgot to close his mouth standing on the landing before one short flight of stairs led to a massive talan on his left. At the base of the stairs were two elven guards with spears in hand and swords on waists. He would hate to be challenged by them. "Just when I didn't think it possible to be any more surprised on this trip, I am. I don't possess the sentiments to describe the majesty of these trees."

"I'm sure by the time we reach Imladris; your vast repertoire of verses will impress even Lindir," Figwit replied with humor.

"I shall endeavor to do just that," Bilbo affirmed.

Figwit pointed out a few sights from that lofty height. "I'll take you to the top of the tree if the Lord permits; where you can see all the way to Dol Guldur."

"Oh my." Bilbo was impressed.

They walked unchallenged by the guards to another level and entered a large hall. Here several elves mingled and some sang and played harps and flutes. This was almost like Imladris, Bilbo decided, although the songs were slightly different.

Legolas joined him and with a slight bow Figwit left them alone. "They are saying Lady Galadriel sustained a slight injury last night. She won't be joining us this morning, but Lady Arwen will."

"Have you seen Lady Arwen yet?" Bilbo asked. He was aware Legolas was looking at Elrond's daughter as a possible wife.

"Lord Elrond went directly to her chambers and will escort her here."

"Are you nervous?" If Bilbo were in his place, he would be petrified.

"I haven't seen Arwen for over four hundred years. After her naneth was brutalized by orcs; my adar and I took our best warriors as part of an honor guard to the Havens. The family of Elrond was in no shape to be burdened with security while they had the fragile fëa of Lady Celebrían to transport. We traveled very slowly because the lady tired rapidly and the slightest movement of her litter depleted her fëa; so that either a parent or Elrond was constantly replenishing her. The litter was carried by her family and lords. Most of the trip was the twins or Erestor and Glorfindel on the ends. They wouldn't let anyone lower status than lord carry her. I took a few turns and was honored when she spoke to me. Lord Elrond feared we wouldn't make the Havens in time so we moved day and night with very few stops. The elves sang the most beautiful songs to keep our spirits uplifted." Legolas stopped talking when Elrond and Arwen entered.

Glorfindel leaned down and whispered in Bilbo's ear. "He is nervous. Normally Legolas doesn't talk that much."

Bilbo responded with a small smile.

Elrond looked around and spotted Glorfindel by Legolas and Bilbo. Escorting his daughter, he approached.

Arwen focused on Legolas first. "The sun shines brightly upon our meeting, Prince Legolas. My hour was dark when we last met."

"I see the clouds have broken and sun shines upon you once more. The days have been kind to you," Legolas replied with a hand to his heart and he issued a slight bow.

"What brings you to my daerodhrons lair?" Arwen asked brightly. The thought he was coming to court her far from her thoughts.

Legolas quickly threw a glance to Elrond and Glorfindel and they offered no assistance. Seeing he was on his own, he replied. "I'm traveling."

"I informed Legolas you would show him this fair land," Elrond inserted.

"I would love to. We can catch up and you must tell me all about yourself," Arwen replied with grace. In deference to Bilbo, they all spoke Westron after the initial greeting in traditional Sindarin.

Their attention was diverted to the doorway and several elves carting barrels of wine into the hall.

"There you are," Glorfindel called out and moved to intercept. "If you would follow me, I'll show you their resting places."

He started to move towards his quarters when, "DARO" had the elves halting in their tracks. Celeborn made his appearance and glared at the smiling Vanyar. "Since when does an outcast from Taniquetil give orders in my home?"

Glorfindel looked the part of an injured guest. "I was going to save them from being consumed within a week."

Celeborn motioned for one to be placed on a special holder in the main hall.

"Noooo, you can't let these peasant Sindar near that nectar," Glorfindel wailed. It was much a repeat of his remonstration in Thranduil's tent.

Celeborn ignored the wayward elf. "Take one to my largest bedroom and the other to my study."

"I will be sleeping in Lord Celeborn's master bedchamber. Please move my belongings," Glorfindel instructed Emoth.

Emoth smiled and preceded the servants to the private wing of his lord and lady.

"You may imbibe until you fall off a chair in this hall," Celeborn addressed the situation.

Glorfindel followed the servants to where the keg was being placed on an engraved holder.

"It's not even breakfast," Elrond called after him.

Glorfindel gave up his pretense of coveting wine and rejoined Elrond, who relinquished Arwen to her grandfather for a hug and kiss.

Celeborn took her face in both his large hands and looked deep into her soul. "Daeriell-nín, you will have a long talk with me on why you went to Dol Guldur."

"Yes, Daeradar," Arwen replied meekly while Legolas looked on. He never knew a grandparent. That was one of the things that drew him to Tauriel. She was an orphan and he only had a father.

Celeborn escorted Arwen on his arm to his private dining room. Following were several lords and sons of Halung.

Elrond put a hand on Bilbo's shoulder and with a smile stated, "The last non-elf at Lord Celeborn's table was King Thráin only a few weeks ago. Much water has flowed down the Anduin since then."

Bilbo was quickly learning elvish phrases and their meanings. Walking beside the tall elf, he nodded, but didn't reply, once again was absorbing everything new.


Azthêla entered the healing talan with her Lady's clothes and a hair brush. She was still in bed with her returned husband when a knock on their bedchamber had her rushing to dress and hasten to her lady's rooms for clothing. Absorbed with her husband, she missed the silent call Celeborn issued to Elrond on the grounds far below. She and her husband lived in the Lord's talon, where she served the Lady and he; as warrior and advisor to the Lord. Just down the hall, Bethíel also resided when Lady Arwen was in residence.

When Elrond, Arwen and Celeborn entered the healing hall after breakfast, Galadriel was dressed and expecting to be escorted home.

"I was just coming to find you," she announced with determination to Elrond. Standing, she took one step towards the door when Celeborn silently commanded, 'It would look bad for the witch of Caras Galadhon to be forcibly restrained on the bed like a crazy elleth.'

She glared at her husband, but sat in the chair she just vacated.

Elrond smiled; for he and Arwen heard clearly what was said. He imparted more healing to the lump that was all but invisible to the eye. He allowed his fëa to search hers, looking for signs of additional injury or pressure on her brain. Her eyes were bright and clear, as was her fëa. Standing back, he held his hand out and helped her stand.

Azthêla stifled her laughter as she too heard Celeborn's mental command. Gathering the nightgown, robe and brush, she quickly departed.

"She is free to leave the flet….. Providing she spends the day in her rooms away from visitors and noise," Elrond decreed.

"I was hoping for a long soak in my bathing pool." Galadriel was firm.

"Not alone," Elrond countered.

Celeborn moved to take her hand from Elrond and determine for himself that she was recovering. "No worries. We will see you at supper." Without waiting for a reply, he led the Lady of the Wood away.

"I want you to spend time with Legolas today," Elrond quickly addressed Arwen, lest she have other plans. The sooner he got them together, the better.

"What about Mr. Baggins?" Arwen inquired.

"Don't worry about Bilbo. I have Figwit lined up to give him a tour."

"He could join us," she offered.

Elrond looked pained and felt his six thousand plus years. "Not today."


Lying back in her husband's arms Galadriel relaxed in the swirling waters of a natural whirlpool and let him help carry her burdened fëa. He was the only one who knew the taxing toll she endured for them.

Alone, without eavesdropping ears, he spoke aloud, "What vision overwhelmed you?"

"I saw for the first time you and Lúthien in our bedchamber at Menegroth. That vision alone has me wondering…..why now? She was helping you decorate, as was Mablung and Beleg. You had long, intense talks with her, but I wasn't allowed to know the content, which is strange. I thought the mirror would darken, but without warning the scene changed to Arwen and the image that haunts me."

"One where she dies?" he asked.

"It has to be."

He turned her in his arms to look in her face. "You will allow our only daeriell to die?"

Placing a hand on his submerged chest, she tried to explain. "Arwen's fate is tied to Middle Earth. She must stay and see it finished…..for the sake of this land and men."

His hands dripped as he cupped her face. "It's time to share. Help me understand the burden you and Elrond have and this union I oppose."

Her blue eyes looked sad and old suddenly. "As you wish." She took his hands and allowed him to see Arwen's death and him burying her. When she broke the link, tears were flowing down his cheeks also. "You wanted this, there is more." Once again she led him into her inner thoughts and he saw a young human male of striking good looks standing under the Mallorns. Arwen stepped from around a tree and into his arms and they shared a kiss like her grandparents did when either parting or greeting the other. The memories evaporated like a rising mist and they looked at each other.

"Aragorn?" He guessed, and somehow knew; even though the child Estel didn't look like this yet.

"And the one who takes Arwen's heart."

"And life," he ended bitterly.

Galadriel reached out and stroked his cheek. "All the more reason to cherish her for this last short season."

"We okay now?" He allowed his hands to stroke over her breasts and his eyes followed. He wanted to move on to pleasant pursuits.

"One final question." She smiled at his grimace and inaudible bad word he mouthed. "Lúthien was helping, but never let me know. How come you didn't tell me after we wed what were you two talking about or she was assisting you?"

His hands stopped groping and he stared into her eyes. "That's two questions." He saw her start to protest and continued, "We were friends for a long time before you. Your vision told you that much. She was having a hard time losing her two best friends to matrimony and knew after the wedding I wouldn't be available and wanted alone time like we used to have. It was a goodbye of sorts. When you took over those rooms, you drove memories of her in those chambers far away." He smiled and drew her to him for a kiss. "I have a hard time seeing any other elleth's face when you are in my arms."

"I do believe you on the last, but you left something out; something you took an oath never to disclose." She knew she hit the mark when he flushed and looked down.

"That is hard for me, as it's so personal and disturbing," he mumbled.

Galadriel took a long, manicured fingernail and poked under his chin, lifting his head until eyes were meeting. "Now I want the details; oath or not."

He swallowed. "When she told me, I made us both swear an oath never to talk about it again or ever tell you. I didn't want to hurt the elleth I loved and still do," he added and settled his hands on her waist, settling her on his outstretched legs as he floated in the swirling waters. "I asked her to our bedchambers for a female touch; as I didn't have a clue how to decorate. While we were planning, she confided that she always thought she and I would wed, being we were both royal. She also said she was jealous of you and my affections for you. Galadriel, I was stunned by her admission. I saw her as nothing more than a cousin and friend. She always thought we had time and I was very young. If Melian ever knew or suspected, she didn't say a word. We talked about it in detail over several visits and in the end she seemed to understand, I was not hers."

"Do you think that may have been a reason she chose a man instead of elf?" Galadriel asked, still recovering her shock; more intrigued that he still had secrets after seven millennia of wedlock.

"I don't think at all where elleth are concerned. Lúthien gave me new understanding into your minds and it's a mess in there. Being married to you for three ages of this world confirmed my role is to love you and not get burned by your brightness. I'm the moth to your flame."

Heart lighter at his admission, she glowed with joy. "I feel better now, but still want memories from you that we can share, and especially the one where she confided that to you."

"If I say yes, will you let it drop for now?" He settled his hands on her waist and started moving deeper into the pool.

"What do you think?" she teased and held her breath for what she knew was coming. True to his nature, he rolled her under him and they proceeded to wrestle and make love in the water.


As he did for centuries, Celeborn escorted his wife to their evening meal. After their morning romp in the pool; they retired to their private chambers where he insisted she rest and not tax her eyes. He read to her the Lay of Lúthien and added detail from his memories including the uncomfortable admission from Lúthien. He showed her all the conversations; glad that troublesome burden was finally where it belonged, shared with his wife, and he told her as much, making her glow with joy.

They were a warm, loving couple that evening to the wise and knowing elves, but to Bilbo, they were stoic and unapproachable. He was present and in the company of Elrond and Glorfindel when all talking stopped; as was normal when the Lord and Lady arrived.

Galadriel felt a disturbance emanating from the hobbit that wasn't present at Imladris and turned a fierce, indomitable gaze upon their hapless guest.

Unsure why he was center of her attention, Bilbo bowed low.

"You have awakened a mighty force, Bilbo Baggins." Her epitaph stifled all conversation in the great hall that had resumed.

Bilbo found himself center of every elf's gaze and looked around; first for a friendly face and secondly to see how they perceived the great lady's words.

Focusing on the tall lady, he stammered, "I….I…I'm not sure what that means."

"Nor do I," she admitted. "I sense in my fëa, more than know for certain that you are tied to our fate. Go home, Master Baggins. We will watch over the Shire until your part in all this is revealed."

Bilbo dared a question, "Lady Galadriel, what is my fate?"

She looked deep into his little soul and smiled, "We will meet again and have an adventure. Of the nature, I know not what, but I see the face of a hobbit that has a greater adventure than you."

"I would like to meet the hobbit whose adventure is supplants mine," he replied.

She smiled one last time and let her fingers rest against Celeborn's and he escorted her away.