The courtship and wedding of Arathorn II and Gilraen. Arathorn II seeks his foster father's and his Eldar friends' aid in persuading his beloved's parents to agree to their marriage. Some advice are better not followed.
The Wedding of Arathorn II and Gilraen
Imladris, Hrive, T.A. 2928
Dear Journal
Eru spare us from lovesick fools. Arathorn II just rode in to ask advice of Lord Elrond – seems he has fallen for some Dunedain maid. The problem? This young maid is really young for a Dunedain. She just turned 21. Arathorn is really pushing his luck. Erestor thinks he knows the family – descended from one of Aranarth's younger sons, of Isildur's line. Arador not too thrilled but he is willing to go along if the bride's family approves. Otherwise, Arathorn will have to wait until she is older.
Lady Arwen is currently away at her grandmother's. Understand her intention is to stay there until Arda breaks, or until her brothers quit pulling childish pranks involving her hairbrush and stuff. Elrond has relented and set the twins off to ride with the Dunedain of the North, which was what he should have done in the first place before the sticky hairbrush incident happened. Idle lordlings cause trouble for the entire household. Just ask the laundresses about the dye in the tubs. Did you seriously think I have taken the initiative to dye all the linens bright orange?
I digress – It is fortunate the twins are off riding with Arador as after that Aunt Melly debacle some centuries back, I seriously doubt any advice given to Arathorn by the pair would be sound. Elrond is approaching the issue with all his two Ages of experience and gravity – who are we kidding? Lord Elrond is clueless about dealing with matters of the heart. If only Celebrian were here…
Lindir is eager to help, but seriously… Arathorn II was never much of a bard. Serenading the lass outside her window might just have her folks thinking they are being besieged by wargs. Move them? Methinks it will move them out of Eriador for sure. Do not, I repeat, do not by any account take Fin and Erestor's advice. I doubt getting the lass with child before the wedding will improve your standing as future chieftain. Arvedui could pull that stunt off because he was still a prince of Arnor and let's just say his law-father was probably weighing in on it as the only way to get the Council of Gondor to agree to unite both the North and South Kingdoms through marriage.
What? That's it, Elrond? Go ask the lass' parents respectfully for her hand in marriage? Milord, what's to stop the lass' ada from giving him the boot? Shouldn't we have some back-up plan in case? A pair of swift horses from the stables, steadfast friends and an escape route to Imladris… Wait, Fin, that sounds like we are going to kidnap the lass.
Imladris, Tuile, T.A. 2929
Dear Journal
Gildor and his merry band just tumbled into Imladris with news from Eriador. The Dunedain have just celebrated the wedding of Arathorn II and his young bride Gilraen. It took a bit of convincing but once he got his law-mother's support, half the battle for Gilraen's hand was won. Seems his law-father was not one to oppose his wife, especially since she's the one in the family with the gift of foresight.
Understand that the main concern was Arathorn II's expected short life. Clearly Glorfindel's comet comment has been making the rounds of the Dunedain. No parent wishes their little girl to be widowed so young. Thus far, we have no complaints from the wives of all preceding Chieftains about the risky nature of their work. Normally, their husbands tend to outlive them. Well, there is always a first time…
Heard Arathorn's law-mother had some additional words about a new hope springing from the union. Duh, we will be expecting another foster son of Imladris running about the place, terrorising poor Uncle Mel. Eru, is there no end to this blight? Perhaps I should make plans to sail…
Elrohir and Elladan are chafing they were not able to attend the stag party thanks to an orc-clearing patrol in the Misty Mountains. Really, recall the last time you attended a stag party? Arador was so hungover, Fin had to hold him up to get him through the rites. His lady was not amused and almost called the whole thing off. Then he puked onto the offerings for the Valar… There was the time your bright idea with Mithrandir's fireworks had Arahad II's wedding postponed for three months until his burns healed. Also the incident with a barrel in the river and bridegroom-to-be Aravorn… And you wonder why the Dunedain do not invite you to their sons' stag parties.
I wish Arathorn II and Gilraen all the best. Oh, boys, do your ada and Uncle Mel a favour – try not to get Arathorn II killed.
Author's Notes:
Figwit has a very low opinion of Arathorn II's singing. A little recap - Arvedui was the last Arnorian king and his wife was a princess of Gondor. The Chieftains are all descended from that union.
I let Ivorwen's (Gilraen's mother) prophecy echo a certain First Age prophecy involving Tuor and Idril. A new hope will spring from this current union.
