xXMizz Alec VolturiXx - Me too! I wish I had one of my own. (side note: my brother's name is Alec!)

Luinwen-2013 - Absolutely! Darn feet ;)

sploosh93 - Thank you! I actually loved writing it. Drunk Loth is almost too fun.

Alas, you all must wait for another chapter before we see Lothiriel again. For now, we return to the shieldmaiden...

Chapter 19 - Envisioning

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'Queen Arwen, what a pleasure to finally speak with you at length.'

'Indeed, I have long wished to walk a ways with the slayer of the Witch-king.'

Her voice is like a flute. Every word somehow sounds lyrical.

'Then I regret to inform you that you are missing half of the duo, your majesty.'

'Meriadoc, you mean? Oh I must say, I do adore him. But he was quite adamant that you were the force with which to be reckoned, my lady.'

That humble hobbit.

'He is unaware of his own strength, I think.'

'Yes, most good people are.'

I don't know what to say to that. Her elven beauty is striking and ethereal. I can't believe it. I'm intimidated.

'Your Hall here is marvelous.' She smiles warmly, but I am still somehow unsettled.

'You surely are used to more magnificent architecture.'

'Perhaps so. But there is much to be said for the structure of Men. I find your builds to feel more homely. I suppose that is my great-great grandfather talking.'

'Forgive me, I am unfamiliar with Elven heritage.'

'You know naught of the Lay of Leithian? Beren and Luthien? The greatest love story of all the ages of the world?'

'Is this all the same story?' Elves! Why would I know of her ancestors?

She smiles more broadly.

'I shall tell you. But be forewarned, the story is long.'

'Perhaps we could pass over the details.' A family history is all I need. 'Who was your great-great grandfather?'

'Beren. He was a mortal Man in love with an Elvish Princess, Luthien.'

'Your twice-great grandmother?'

'Yes.'

'So you have the blood of Men in you?'

'Yes, distantly.'

Is she jesting me?

'I do not see a resemblance between you and any mortal woman I have ever seen.'

'That would be unlikely. My father chose to be of the Elven race.'

'Chose?'

'Yes. Another long story.'

I am starting to become very interested in this story, but alas, another time.

'And now you are married to a Man…'

'Yes!'

'Were there no Elves to match your fancy?' I smirk at the ground.

The Elven Queen laughs-at my wit or my nerve, I am unsure. But the sound inexplicably gives me hope and makes my heart light. I smile back.

'None at all! I must see muscles, beard, and a certain lack of grace as endearing!'

'I know precisely what you mean!'

We laugh together. I suppose women are women, no matter our race.

She speaks again as we round a corner.

'Speaking of mortal husbands, how do you and your betrothed fair?'

'Oh, wonderfully.' I didn't mean to sound so uninterested.

Of course, she doesn't miss a beat.

'Are you quite sure?'

'I...sometimes I wonder-.'

'If you are running before you walk?'

Exactly!

'How did you know?'

'I confess I have the gift of foresight, Lady Eowyn.'

'Oh! Then...am I?'

She cocks her head to the left, light grey eyes looking deep into mine. I am strongly reminded of Aragorn. And strangely, Faramir. Eventually, she blinks and smiles kindly.

'I think not.'

'How do you know?' Why am I so desperate for her advice?

'I see you.'

'In the future? Please, tell me.' What new magic is this?

'I saw fields of green, large gardens full of beautiful flowers, and tall trees in the distance.'

Ithilien, I imagine.

'I looked to my right and saw a beautiful wedding ceremony.'

'Really?'

'Yes, and you standing next to Faramir.'

I should hope so.

'Yes, when we wed.'

'Not so.' She looks serious.

I raise my eyebrows to ask the question.

'This is the rite of your son, Eowyn.'

I gasp lightly, my mind racing. A son? And married! A son…the next Prince of Ithilien.

I breathe out slowly, not realizing I had been holding my breath.

'Are you glad?'

My turn to laugh.

'Queen Arwen, I have never been so thankful for the magic of Elves in my life.'

'I am delighted to be of assistance, Lady Eowyn. I have only seen the one vision, but I feel merry when I think of you and the Lord Faramir.'

'So do I.' I grin at her. I think I rather like this Elf Queen.

And yet…

'Your majesty-.'

'I think, my lady, that "Arwen" shall suffice between us.'

I nod, not fully listening.

'Arwen, I do not wish to see everything the future holds, for I think that an unhealthy habit. Be that as it may, I do have one more question that I hope you can answer me.'

'That will depend upon your query.'

The words tumble out of my mouth.

'Have I only the one son? Do I have no daughters?'

She looks me deep in the eyes again, a very slight crease between her sleek brows, before answering.

'Alas, my friend, I see naught! Only the one vision am I allowed, by the grace of the Valar.'

My head falls. We have reached the huge doors of Meduseld.

'Perhaps it is for the best.'

'I think it must be.' She turns gracefully to face me.

'Know this: if ever I see a daughter of yours, I will write to you.'

'Thank you, Arwen.'

She smiles, pats my hand, and glides away towards the forest. I have seen her walk there often. I think it must remind her of home.

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So, one more chapter to go...I am sad to let go of this story, but so excited to have shared it with you all. Final chapter coming very soon.

-Anarwyn