AN: Still don't own Lord of the Rings, or anything from The Hobbit.

Yay, I'm back with a new chapter! Life is still a kick in the butt right now, but at least I'm writing again, which makes me happy. Many thanks to everyone who sent me kind words and well-wishes -I'm truly grateful, and your kindness was like a hug I very much needed!

This chapter will start off a little sad, since it's about Gilraen dealing with Aragorn leaving, but a familiar face will also be arriving, which will provide a nice distraction.

Enjoy, and please don't forget to review!

Chapter 48: Sadness and Adjustments:

Rivendell was not the same after my brother fled into the Wilds.

The first thing that had changed was everyone now referred to him by his birth name, Aragorn. Lord Elrond had declared that Estel was a name bestowed onto a child; Aragorn was now a man, and should be referred to as such.

"It is the name his father and mother gave him, and out of respect for them, we shall use it," Lord Elrond firmly said one day, during breakfast.

Gilraen had not joined us that day, nor any other after Aragorn's departure. She had taken to staying in her quarters, sleeping late and not leaving her room when she had risen. I wanted to go to her, to keep her company, but Lord Elrond thought it best to let her get over the shock of her son's departure first.

After five days, Ethelwen quietly informed me that the cooks whispered about how Gilraen had not been eating much lately, and were worried she might waste away in her son's absence. It had been that information that had brought me here today.

When I entered her room, I saw Gilraen still sat in bed, though someone had thoughtfully propped her up on a several pillows. My friend's face was white as fresh snow, her eyes red and puffy from crying. Her fair hair was lank and slightly greasy from not being washed. Since everyone in Rivendell took bathing seriously, I knew this was not a good sign.

"My friend," I whispered, taking a seat on the bed, "You must eat and wash. It is not good for you to live this way."

With her unique lineage, Gilraen did not look her actual age. She might have a few wrinkles in the corners of her eyes, or her face might appear tired after a long day, but rarely did she look any older than I did –and my own aging had been halted by divine powers.

Today, her blonde hair looked a shade lighter, as though she had aged a decade in the last week. Dark shadows now lingered under her eyes, and there was an air of despair that I knew would not be easy to drive away.

"He is gone, Allie," Gilraen whispered, pale blue eyes staring at me in disbelief. "My son is gone because he is angry with me!"

Slowly and gently, I reached out and pulled her into a hug. "I know," I softly replied. "But he does have a right to be. He has always been an honest person, who does not like secrets and falsehoods. Right now, he believes that his entire life has been a lie, and that you purposely concealed the truth from him. He is angry, lost, confused, and his heart and soul are in pain."

I felt her shoulders shake as she gave into sobs. "He will not be angry at you forever. But such things take time to heal, and if he wishes to do it alone in the wilds, then you must let him."

"But he is my son!" Gilraen gasped as she wept into my shoulder. "I swore to keep him safe, and now he's run off, and will probably put himself into danger because of what I have done!"

I pulled back so that my eyes could meet hers. "Yes, he is your son, and you are a wonderful mother. You have kept him safe all these years, and seen that he has been educated and taught by the finest in Middle Earth. But he is grown now, and you cannot protect him anymore. His life is his own, and you must have faith that you have taught him well enough to live it wisely and responsibly."

As more tears flowed, I gently wiped them away with a handkerchief I had brought. "Aragorn is not stupid. But he does have a great deal to think about, and it might be best if he does it alone, without us constantly lecturing or chattering at him."

She nodded and took a deep breath, the two of us sitting together, thinking about the young man we loved and worried for.

Eventually, Gilraen calmed down, and grudgingly ate a bit of porridge the cooks sent over with Ethelwen, to help regain some of her strength.

With her belly fuller than it had been in days, and her body and mind drained from weeping, Gilraen drifted off into a doze. I stayed with her for a good half hour, to make sure her rest was peaceful.

Lord Elrond then arrived, to relieve me and to bring a light noon meal, which he placed beside the bed. "You have done well, dear one," he whispered, bestowing an affectionate smile upon me. "Her sleep is deep, and later, I will send Ethelwen to help her wash and dress. I am especially glad that you were able to get her to eat something. There is a long journey before her, but the most difficult part of it is past. However, I need you to start spending more time with her. Can you do that?"

I agreed, and returned to my rooms, wondering what sort of activities I could use to occupy my friend.

Distracting Gilraen was easier said than done.

Since Aragorn had grown up here, nearly everything reminded Gilraen of her son and the fun times we had spent together. When I finally managed to coax her out for a walk through the gardens, she would get the occasional tear in her eye as she pointed to a spot where Aragorn had done something silly or naughty.

"That's where he once plucked Lord Elrond's prized blossoms in order to bring me a bouquet as a gift," Gilraen reminisced, before gesturing towards a spot where the sound of trickling water drifted over to our ears. "And he fell right over there, into the stream, when you were away on your first journey to Erebor. He was trying to see if he could catch fish with his bare hands, like the Twins did."

I had a feeling the Twins had only shown Aragorn that in order to impress him. It probably had not occurred to them that the young lad would try to copy them.

It took a few days, but eventually, Gilraen stopped her vocal reminiscing as she walked through the valley with me. That was another important hurdle, and when I told him of it, Lord Elrond was very pleased.

Slowly, things began to take a turn for the better as I did my best to keep her busy. We would sit together in our quarters, one of us reading aloud while the other stitched clothing. Or we would curl up beside the fire, toast bread and cheese sandwiches over the flames, and talk about my travels. On sunny days, we went riding around the valley, or walked through the gardens, gathering flowers for our rooms or for the dining hall. One day, Lord Elrond pointed us towards a few swimming ponds at the edge of the valley, where we splashed in the sun-warmed waters and lounged on blankets along the shores with a picnic lunch.

For a few months, our days passed quietly, and Gilraen began to gradually return to her old self. Whenever I caught her weeping over her son, I did my best to comfort her, and the two of us would share amusing stories of Aragorn's childhood until she felt better.

Then, just as summer ended, something entirely unexpected occurred.

I suppose I should have noticed how busy the House had gotten, but with my attention focused on helping Gilraen, it had slipped past me entirely.

Had I been paying attention, I would have seen the cleaning staff scrubbing everything, with great care and attention to what they were doing. I'd also have noticed that the food being served was gradually becoming more elegant, and flavored with a bit more care than usual.

What really brought me back to the world was Ethelwen's anxious expression when I returned after a morning ride with Gilraen. Shan had been unusually enthusiastic, so there had been far more galloping on this ride than normal. My hair was a tangled mess, and there were twigs, leaves, and dust all over me.

"Oh, my lady!" Ethelwen said with a gasp. "How dirty you are!"

That got my attention. She was never this distressed unless something was going on, or Lord Elrond had commanded her to be formal.

"What's happened?" I demanded to know. "Is that one of my best day gowns? And some of the pieces of jewelry from Lord Elrond?"

Ethelwen looked at me in shock. "Oh, dear one, do you not know?" she asked, eyes wide. "I thought Lord Elrond would have told you! But then, you have been tending to Lady Gilraen, so perhaps he did not wish to burden you further."

By now, I was getting worried and impatient. "Told me what? What is happening? Is someone important visiting Rivendell?"

She hesitated, then swallowed. "Not visiting; staying."

A pause. "The Lady Arwen is returning home today."

Two hours later, I was waiting in the main courtyard, standing at Lord Elrond's right side. Lindir had whispered that because I was his daughter, I had the right to stand in such a place of honor. Honestly, it should be Arwen's place, and I was more than happy with giving it back to her when she returned.

For such an important event, I had expected the entire valley to turn out for their princess's return. But to my shock, it was only family and close friends -besides Lord Elrond and myself, there was Glorfindel, Elladan and Elrohir, Lindir, and Erestor. I felt guilty leaving Gilraen on her own, but she had decided not to attend, and Ethelwen had promised she would take care of her.

'Besides, Arwen and Gilraen have never met, and it would be rather awkward,' I reasoned to myself. 'Especially for a welcome home greeting party.'

A soft breeze drifted over from the great waterfalls that cascaded into the valley, cooling the air slightly. It was early summer, and though Rivendell never got hot during this season, it did tend to get a bit warm, especially when the winds blew the wrong direction.

Today, it was rather warm, and the deep teal gown I had chosen was beginning to get a bit uncomfortable.

"There they are," Glorfindel whispered, nodding towards the path that those on horseback used to enter the valley. I saw his eyes narrow a little in disapproval. "The guards appear rather lax in their task. I will need to have a word with them later."

The Twins and I winced, knowing what a 'word' with Glorfindel actually meant. I almost felt bad for them, but when it came to Arwen's safety, they really did need to be at their best, or Lord Elrond would have their heads.

It was not a grand arrival, with trumpet fanfare or great banners flying, but it was lovely in its simplicity. Arwen had one female attendant, and a fairly large company of guards that were a mix of Lorien and Rivendell Elves. Trailing behind were two wagons that must have held their camping supplies and spare weaponry, as well as their luggage.

The moment Arwen rode into the courtyard, the hood of her cloak slid down, and her face lit up like the moon and stars on a clear night. I nearly sighed with envy at her beauty, but the joy and excitement that shone there made any negative feelings vanish.

"Father!" Arwen called, her soft, gentle voice drifting through the air. "Elladan! Elrohir!"

I watched with a smile as Lord Elrond's children were reunited, hugs and kisses happily given as they greeted one another. It was heartwarming, seeing them together after so many years.

Then Arwen's attention turned to me, and I felt my cheeks flush a little. When one of the most beautiful beings in the world looks at you, blushing is the most natural thing to do.

"Sister," she breathed, arms reaching out towards me. "How I have missed you."

Have you ever experienced a moment where time slowed, and you felt as though you were the center of someone's world, for just a few seconds?

With Arwen's eyes shining like brilliant blue stars, looking at me with love and warmth, that's exactly what I felt. I had spent time with her in Lothlorien, and years calling her my sister from a great distance, but at that moment frozen in time, our connection was firmly locked inside my heart.

Then she hugged me, and the world started moving again. My brain managed to catch up to that moment, and I smiled. "I've missed you, as well," I whispered back. "Welcome home, sister."

If we had been a group of humans, Arwen would have been rushed inside, the calm center of a whirlwind of family and loved ones. There would be chatter, laughter, and chaos as everyone tried to help haul her belongings inside and give her the latest gossip and news.

But this was Rivendell -the servants were swift as a drifting fog, and just as silent as they went about carrying Arwen's luggage to her rooms. Meanwhile, her father and brothers went to their own quarters to prepare for the evening's feast and festivities, as we females went directly to her suite.

Once in Arwen's rooms, I realized the handmaiden she had brought from Lothlorien was a familiar face: Ranneth, who had been my attendant in Lorien.

When she saw that I had noticed her, Ranneth rushed to embrace and greet me. When I asked what she was doing here, Ranneth explained she had wanted to visit a cousin of hers here in Rivendell, so she had volunteered to accompany Arwen on her travels, serving as her handmaiden during the journey. The Lorien Elves that served as Arwen's guards would remain for a few weeks, then return home. Ranneth was presently unsure whether she would remain here after they left, but she would decide well before the others departed.

At Ranneth's subtle hint about making Arwen a bath, I quickly excused myself so that Arwen could prepare for the exciting evening ahead.

Two hours later, Ranneth came to inform me that the Lady Arwen desired my presence before the night's festivities.

Dressed in some of my finest clothing and jewelry, I did my best to enter her rooms with as much dignity and grace as I could muster.

My efforts quickly went out the window as my sister came to hug me, a brilliant smile on her lovely face. "I'm so happy to see you, and to be home at last!" she whispered to me. "Even with your letters, I did so miss you, Allie."

Before we could even start to exchange stories or gossip, Ranneth politely reminded us that the evening's dinner and celebratory festivities were to start soon, and that we were both required to be there before they did.

Arwen let out a small laugh, and linked arms with me. "Then let us go. I am quite eager to see what our father has planned for tonight!"

I think Arwen was very glad that the only ones waiting for us were our father, brothers, and Glorfindel. Everyone else was in the dining hall, waiting for their royal family to make a grand entrance.

As Lord Elrond took Arwen's hand in his, Glorfindel gave me a graceful bow, and offered his arm. "Will you let me escort you this evening, dear one?" he asked, an affectionate smile on his face.

I accepted his arm, and grinned when I heard the entire room burst into applause as Arwen stepped into the Hall. In front of me, I heard the Twins quietly whisper in teasing tones about how easily she blushed in public.

Inside, the tables shimmered and sparkled, as they only did during special occasions. Lord Elrond's finest white tablecloths covered every surface, the material giving of a soft glow in the lantern and candlelight.

Even though every table held glittering goblets and perfectly arranged silverware, only the high table held a dazzling array of fine silver and crystal from Lord Elrond's personal stores.

Peeking around the tall figures of the Twins, I spotted Gilraen at the high table, her eyes filled with curiosity and sadness. Lord Elrond had gotten his daughter back, but her son was still gone, and my heart ached again for my dear friend.

Once we were all seated, me with Arwen on one side and Gilraen on the other, Lord Elrond signaled for silence.

"Today, after a long stay in her mother's homeland, my daughter, Arwen Undomiel, the Evenstar of our people, has returned," he said, looking fondly in her direction. "Tonight, we will eat, drink, and be merry as we celebrate. Let the feast begin!"

A clap of his hands, and the servers began rushing to put plates of delectable food on the table. Everyone was more than happy to dig in, though I was sad to see Gilraen merely pick at her meal. While everyone chatted with Arwen about her visit and her travels, I quietly persuaded Gilraen to eat some of the food on her plate.

At last, a light cordial was poured, to ease the digestion, and we all enjoyed a brief rest before the night's entertainment. During this break, Gilraen turned her attention towards me, her voice soft as she inquired about Arwen.

"For I have never met her before," she quietly admitted. "She had traveled to Lothlorien many years before I arrived here, and I have heard a great deal about her, especially from you, after your travels."

I told her that Arwen was a warm, gentle, caring soul who was a delight to be with. "I hope you will let me introduce you," I said, sipping my cordial. "You should have another friend to confide in, besides me. It would do you good."

She reluctantly agreed, but before I could turn around, Lord Elrond declared it time for us to go to the Hall of Fire. Arwen rose and took his hand, glancing my way with a strange, apologetic look on her face that I did not understand. What did she have to be sorry for, when she had just arrived?

I gave a mental shrug and linked arms with Gilraen, basically forcing her to go to the Hall rather than flee to hide back in her rooms. She needed a distraction, and tonight would do the trick.

We followed Lord Elrond into the Hall, and watched as Arwen took the chair to his right, while the one on the left stood empty. The lord's grey eyes searched the room until he found me, and with a wave of his hand, summoned me forward.

"Come, Meluir," he called. "Your seat awaits you!"

Surprised, I reluctantly released Gilraen's arm and stepped forward to take my place on the dais. When I was seated, Lord Elrond nodded towards the musicians, and they began a lively tune that soon had pairs of Elves dancing across the floor in a flurry of silken outfits and glittering jewels.

"Now both my daughters are home," Elrond said, giving us both a soft, loving smile.

Looking around him, Arwen and I exchanged similar smiles before the Twins came forward, requesting us for a dance. Arwen accepted, but I urged Elladan, who had asked to partner me, to instead approach Gilraen.

"She needs a bit of cheering right now, and I think a dance or two would do her good," I pleaded. "Will you go ask her?"

Elladan agreed, and soon, I saw Gilraen's smiling face twirling amongst the dancers. My heart soared, seeing her thus -it had been too long since she had enjoyed herself with others.

Elrohir then took a turn on the floor with Gilraen, and when that finished, she approached the dais, a small, shy smile on her face as she curtseyed to Lord Elrond and congratulated him on his daughter's return.

He smiled, and motioned her forward. "Lady Gilraen, may I introduce you to my daughter, Arwen Undomiel? Arwen, this is the Lady Gilraen. She has been a guest in my house for many years, and has become like family to me. It is my hope that you become friends, as you have with dear Meluir."

Rising gracefully to her feet, Arwen stepped down to take Gilraen's hands in her own. "I hope the same," she said, a soft smile on her fair face. "Perhaps, we three can take a picnic into the woods, or go riding together? Or walk through the gardens, and talk? I would like to know you and call you my dear friend, as my sister does."

I knew from experience the full effect of Arwen's beauty, her blue-grey eyes, and her kindness. Anyone on the receiving end tended to suffer from profuse blushing, followed by a few babbled words or silent awe.

Gilraen was no exception, and her reaction was of the babbling sort. She agreed that getting to know one another was a wonderful idea, and she would happily go on any of those mentioned events.

Arwen's smile was of joy and eagerness as she said, "Wonderful! Perhaps the day after tomorrow we may have our walk, and a light picnic in the afternoon. I have spent far too much time in the saddle, and would enjoy a rest from it for a few weeks."

Gilraen again babbled her agreement, and when Glorfindel came to ask her to join him for a bit of refreshment, she went with him, blue eyes wide with wonder and more than a little confusion as to what had just happened.

I couldn't hide a grin at her reaction, and was told by Lord Elrond to stop looking so smug, or else everyone would wonder if something was wrong with me. I did my best, but I don't think I succeeded.

When I went to bed that evening, it was with a happy, light heart.

However, in my mind, I knew that it would not last, and that troubling times were to arrive.

AN: Aragorn will be back in the next chapter, and then things will start taking a familiar turn, story-wise. (cough, Aragorn-Arwen romance, cough)

Review?