Chapter 31
The Consequences of Death
Author's Note:Okay, TRIGGER WARNING here. Brianna has opinions that aren't in line with the rest of the political and social discourse. I'm leaving this here because those opinions come up in this chapter and I don't want people to be caught unawares. If this bothers you, the reader, please be aware that its in here and read with an open mind. I'm not preaching, or attempting to preach, I'm just adding to Brianna's character.
Anyway, if you do like this chapter, or this story, please feel free to leave a review; especially if you have an issue with the themes of this chapter. I do, actually, want to read about it.
January 17th - Half Past Noon - Lothlorien - Cerin Amroth
Six months ago, if anyone had told Brianna that she would find herself in the arms of the man who not only held her heart, but was also her destined one she would have believed them touched in the head. Five months ago, when she made her fateful journey into Arda, if they'd told her that Aragorn - mistrustful, suspicious Aragorn - would be holding her and kissing her, she would have thought they were stone-faced drunk. It was this state of disbelief that she existed in that moment while Aragorn, her love and Destined One, held her on the top of Cerin Amroth kissing her senseless. What would have bewildered pre-Arda Brianna even more was the fact that she returned his embrace and kissed him just as enthusiastically.
When Aragorn pulled away from her lips for that third time, Brianna looked at him through those very dazed eyes. He raised his hand to her cheek and traced the line of her cheekbone and jawline with his knuckles. She closed her eyes and smiled, all trepidation of the Fellowship's and Artemis' impeding comments leaving her. She opened them after a few moments and took in his expression. Aragorn's eyes looked hungry as they drank her in and his lips dipped into a small, focused frown. A grin worked its way across her lips and she tilted her head toward her left shoulder.
"I take it I was missed?" She asked.
A gaunt expression entered his beautiful blue eyes and the need to lighten the mood left her. He leaned forward and kissed her once more. Instead of a quick peck, his lips lingered, and his hands moved to cup the small of her back. Brianna slipped her arms around his neck and responded by pressing her small body against his. He broke the kiss a moment later and rested his head against her's.
"I thought Rivendell would be our last meeting," he said.
"So did I," she said. "But it is the Triune's will for me to remain."
He held her like this for a while longer before reluctantly pulling away. It left Brianna feeling bereft and lost.
"We should join the company. They will be glad to see you," he said.
She smiled, "I'll be happy to see them, as well."
Aragorn smiled and took her hand. She returned it and allowed him to lead her down the slope where a ragged group of people sat on the grass waiting for Lady Galadriel to be ready for them. Predictably, Artemis stood over the lot next to Legolas. Both were speaking so quietly that Brianna couldn't make out their words. As she and Aragorn stepped to the foot of the hill, the huntress turned to look at them with a raised eyebrow.
Crap! Brianna thought and braced herself.
"I'd tell the two of you to get a room, but you're not married yet," Artemis snapped.
Brianna's cheeks flushed red. Next to her, Aragorn stiffened and the grip he had on her hand grew tighter. Not knowing what to expect, Brianna braved herself for the predictable hazing Artemis was sure to do.
"I do not like what you're implying, Lady Huntress," Aragorn growled.
Brianna glanced from him to her aunt and paled. And here she'd always assumed that Maf would take the role of her father when any sort of hazing needed to be had! Apparently, her dear aunt felt the opportunity too good to pass up. The Lady Huntress smirked and placed both hands on her hips. The clearing quieted as everyone else watched the show.
"Oh? You don't like me implying that you've dishonored my niece?" She said.
Brianna looked at Legolas imploring him to stop her. The blond elf met her gaze and grimaced. She glared in response. There would be no help here.
"Indeed! Nor do I like what you've implied about your own niece!" Cried Aragorn, "I have not, nor will I, dishonor her!"
Artemis stared him down a moment longer before a smirk ticked across her lips, "Well then, I suppose I'll take your word for it… for now."
Brianna tipped her head to the sky and muttered, "Bloody hell!"
Legolas winced and approached her with a smile that was more of a grimace. Aragorn sent him a very pointed look to which the elf answered with a shrug.
He leaned forward and whispered, "Fear not, she pointed an arrow at me when we first met."
"Classic Artemis," Brianna grumbled.
"So it seems," Aragorn muttered, a dark look crossing his face.
"Bri!"
Suddenly, she found herself bowled over by four hobbits. Aragorn had released her hand a moment before they collectively jumped into her waist so he wasn't carried to the ground with her. She began to laugh and hug each of them.
"It's good to see you all!" She said.
Merry and Pippin, who had led the charge, threw their arms over her shoulders. Frodo and Sam sat to the side, grinning at her though she noticed a sadness behind their joy.
"Bri, we thought you'd be long gone by now!" Merry remarked.
Brianna grimaced and replied, "There were… complications."
Artemis snorted and crosses her arms. The attention of the men turned to her, but the lady didn't elaborate. The hobbits glanced at each other as if holding some silent conversation no one but they were privy to and then stood as one. Frodo grinned at her and held out his hand to help her despite the difficulty his lack of height would make his attempt to give aid. She returned his smile and took Frodo's hand. Carefully, she slipped her legs under her and rose as Frodo pulled. He - like the other hobbits - barely came to her waist. All of them looked gaunt and dirty. Their eyes gazed at her in varying shades of green and brown and seemed to hold an emptiness that hadn't been present in Rivendell. Brianna looked away from them and glanced at her newly discovered uncle, then to the dwarf whose name she recalled was Gimli, and then to Boromir who stared at her with hollow eyes from his place underneath one of the tall trees.
"What are these… complications, as you say?" Boromir asked.
"The type, Gondorian, that shouldn't be spoken openly at the moment," Artemis said, asserting her authority over the situation. "While my niece's work isn't a well-kept secret in Lorien, we do try not to talk about it where everyone can hear; especially regarding said complications."
Boromir turned his hollow gaze to send her a fiery glare that contained an anger Brianna hadn't detected in him in Rivendell. She frowned and looked to Aragorn and observed a slight furrow of his dark brow as his blue eyes inspected the Gondorian severely.
"You, lady, seem to be as cryptic as any elf. You will not give us answers when this company as already faced an ill-fate! Will we learn more in the city beyond, or will the question continue to be avoided?"'Boromir asked darkly.
Brianna didn't to see the expression on her aunt's face to know that the elf woman was close to committing some painful act of violence. Instead, she looked to the Fellowship and frowned at their stunned looks. It seemed as though Boromir's sudden outburst wasn't normal. She frowned and crossed her arms.
"We will speak, Boromir. Some of these complications are related to the matter of your quest," she said cryptically.
This didn't seem to set well with him. Boromir turned his attention to her. It was as if a shadow lurked in what were normally soft grey eyes and hi short temper gave way to a deep, burning anger. The turn of his countenance threw her off balance and Brianna struggled to maintain a neutral expression in the face of the man's mood.
"These must be grave complications indeed if they are related to our fell errand!" Exclaimed the Gondorian.
"Quite grave, as a matter of fact," she responded airily.
He laughed darkly, "And I suppose you intend to tell us how such complications arising from your need to abide within the safety of your kin are related?"
"Considering the fact that your world is currently at war with your ages old adversary, I would think that my particular quest was already related to yours," Brianna said icily.
Gentle fingers pressed against her arm and distracted her from the argument at hand. Brianna turned to meet Aragorn's eyes and observed the slight shake of his head. She pursed her lips, but resolved to defuse the situation all the same.
"Please forgive me, Lord Boromir. Your journey was long and perilous. I shouldn't chide you in the face of your distress. Believe me when I say that all will be revealed soon... tonight, I should think," she said.
Boromir stared at her with his shadowed expression for several moments longer before his face fell into a tired from and he covered his face his with hands. The move stunned her. One moment, he seemed ready to hurl nasty insults and demand to know everything about her business, then he did a one-eighty the next and looked drained and - dare she say it? - old.
"Forgive me, my lady," said Boromir. "The loss of our ninth companion has left all of us grieved and on edge."
Brianna blinked then looked around the clearing. Her eyes scanned each head and took stock of the dreary clothes and sad expressions worn by each member of the Fellowship. With a heavy heart, she turned to Aragorn and knew by his expression, the fate of Gandalf the Grey.
"I'm sorry. The loss of Gandalf is... it must be difficult," she said lamely.
Aragorn's eyes fluttered closed as he bowed his head and replied, "Yes, and it has thrown us all into a state of confusion and sorrow. We seek refuge in Lorien for a time so that we may recover our loss and decide our next course."
She nodded and grasped his hands in hers, but offered no more words. She wasn't sure what else she could say. While she'd certainly liked the old wizard, Brianna hadn't known him the same way the rest of the company had. From Aragorn's silent grief, she suspected he'd known Gandalf for many years and had grown quite close to him. She could imagine what they felt as she'd lost precious friends and lovers in the past, but she couldn't truly know. Aragorn led her to a clear patch of grass in the clearing and the two sat between Boromir and Legolas. Artemis took her place beside her long-unknown nephew and asked him questions about what he knew of his mother - Athena - and inquired most energetically about his father, King Thranduil.
As they listened to Legolas recount the days of his youth and the particulars about his father, Aragorn slipped his arm around Brianna's waist and pulled her into his side. A smile slipped across her lips and she allowed the embrace. The pointed look her aunt sent them warned of terrible retribution should anything progress beyond that boundary. Brianna rolled her eyes. She wasn't entirely sure why her aunt was bothering at this point. Not when the particulars of the future, their enemies' motives, and Aragorn's part in all of it came to light.
When the sun began disappearing past the mountains, Haldir finally decided it was about time for the little group to make the final stretches of their journey into Caras Galadhon. Brianna walked with them and enjoyed the wonder showcased by the newcomers as they took in their first sighting of the city. She helped the company where she could, though Gimli hadn't be particularly inclined to accept her aid in climbing the steep stairs when they appeared. The hobbits, as per usual, were more than happy to take her offered assistance. Even in the nighttime light of Caras Galadhon, the way could be precarious for anyone who didn't have elvish eyesight. Despite her willingness to help them, it was a relief to make it to the reception chamber where Lord Celeborn, Lady Galadriel, and Professor Laurel Moruni sat waiting for them to arrive.
They stood as the Fellowship entered and Lord Celeborn smiled and opened his arms to the lot of them, "Thank you for your assistance in bringing our guests to us, Haldir! Come sit beside my chair, Frodo of the Shire! Welcome back to our house, Aragorn son of Arathorn! Many years have passed since you last came to this land and those years lie heavily on you. But the end is near, for good or ill. Rest your burden for a while. Welcome son of Thranduil! Too seldom do my kindred journey from the North! And Gimli son of Gloin, let me welcome you with my whole heart. It has been long indeed since Durin's folk have come to Caras Galadhon. Today, we have broken our long law and may it be a sign that better days will come from this darkness and fellowship will be renewed with our peoples."
Celeborn turned to Brianna and bowed low. Galadriel and the professor followed suit. She fought to keep her face impassive at the deference, but knew her cheeks were flushed with embarrassment despite all her efforts.
"Has your inspection born us much fruit, your grace?" Celeborn asked.
Brianna swallowed and bowed her head, "I'm afraid not. Our suspicions are true. I spent many hours verifying what was found and have concluded that our worst fears have been realized."
"That is grave news, indeed," Lord Celeborn muttered and lifted himself from his bow.
Brianna moved with Aragorn in tow to two empty seats next to Frodo. When she sat, so did the rest of the party. Silence descended like an iron curtain and she caught the Professor and Artemis exchanging knowing looks at herself, Aragorn, and each other.
"I am at a loss," Lord Celeborn said. "I see eight before me, yet Lord Elrond's messages told of nine that were to set out from Rivendell. Has their been some change in counsel?
"No, there was not," Lady Galadriel said for the first time. "Nine set out from Rivendell, but Gandalf the Grey did not pass beyond the borders of this land."
"It is with a heavy heart that I must report that Gandalf the Grey fell into shadow during our journey through Moria," Aragorn said.
Brianna caressed the back of his head with her thumb and received a grateful squeeze in return. Though she couldn't see it, Brianna felt the slight tremors of his hand and the quickening of his heart as his mind returned to what she suspected were Gandalf's final moments. The elves in attendance - sans Artemis and the Professor - cried out in dismay at the news.
"These are evil tidings!" Lord Celeborn cried and then turned to Haldir, "Why was this not mentioned before?"
"We have not spoken to Haldir of our deeds or our purpose," Legolas interceded. "At first, the danger was too near and the information too precious; and afterwards we almost forgot our grief for a time."
Here he sent Artemis a pointed look and then allowed a smile to grace his lips as his eyes turned to Brianna, "A welcome reunion had taken place and Lady Artemis is quite a character upon first acquaintance. That, and the added gladness brought about by the fair paths of Lothlorien, staved that grief for a time, though now I fear it is returning."
"Even so," said Frodo, "our grief is great and our loss cannot be mended. Gandalf was our guide and he led us through Moria only to give his life so we may live and continue on."
"That is unfortunate news," Professor Moruni remarked softly.
"Do tell us the whole of it!" Lord Celeborn said.
Aragorn took it upon himself to recount the Fellowship's journey through the mines. His voice was steady and remained calm and collected even as he recounted the fate of his friend as he fought the beast coined "Durin's Bane" when the company fled the mines. He wasn't calm; however, and she felt evidence of this by each tremor of his fingers and by the harshness of his grip. Brianna maintained her grim serenity and didn't once let on that she bore his pain with him. That was a private affair and she intended to make certain he revealed the depths of his grief when they were alone sometime in the near future.
"It was a Balrog of Morgoth," said Legolas as Lord Celeborn strove to confirm the description of the beast.
Brianna's brows furrowed and she looked to the professor for more information. The elf flipped her red braid over her shoulder and filled in the gap in her knowledge for her.
"You'd enjoy it, Bri. It's a great, big, fiery monster that was bought into this world by a being who can be best described as Sauron's boss. A balrog is every hunter's dream and would be a right challenge to kill," said the professor.
Artemis perked and leaned forward in her seat to ask, "Should I take the hint and go kill it for everyone?"
"No!" Cried Celeborn, Haldir, and Legolas in unison.
"I think we should focus on the tasks at hand, aunt, and refrain from chasing eldritch horrors from ages past. When we deal with our own demons, you may feel free to seek out new ones for your enjoyment," Brianna said before the men could say something that would make deterring Artemis from the venture impossible.
Her aunt sniffed and indignantly crossed her arms. Brianna lifted her eyes to the ceiling and prayed to the merciful Triune for patience in the coming conversation. If the professor was already attempting to goad Artemis into some reckless deed - as she was apt to do when bored - then the moment they got to Brianna's changed purpose would spell the doom of everyone's goodwill. She sent Aragorn a nervous glance at the thought.
Would they bring that up? She figured they would as it pertained to the quest at hand. Even so, she wasn't keen on explaining herself to the entire Fellowship at this present time.
Then again, I probably wouldn't work up the courage to tell Aragorn on my own, so maybe this is best, she thought.
"Had I known the evil the dwarves awakened in Moria, I would have forbidden you and your company from passing into our realm. And if it were possible, one would say that at the last Gandalf fell from wisdom into folly, going needlessly into the net of Moria," Celeborn lamented.
Brianna frowned at the elf's words. She'd known the wizard for a short time and in that time she never would have pegged him as one who made needless decisions. It was here that Lady Galadriel decided to enter the conversation.
"Such a one would be rash indeed to say such a thing," the lady said, voice stern, though she didn't glance at her husband as she reprimanded him. "Needless were none of the deeds in Gandalf's life. Those that followed him knew not his mind and cannot report his full purpose. But however it may be with the guide, the followers are blameless. Do not repent the welcome of the dwarf. If our folk had been exiled long and far from Lothlorien, who of the Galadhrim, even Celeborn the Wise, would pass nigh and would not wish to look upon their ancient home, though it had become an abode of dragons? Dark is the water of Khazad-dum, and cold are the springs of Kibil-nala, and fair were the many-pillared halls of Khazad-dum in Elder Days before the fall of mighty kings beneath the stone."
The look on Gimli's face was one of awe and he stood from his seat and bowed in dwarf fashion saying, "Yet more fair is the living land of Lorien, and the Lady Galadriel is above all the jewels that lie beneath the earth!"
Brianna refrained from rolling her eyes. Who knew the grumpy dwarf could be such a romantic? Her eyes roamed to where her hand clutched Aragorn's and felt a content smile play on her lips. She probably shouldn't judge the dwarf considering her own circumstance.
"I did not know that your plight was so evil," said Lord Celeborn. "Forget my harsh words, Gimli, I spoke in the trouble of my heart. I will do what I can to aid you; especially the little folk who bears the burden."
Frodo looked stunned, but Galadriel smiled at him and said, "Your quest is known to us, but we will not here speak of it more openly. Your coming here will not be in vain, for the wisdom of the Lord of Lothlorien is long and knowing and I have dwelt with him for many a long year. It was I who first called the White Council and, had my designs not gone amiss, it would have been governed by Gandalf the Grey. As it is, even now there is hope left. I will not give you council saying do this or do that. Only through knowing what is and what is not can we avail. Know this: your quest stands on the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and you will fail to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while all the company is true."
She held their gazes for a good long while before finally averting her eyes and turning to Professor Moruni, "There is a matter we must discuss before we release you to your beds."
Brianna closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. As she released it, her eyes fluttered open to find the professor's green eyes settled on Aragorn. The man didn't break her gaze.
"Brianna needs to go to Mordor. There is a large congregation of darkness that keeps the decay and whole between our worlds open. We've tried closing it from here, but it's too great. Our queen needs to be there personally so that she can close the obstruction and repair the damage," said the professor.
Aragorn broke Professor Moruni's gaze to look at Brianna, concern in his eyes, "Is this true?"
Brianna inclined her head, "Unfortunately. It was the reason I was at Cerin Amroth and had been for a day and a half. I wanted to be sure since such a journey would be dangerous and would mean a great deal of meddling on my part. Sadly, I have to go."
"I suppose," Legolas began, "that the reason why you've brought this to our attention is because you're considering having my niece accompany us?"
"It does seem to be the wisest course," Professor Moruni responded.
"Is it?" Artemis asked. "I'm still not convinced. You're content to let Brianna wander into the den of wolves and lock her in there with no way out!"
Professor Moruni sighed and shook her head, "I trust that the time you and my son spent teaching her to fight and survive our enemies will prove as fruitful as it has in the past."
"I am concerned," Aragorn interceded before their argument to escalate, "that Brianna will be an unmarried woman among seven unmarried men with her unmarried uncle as her only chaperone."
Brianna determinedly kept her gaze focused on the wall over Sam's head. There were many ways to bring up the matter at hand and Professor Moruni and Artemis were going about it the wrong way.
"You could always marry her before you leave," Professor Moruni said dryly.
The room fell silent. Brianna felt Aragorn's eyes burn holes in the side of her head. She kept her expression blank and her eyes shielded from his.
"It would solve the problem," Legolas remarked thoughtfully. "Though, I confess that this isn't a typical way our people deal with this situation."
"I know, but there isn't much choice in the matter," Professor Moruni said.
"Well, there are a few choices. They could just remain engaged," Artemis suggested.
"No, it won't work. They have to marry soon if we want to give her the best chance," Professor Moruni said cryptically.
The Fellowship looked on in stunned silence. Brianna saw their expressions even though she stared determinedly at her chosen wall. She felt Aragorn's grip silently willing her to look at him, or say something - anything - that would make sense of the strange conversation they were having. Lady Galadriel and her husband didn't speak a work and watched in passive silence as Aragorn, Professor Moruni and Artemis argued.
"What are you talking about? What chance would a hasty marriage give her?" Aragorn snapped. "While it is my hope such an arrangement can be made between the two of us in the future, I am concerned with the timing and the nature of your proposition."
Professor Moruni smirked at him and leaned against the back of her chair, "If it's your intention to marry her at some point, then what is your problem with marrying her now?"
"It is my wish to give her a proper engagement and to have something to give her beyond me ring and my protection," Aragorn said stoutly.
"And what could you offer her beyond what she already has?" the professor asked.
"A chance to celebrate the union, to adequately prepare and anticipate the marriage, and to see the kingdom she will more than likely be queen of if I claim the throne of Gondor," he said.
Silence descended like an iron curtain as Professor Moruni and Aragorn fought a wordless battle of wills. Brianna had long since released her hold on Aragorn's hand and buried her face in her hands in an attempt to control the deep red blush adorning her cheeks. No one spoke for a good while as Aragorn and the professor continued their battle of wills in silence. Finally, Professor Moruni smiled and nodded to him.
"There are many men who are fools, Aragorn son of Arathorn, and I'm happy to confirm you're not one of them. However, the situation still stands. The marriage needs to happen before the Fellowship continue their journey," she said.
Brianna removed her hands from her face and stared at the floor mortified. Over the past few days, she'd suspected this conversation would happen in front of the entire Fellowship and assumed that it would be a difficult one. Aragorn's eyes settled on her again, but she still couldn't bring herself to look at him. Not when he'd painted such a beautiful picture of his intention to courting her and entering into an appropriately long engagement. For many days, she'd agonized over what such a hasty marriage would do to her and hadn't thought much on his opinion on the matter. The selfishness she'd exhibited left her feeling disgusted with herself.
"Aracasse, what is it?" He asked gently.
The softness of his tone made her wince in spite of herself. It occurred to her that Aragorn hadn't spoken the human name she'd donned for herself long ago. Instead, he used the name she'd despised.
"Our enemies are after me," Brianna muttered. "I looked into Galadriel's mirror. She, myself, and the professor have seen glimpses of the future using that mirror and have concluded that the enemy wants to use an age old curse to subjugate my spirit and use my power against the world. At least one of them wants the throne."
"Uncle Aries," Legolas guessed accurately.
"Yes, that one. I'm not sure what Hades wants, but I know I'm supposedly meant for Aries," Brianna said.
"You said 'our enemies'. I take it you include the Dark Lord in this?" Boromir asked.
Brianna nodded, feeling cold as everything was laid bare, and replied, "I don't know what he'd want with me, but what we saw suggests I could become part of his plans, though I don't know how."
"And you never will."
Brianna finally met Aragorn's eyes. That gaunt despair had returned and it made her feel worse as she realized that it was there because of her. As she stared into his eyes the despair was overcame by a burning determination she'd seen in him once before, long ago, when he'd fought the Nazgul.
"Aragorn, you shouldn't be forced to marry me in order to keep me safe," she said.
He looked hurt, but before either of them could continue their conversation, Lady Galadriel stood. The group turn their attention to her as one and the lady smiled.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled this night. Your hearts are weary with sorrow. Tonight you shall sleep in peace. Go now and let the ladies of my house show you to your room," she said.
Haldir stood and bowed. He beckoned for three elf women who'd quietly stood in the shadows of the room. They strode forward silently and bowed before the Fellowship. One of the ladies was Eregil, who's gaze was fixed on Legolas alight with anticipation.
Oh dear, she thought.
The men filed out one by one. Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel left through another door and Professor Moruni and Artemis through another. Aragorn stayed behind staring at her with that same hurt expression on his face. The vision of her rejecting him flashed in her mind. With a blink the vision was gone.
"Aracasse -," he began, but she shook her head.
"Not tonight, Aragorn. Lady Galadriel is right. You are tired. You should rest," she said softly.
"I fear that sleep will not come after tonight's revelations," he said softly. "My dreams will be plagued by every possible horror you could go through."
"It'll be worse if we get into it now," she said pointedly.
"It won't matter. Not for me when it concerns the one I love," he insisted.
Brianna didn't reply. Instead, she looked at him and took in the stoop of his shoulders and the fear in his eyes. Those eyes begged her for answers - begged her to tell him everything - but the exhaustion crept behind that desperation making him seem much older than he usually looked. She stepped up to him, shifted her weight to the tips of her toes, and cupped his cheeks with her hands. Aragorn looked surprised a second before she kissed him. It was a gentle kiss, meant for comfort more than pleasure. When she pulled away, his cares were set aside and expression softened. A smile graced her lips.
"Go to sleep, my love," she whispered. "Rest and dream of happier days when the evils of the world hadn't touched you. Don't dwell on the possible evils of the future or the evils of the present. We will speak tomorrow, I promise."
She made to pull back, but he grabbed her hips and kept her in place as his lips captured hers once more. Aragorn's kiss was just as soft and loving as hers had been, taking more of the comfort that she'd initially offered. As he pulled away with her nestled comfortably in his arms, Brianna closed her eyes and rested her head against his chest. A calm washed over her as the warmth of his body seeped into her skin. Brianna heard him sigh a moment later and felt his arms loosen from her waist and shoulders. He pulled away and she was bereft once again.
Maybe a quick engagement was the best way to go for them. With the way they'd been at it since he'd found her earlier that day, one would think they were already married. His pulling away from her was a reminder of the fact that they were breaking every rule of propriety that the two of them had grown up with. Of course, she was a 21st century elf of the great and wonderful modern era of Earth. The advent of feminism, the sexual revolution, and the brave new world of a woman's independence had defined her early adult life. She'd never been a feminist and she'd never gave much thought to sex and desire after Alyan had died and after the horror she'd seen her late friend, Allyson, go through. When the general horror of that time of her life had faded, Brianna was already teaching in colleges and universities. She'd seen the unfulfilled lives of the young adult women who engaged in sexual relationships with the promise of love and acceptance from the men who took their childhoods from them. She watched the strength of the ones who managed to stay strong and resist despite how lonely the act made them. She'd seen the sadness of her graduate students who broke from another relationship.
Even before she'd met Aragorn, Brianna had concluded that being perpetually single was better than wasting her life pining after love to the point where she'd sacrifice physical intimacy for the shadow of love. Now that she was faced with that love as it gazed at her tenderly, Brianna realized what it was those girls were chasing after. Those girls would never see it. They would never feel the love of a destined one because they'd decided desire and sexual fulfillment meant more. Brianna was glad it hadn't been the conclusion she'd come to even when her heart had been engaged elsewhere.
"When shall we meet?" Aragorn asked, breaking the silence.
"Afternoon at Cerin Amroth. You'll understand more if I can show you what we saw," she said.
He raised an eyebrow, "We?"
"Lady Galadriel and Professor Moruni showed me what they'd seen before I arrived by linking their minds with mine," she explained.
"Ah."
Aragorn looked as if he wanted to say more, but thought better of it a few moments later. Instead, he held out his hand in silent request. Brianna placed her much smaller hand in his. His rough callouses sent a shiver of desire up the length of her spine. Aragorn lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles, blue eyes focused on hers. Brianna swallowed and smiled through her need to begin kissing him again.
To think that once I complained about the way he looked and smelled! She thought to herself.
"Until tomorrow, my love," he said softly.
"Yes," she breathed, "until tomorrow."
Aragorn left and Brianna watched him depart feeling must lighter about the prospect of marrying him than she had before.