15 years more:
Elrond stood at his window, watching as his sons rode in with their cloaked & hooded companion. The trio stopped & dismounted, the third rider moving as gracefully as the two half-elves. The hood fell back to reveal the face of Rána, the youngest fosterling of the House. Elrond studied her intently.
At 20, she was a woman grown. Nearly the height of Aragorn, she was as slender & agile as her foster brothers. Her thick, dark brown hair was confined to a single braid that fell almost to her waist. But her face… As she turned to look up towards the window, Elrond caught his breath. She was so like Estel, it was almost unreal. The grey Númenorean eyes, the well-defined features… Once again, Elrond had to wonder just where this child had come from.
"Good day to you, father," she called cheerfully, waving to him.
He returned the wave. "And to you as well, daughter."
She turned to hand over her horse to the elf who appeared & followed the twins into the house. In a few minutes, the trio had come into Elrond's study. Rána immediately went to her foster father & hugged him. Elrond gave a mock groan.
"Gently, my dear. I do not think you know your own strength!"
Rána laughed. "Oh… Father…!"
"Come & sit, daughter. There is much I have to say to you."
Rána plopped down into a nearby chair, looking up at him expectantly. Elrond turned to his sons. "I wish to speak privately with your sister. I will see both of you later."
They bowed & left again. Rána watched them go, starting to feel nervous. She had wondered why Elrond had sent for her. Had something happened to Estel? But, no, she would have known… So, what was going on?
"Why have you sent for me, father?" she asked warily. "Is something wrong?"
Elrond took a chair opposite her & reached out to take her hands in his. "I have brought you here to continue your training. There are certain skills only we can teach you, skills that are important for you to learn." He looked at her in silence for a long time, then went on, "You have reached your 20th year, daughter. There are things you must know now – things that have to do with your past… & your future…"
Rána looked at him uncertainly. "My past, father? What…?"
"There is much we have never told you, child. Things you would not have understood before today. But, now you are old enough; it is time."
Foreboding began to fill her heart. She remembered whispers behind her back, the odd looks she'd surprised in people's eyes, even the times when Halbarad had caught himself saying something to her & changed the subject… She looked at Elrond with frightened eyes.
"Father…?"
"Silmariën, you have become so very dear to all of us. But the … simple truth of the matter is… you are not the daughter of Arathorn & Gilraen…"
The young woman's eyes widened & she listened in stunned silence as Elrond told her about her background. He tightened his grip on her hands as her face became paler & paler. When he finished, she stared at him in shocked disbelief, then whispered, "Why?"
"We do not know for certain, my dear. But it is my belief – shared by Estel & others – that you have been sent to us to fulfill a prophecy made by the seer, Malbeth…"
He released her & went to his desk to find the parchment. He brought it back & handed it to her. She stared at it blankly.
"You know the story of Malbeth, but you have never read any of his prophecies," Elrond told her. "Until now. This is the one that we believe is about you."
Rána finally began to read. When she finished, her expression was a mixture of disbelief – & fright. "You think I am to be Estel's protector?" she asked uncertainly, reverting to Common. "But … I thought Halbarad…?"
"Halbarad is chief among your brother's guards," Elrond replied in the same language. "But… for some reason, the Valar seem to think Estel will need more than one…" He was not about to tell her about Halbarad's own foresight. With everything else she was having to deal with, he would not add to her burden.
"But, who were my parents then?" Rána asked desperately, looking up at Elrond.
He sighed heavily. "We have never been able to find that out, my child. Estel, as well as Elrohir & Elladan, searched for a very long time. But they were never able to find anything to identify who your father & mother were. Sadly, we do not even know their names."
"But my name…"
"It was I who named you Silmariën, & Estel chose Rána to call you by."
"Where… are my parents?"
"They are buried here," Elrond replied gently. "I will take you to their grave in a little while. But, Silmariën my dearest child, I want you to understand something very important. Gilraen truly loved you as her child. Estel chose, on his own, to foster you as his sister. In his eyes – & in the eyes of all of us – that is who you are. You must NEVER forget that!"
He slipped his hand under her chin to tilt her face up. "The Valar intended for you to come to us. The bond you share with Estel is proof of that. Your fates have been entwined for a reason – although none of the Wise can see what that is. But you will have all our support – & our love – come what may. Even as Estel does."
Rána bowed her head & a single tear crept down her cheek. Elrond stood & raised her to her feet, then drew her into his arms in a tight embrace.
Rána knelt before the statue in the secluded grove. She stared at the faces of the couple in numb silence. Then, slowly, she reached out to touch the stone woman's cheek. And tears began to fall.
"Oh, Little Sister…" a soft, sympathetic voice said behind her. Arwen knelt beside her & laid a hand on her shoulder. "They would not want you to grieve for them. Like Gilraen & Arathorn, they are together… watching over you."
With a sob, Rána turned & buried her face in Arwen's shoulder. Arwen held her close, rocking her gently & stroking her hair as the younger woman cried. Finally, when the sobs tapered off to a few pathetic snuffles, Arwen let her go. Rána raised tear-drenched eyes to look at her foster sister & Arwen had to restrain a startled gasp. She had not noticed how strong the resemblance had become.
"Oh child! How like your brother you are!"
Rána bowed her head. "How can that be?" she asked mournfully. "He isn't…"
"He is!" Arwen said firmly. "It may be in spirit only, but you & Estel are kindred! There can be no other explanation."
Rána sighed & brushed tears away with the back of one hand. "It is all so confusing," she said plaintively.
"That it is – & it has always been so," Arwen said with a kind smile. "But,
it is not for us to question the wisdom of the Valar. We must take what they give us & deal with it as best we can." She brushed her fingers along Rána's cheek. "Now come, Little Sister. It is getting late & I suspect you must be famished."
Rána considered it & nodded. "I am… A little…"
"Come then."
As the moon rose, Rána sat curled up in a window seat in Arwen's room. She watched her foster sister move about the room with a speculative gleam in her eyes. Finally she spoke.
"Arwen?"
The half-elf stopped & turned to smile at her. "Yes, Little Sister?'
"Are you… in love with Estel?"
The question took Arwen by surprise. "I… Why do you ask, Rána?'
"I've seen how you look at him – & talk about him. And I've seen how HE looks at you… Are you in love?"
The color in Arwen's cheeks heightened. She went over to sit beside Rána. "Yes… I am – very much in love with Estel. I have been ever since he was your age…"
Rána looked startled. "THAT long? Then – why haven't you married?… You do want to marry him… don't you?'
Arwen dropped her eyes. "Yes," she finally said, very softly. "I want that – more than anything else in the world. But we cannot wed – at least, not yet."
"I don't understand."
Arwen took Rána's hand in hers & looked at her with sad eyes. "I am Eldar, Little One – immortal, like all the elves. If I wed your brother, I must surrender my immortality… separate myself from both my family & my people. Father has decreed that the only mortal I may make such a sacrifice for – can be no less than King of both Gondor AND Arnor…"
Rána inhaled sharply. She was beginning to understand. "And Estel does not wish to seek the crown…" she said slowly. "My brother is an… an IDIOT!"
She sprang to her feet. "How can he do such a thing?" she demanded of the air. "Why does he choose exile… hiding here in the North… when he KNOWS you cannot be together otherwise?" Something suddenly occurred to her & she spun to face Arwen. "He DOES know, doesn't he?'
Arwen smiled sadly. "Yes, child, he knows. And my father HAS agreed to our betrothal – after a fashion. But you must understand, Little One. Seeking the crown is no simple matter. Especially for your brother. If he were to take the throne of Gondor, he would have to face the Enemy. And the Enemy hates the Line of Isildur more than anything else in this world. If HE ever finds out Estel lives, he would stop at nothing to destroy him…"
Rána inhaled sharply. In spite of the history she knew, that hadn't occurred to her. "When Enemy threatens harm," she whispered. "Malbeth's own words… " Her expression became very determined. "Not so long as I live & breathe. If anyone dares to try & harm Estel, they will have to go through me!"
The next morning saw the beginning of Rána's new training. While she still practiced with Elrohir & Elladan, working on her weapons skills, much of her time was spent in Elrond's company. He taught her a great deal more of the history of Middle-earth & the role played by the royal line of Númenor in its making. She found it all fascinating – realizing just how much Elrond had seen first hand & especially when she realized that the founder of the royal line had been Elrond's own twin.
"Then Estel is descended from your brother, Elros," she exclaimed. "How truly strange that seems!"
"Much of what the Valar plan is strange, indeed," Elrond replied with a faint smile. "And it often takes a very long time to understand why they have such plans. But it is usually for the best."
Elrond also began to teach her herblore – & healing. Again, the mystery of her birth arose – for she displayed definite talent as a healer. She seemed to absorb everything Elrond taught her like a plant absorbed water. And her hands became as deft at treating wounds as they were at dealing them. Elrond became more & more convinced that some way – some how – this was indeed a child of the royal blood. There couldn't possibly be any other explanation.
Arwen also took a hand in Rána's training, insisting that she needed to learn gentler skills as well. She taught the young mortal to sing & dance as well as play the lute & recorder. In this, she was aided by the old hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, who had come to live in Rivendell. He was a marvelous teller of tales & knew many poems & rhymes – several of his own making. Rána truly enjoyed the time she spent with him, if for no other reason than to hear his very "hobbitish" versions of some of the histories she'd heard from her foster father. Besides, the fact he greatly admired Estel did him no harm in her eyes.
And – to Rána's considerable dismay – Arwen insisted she wear a gown within the confines of the house. This prompted quite the argument, which Arwen did eventually win.
Almost a year to the day that Rána had come back to Rivendell, Aragorn returned himself. He'd been off in the wilds with the wizard, Gandalf. Elrond welcomed his foster son gladly. Once Aragorn had rested & refreshed himself, & was clad in the raiment of Rivendell, Elrond led him to a sunny alcove where Rána sat beside Bilbo, watching him work on his book. The old hobbit was in his glory, relating the tale of outwitting Thranduil of Mirkwood & releasing the thirteen dwarves from their captivity.
Rána's delighted laughter drew her brother's attention. Aragorn nearly didn't recognize his little sister. Clad in a gown of soft gray, a silver belt clasped around her slim waist, & her hair woven into a complicated plait, she seemed almost a stranger.
Then she sensed his presence & her head snapped up. A brilliant smile lit her face & she sprang to her feet to run & throw herself into his arms with a delighted cry.
"Estel! When did you get here?" she demanded.
Aragorn laughed. Some things had not changed, after all. He returned the hug. "Only a short while ago, Little One." He held her at arm's length to better study her. "I see you have benefited greatly from your stay here."
Pink tinged Rána's cheeks at the compliment. "I'd much rather be in my 'normal' clothes," she replied, almost sulkily. "You can't fight properly in all this."
"You are not meant to fight in that gown," Arwen commented as she joined the group. "At least, … not with swords."
Rána stepped back & watched her brother with great interest as he bowed to Arwen. She noticed how their eyes met & held as he took Arwen's outstretched hand in his; saw the tender expression in her brother's eyes & the answering glow in Arwen's. A soft sigh escaped her & she made a silent vow to do whatever she could to ensure they would have a future together. Even if it meant beating her brother into pursuing the crown… A smile quirked Rána's lips at that image. Somehow, she suspected, it would be unnecessary.
That evening, after supper, Elrond summoned the household out onto the great terrace. The full summer moon shown down in a sky that glittered with stars. It was a beautiful night.
"Silmariën, come stand before me," Elrond commanded.
Looking startled & a little wary, Rána moved forward & curtsied to her foster father. He took both her hands in his & smiled at her.
"Foster daughter, it was twenty-one years ago this day that you were brought into this household," he said. "So we have always considered this your birthday. Now that you are fully of age, by the laws of your people, we have special gifts for you."
Elrohir, Elladan & Arwen all stepped forward, carrying bundles. Elrohir handed his bundle to his father. Elrond slowly began to unwrap it.
"This has long been held in our household. It was believed to be connected with Malbeth's prophecy concerning you." The cloth dropped away to reveal a sword & sheath wrapped by a finely tooled belt. Elrond presented it to Rána, who hesitated before taking it from him. She slowly slid the sword from its sheath & stared at it in wonder. It was a fair thing indeed, a broadsword strong but surprisingly light & almost perfectly weighted for her use. Runes were etched along its length, along with a delicate pattern of leaves. Rána looked from it to her foster father.
"Like the finest of our blades, this was crafted in Gondolin in the days of old," Elrond explained. "The runes name it Araráto, 'King's Champion'."
Rána shivered as she looked at the blade again. Then she carefully returned it to its sheath & fastened the belt about her waist.
Elladan stepped forward next. He held a small, flat case in his hands. "This gift is from Elrohir & myself," he said with a quiet smile. "When your brother came of age, we gave him a similar one."
Rána opened the box to find a dagger laying within. Like the sword, it was finely made; the slightly curved blade etched with the image of a running horse on it & the beautiful wood handle wrapped about by silver in the shape of a vine.
"May it protect you & those you love," Elladan said.
Arwen came forward. "This is my gift to you, Little Sister," she said, smiling warmly as she fastened a silver chain around Rána's neck. A pendant hung from the chain, a dark smoky quartz carved in the shape of a horse's head. "Like my brothers, I have seen how much you love these animals. May it remind you of the bond between us, as well."
Rána reached out instinctively to hug her foster sister. "It's beautiful," she whispered, her eyes brightening with tears.
Then Aragorn walked forward to stand beside her. "I had not forgotten what day this is, either, Little Sister," he said. "I also have something for you."
He held out his hand, palm up. In it lay a silver broach, in the shape of a rayed star. "You are of age & our brothers tell me you are more than ready to join us."
Rána's eyes widened in shock. She understood the significance of the brooch. She looked up at Aragorn uncertainly. "Do you really mean…?"
"I do. Will you acknowledge me as your Chieftain & become a Ranger of Arnor?"
Rána immediately sank to her knees & placed both her hands in his. "My sword & my life are yours to command, Lord," she vowed in a clear voice that everyone present could hear.
Aragorn smiled. "I accept your sword & your service, Silmariën, daughter of Arathorn. Your life is your own – for the moment."
He lifted her to her feet again & brushed a kiss across her forehead before pinning the brooch to the left shoulder of her gown. Then Rána burst into laughter & threw her arms around her brother in a huge hug. He picked her up & swung her around.
"Well done," Elrond said, smiling at the pair. "Now come. We have much to celebrate!"
Elrond stood at his window, watching as his sons rode in with their cloaked & hooded companion. The trio stopped & dismounted, the third rider moving as gracefully as the two half-elves. The hood fell back to reveal the face of Rána, the youngest fosterling of the House. Elrond studied her intently.
At 20, she was a woman grown. Nearly the height of Aragorn, she was as slender & agile as her foster brothers. Her thick, dark brown hair was confined to a single braid that fell almost to her waist. But her face… As she turned to look up towards the window, Elrond caught his breath. She was so like Estel, it was almost unreal. The grey Númenorean eyes, the well-defined features… Once again, Elrond had to wonder just where this child had come from.
"Good day to you, father," she called cheerfully, waving to him.
He returned the wave. "And to you as well, daughter."
She turned to hand over her horse to the elf who appeared & followed the twins into the house. In a few minutes, the trio had come into Elrond's study. Rána immediately went to her foster father & hugged him. Elrond gave a mock groan.
"Gently, my dear. I do not think you know your own strength!"
Rána laughed. "Oh… Father…!"
"Come & sit, daughter. There is much I have to say to you."
Rána plopped down into a nearby chair, looking up at him expectantly. Elrond turned to his sons. "I wish to speak privately with your sister. I will see both of you later."
They bowed & left again. Rána watched them go, starting to feel nervous. She had wondered why Elrond had sent for her. Had something happened to Estel? But, no, she would have known… So, what was going on?
"Why have you sent for me, father?" she asked warily. "Is something wrong?"
Elrond took a chair opposite her & reached out to take her hands in his. "I have brought you here to continue your training. There are certain skills only we can teach you, skills that are important for you to learn." He looked at her in silence for a long time, then went on, "You have reached your 20th year, daughter. There are things you must know now – things that have to do with your past… & your future…"
Rána looked at him uncertainly. "My past, father? What…?"
"There is much we have never told you, child. Things you would not have understood before today. But, now you are old enough; it is time."
Foreboding began to fill her heart. She remembered whispers behind her back, the odd looks she'd surprised in people's eyes, even the times when Halbarad had caught himself saying something to her & changed the subject… She looked at Elrond with frightened eyes.
"Father…?"
"Silmariën, you have become so very dear to all of us. But the … simple truth of the matter is… you are not the daughter of Arathorn & Gilraen…"
The young woman's eyes widened & she listened in stunned silence as Elrond told her about her background. He tightened his grip on her hands as her face became paler & paler. When he finished, she stared at him in shocked disbelief, then whispered, "Why?"
"We do not know for certain, my dear. But it is my belief – shared by Estel & others – that you have been sent to us to fulfill a prophecy made by the seer, Malbeth…"
He released her & went to his desk to find the parchment. He brought it back & handed it to her. She stared at it blankly.
"You know the story of Malbeth, but you have never read any of his prophecies," Elrond told her. "Until now. This is the one that we believe is about you."
Rána finally began to read. When she finished, her expression was a mixture of disbelief – & fright. "You think I am to be Estel's protector?" she asked uncertainly, reverting to Common. "But … I thought Halbarad…?"
"Halbarad is chief among your brother's guards," Elrond replied in the same language. "But… for some reason, the Valar seem to think Estel will need more than one…" He was not about to tell her about Halbarad's own foresight. With everything else she was having to deal with, he would not add to her burden.
"But, who were my parents then?" Rána asked desperately, looking up at Elrond.
He sighed heavily. "We have never been able to find that out, my child. Estel, as well as Elrohir & Elladan, searched for a very long time. But they were never able to find anything to identify who your father & mother were. Sadly, we do not even know their names."
"But my name…"
"It was I who named you Silmariën, & Estel chose Rána to call you by."
"Where… are my parents?"
"They are buried here," Elrond replied gently. "I will take you to their grave in a little while. But, Silmariën my dearest child, I want you to understand something very important. Gilraen truly loved you as her child. Estel chose, on his own, to foster you as his sister. In his eyes – & in the eyes of all of us – that is who you are. You must NEVER forget that!"
He slipped his hand under her chin to tilt her face up. "The Valar intended for you to come to us. The bond you share with Estel is proof of that. Your fates have been entwined for a reason – although none of the Wise can see what that is. But you will have all our support – & our love – come what may. Even as Estel does."
Rána bowed her head & a single tear crept down her cheek. Elrond stood & raised her to her feet, then drew her into his arms in a tight embrace.
Rána knelt before the statue in the secluded grove. She stared at the faces of the couple in numb silence. Then, slowly, she reached out to touch the stone woman's cheek. And tears began to fall.
"Oh, Little Sister…" a soft, sympathetic voice said behind her. Arwen knelt beside her & laid a hand on her shoulder. "They would not want you to grieve for them. Like Gilraen & Arathorn, they are together… watching over you."
With a sob, Rána turned & buried her face in Arwen's shoulder. Arwen held her close, rocking her gently & stroking her hair as the younger woman cried. Finally, when the sobs tapered off to a few pathetic snuffles, Arwen let her go. Rána raised tear-drenched eyes to look at her foster sister & Arwen had to restrain a startled gasp. She had not noticed how strong the resemblance had become.
"Oh child! How like your brother you are!"
Rána bowed her head. "How can that be?" she asked mournfully. "He isn't…"
"He is!" Arwen said firmly. "It may be in spirit only, but you & Estel are kindred! There can be no other explanation."
Rána sighed & brushed tears away with the back of one hand. "It is all so confusing," she said plaintively.
"That it is – & it has always been so," Arwen said with a kind smile. "But,
it is not for us to question the wisdom of the Valar. We must take what they give us & deal with it as best we can." She brushed her fingers along Rána's cheek. "Now come, Little Sister. It is getting late & I suspect you must be famished."
Rána considered it & nodded. "I am… A little…"
"Come then."
As the moon rose, Rána sat curled up in a window seat in Arwen's room. She watched her foster sister move about the room with a speculative gleam in her eyes. Finally she spoke.
"Arwen?"
The half-elf stopped & turned to smile at her. "Yes, Little Sister?'
"Are you… in love with Estel?"
The question took Arwen by surprise. "I… Why do you ask, Rána?'
"I've seen how you look at him – & talk about him. And I've seen how HE looks at you… Are you in love?"
The color in Arwen's cheeks heightened. She went over to sit beside Rána. "Yes… I am – very much in love with Estel. I have been ever since he was your age…"
Rána looked startled. "THAT long? Then – why haven't you married?… You do want to marry him… don't you?'
Arwen dropped her eyes. "Yes," she finally said, very softly. "I want that – more than anything else in the world. But we cannot wed – at least, not yet."
"I don't understand."
Arwen took Rána's hand in hers & looked at her with sad eyes. "I am Eldar, Little One – immortal, like all the elves. If I wed your brother, I must surrender my immortality… separate myself from both my family & my people. Father has decreed that the only mortal I may make such a sacrifice for – can be no less than King of both Gondor AND Arnor…"
Rána inhaled sharply. She was beginning to understand. "And Estel does not wish to seek the crown…" she said slowly. "My brother is an… an IDIOT!"
She sprang to her feet. "How can he do such a thing?" she demanded of the air. "Why does he choose exile… hiding here in the North… when he KNOWS you cannot be together otherwise?" Something suddenly occurred to her & she spun to face Arwen. "He DOES know, doesn't he?'
Arwen smiled sadly. "Yes, child, he knows. And my father HAS agreed to our betrothal – after a fashion. But you must understand, Little One. Seeking the crown is no simple matter. Especially for your brother. If he were to take the throne of Gondor, he would have to face the Enemy. And the Enemy hates the Line of Isildur more than anything else in this world. If HE ever finds out Estel lives, he would stop at nothing to destroy him…"
Rána inhaled sharply. In spite of the history she knew, that hadn't occurred to her. "When Enemy threatens harm," she whispered. "Malbeth's own words… " Her expression became very determined. "Not so long as I live & breathe. If anyone dares to try & harm Estel, they will have to go through me!"
The next morning saw the beginning of Rána's new training. While she still practiced with Elrohir & Elladan, working on her weapons skills, much of her time was spent in Elrond's company. He taught her a great deal more of the history of Middle-earth & the role played by the royal line of Númenor in its making. She found it all fascinating – realizing just how much Elrond had seen first hand & especially when she realized that the founder of the royal line had been Elrond's own twin.
"Then Estel is descended from your brother, Elros," she exclaimed. "How truly strange that seems!"
"Much of what the Valar plan is strange, indeed," Elrond replied with a faint smile. "And it often takes a very long time to understand why they have such plans. But it is usually for the best."
Elrond also began to teach her herblore – & healing. Again, the mystery of her birth arose – for she displayed definite talent as a healer. She seemed to absorb everything Elrond taught her like a plant absorbed water. And her hands became as deft at treating wounds as they were at dealing them. Elrond became more & more convinced that some way – some how – this was indeed a child of the royal blood. There couldn't possibly be any other explanation.
Arwen also took a hand in Rána's training, insisting that she needed to learn gentler skills as well. She taught the young mortal to sing & dance as well as play the lute & recorder. In this, she was aided by the old hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, who had come to live in Rivendell. He was a marvelous teller of tales & knew many poems & rhymes – several of his own making. Rána truly enjoyed the time she spent with him, if for no other reason than to hear his very "hobbitish" versions of some of the histories she'd heard from her foster father. Besides, the fact he greatly admired Estel did him no harm in her eyes.
And – to Rána's considerable dismay – Arwen insisted she wear a gown within the confines of the house. This prompted quite the argument, which Arwen did eventually win.
Almost a year to the day that Rána had come back to Rivendell, Aragorn returned himself. He'd been off in the wilds with the wizard, Gandalf. Elrond welcomed his foster son gladly. Once Aragorn had rested & refreshed himself, & was clad in the raiment of Rivendell, Elrond led him to a sunny alcove where Rána sat beside Bilbo, watching him work on his book. The old hobbit was in his glory, relating the tale of outwitting Thranduil of Mirkwood & releasing the thirteen dwarves from their captivity.
Rána's delighted laughter drew her brother's attention. Aragorn nearly didn't recognize his little sister. Clad in a gown of soft gray, a silver belt clasped around her slim waist, & her hair woven into a complicated plait, she seemed almost a stranger.
Then she sensed his presence & her head snapped up. A brilliant smile lit her face & she sprang to her feet to run & throw herself into his arms with a delighted cry.
"Estel! When did you get here?" she demanded.
Aragorn laughed. Some things had not changed, after all. He returned the hug. "Only a short while ago, Little One." He held her at arm's length to better study her. "I see you have benefited greatly from your stay here."
Pink tinged Rána's cheeks at the compliment. "I'd much rather be in my 'normal' clothes," she replied, almost sulkily. "You can't fight properly in all this."
"You are not meant to fight in that gown," Arwen commented as she joined the group. "At least, … not with swords."
Rána stepped back & watched her brother with great interest as he bowed to Arwen. She noticed how their eyes met & held as he took Arwen's outstretched hand in his; saw the tender expression in her brother's eyes & the answering glow in Arwen's. A soft sigh escaped her & she made a silent vow to do whatever she could to ensure they would have a future together. Even if it meant beating her brother into pursuing the crown… A smile quirked Rána's lips at that image. Somehow, she suspected, it would be unnecessary.
That evening, after supper, Elrond summoned the household out onto the great terrace. The full summer moon shown down in a sky that glittered with stars. It was a beautiful night.
"Silmariën, come stand before me," Elrond commanded.
Looking startled & a little wary, Rána moved forward & curtsied to her foster father. He took both her hands in his & smiled at her.
"Foster daughter, it was twenty-one years ago this day that you were brought into this household," he said. "So we have always considered this your birthday. Now that you are fully of age, by the laws of your people, we have special gifts for you."
Elrohir, Elladan & Arwen all stepped forward, carrying bundles. Elrohir handed his bundle to his father. Elrond slowly began to unwrap it.
"This has long been held in our household. It was believed to be connected with Malbeth's prophecy concerning you." The cloth dropped away to reveal a sword & sheath wrapped by a finely tooled belt. Elrond presented it to Rána, who hesitated before taking it from him. She slowly slid the sword from its sheath & stared at it in wonder. It was a fair thing indeed, a broadsword strong but surprisingly light & almost perfectly weighted for her use. Runes were etched along its length, along with a delicate pattern of leaves. Rána looked from it to her foster father.
"Like the finest of our blades, this was crafted in Gondolin in the days of old," Elrond explained. "The runes name it Araráto, 'King's Champion'."
Rána shivered as she looked at the blade again. Then she carefully returned it to its sheath & fastened the belt about her waist.
Elladan stepped forward next. He held a small, flat case in his hands. "This gift is from Elrohir & myself," he said with a quiet smile. "When your brother came of age, we gave him a similar one."
Rána opened the box to find a dagger laying within. Like the sword, it was finely made; the slightly curved blade etched with the image of a running horse on it & the beautiful wood handle wrapped about by silver in the shape of a vine.
"May it protect you & those you love," Elladan said.
Arwen came forward. "This is my gift to you, Little Sister," she said, smiling warmly as she fastened a silver chain around Rána's neck. A pendant hung from the chain, a dark smoky quartz carved in the shape of a horse's head. "Like my brothers, I have seen how much you love these animals. May it remind you of the bond between us, as well."
Rána reached out instinctively to hug her foster sister. "It's beautiful," she whispered, her eyes brightening with tears.
Then Aragorn walked forward to stand beside her. "I had not forgotten what day this is, either, Little Sister," he said. "I also have something for you."
He held out his hand, palm up. In it lay a silver broach, in the shape of a rayed star. "You are of age & our brothers tell me you are more than ready to join us."
Rána's eyes widened in shock. She understood the significance of the brooch. She looked up at Aragorn uncertainly. "Do you really mean…?"
"I do. Will you acknowledge me as your Chieftain & become a Ranger of Arnor?"
Rána immediately sank to her knees & placed both her hands in his. "My sword & my life are yours to command, Lord," she vowed in a clear voice that everyone present could hear.
Aragorn smiled. "I accept your sword & your service, Silmariën, daughter of Arathorn. Your life is your own – for the moment."
He lifted her to her feet again & brushed a kiss across her forehead before pinning the brooch to the left shoulder of her gown. Then Rána burst into laughter & threw her arms around her brother in a huge hug. He picked her up & swung her around.
"Well done," Elrond said, smiling at the pair. "Now come. We have much to celebrate!"