While Legolas, Elfwine, Elise, and Gilraen were at lunch, Aragorn came to see Arden with Eldarion, his oldest son and heir. He had just come back from the front lines indefinitely.
"Arden, you look much better than I feared," Eldarion said.
"Thank you, I think."
Aragorn went and sat in a chair by Arwen. Eldarion took a seat on by the foot of the bed.
"I take it the threat is over for now?' Arden asked.
"Yes, I believe they were just trying to keep us on our toes," Aragorn answered. "We sent word to Rohan a few days ago not to come."
"How much longer before you can leave?" asked Eldarion.
"Gilraen won't let me. She says she can keep a better eye on me here. But I can walk around a bit with the use of a cane. The pain in my side has not fully left me and it's hard to put any weight on it."
"At least the wound has stopped bleeding," Aragorn said. "I couldn't bear to lose you too."
"Where is everybody?" said Eldarion. "I was hoping to receive a big welcome."
"None as big as your vanity," Arden joked. "Well, our sisters have gone to lunch with Legolas and Elfwine."
"Well, they have spent the whole week together haven't they? Legolas and Gilraen," said Arwen.
"Yes, I noticed that too," said Aragorn. "Do you think we made a mistake, perhaps Gilraen and Legolas would make a good pair?"
"Did I miss something?" asked Eldarion.
Aragorn and Arwen shared a look. "I think we should tell them," Arwen said.
"You're right." said Aragorn and then turned to his children. "About two weeks ago Legolas asked me to find him a wife. Arwen and I thought it would be nice if he married on of our own daughters."
"So it was Legolas all along," said Arden understanding the situation fully. "That is why he was giving Elise archery lessons and that is why he escorted Gilraen. He was trying to see which one of them he liked best."
"No," said Arwen. "He does not know we intended one of our own daughters for him. I admit I set up the situations to see which one of you he got along with best. But you are forgetting yourself Arden. I set it up so you were sparring with Legolas all day."
"Me? But why? Elise and Gilraen are more the marrying type Men never give me the same attention they give them."
Arwen continued, "that is because they are frightened of you. Even the soldiers of Gondor are frightened of you. You have made too tough an exterior. Now you even refuse to have Legolas see you."
Arden stayed quiet.
Eldarion laughed at her discomfort.
"In any case," said Aragorn; " you shall have no need of worry. I will go speak to your sister later today about Legolas."
"You can't force her to marry!" Arden said.
"We would never force any of you to marry," said Arwen. "If Gilraen says no then we will just think of something else."
Arden seemed satisfied with that answer.
"Arwen," Aragorn said, "let us go have a meal as well since Arden is feeling good enough to argue with us already."
"Yes. Eldarion, will you join us?"
"No, I think I will stay and catch up with my sister."
"Fine," said Aragorn, "When you see Gilraen, tell her to meet me in my study before dinner."
The couple stood and left the room. Eldarion turned to his sister then.
"You won't let Legolas come see you?"
"I just did not want to be seen this vulnerable."
"But Legolas has known you all your life. He has seen you in much more vulnerable states. You could go for a short walk together. Then you won't appear bedridden."
"Yes, I know you are right."
"Good. You know Arden, you do not have to be the strong one in the family. That job is for me if I am to be King"
"I know," she said exasperated, "do you have to always be right about everything?"
"Yes, if I am the only one who can reason with you," he smiled sadly. "Elendur's death in battle made you a soldier and Gilraen a healer."
"I was the last to know our brother had died."
"No, Elise was. But she was only ten; too young for it to affect her the same way it did you and Gilraen. You've been trying to replace him for years."
"And Gilraen has been trying to save everyone's life."
Eldarion stood up to leave.
"You should have some fun," he said. "Remember when you were younger? You, Elendur, and Gilraen would always go swimming together and climbing trees."
"We could never make it as high as Legolas. It was as if a simple leaf could hold his entire weight," she smiled.
"See? Now go for a walk with Legolas, it will lighten your heart."
Arden nodded.
"I will come to see you again tomorrow, but after that I am returning to Southern Gondor."
He leaned over her and gave her a kiss on her cheek before turning and walking out.
About fifteen minutes after, Gilraen walked through the door with a tray of food.
"Arden," she began, "Legolas was very disappointed you would not see him. We told him you were asleep but I do not think he believed us."
It is just as well," she responded. "If he comes back let him in. I will take a walk with him."
"What has changed your mind?"
"Eldarion, who else? Father has asked to see you before dinner in his study."
"What for?" she said while setting the tray on a table next to the bed.
"He wants to marry you to Legolas."
Gilraen dropped the silverware she had unwrapped from a napkin.
"Me? Why?"
"It seems that people have noticed all the time you two have been spending together. Apparently they have been setting us up from the beginning. Mother was spying on us."
"Oh, no! I have got to speak to father."
"Well, this is ridiculous," Arden lifted up her hands in frustration. "Doesn't anyone want to marry the poor Elf? He is smart, strong, terribly handsome"
"Good, then you marry him," Gilraen said as she lifted up the silverware and set it back on the table.
"Oh, I would not dream of coming between you and your future husband," Arden laughed.
Gilraen threw the napkin in her face, which made Arden laugh harder.
"Why are you upset? Legolas is not an oaf. He's perfect marriage material for you," Arden said as she put the napkin on the tray.
Gilraen went for the door. "Perhaps, but I am not going to marry a man who is in love with my sister." And she walked out.
"Legolas is in love with Elise?"
But Gilraen was already gone and did not hear her.
A/N and that is the end of this story that will make everybody happyUp next is a lengthy author's note and a new chapter to go with it. So don't send that legion of orcs
after me yet.