Falien dug through piles of records in the deceased elf-lord's library. He may be in trouble if he were caught, but that was a chance he was willing to take. He looked at the years on each book. He scoffed. That one was far too new. This one was way too old. Another one too old, but not as bad as before. He managed to sift through all of the books to find they were all the wrong books.

A young elf named Nutortho approached Falien carrying ten more huge books. Falien glared at the elf.

*None of these were any help. I told you to sort through them before you gave them to me.*

Nutortho plopped the books down on the extravagant desk and caught his breath. *Perhaps, my lord, if we did not do this in the wee hours of the morning I would be able to function better.*

*Nonsense. It would be too likely that someone would walk in. Take these back and bring more in.*

Nutortho grunted as he lifted the discarded stack and began his journey back to the basement where the record books were kept.

Falien began sifting through the new books. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. N- Falien paused as he looked at the tenth book. This one may be of some help. Falien opened the book and flipped forward a couple of pages. He began reading.

A young maid has been camping outside of Rivendell for the longest time. The Lord of Rivendell went down to see her
yesterday. They visited eachother all day and the king returned very late.

The Lord of Mirkwood requested to visit in a week.

Lady Muin gave birth to a child to-

Falien skipped the rest of the entries for that day. They had nothing to do with what he was looking for. He skipped down to the next day.

The king announced that he will marry the maiden who had been camping near here.

And that was all it said on the matter. Falien slammed the book on the desk. Confound all the idiots who were not specific enough! He needed to know more about the maiden and her interactions with the king. Did they have any children?

Nutortho returned once again with his arms loaded. He dropped the books on the floor.

Falien grabbed Nutortho's collar. *Do you wish to wake someone?*

*No, my lord,* answered the nervous elf.

*Good,* Falien shoved Nutortho away. *Return all of these books.*

With that, Falien swept out of room.

Nutortho grumbled as he picked up all of the books he could manage to carry. He didn't understand what Falien was looking for. But he had been disturbed ever since that mortal had arrived. Nutortho suggested that it was just because she was mortal but Falien had insisted that there was more to her than there was let on. Falien had said a hundred times that she would bring an end to the council and there would only be a ruler of Rivendell.

Nutortho did not understand. She was only a mortal. And how could she possibly abolish the council which had been around…forever? Only if there was no need for the council. But that was impossible.

Arwen watched from behind a pillar as Nutortho left for the second time carrying books. When he did not return, Arwen went into her father's library. Why had Falien gone there? She could have him arrested if she liked.

All appeared to be in order but Arwen was still pondering why Falien would be so interested in old record books.

Arwen had awoken a while ago but did not know why. But she had not felt tired. She had sat in her chambers for the longest time only to conclude that a trip to her father's library was much needed. But she had hidden when she saw Falien come out.

What had possessed him to be up at this atrocious hour? And then Nutortho had come out carrying books. So Arwen waited patiently for the trespassers to leave. She might have confronted them if she had the courage. But Arwen did not like to make a big scene about anything.

Now she was in the library still wondering what had taken place. She dismissed the event and just as her hand reached for a book the door opened. Arwen's head snapped to the doorway, her eyes wild.

In came Aragorn.

Arwen settled and smiled at Aragorn.

Aragorn stepped forward to meet Arwen. "My lady, what are you doing up?" He tried to be angry but his voice was soft.

"I could not sleep. I only came for a bedtime story. Why are you awake?"

"You are the one under questioning, not I."

Arwen gave a small laugh. "You forget yourself, my good man. I am the Lady of Rivendell."

"Even the Lady needs her rest."

Arwen's heart stopped. "My father used to say that," she said softly.

"Oh, my love," Aragorn said wrapping Arwen in his arms. "Someday the wound will not be so tender."

Arwen looked up into Aragorn's eyes, her love growing with each second. "But you bring healing to my heart and I need only you to give me the strength to live on. I love you."

Aragorn placed his hand behind Arwen's head and brought her up towards his lips. "And you teach my heart how to love. You are…my Evenstar."

Their lips met and for that time both forgot all their cares. They forgot that their love was forbidden. Forgot that there was evil in the world. For that brief moment, they knew only love.

When they had parted, Arwen, still locked firmly in his arms, rested her head on Aragorn's shoulder. They remained that way for a bit until Arwen raised her head to look at Aragorn.

"Why are you truly up, my love?"

"I should not want to spoil this evening, love, so I promise you an answer in the morning."

"It is bad then?"

"Hush…" Aragorn said softly and kissed Arwen's forehead.

Arwen obeyed and leaned into Aragorn's strong chest happily. In moments she was asleep.

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