~A Tale Never Told~
By Madeline S.
~Chapter one~ Those who read these pages have never felt my pain. They have never felt the love I knew, or the power I felt when my love was near death. You few will never really, truly know what I have known, for none of you have lived these moments. But, I hope with every scratch of this withered feather pen, that you shall understand it. Even at just the smallest ounce. I suppose I shall start at the beginning when I was yet a child, dreaming, hoping, and experiencing for the first time- everything.
I grew up in Rivendell, my father Elrond watching my every move. He protected me like a piece of glass. I hated it, yet I loved, and still love him with all my heart. My mother Celebrian, not many of you have known. She was my favorite, most dependable friend. I told my secrets, my lies, and my dreams only to her. And I trusted her, more than anyone, at least until I met Aragorn. But no, I shall not bring his tale into the story this early.. it would not be fitting.
Sometime when I was at a youthful age, my father brought home to me, (after one of his long journeys,) a white mare. I still remember the feeling, that swift ride when Asfaloth was young. She would fly threw the woods, like a bird upon the wind. I would lift my arms, close my eyes, and imagine that I was soaring threw the air upon woven dreams of creatures everywhere. My father was never pleased, but when my mother saw he wasn't looking, she would smile and egg me on. Her smile filled me with laughter, and caused my father to wonder what was so funny. I can still see his puzzled face, his wrinkled nose, and his crystal gray eyes, that if you looked into hard enough, you could see a child just waiting to come out and play. Mother and I were the only ones who ever saw that. We were the only ones that understood him.
I had grown to be independent and my own. I was the rebel that fought past the likings of my parents and mentors. I was what mothers called, "the bad influence". I laughed at this, fore I knew they were afraid, and that was hilarious. What could a simple girl do to change their children's life? Yet even with their comments they still took notice of my beauty. I would walk through Imladris, past whispers of thoughts. Never did I take the time to notice them, or what they noticed of me. I have been said to descend from Luthien, and from her I take my liking. That may be so, but in my mind I shall always be just me, and not those before. Now I think the time is right to bring my love and my life into this story. My heart aches every moment I think of him, for he is gone now. My sweet Aragorn, lost with the winds of time, gone to sleep with the god's and live in final and everlasting peace. I will begin with our first meeting, which was quite pleasant.
I had just returned from Lothlorien, the land of my mother's kin where I had been living with Galadriel for some time. Once again, I was riding Asfaloth through the fields out beyond my city. I suppose I was carelessly daydreaming away, because in just a moment's thought, I was crashing into another horse and toppling off into the tall golden grass below. Gathering myself up, and picking the leaves and grass out of my long wispy black hair, I heard a sudden raspy voice speak to me in elvish. When I looked up, I saw a young mans face staring at me with worry in his hard brown eyes. I believed that he was not from near here, because his black horse carried on it many saddlebags. I began to laugh, and he looked at me stupidly supposing he had said something funny. "Miss, could you tell me what I have done that is so funny? Or has your head been injured by the fall and you cannot think properly?" He continued to speak elvish, and his comment only made me laugh harder. After a few moments, and several more confused looks from the man, I managed to control myself and speak to him. "You do not need to try to speak to me in elvish. My father taught me your language quite well." I spoke in the common tongue to him, fluently, and smiled as a look of surprise crossed his face. "Forgive me, I did not know," his face grew a soft scarlet as he spoke. "Miss, It's just, I expected since you looked to be an elf, that you only spoke your native tongue. I have lived in Rivendell ever since I was a child, I should have thought more about it. I should have-" But I interrupted him then. "You did nothing wrong. Your apology is quite accepted. But I would like to ask of you something." "Anything, madam." "Could I have your name?" I smiled again; fore he seemed to still think he had done something very wrong. "Why of course! I am Estel. I have grown in the house of Elrond as his son for my life thus far. Could I ask yours?" "Yes, my name is Arwen, daughter of Elrond of Rivendell. So it is that we are also akin." "Why yes. Why is it I have not seen you before?" "I have been staying in Lothlorien for some time now, visiting with my mothers kind. I had an ache for my father after these years. I felt it right to return to him." He seemed to be in deep thought for a moment. "M'Lady! You are akin to the lady Galadriel! I am humbled in your presence!" He kneeled to me then, which caused my stomach to turn. I hated being of such blood. It made people to come to certain assumptions about me. "Please rise, Estel. It is my wish. Galadriel is My grandmother , my mother comes from the graceful nature of Lothlorien also, but never mind that. Let us walk together to my father's house. He will be pleased to meet you!" "That will be good. I have missed Elrond these many days. It shall be pleasant to see his kind face again." He looked at peace now, happy that he had found someone to talk to. "I was just returning from a journey. Why.I believe with your own brothers, Elladan and Elrohir. I live my life as a ranger, as the village folk call me. Now that I have met you Arwen, I shall be happy here for a while. "Yes, they are my brothers and have been gone now for quite a long time. I thought you were from afar, what with all those bags on your horse. But now that I know you live in Rivendell, I am set to the truth." "Yes well, my mother, Gilraen, always says I look so.dirty. I can see how you thought that." "I never said you looked dirty, my lord" "So sorry Lady, I just." I began laughing again. "You must be the most gullible man I have ever met! Why do you think I am angry with you?" "Well, excuse me for saying, but you have been purposing I was doing something wrong!" "I am truly sorry Estel. It shall never happen again." I said in a sarcastic voice. "I am surprised that we have not met before! I can tell that you and I will get along fairly well Arwen." He looked at me and we both laughed considerably for several moments. Then taking control of ourselves, we gathered our horses and headed towards our home.
The books always said that we had met in a magical, enchanting manor. My brows entwined with stars, glittering in the surreal light, his eyes immediately full of love. But the truth is, as you now know, that was only a legend. I may never have known what his thoughts were, but I am sure they were of friendship. When we did fall in love, it was after a year, and it was as if the god's had intended it.
After that day, Estel and I were the best of friends. We caused hell to the kitchen maids, who wondered where in the blue blazes their chickens had gone, and we rode through nearby villages on our horses, puzzling the villagers as we swept by in a black and white cloud of dust. As his friend, I had always had some thought in my mind, though, I could never desipher it. Little did I know it was to be answered soon enough.
This is an entry of a journal I kept when I was younger. Now it is tattered and worn through with age, but still holds memories of a truly wonderful friendship. It was at the time of Estel's 20th year. He had returned from a journey with the wizard Gandalf on some secret business. He did that quite a lot..him and his adventures:
Journal, Today was a strange one. Estel grew up and lived his wondrous childhood in these halls. I have Only two brothers, and they mean the world to me. I found something out today that was quite astonishing. Estel swept into my chamber his face red with tears, but actually, exhaustion. He burst out, saying many things to me all at once. He held in his hands many pieces of something silver and with an elegant shine, wrapped in a delicate cloth of elven origin. I told him to slow down, and explain to me what he was so excited about. What I finally heard pass his lips left my mouth gaped in amazement. He had been like a son to my father Elrond after the death of his father at the delicate age of 2. His mother, Gilraen and he moved into this house at Elrond's bidding. My father in a way adopted Estel, so he was as another of my brothers. This day, he said, he was speaking with Elrond after returning from his latest journey, and my father began to act pleased and happier than what is normal. Estel asked what was wrong, and what he found out...well, it amazed him as well as I. All these years, Estel had thought Elrond to be his father, but this day he was corrected. Estel is the son of Arathorn, and therefore his name was that of Aragorn, the heir of Isildur! My father had shown him and given him the shards of Narsil, the blade that cut the hand of Sauron almost 3,000 years ago. Also, he received the ring of Barahir. After I heard this, I spoke naught. I was quite in disbelief and maybe a bit scared. He is not my brother any longer, replaced he is, with a to be king!
So now my dear Estel was to become a king. For the first days of this news, he was terribly excited, and happier than he had been in a long while. Then the importance of all of it finally hit him. He became somewhat dumb founded. He seemed to be all of a sudden depressed, and he acted as if he carried a great burden upon his shoulders. I would try to get him to talk to me, but he would only turn his cheek. Then he left. It was an early morning, and I had awoken myself oddly for some reason. I decided to go and visit my dear friend. When I knocked at his chamber doors, there was no answer, and I found out later, he had returned to traveling. My father then told me he had turned away from his duty to be king, and had left the steward of Gondor to take over for him. I was at utter astonishment. What had first been the all time greatest even in Estel's life, had become ruin. I knew he would return one day, when his heart told him to. So I waited. The goings on of life were simple, but fulfilling as I awaited my friend return. And then that day came came.
He came bursting through the door of my study, a smile on his face. He was no longer troubled. I could see inside his heart.he had forgotten his duty as an heir. We embraced and all was once again healed. Estel was now Aragorn, but still he was the same, and so nothing changed..it was as it always had been, until that day, that sweet, surreal day.
It was early morning and I had gone out for a walk. Although I loved spending time with Aragorn, every girl needs time to herself. I strolled through the misty gardens and as I did, I continued to hear someone singing in the distance. I followed the song and spotted Aragorn sitting under a birch tree with his head leaned back and eyes closed. He was singing something softly to himself.the lay of Luthien. I did not want to disturb him, so I crouched down in the tall grass. As I watched him there, so peaceful, I saw a side to him I had never seen before. I suddenly began to feel embarrassed and I felt my heart flutter in my chest. What could this be, I thought? How can I have this feeling, for my. my best friend? I felt a tear stream down my cheek. This pain.it was too intense! I could not bear it!
My mind would not stop spinning, so I decided to lie down and rest. After what seemed like just a few moments, I heard Aragorn whispering to me. "Arwen? Wake up. We need to get back to the house." I felt my eyes flutter open and I stared in horror at the man I had been dreaming about. I suddenly turned away, and I could feel tears welling up in my eyes, my face began to burn. "Arwen! What is wrong? You can tell me! Are you alright?" "No. I mean yes!" I answered quickly, not believing what I had just said. What was coming over me? It was like magic! He continued to stare into me, searching for what was wrong. Then something came over me, something irrational that I can never explain, but I leaned forward, and I kissed my best friend! What I remember the most was that he didn't back away, but lingered there. Like he had Felt the same unexplainable power as me. I knew then that we were meant to be. I loved him. But how would my father ever accept that?
~Chapter one~ Those who read these pages have never felt my pain. They have never felt the love I knew, or the power I felt when my love was near death. You few will never really, truly know what I have known, for none of you have lived these moments. But, I hope with every scratch of this withered feather pen, that you shall understand it. Even at just the smallest ounce. I suppose I shall start at the beginning when I was yet a child, dreaming, hoping, and experiencing for the first time- everything.
I grew up in Rivendell, my father Elrond watching my every move. He protected me like a piece of glass. I hated it, yet I loved, and still love him with all my heart. My mother Celebrian, not many of you have known. She was my favorite, most dependable friend. I told my secrets, my lies, and my dreams only to her. And I trusted her, more than anyone, at least until I met Aragorn. But no, I shall not bring his tale into the story this early.. it would not be fitting.
Sometime when I was at a youthful age, my father brought home to me, (after one of his long journeys,) a white mare. I still remember the feeling, that swift ride when Asfaloth was young. She would fly threw the woods, like a bird upon the wind. I would lift my arms, close my eyes, and imagine that I was soaring threw the air upon woven dreams of creatures everywhere. My father was never pleased, but when my mother saw he wasn't looking, she would smile and egg me on. Her smile filled me with laughter, and caused my father to wonder what was so funny. I can still see his puzzled face, his wrinkled nose, and his crystal gray eyes, that if you looked into hard enough, you could see a child just waiting to come out and play. Mother and I were the only ones who ever saw that. We were the only ones that understood him.
I had grown to be independent and my own. I was the rebel that fought past the likings of my parents and mentors. I was what mothers called, "the bad influence". I laughed at this, fore I knew they were afraid, and that was hilarious. What could a simple girl do to change their children's life? Yet even with their comments they still took notice of my beauty. I would walk through Imladris, past whispers of thoughts. Never did I take the time to notice them, or what they noticed of me. I have been said to descend from Luthien, and from her I take my liking. That may be so, but in my mind I shall always be just me, and not those before. Now I think the time is right to bring my love and my life into this story. My heart aches every moment I think of him, for he is gone now. My sweet Aragorn, lost with the winds of time, gone to sleep with the god's and live in final and everlasting peace. I will begin with our first meeting, which was quite pleasant.
I had just returned from Lothlorien, the land of my mother's kin where I had been living with Galadriel for some time. Once again, I was riding Asfaloth through the fields out beyond my city. I suppose I was carelessly daydreaming away, because in just a moment's thought, I was crashing into another horse and toppling off into the tall golden grass below. Gathering myself up, and picking the leaves and grass out of my long wispy black hair, I heard a sudden raspy voice speak to me in elvish. When I looked up, I saw a young mans face staring at me with worry in his hard brown eyes. I believed that he was not from near here, because his black horse carried on it many saddlebags. I began to laugh, and he looked at me stupidly supposing he had said something funny. "Miss, could you tell me what I have done that is so funny? Or has your head been injured by the fall and you cannot think properly?" He continued to speak elvish, and his comment only made me laugh harder. After a few moments, and several more confused looks from the man, I managed to control myself and speak to him. "You do not need to try to speak to me in elvish. My father taught me your language quite well." I spoke in the common tongue to him, fluently, and smiled as a look of surprise crossed his face. "Forgive me, I did not know," his face grew a soft scarlet as he spoke. "Miss, It's just, I expected since you looked to be an elf, that you only spoke your native tongue. I have lived in Rivendell ever since I was a child, I should have thought more about it. I should have-" But I interrupted him then. "You did nothing wrong. Your apology is quite accepted. But I would like to ask of you something." "Anything, madam." "Could I have your name?" I smiled again; fore he seemed to still think he had done something very wrong. "Why of course! I am Estel. I have grown in the house of Elrond as his son for my life thus far. Could I ask yours?" "Yes, my name is Arwen, daughter of Elrond of Rivendell. So it is that we are also akin." "Why yes. Why is it I have not seen you before?" "I have been staying in Lothlorien for some time now, visiting with my mothers kind. I had an ache for my father after these years. I felt it right to return to him." He seemed to be in deep thought for a moment. "M'Lady! You are akin to the lady Galadriel! I am humbled in your presence!" He kneeled to me then, which caused my stomach to turn. I hated being of such blood. It made people to come to certain assumptions about me. "Please rise, Estel. It is my wish. Galadriel is My grandmother , my mother comes from the graceful nature of Lothlorien also, but never mind that. Let us walk together to my father's house. He will be pleased to meet you!" "That will be good. I have missed Elrond these many days. It shall be pleasant to see his kind face again." He looked at peace now, happy that he had found someone to talk to. "I was just returning from a journey. Why.I believe with your own brothers, Elladan and Elrohir. I live my life as a ranger, as the village folk call me. Now that I have met you Arwen, I shall be happy here for a while. "Yes, they are my brothers and have been gone now for quite a long time. I thought you were from afar, what with all those bags on your horse. But now that I know you live in Rivendell, I am set to the truth." "Yes well, my mother, Gilraen, always says I look so.dirty. I can see how you thought that." "I never said you looked dirty, my lord" "So sorry Lady, I just." I began laughing again. "You must be the most gullible man I have ever met! Why do you think I am angry with you?" "Well, excuse me for saying, but you have been purposing I was doing something wrong!" "I am truly sorry Estel. It shall never happen again." I said in a sarcastic voice. "I am surprised that we have not met before! I can tell that you and I will get along fairly well Arwen." He looked at me and we both laughed considerably for several moments. Then taking control of ourselves, we gathered our horses and headed towards our home.
The books always said that we had met in a magical, enchanting manor. My brows entwined with stars, glittering in the surreal light, his eyes immediately full of love. But the truth is, as you now know, that was only a legend. I may never have known what his thoughts were, but I am sure they were of friendship. When we did fall in love, it was after a year, and it was as if the god's had intended it.
After that day, Estel and I were the best of friends. We caused hell to the kitchen maids, who wondered where in the blue blazes their chickens had gone, and we rode through nearby villages on our horses, puzzling the villagers as we swept by in a black and white cloud of dust. As his friend, I had always had some thought in my mind, though, I could never desipher it. Little did I know it was to be answered soon enough.
This is an entry of a journal I kept when I was younger. Now it is tattered and worn through with age, but still holds memories of a truly wonderful friendship. It was at the time of Estel's 20th year. He had returned from a journey with the wizard Gandalf on some secret business. He did that quite a lot..him and his adventures:
Journal, Today was a strange one. Estel grew up and lived his wondrous childhood in these halls. I have Only two brothers, and they mean the world to me. I found something out today that was quite astonishing. Estel swept into my chamber his face red with tears, but actually, exhaustion. He burst out, saying many things to me all at once. He held in his hands many pieces of something silver and with an elegant shine, wrapped in a delicate cloth of elven origin. I told him to slow down, and explain to me what he was so excited about. What I finally heard pass his lips left my mouth gaped in amazement. He had been like a son to my father Elrond after the death of his father at the delicate age of 2. His mother, Gilraen and he moved into this house at Elrond's bidding. My father in a way adopted Estel, so he was as another of my brothers. This day, he said, he was speaking with Elrond after returning from his latest journey, and my father began to act pleased and happier than what is normal. Estel asked what was wrong, and what he found out...well, it amazed him as well as I. All these years, Estel had thought Elrond to be his father, but this day he was corrected. Estel is the son of Arathorn, and therefore his name was that of Aragorn, the heir of Isildur! My father had shown him and given him the shards of Narsil, the blade that cut the hand of Sauron almost 3,000 years ago. Also, he received the ring of Barahir. After I heard this, I spoke naught. I was quite in disbelief and maybe a bit scared. He is not my brother any longer, replaced he is, with a to be king!
So now my dear Estel was to become a king. For the first days of this news, he was terribly excited, and happier than he had been in a long while. Then the importance of all of it finally hit him. He became somewhat dumb founded. He seemed to be all of a sudden depressed, and he acted as if he carried a great burden upon his shoulders. I would try to get him to talk to me, but he would only turn his cheek. Then he left. It was an early morning, and I had awoken myself oddly for some reason. I decided to go and visit my dear friend. When I knocked at his chamber doors, there was no answer, and I found out later, he had returned to traveling. My father then told me he had turned away from his duty to be king, and had left the steward of Gondor to take over for him. I was at utter astonishment. What had first been the all time greatest even in Estel's life, had become ruin. I knew he would return one day, when his heart told him to. So I waited. The goings on of life were simple, but fulfilling as I awaited my friend return. And then that day came came.
He came bursting through the door of my study, a smile on his face. He was no longer troubled. I could see inside his heart.he had forgotten his duty as an heir. We embraced and all was once again healed. Estel was now Aragorn, but still he was the same, and so nothing changed..it was as it always had been, until that day, that sweet, surreal day.
It was early morning and I had gone out for a walk. Although I loved spending time with Aragorn, every girl needs time to herself. I strolled through the misty gardens and as I did, I continued to hear someone singing in the distance. I followed the song and spotted Aragorn sitting under a birch tree with his head leaned back and eyes closed. He was singing something softly to himself.the lay of Luthien. I did not want to disturb him, so I crouched down in the tall grass. As I watched him there, so peaceful, I saw a side to him I had never seen before. I suddenly began to feel embarrassed and I felt my heart flutter in my chest. What could this be, I thought? How can I have this feeling, for my. my best friend? I felt a tear stream down my cheek. This pain.it was too intense! I could not bear it!
My mind would not stop spinning, so I decided to lie down and rest. After what seemed like just a few moments, I heard Aragorn whispering to me. "Arwen? Wake up. We need to get back to the house." I felt my eyes flutter open and I stared in horror at the man I had been dreaming about. I suddenly turned away, and I could feel tears welling up in my eyes, my face began to burn. "Arwen! What is wrong? You can tell me! Are you alright?" "No. I mean yes!" I answered quickly, not believing what I had just said. What was coming over me? It was like magic! He continued to stare into me, searching for what was wrong. Then something came over me, something irrational that I can never explain, but I leaned forward, and I kissed my best friend! What I remember the most was that he didn't back away, but lingered there. Like he had Felt the same unexplainable power as me. I knew then that we were meant to be. I loved him. But how would my father ever accept that?