Chapter 1
"Day 1"
Aragorn stood at the top of the marble steps, waiting for the troupe of elven warriors to finish riding through the final gate.
Aldamir stood to one side of the King, Celeborn and Cirdan at the other. Legolas waited below them, on the ground, watching silently.
"Father," Legolas nodded with respect to the King of Mirkwood.
Thranduil nodded respectfully to Aragorn before turning his gaze to his son. The King of Mirkwood dismounted and embraced his son. "It is good to see you well, my son."
Legolas nodded. "And you, father. What brings you to Arnor?"
"The loud traipsing of the Dwarves through our forest and their incessant complaints about the rebuilding of Annuminas drew the attention of the inhabitants of Eryn Lasgalen.*"
Legolas winced as Aragorn and the others descended the steps, Aragorn greeting King Thranduil in the custom of the elves. "Welcome to Annuminas, King Thranduil. My apologies for the disturbance of your forests," Aragorn cocked his head and favored Gloin and his son with a hard stare.
"Yes," Thranduil stared down his nose at Gloin until his gaze came to rest on Gimli completely. "Such inconsiderate behavior is not becoming of an elf- friend."
Aragorn blinked at the term and as Thranduil sifted his gaze from Gloin, to Gimli and then to his son, the High King could only wonder what was going through Thranduil's mind.
When Gimli opened his mouth to rebut Thranduil's charges, Aragorn's stern gaze pinned him in place harder than his father's iron-clad grip on his wrist.
"The Dwarves will take greater care when passing through Eryn Lasgalen," Aragorn assured and indicated that Thranduil follow him up the marble steps. "Please, come and take meal with us. I will fill you in on just why the Dwarves are causing such a disturbance throughout your lands."
Gimli snorted his disgust as he watched the two Kings ascend the steps and disappear into the tower.
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"I refuse to remain behind." Gimli's eyes flashed at the mere insinuation. "An excellent team has been set up to oversee the reconstruction of your City."
Aragorn nodded and sipped his tea. It's warmth soothed bones still chilled from his ordeal at the wizard Alatar's hands. "And I thank you. You and your people have my undying gratitude for their dedication to this restoration. I was simply considering our mode of transportation and your possible aversion to such travel."
"In other words," Legolas chimed, staring down, as always, at his diminutive friend. "We think you will fall ill to traveling by water and think you should remain here so as to save us the trouble of listening to ten days of complaint."
Gimli launched himself to his feet to rebut his friend's statement and Aragorn hung his head in defeat. Aldamir rested a comforting hand on his King's shoulder and chuckled softly. "How do you stand it?"
"Quite easily," Aragorn gained his feet and shook his head. " I do not remain in their company for long."
Aragorn, followed by an amused Aldamir simply walked out as Legolas and Gimli continued the bickering that could be heard down the hallways and beyond.
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"Farewell, my friend," Aldamir gripped Aragorn's hand and pumped it hard. "You will be missed."
"Thank you." Aragorn smiled as the last of the army boarded the ship. "We will return, one day."
Aldamir grinned. "Not too soon now. You are not allowed back here until the City has been rebuilt - again."
Aragorn laughed. "It may be even longer than that, I'm afraid. Faramir sends word of growing danger along our borders with Harad."
"Then Gondor's King must lead the battle, whether it be with words or with swords." Aldamir pulled his cousin into a strong hug. "Take care of yourself, your Queen and your babe. If you do not return here, then I will journey there to see this new addition to our family, myself. We do, after all, have these perfectly capable ships sitting in the harbor to carry us to your city."
Aragorn grinned. "Celeborn thought Elven High Ships would be smoother and quicker. He was concerned about Arwen weathering the long journey by sea in one of our 'less perfectly crafted' sailing vessels." The two men chuckled and Aragorn nodded, "I will hold you to that, cousin." Aragorn assured as Arwen stepped beside the men and smiled at Aldamir.
"My Lady," Aldamir bowed, a twinkle in his eye. "It has been a pleasure."
"Thank you," Arwen smiled as he took her hand and pressed a kiss to the pale flesh. "Chivalry is alive indeed. I should like to find a way to return this to my husband's mind."
Aragorn scoffed and stepped away. Executing a deep bow over her outstretched hand, he took the fingers Aldamir offered and tucked them into his arm. "You see it nightly, wife."
"Be safe," Aldamir raised his hand as Aragorn and Arwen, arm in arm, walked across the plank and onto the ship.
They turned to face the crowd that had assembled to see their King and Queen off. Raising their hands, they smiled, grateful that the people of Annuminas revered their rulers so deeply as to travel to Pelargir to see them safely put to Sea.
The elves stood to one side, their minds elsewhere, as the ship set sail. Now, more than ever did their hearts call out for their homeland and the look in their eyes was not lost on Aragorn, who understood their yearning all too well.
His arm tightened protectively around Arwen's waist, but his own despair at having seen what awaited the elves across the Sea, made his heart sink into the pit of his stomach. He could see the mask that Arwen had erected across her emotions, could see that she longed to see her home, the land of her people, to be reunited with her long-departed mother once again.
He was unable to reflect much longer on such thoughts as the Chamberlain glided up to the couple, smiling widely. "Your chambers have been set. Is there anything that you require?"
"Nothing, thank you." Arwen smiled politely and squeezed her husband's hand to stop a sharp retort from his lips.
"Just some peace to enjoy the beauty of the Sea," Aragorn added and Arwen shook her head at Aragorn's lie.
"If you have need of me, I will be at your side."
"Thank you," Aragorn turned from the railing and escorted Arwen to the uppermost deck, where they could see for miles across the clear blue water.
Cirdan and Celeborn smiled at the couple and returned to their reminiscing. They'd had no time since being thrust into a battle to save the lives of the King and Queen to speak of days gone by.
Legolas went back to his bantering with Gimli and the Chamberlain skulked in the corner, never far away from earshot of the King.
"It feels so fresh and free," Arwen sighed, settling into the seat, and Aragorn's arms, gazing out over the crystal blue sea.
Aragorn sighed heavily and closed his eyes. It was something he lothed to mention but until he did, the question would gnaw and tug at his mind and heart until he spoke. "Are you certain of your decision?"
Arwen blinked back her shock and pulled herself out of his arms. "Did I hear what I think I just heard?"
"You did."
"Aragorn Elessar Telcontar," Arwen's eyes flashed, "Do you think for one moment that the call of the Sea would be stronger than my love for you?"
"I've seen what you've given up for me."
"I would give it up again for our love, Estel," Arwen's voice softened and he could see her love shining brightly in her eyes.
"Is there enough love in this world to resist an Elf's call to the Sea," Aragorn spoke before he could stop himself and Arwen turned to stare at her husband.
"I may carry the look of an Elf, Estel, but I am no longer immortal. I will fade when the time comes."
The pain and sadness in Aragorn's eyes was evident as he gazed at his wife, in the prime of her life and beauty. "It is something I do not wish to see."
Silence fell between the couple as they thought of the far off time when they would part from the world - a Man succumbing to his Doom and his elven wife succumbing to her grief at his parting.
"It is the choice I've made for you. For our love." Arwen cupped a whiskered cheek in her palm and stared into eyes that held a sadness so deep it sent shivers down her spine. Love, more powerful than the forging of the great rings, had sealed their fate when they'd met under the grove of trees of his childhood home.
"My Tinuviel," Aragorn whispered before dipping his head to take her lips in a gentle kiss.
Arwen smiled against his lips and leaned against his chest, her hands sliding into his hair to pull him deeper into their kiss. When his lips slid to the soft skin of her neck, she trembled and whispered, "My Beren."
"Day 1"
Aragorn stood at the top of the marble steps, waiting for the troupe of elven warriors to finish riding through the final gate.
Aldamir stood to one side of the King, Celeborn and Cirdan at the other. Legolas waited below them, on the ground, watching silently.
"Father," Legolas nodded with respect to the King of Mirkwood.
Thranduil nodded respectfully to Aragorn before turning his gaze to his son. The King of Mirkwood dismounted and embraced his son. "It is good to see you well, my son."
Legolas nodded. "And you, father. What brings you to Arnor?"
"The loud traipsing of the Dwarves through our forest and their incessant complaints about the rebuilding of Annuminas drew the attention of the inhabitants of Eryn Lasgalen.*"
Legolas winced as Aragorn and the others descended the steps, Aragorn greeting King Thranduil in the custom of the elves. "Welcome to Annuminas, King Thranduil. My apologies for the disturbance of your forests," Aragorn cocked his head and favored Gloin and his son with a hard stare.
"Yes," Thranduil stared down his nose at Gloin until his gaze came to rest on Gimli completely. "Such inconsiderate behavior is not becoming of an elf- friend."
Aragorn blinked at the term and as Thranduil sifted his gaze from Gloin, to Gimli and then to his son, the High King could only wonder what was going through Thranduil's mind.
When Gimli opened his mouth to rebut Thranduil's charges, Aragorn's stern gaze pinned him in place harder than his father's iron-clad grip on his wrist.
"The Dwarves will take greater care when passing through Eryn Lasgalen," Aragorn assured and indicated that Thranduil follow him up the marble steps. "Please, come and take meal with us. I will fill you in on just why the Dwarves are causing such a disturbance throughout your lands."
Gimli snorted his disgust as he watched the two Kings ascend the steps and disappear into the tower.
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"I refuse to remain behind." Gimli's eyes flashed at the mere insinuation. "An excellent team has been set up to oversee the reconstruction of your City."
Aragorn nodded and sipped his tea. It's warmth soothed bones still chilled from his ordeal at the wizard Alatar's hands. "And I thank you. You and your people have my undying gratitude for their dedication to this restoration. I was simply considering our mode of transportation and your possible aversion to such travel."
"In other words," Legolas chimed, staring down, as always, at his diminutive friend. "We think you will fall ill to traveling by water and think you should remain here so as to save us the trouble of listening to ten days of complaint."
Gimli launched himself to his feet to rebut his friend's statement and Aragorn hung his head in defeat. Aldamir rested a comforting hand on his King's shoulder and chuckled softly. "How do you stand it?"
"Quite easily," Aragorn gained his feet and shook his head. " I do not remain in their company for long."
Aragorn, followed by an amused Aldamir simply walked out as Legolas and Gimli continued the bickering that could be heard down the hallways and beyond.
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"Farewell, my friend," Aldamir gripped Aragorn's hand and pumped it hard. "You will be missed."
"Thank you." Aragorn smiled as the last of the army boarded the ship. "We will return, one day."
Aldamir grinned. "Not too soon now. You are not allowed back here until the City has been rebuilt - again."
Aragorn laughed. "It may be even longer than that, I'm afraid. Faramir sends word of growing danger along our borders with Harad."
"Then Gondor's King must lead the battle, whether it be with words or with swords." Aldamir pulled his cousin into a strong hug. "Take care of yourself, your Queen and your babe. If you do not return here, then I will journey there to see this new addition to our family, myself. We do, after all, have these perfectly capable ships sitting in the harbor to carry us to your city."
Aragorn grinned. "Celeborn thought Elven High Ships would be smoother and quicker. He was concerned about Arwen weathering the long journey by sea in one of our 'less perfectly crafted' sailing vessels." The two men chuckled and Aragorn nodded, "I will hold you to that, cousin." Aragorn assured as Arwen stepped beside the men and smiled at Aldamir.
"My Lady," Aldamir bowed, a twinkle in his eye. "It has been a pleasure."
"Thank you," Arwen smiled as he took her hand and pressed a kiss to the pale flesh. "Chivalry is alive indeed. I should like to find a way to return this to my husband's mind."
Aragorn scoffed and stepped away. Executing a deep bow over her outstretched hand, he took the fingers Aldamir offered and tucked them into his arm. "You see it nightly, wife."
"Be safe," Aldamir raised his hand as Aragorn and Arwen, arm in arm, walked across the plank and onto the ship.
They turned to face the crowd that had assembled to see their King and Queen off. Raising their hands, they smiled, grateful that the people of Annuminas revered their rulers so deeply as to travel to Pelargir to see them safely put to Sea.
The elves stood to one side, their minds elsewhere, as the ship set sail. Now, more than ever did their hearts call out for their homeland and the look in their eyes was not lost on Aragorn, who understood their yearning all too well.
His arm tightened protectively around Arwen's waist, but his own despair at having seen what awaited the elves across the Sea, made his heart sink into the pit of his stomach. He could see the mask that Arwen had erected across her emotions, could see that she longed to see her home, the land of her people, to be reunited with her long-departed mother once again.
He was unable to reflect much longer on such thoughts as the Chamberlain glided up to the couple, smiling widely. "Your chambers have been set. Is there anything that you require?"
"Nothing, thank you." Arwen smiled politely and squeezed her husband's hand to stop a sharp retort from his lips.
"Just some peace to enjoy the beauty of the Sea," Aragorn added and Arwen shook her head at Aragorn's lie.
"If you have need of me, I will be at your side."
"Thank you," Aragorn turned from the railing and escorted Arwen to the uppermost deck, where they could see for miles across the clear blue water.
Cirdan and Celeborn smiled at the couple and returned to their reminiscing. They'd had no time since being thrust into a battle to save the lives of the King and Queen to speak of days gone by.
Legolas went back to his bantering with Gimli and the Chamberlain skulked in the corner, never far away from earshot of the King.
"It feels so fresh and free," Arwen sighed, settling into the seat, and Aragorn's arms, gazing out over the crystal blue sea.
Aragorn sighed heavily and closed his eyes. It was something he lothed to mention but until he did, the question would gnaw and tug at his mind and heart until he spoke. "Are you certain of your decision?"
Arwen blinked back her shock and pulled herself out of his arms. "Did I hear what I think I just heard?"
"You did."
"Aragorn Elessar Telcontar," Arwen's eyes flashed, "Do you think for one moment that the call of the Sea would be stronger than my love for you?"
"I've seen what you've given up for me."
"I would give it up again for our love, Estel," Arwen's voice softened and he could see her love shining brightly in her eyes.
"Is there enough love in this world to resist an Elf's call to the Sea," Aragorn spoke before he could stop himself and Arwen turned to stare at her husband.
"I may carry the look of an Elf, Estel, but I am no longer immortal. I will fade when the time comes."
The pain and sadness in Aragorn's eyes was evident as he gazed at his wife, in the prime of her life and beauty. "It is something I do not wish to see."
Silence fell between the couple as they thought of the far off time when they would part from the world - a Man succumbing to his Doom and his elven wife succumbing to her grief at his parting.
"It is the choice I've made for you. For our love." Arwen cupped a whiskered cheek in her palm and stared into eyes that held a sadness so deep it sent shivers down her spine. Love, more powerful than the forging of the great rings, had sealed their fate when they'd met under the grove of trees of his childhood home.
"My Tinuviel," Aragorn whispered before dipping his head to take her lips in a gentle kiss.
Arwen smiled against his lips and leaned against his chest, her hands sliding into his hair to pull him deeper into their kiss. When his lips slid to the soft skin of her neck, she trembled and whispered, "My Beren."