Torn by: Leia Grace
Disclaimer: I would be very famous if I owned TLOTR characters, and as much as I wish I was famous, I only own Elenalyn, Lithana, Claramelia, and Gildron.
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CHAPTER 3
The next morning, Elenalyn wanted to wander the paths of Mirkwood on her own. She needed to get away from everyone, to think. She couldn't help but wish that Frodo were there with her. Somehow, she missed his company now more than ever. She knew she felt something for him, and would probably let herself believe it was love, if she could get around her age. She enjoyed the freedom, yet she also wanted to show her parents she could handle ruling a land in Middle Earth. She came to sit down by a tranquil stream; it's water churning as it tripped over the stones in its way. She did enjoy this land, but she would rather stay in Rivendell or Minas Tirith.
She sat there, imagining she was back in Hobbiton, sitting at a table with the Hobbits. Sam and Rose would each have a baby on their lap, and everyone would be talking about how big they had grown, and how adorable they had become. Merry and Pippin would be jesting on how strange a fate it is that Sam, seemingly the most unlearned, could have become mayor. Frodo always sat there quietly, a small smile on his face, watching his family live life to its fullest. Elenalyn wished she had known them all before the Quest. Before they all had to grow up suddenly, see awful things that no one should ever have to, and be nearly killed many times over. She wanted to know them when they were still young, with light hearts, and heads filled with fun schemes and dreams. She laughed at the image in her head, in it also releasing the tension that had built up in her mind and body.
"I'm glad Mirkwood makes you happy."
She whipped around, startled. She quickly stood up, looking at the owner of those words in surprise.
"A memory is all that makes me happy."
Frodo nodded. "Everyone needs to look towards happy memories to survive."
She nodded. There was a long silence, until Elenalyn could not stand her curiosity any more. "Why are you here?"
He looked ahead. "Because you are."
"I might be in a place where you cannot."
He turned to her. "I can't loose you."
Her brow furrowed. "You would have me?"
"Of course."
"Even though if we were together, you and I wouldn't have a land to rule, and we would never become and king and queen? We would only be a Crown Prince and Princess." She held her breath for the answer.
He gave a little smile. "I wouldn't care if you were born to a poor Dwarf! I don't care about ruling any land or taking any throne. The only thing I want is to take you into my arms."
She looked at him in amazement. Realization dawned on her. How could she be blind to him?
Frodo hesitated. "I will only ask for your hand, if you would give it to me."
He stood, so as to be on eye level with her. She looked deeply into his eyes. She knew that that was where she wanted to be.
She spoke softly in reply, "I will give it." She leaned over, and kissed him gently. He fully accepted her kiss, as she fully accepted his hand.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The rest of the day, Elenalyn felt as though a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She felt that freeness that she desired. What made her very happy, though, was that being in a mutual love with Frodo gave her the responsibility that she felt she deserved. The fact that it was love, and Frodo, were two great factors to add to the equation. She felt emboldened. She even told Legolas and Gimli that she would be leaving for Minas Tirith as soon as possible, to see her father and brother again.
She left in the early afternoon. She took her time, traveling from Mirkwood on horse, until she arrived in Lothlorien once again. When Claramelia greeted her sister again, she was taken aback by the glow and happiness that seemed to surround her. She watched her closely that evening, observing how she acted towards the other Elves. Nothing seemed to make Elenalyn upset. She radiated a certain warmth and gladness about her. Claramelia was particularly anxious to find out if Frodo traveled to Mirkwood, and if he had, what had taken place between him and her sister. She took Elenalyn into her confidences when they were eating breakfast the next morning, before Elenalyn would leave for Minas Tirith, finally.
"Elenalyn, im kyerme lyaa luu mi Mirkwood valina." Claramelia said to her sister.
'Elenalyn, I pray your time in Mirkwood was happy.'
She just smiled a little, secretive smile she had worn her entire stay.
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Elenalyn was still asleep when her carriage arrived in Minas Tirith. She woke up when they stopped, and immediately looked up to the palace that her family lived in. She rushed out as fast as she could, considering that the guards and footmen were slowing her down. She knew she should act like a proper princess, but she was too filled with joy to slow down.
"Princess, slow down!"
She ignored her guard as she ran up the palace steps, shoving her way through the door. Arwen came from around a corner, a big smile on her face. Aragorn appeared behind her, smiling as well as he put his arms around his wife's waist. Like Arwen, Aragorn's looks had not changed with age. He and Arwen had not looked old enough to have even young children for almost 30 years. Elenalyn rushed over to them, hugging first her mother, then her father.
"Im valina an na mar." She said smiling at her parents.
'I am happy to be home.'
Aragorn ruffled her hair playfully, "Lyaa ullume faare mar."
'You are forever wanted home.'
Arwen spoke up, "You look tired and hungry, my daughter. You must be given nourishment and your bed to rest, and then we shall interrogate you about your journeying!"
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After Elenalyn had eaten her fill, she retreated to her room, where she fell asleep again quickly. Aragorn watched his daughter sleeping contentedly, before he turned to Arwen, who was walking down the corridor.
"It is good to have her home, again."
Arwen nodded. "Elenalyn and Eldarion are all that we have left."
He gave Arwen a look, "And Elenalyn for not much longer."
Arwen hesitated, looking at her husband, wondering how to break her news to him. Aragorn looked at her, puzzled. He always knew when she was hiding something.
"Arwen…?"
"Aragorn, we have to talk about our plans for Elenalyn and her future."
He turned to her fully, "What has come up that needs discussion?"
Arwen walked closer to him, "We had already guessed she might not love Legolas, and that assumption proved true…"
Aragorn nodded, "We also figured she would fall for him in the next two years, as she cares for him as a friend."
She nodded, looking through the door at Elenalyn's sleeping form. "Unfortunately, another factor has come into the picture."
He waited.
"Frodo."
He was taken aback. "Frodo? How did he come into the picture?"
"He is in love with Elenalyn."
Aragorn was shocked. "In love!? He cannot be with Elenalyn, he's a Hobbit!"
Arwen shot him a look, "My father wouldn't let you marry me because you are only a man."
He narrowed his eyes. "Arwen, He's two feet shorter than her."
She sighed. "I know."
He walked across the corridor, to look out the large window at the beautiful valley of Osgdiach. Arwen's eyes followed him, knowing how confused he probably was. They had experienced the same trials when they discovered their love. That was one reason Aragorn had arranged Elenalyn's marriage to Legolas; he did not want to see her go through the same troubles he and his wife had.
"I would have not thought Frodo's feelings would be a factor, but they are." Arwen explained. "You know that Hobbit's naturally love purely and truly. Even Elenalyn has realized that Frodo truly does love her. She is very confused about how she should feel."
Aragorn nodded, knowing that this was all true.
Arwen continued, "Elenalyn is a very intelligent, kind, loving girl. She knows that if someone loves her that completely, then more than likely, she is supposed to love him just as much in return. She does not feel that way yet; or at least not yet to my knowledge."
Aragorn turned to her. "Do you feel it is better for me to break the betrothal to Legolas, and than hope Elenalyn comes to love Frodo? Do you believe they can cross the obvious barriers against their being together?"
Arwen shook her head. "I don't have a real answer to any of those questions. I do know that we should wait for Elenalyn to tell us how she feels, and what she would wish us to do."
He raised his eyebrows, "Do you expect me to change my judgement according to an 18 year old girl's desires?"
Arwen just shook her head, "No, but we should take them into account, as she is our daughter. She is intelligent, capable of making her own decisions, and above all, we want her to be happy."
"Im mere an tyaro ilya nat i Laure Tinme Niphredil." Aragorn declared quietly to his wife, as he hugged her tightly.
'I want to do all things for the Golden Starflower.'
Arwen smiled, looking deeply into Aragorn's eyes. "I know." Then, he leaned down and kissed her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Aragorn later called Elenalyn to the throne room, so he and Arwen could talk to her.
Elenalyn walked in, still radiating something about her that showed her inner strength renewed.
"Elenalyn, I have been told that you are unhappy with your arranged marriage to Legolas." Aragorn started out.
She nodded. "I do not love him. I never shall love him. My heart belongs to another."
At this, Aragorn and Arwen looked at each other. Arwen realized something happened that she did not know about.
"Who is this other male whom you've given your affections to?" Aragorn asked.
Elenalyn held her head up high, took a deep breath, and hoped her parents wouldn't laugh. "I love Frodo."
Aragorn seemed to sink a little into his magnificent throne. Arwen turned to look at him, a slightly worried expression on her face. Their daughter had worked herself into an interesting situation.
"Frodo." Her father repeated quietly.
"Yes."
"You would rather us tell Legolas the betrothal is off, and marry Frodo?"
Elenalyn sighed. "I know this seems an impossible situation. Hobbits can't be with Elves or Men for obvious reasons. But, that does not change the fact that Frodo and I have fallen for each other. Neither of us meant for that to happen. Even though we love each other, we will probably never be able to be together as our love was meant to be. I have to say though, that I cannot bear to be given to one man, while my heart lives with another. Uume kara im kuile ta laisi."
'Do not make me live that life.'
Aragorn sat up, surprised. "You misunderstand us, my daughter. We do not want you to live a life like that, either. We want you to be happy. I am glad you have realized why you and Frodo cannot be together. I would like to see you two together; see what others have. I wish that you could be together as you wish to be. I do not care for the barriers of race, but this which I wish to make an exception on, is probably the most difficult to do so. I do not want you to be forced into a marriage in which you do not want to partake. Have you spoken to Legolas about how you feel?"
Elenalyn cringed slightly. "I have told him I do not want to marry him, rule Mirkwood, and do not love him. He asked me then if there was someone else, and at that time, there was none. I have not told him of my affections for Frodo. I cannot say if Frodo has told him, though."
Arwen spoke up then, "What was his reaction to your announcement?"
"He was surprised, and, I think, disappointed. I do not know how he would react to my feelings for Frodo."
"I think it is best at this time, if none of us said anything to Legolas yet, as nothing is yet set in stone. Tell him not of Frodo." Aragorn contemplated the situation for a few seconds, before continuing. "In 6 months time, we will have hopefully found the answer to our problem." He smiled at his wife and daughter. "Now, I do not know about you two, but I am getting hungry. What do you say we sit down for dinner?"
Arwen and Elenalyn nodded. Elenalyn was glad her parents understood her feelings, and the situation. She knew her father was very smart, so she was confident he would find a way for her to be happy.
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Frodo, meanwhile, had decided to go back to the Shire. He missed his friends and Bag End dearly. He rode the little pony, Bill back through the Misty Mountains to the Shire, stopping in Bree very briefly. He had not felt this good since he had awoken in the House of Healing in Minas Tirith after thinking he would die in Mordor. He never knew he could feel this way. He thought the feeling of loving Elenalyn was wonderful, but knowing that she loved him in return was elating. He couldn't wait to get back home to tell Sam, Merry, and Pippin.
He came riding up to Bag End, tired but happy. Little Gard was the first to seem him, and called out to him as he came riding up.
"Uncle Frodo!" He cried out, giddy with excitement. Little Gard came running down from the green door of Bag End. Frodo leaned down and picked him off the ground, while Gard squealed in delight. The door opened and Sam and Rose stood in the doorway, smiling. He walked up to the door, a huge smile on his face. Sam looked at him curiously.
"I must say, Frodo," Sam said, a smirk growing on his face. "you looked like you were on the brink of death before you left, and now…you seem to have a new light about you. Whatever happened to you while you were gone, I'm glad it did!
Frodo looked at him, smiling, "I'm glad it happened as well, Sam."
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After supper, Frodo had managed to sneak to his room to be alone. He sat on his bed, paper, pen, and book in hand, trying to write a very important piece of literature. He wrote down the last word, with a flourish, just as there was a knock at the door.
"Who is it?"
The door opened slightly, and Pippin poked his head out. "Hello, Frodo! Care to join all of us in a picnic by the river?"
Frodo just smiled. He would rather be alone. "Thanks, Pippin. Not today."
Pippin frowned. He walked into the room, putting his hands on his hips. "You always used to be rather dreary and melancholy, and never wanted to do anything. Now you are happy and smiling; but still don't want to do anything!"
Frodo gave an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Pippin. I'll go to the 'Green Dragon' later with you all, if that makes you feel better."
Pippin shrugged, squinting his eyes into the distance, as if searching for the answer.
Merry's voice broke through his concentration, as he poked his head through the door, past Pippin, and looked at Frodo.
"What are you doing in here that is so much more fun and important than your family?"
Frodo quickly hid the book under the pillow. Merry had come completely into the room now, followed by Sam, concerned about Frodo, as usual.
"Whatever it is I'm sure it's very important, right, Frodo?" Sam looked at Frodo. Frodo just nodded, willing them to leave his room. Merry furrowed his brow, unconvinced. Pippin looked like a school professor waiting for an explanation from his student.
"Let's see how important it is!" Merry cried out as he rushed over, and grabbed the paper our of Frodo's hands, leaving everyone surprised. Frodo immediately jumped up, and started after Merry, who started jogging around the room, weaving and jumping in and out over furniture, so Frodo couldn't catch him. Pippin started chasing after Frodo, and Sam after Merry and Pippin. Merry just looked at the paper, delighted.
"Hey, look everyone! Frodo's been writing in Elvish! Good thing I know Elvish fluently now, right?" Merry grinned wickedly.
"Give it back, Merry!" Frodo protested.
"Let me think….no!" Merry laughed. "Hey, it's a poem in Elvish! A love poem!"
Pippin laughed at this, "So, Frodo's finally found someone, eh, Merry?"
"That's none of our concern until Frodo shares it with us! Now, give it back, Merry!" Sam tried to help Frodo.
"No!" Merry and Pippin both called out together. Suddenly, Merry jumped onto Frodo's dresser, stopping. The others stopped too. Merry actually looked serious.
"This…this poem is for Princess Elenalyn. Frodo, this love poem is for Aragorn's daughter."
Frodo put his hands in his pockets, shifting his weight uncomfortably. The three Hobbits looked at him, surprised and curious. He looked down at the ground, uncomfortably.
Merry cleared his throat, and started to read the Elvish.
"'Im telin an na le oloore, im telin an na le merne, im telin an na le iire. Im telin an na le estel, im telin an na le meles, telin ullume nat telin maure. Im meles le er o ullume suule, sanda, merka nura tyaro...'"
I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish, I'll be your fantasy. I'll be your hope, I'll be your love, be everything that you need. I'll love you more with every breath, truly, madly, deeply do…
Sam and Pippin walked over to Merry. They looked at the poem, all of them surprised. Sam took the paper from Merry, and continued to read.
"'Im telin an tulka, im telin an voronda ve im noota ten sinya esse, faika an laito, a! Im merne an o le mi aikasse, im merne an lutu mii oo. Im merne an lirilla ve si ullume, tenna i fanyare lanta unim.'"
I will be strong, I will be faithful because I'm counting on a new beginning, a reason for living, a deeper meaning, yeah. I want to stand with you on a mountain, I want to bathe with you in the sea. I want to lay like this forever, until the sky falls down on me.
They all stood there, silent. Frodo finally worked up enough courage, and said quietly, "May I have it back, please?"
Merry handed the poem back to Frodo. He gestured to Pippin and Sam that they should leave. He gave Frodo a quick, friendly hug, and walked out of the room. Pippin followed, squeezing Frodo's shoulder, and giving him a smile. Sam lingered a while. Frodo looked up at him, not knowing exactly what to expect. Sam looked thoughtful for a second, then smiled at him.
"Are you certain of your feelings?"
Frodo smiled. "I am not only certain of mine, I also know she loves me in return."
Sam gave him a long hug. "She makes you happy, and that is some beautiful Elvish poetry! I hope things work our for you two."
Just, then, a loud racket and squawking came from another room. Frodo and Sam looked at each other for a second: long enough for them to both agree to see what was happening. They hurried into the kitchen, to find Rose madly waving a broomstick at a very unhappy eagle. Merry and Pippin cam rushing in from another room, and all the children appeared in various doorways.
"Get out of here!" Rose shouted at the eagle. He just squawked and flapped his wings. Sam rushed to Rose, and took the broom from her, putting his arms around her shoulders.
"Rose, everything is alright. Calm down, take a deep breath." Sam said as soothingly as possible. Rose shook her head, as her entire body shuddered.
"He just swooped in, upsetting the pies, with mud flinging everywhere…! He came aimed for my head, and then flew around the room, and landed right there on that chair, but he came so fast, Sam…!"
He smiled, "I know, Rose, I know. It's alright, though. Look, the eagle has calmed down."
Merry and Pippin walked towards the eagle, carefully. Little Gard took a step forward, with the other children eagerly looking at the bird as well. Merry looked back quickly. "Stay back, children. We don't know this eagle, nor do we know where he's been."
Rose's eyes grew wide. "Oh, my! We don't know where it has been, Sam! Keep it away from the children, it might have some sort of disease!"
Pippin shook his head, "No diseases on this eagle, Rose. It's Gandalf's!" Pippin had untied a parchment connected to its leg. He had unraveled it, and was reading it.
Everyone looked up, interested at this information. Sam looked confused, "Since when did Gandalf send an eagle with a note to us?"
"Since now." Merry said with a shrug.
"Listen, everyone!" Pippin called out. "'Misters Meriadoc Brandybuck, Peregrin Took, Frodo Baggins, and Mayor Samwise Gamgee have been cordially invited to Isengard, home of the Istari and His Eminence, Gandalf the White, for a celebration and special unveiling of a project His Eminence has been laboring through for the past 20 years. Please come in haste, as this invitation is for July 4th.'" Pippin looked up at everyone. They all looked at each other in silence.
"One week from now," Frodo commented. "And we are going to be travelling on foot."
Sam sighed, "We better pack more food than for a picnic."
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Disclaimer: I would be very famous if I owned TLOTR characters, and as much as I wish I was famous, I only own Elenalyn, Lithana, Claramelia, and Gildron.
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CHAPTER 3
The next morning, Elenalyn wanted to wander the paths of Mirkwood on her own. She needed to get away from everyone, to think. She couldn't help but wish that Frodo were there with her. Somehow, she missed his company now more than ever. She knew she felt something for him, and would probably let herself believe it was love, if she could get around her age. She enjoyed the freedom, yet she also wanted to show her parents she could handle ruling a land in Middle Earth. She came to sit down by a tranquil stream; it's water churning as it tripped over the stones in its way. She did enjoy this land, but she would rather stay in Rivendell or Minas Tirith.
She sat there, imagining she was back in Hobbiton, sitting at a table with the Hobbits. Sam and Rose would each have a baby on their lap, and everyone would be talking about how big they had grown, and how adorable they had become. Merry and Pippin would be jesting on how strange a fate it is that Sam, seemingly the most unlearned, could have become mayor. Frodo always sat there quietly, a small smile on his face, watching his family live life to its fullest. Elenalyn wished she had known them all before the Quest. Before they all had to grow up suddenly, see awful things that no one should ever have to, and be nearly killed many times over. She wanted to know them when they were still young, with light hearts, and heads filled with fun schemes and dreams. She laughed at the image in her head, in it also releasing the tension that had built up in her mind and body.
"I'm glad Mirkwood makes you happy."
She whipped around, startled. She quickly stood up, looking at the owner of those words in surprise.
"A memory is all that makes me happy."
Frodo nodded. "Everyone needs to look towards happy memories to survive."
She nodded. There was a long silence, until Elenalyn could not stand her curiosity any more. "Why are you here?"
He looked ahead. "Because you are."
"I might be in a place where you cannot."
He turned to her. "I can't loose you."
Her brow furrowed. "You would have me?"
"Of course."
"Even though if we were together, you and I wouldn't have a land to rule, and we would never become and king and queen? We would only be a Crown Prince and Princess." She held her breath for the answer.
He gave a little smile. "I wouldn't care if you were born to a poor Dwarf! I don't care about ruling any land or taking any throne. The only thing I want is to take you into my arms."
She looked at him in amazement. Realization dawned on her. How could she be blind to him?
Frodo hesitated. "I will only ask for your hand, if you would give it to me."
He stood, so as to be on eye level with her. She looked deeply into his eyes. She knew that that was where she wanted to be.
She spoke softly in reply, "I will give it." She leaned over, and kissed him gently. He fully accepted her kiss, as she fully accepted his hand.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The rest of the day, Elenalyn felt as though a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She felt that freeness that she desired. What made her very happy, though, was that being in a mutual love with Frodo gave her the responsibility that she felt she deserved. The fact that it was love, and Frodo, were two great factors to add to the equation. She felt emboldened. She even told Legolas and Gimli that she would be leaving for Minas Tirith as soon as possible, to see her father and brother again.
She left in the early afternoon. She took her time, traveling from Mirkwood on horse, until she arrived in Lothlorien once again. When Claramelia greeted her sister again, she was taken aback by the glow and happiness that seemed to surround her. She watched her closely that evening, observing how she acted towards the other Elves. Nothing seemed to make Elenalyn upset. She radiated a certain warmth and gladness about her. Claramelia was particularly anxious to find out if Frodo traveled to Mirkwood, and if he had, what had taken place between him and her sister. She took Elenalyn into her confidences when they were eating breakfast the next morning, before Elenalyn would leave for Minas Tirith, finally.
"Elenalyn, im kyerme lyaa luu mi Mirkwood valina." Claramelia said to her sister.
'Elenalyn, I pray your time in Mirkwood was happy.'
She just smiled a little, secretive smile she had worn her entire stay.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Elenalyn was still asleep when her carriage arrived in Minas Tirith. She woke up when they stopped, and immediately looked up to the palace that her family lived in. She rushed out as fast as she could, considering that the guards and footmen were slowing her down. She knew she should act like a proper princess, but she was too filled with joy to slow down.
"Princess, slow down!"
She ignored her guard as she ran up the palace steps, shoving her way through the door. Arwen came from around a corner, a big smile on her face. Aragorn appeared behind her, smiling as well as he put his arms around his wife's waist. Like Arwen, Aragorn's looks had not changed with age. He and Arwen had not looked old enough to have even young children for almost 30 years. Elenalyn rushed over to them, hugging first her mother, then her father.
"Im valina an na mar." She said smiling at her parents.
'I am happy to be home.'
Aragorn ruffled her hair playfully, "Lyaa ullume faare mar."
'You are forever wanted home.'
Arwen spoke up, "You look tired and hungry, my daughter. You must be given nourishment and your bed to rest, and then we shall interrogate you about your journeying!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
After Elenalyn had eaten her fill, she retreated to her room, where she fell asleep again quickly. Aragorn watched his daughter sleeping contentedly, before he turned to Arwen, who was walking down the corridor.
"It is good to have her home, again."
Arwen nodded. "Elenalyn and Eldarion are all that we have left."
He gave Arwen a look, "And Elenalyn for not much longer."
Arwen hesitated, looking at her husband, wondering how to break her news to him. Aragorn looked at her, puzzled. He always knew when she was hiding something.
"Arwen…?"
"Aragorn, we have to talk about our plans for Elenalyn and her future."
He turned to her fully, "What has come up that needs discussion?"
Arwen walked closer to him, "We had already guessed she might not love Legolas, and that assumption proved true…"
Aragorn nodded, "We also figured she would fall for him in the next two years, as she cares for him as a friend."
She nodded, looking through the door at Elenalyn's sleeping form. "Unfortunately, another factor has come into the picture."
He waited.
"Frodo."
He was taken aback. "Frodo? How did he come into the picture?"
"He is in love with Elenalyn."
Aragorn was shocked. "In love!? He cannot be with Elenalyn, he's a Hobbit!"
Arwen shot him a look, "My father wouldn't let you marry me because you are only a man."
He narrowed his eyes. "Arwen, He's two feet shorter than her."
She sighed. "I know."
He walked across the corridor, to look out the large window at the beautiful valley of Osgdiach. Arwen's eyes followed him, knowing how confused he probably was. They had experienced the same trials when they discovered their love. That was one reason Aragorn had arranged Elenalyn's marriage to Legolas; he did not want to see her go through the same troubles he and his wife had.
"I would have not thought Frodo's feelings would be a factor, but they are." Arwen explained. "You know that Hobbit's naturally love purely and truly. Even Elenalyn has realized that Frodo truly does love her. She is very confused about how she should feel."
Aragorn nodded, knowing that this was all true.
Arwen continued, "Elenalyn is a very intelligent, kind, loving girl. She knows that if someone loves her that completely, then more than likely, she is supposed to love him just as much in return. She does not feel that way yet; or at least not yet to my knowledge."
Aragorn turned to her. "Do you feel it is better for me to break the betrothal to Legolas, and than hope Elenalyn comes to love Frodo? Do you believe they can cross the obvious barriers against their being together?"
Arwen shook her head. "I don't have a real answer to any of those questions. I do know that we should wait for Elenalyn to tell us how she feels, and what she would wish us to do."
He raised his eyebrows, "Do you expect me to change my judgement according to an 18 year old girl's desires?"
Arwen just shook her head, "No, but we should take them into account, as she is our daughter. She is intelligent, capable of making her own decisions, and above all, we want her to be happy."
"Im mere an tyaro ilya nat i Laure Tinme Niphredil." Aragorn declared quietly to his wife, as he hugged her tightly.
'I want to do all things for the Golden Starflower.'
Arwen smiled, looking deeply into Aragorn's eyes. "I know." Then, he leaned down and kissed her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Aragorn later called Elenalyn to the throne room, so he and Arwen could talk to her.
Elenalyn walked in, still radiating something about her that showed her inner strength renewed.
"Elenalyn, I have been told that you are unhappy with your arranged marriage to Legolas." Aragorn started out.
She nodded. "I do not love him. I never shall love him. My heart belongs to another."
At this, Aragorn and Arwen looked at each other. Arwen realized something happened that she did not know about.
"Who is this other male whom you've given your affections to?" Aragorn asked.
Elenalyn held her head up high, took a deep breath, and hoped her parents wouldn't laugh. "I love Frodo."
Aragorn seemed to sink a little into his magnificent throne. Arwen turned to look at him, a slightly worried expression on her face. Their daughter had worked herself into an interesting situation.
"Frodo." Her father repeated quietly.
"Yes."
"You would rather us tell Legolas the betrothal is off, and marry Frodo?"
Elenalyn sighed. "I know this seems an impossible situation. Hobbits can't be with Elves or Men for obvious reasons. But, that does not change the fact that Frodo and I have fallen for each other. Neither of us meant for that to happen. Even though we love each other, we will probably never be able to be together as our love was meant to be. I have to say though, that I cannot bear to be given to one man, while my heart lives with another. Uume kara im kuile ta laisi."
'Do not make me live that life.'
Aragorn sat up, surprised. "You misunderstand us, my daughter. We do not want you to live a life like that, either. We want you to be happy. I am glad you have realized why you and Frodo cannot be together. I would like to see you two together; see what others have. I wish that you could be together as you wish to be. I do not care for the barriers of race, but this which I wish to make an exception on, is probably the most difficult to do so. I do not want you to be forced into a marriage in which you do not want to partake. Have you spoken to Legolas about how you feel?"
Elenalyn cringed slightly. "I have told him I do not want to marry him, rule Mirkwood, and do not love him. He asked me then if there was someone else, and at that time, there was none. I have not told him of my affections for Frodo. I cannot say if Frodo has told him, though."
Arwen spoke up then, "What was his reaction to your announcement?"
"He was surprised, and, I think, disappointed. I do not know how he would react to my feelings for Frodo."
"I think it is best at this time, if none of us said anything to Legolas yet, as nothing is yet set in stone. Tell him not of Frodo." Aragorn contemplated the situation for a few seconds, before continuing. "In 6 months time, we will have hopefully found the answer to our problem." He smiled at his wife and daughter. "Now, I do not know about you two, but I am getting hungry. What do you say we sit down for dinner?"
Arwen and Elenalyn nodded. Elenalyn was glad her parents understood her feelings, and the situation. She knew her father was very smart, so she was confident he would find a way for her to be happy.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Frodo, meanwhile, had decided to go back to the Shire. He missed his friends and Bag End dearly. He rode the little pony, Bill back through the Misty Mountains to the Shire, stopping in Bree very briefly. He had not felt this good since he had awoken in the House of Healing in Minas Tirith after thinking he would die in Mordor. He never knew he could feel this way. He thought the feeling of loving Elenalyn was wonderful, but knowing that she loved him in return was elating. He couldn't wait to get back home to tell Sam, Merry, and Pippin.
He came riding up to Bag End, tired but happy. Little Gard was the first to seem him, and called out to him as he came riding up.
"Uncle Frodo!" He cried out, giddy with excitement. Little Gard came running down from the green door of Bag End. Frodo leaned down and picked him off the ground, while Gard squealed in delight. The door opened and Sam and Rose stood in the doorway, smiling. He walked up to the door, a huge smile on his face. Sam looked at him curiously.
"I must say, Frodo," Sam said, a smirk growing on his face. "you looked like you were on the brink of death before you left, and now…you seem to have a new light about you. Whatever happened to you while you were gone, I'm glad it did!
Frodo looked at him, smiling, "I'm glad it happened as well, Sam."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
After supper, Frodo had managed to sneak to his room to be alone. He sat on his bed, paper, pen, and book in hand, trying to write a very important piece of literature. He wrote down the last word, with a flourish, just as there was a knock at the door.
"Who is it?"
The door opened slightly, and Pippin poked his head out. "Hello, Frodo! Care to join all of us in a picnic by the river?"
Frodo just smiled. He would rather be alone. "Thanks, Pippin. Not today."
Pippin frowned. He walked into the room, putting his hands on his hips. "You always used to be rather dreary and melancholy, and never wanted to do anything. Now you are happy and smiling; but still don't want to do anything!"
Frodo gave an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Pippin. I'll go to the 'Green Dragon' later with you all, if that makes you feel better."
Pippin shrugged, squinting his eyes into the distance, as if searching for the answer.
Merry's voice broke through his concentration, as he poked his head through the door, past Pippin, and looked at Frodo.
"What are you doing in here that is so much more fun and important than your family?"
Frodo quickly hid the book under the pillow. Merry had come completely into the room now, followed by Sam, concerned about Frodo, as usual.
"Whatever it is I'm sure it's very important, right, Frodo?" Sam looked at Frodo. Frodo just nodded, willing them to leave his room. Merry furrowed his brow, unconvinced. Pippin looked like a school professor waiting for an explanation from his student.
"Let's see how important it is!" Merry cried out as he rushed over, and grabbed the paper our of Frodo's hands, leaving everyone surprised. Frodo immediately jumped up, and started after Merry, who started jogging around the room, weaving and jumping in and out over furniture, so Frodo couldn't catch him. Pippin started chasing after Frodo, and Sam after Merry and Pippin. Merry just looked at the paper, delighted.
"Hey, look everyone! Frodo's been writing in Elvish! Good thing I know Elvish fluently now, right?" Merry grinned wickedly.
"Give it back, Merry!" Frodo protested.
"Let me think….no!" Merry laughed. "Hey, it's a poem in Elvish! A love poem!"
Pippin laughed at this, "So, Frodo's finally found someone, eh, Merry?"
"That's none of our concern until Frodo shares it with us! Now, give it back, Merry!" Sam tried to help Frodo.
"No!" Merry and Pippin both called out together. Suddenly, Merry jumped onto Frodo's dresser, stopping. The others stopped too. Merry actually looked serious.
"This…this poem is for Princess Elenalyn. Frodo, this love poem is for Aragorn's daughter."
Frodo put his hands in his pockets, shifting his weight uncomfortably. The three Hobbits looked at him, surprised and curious. He looked down at the ground, uncomfortably.
Merry cleared his throat, and started to read the Elvish.
"'Im telin an na le oloore, im telin an na le merne, im telin an na le iire. Im telin an na le estel, im telin an na le meles, telin ullume nat telin maure. Im meles le er o ullume suule, sanda, merka nura tyaro...'"
I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish, I'll be your fantasy. I'll be your hope, I'll be your love, be everything that you need. I'll love you more with every breath, truly, madly, deeply do…
Sam and Pippin walked over to Merry. They looked at the poem, all of them surprised. Sam took the paper from Merry, and continued to read.
"'Im telin an tulka, im telin an voronda ve im noota ten sinya esse, faika an laito, a! Im merne an o le mi aikasse, im merne an lutu mii oo. Im merne an lirilla ve si ullume, tenna i fanyare lanta unim.'"
I will be strong, I will be faithful because I'm counting on a new beginning, a reason for living, a deeper meaning, yeah. I want to stand with you on a mountain, I want to bathe with you in the sea. I want to lay like this forever, until the sky falls down on me.
They all stood there, silent. Frodo finally worked up enough courage, and said quietly, "May I have it back, please?"
Merry handed the poem back to Frodo. He gestured to Pippin and Sam that they should leave. He gave Frodo a quick, friendly hug, and walked out of the room. Pippin followed, squeezing Frodo's shoulder, and giving him a smile. Sam lingered a while. Frodo looked up at him, not knowing exactly what to expect. Sam looked thoughtful for a second, then smiled at him.
"Are you certain of your feelings?"
Frodo smiled. "I am not only certain of mine, I also know she loves me in return."
Sam gave him a long hug. "She makes you happy, and that is some beautiful Elvish poetry! I hope things work our for you two."
Just, then, a loud racket and squawking came from another room. Frodo and Sam looked at each other for a second: long enough for them to both agree to see what was happening. They hurried into the kitchen, to find Rose madly waving a broomstick at a very unhappy eagle. Merry and Pippin cam rushing in from another room, and all the children appeared in various doorways.
"Get out of here!" Rose shouted at the eagle. He just squawked and flapped his wings. Sam rushed to Rose, and took the broom from her, putting his arms around her shoulders.
"Rose, everything is alright. Calm down, take a deep breath." Sam said as soothingly as possible. Rose shook her head, as her entire body shuddered.
"He just swooped in, upsetting the pies, with mud flinging everywhere…! He came aimed for my head, and then flew around the room, and landed right there on that chair, but he came so fast, Sam…!"
He smiled, "I know, Rose, I know. It's alright, though. Look, the eagle has calmed down."
Merry and Pippin walked towards the eagle, carefully. Little Gard took a step forward, with the other children eagerly looking at the bird as well. Merry looked back quickly. "Stay back, children. We don't know this eagle, nor do we know where he's been."
Rose's eyes grew wide. "Oh, my! We don't know where it has been, Sam! Keep it away from the children, it might have some sort of disease!"
Pippin shook his head, "No diseases on this eagle, Rose. It's Gandalf's!" Pippin had untied a parchment connected to its leg. He had unraveled it, and was reading it.
Everyone looked up, interested at this information. Sam looked confused, "Since when did Gandalf send an eagle with a note to us?"
"Since now." Merry said with a shrug.
"Listen, everyone!" Pippin called out. "'Misters Meriadoc Brandybuck, Peregrin Took, Frodo Baggins, and Mayor Samwise Gamgee have been cordially invited to Isengard, home of the Istari and His Eminence, Gandalf the White, for a celebration and special unveiling of a project His Eminence has been laboring through for the past 20 years. Please come in haste, as this invitation is for July 4th.'" Pippin looked up at everyone. They all looked at each other in silence.
"One week from now," Frodo commented. "And we are going to be travelling on foot."
Sam sighed, "We better pack more food than for a picnic."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
