Chapter 3

          Many years passed and both Mylea and Arwen grew to the oldest they would ever be. Spending thousands of years together they virtually became sisters. Mylea loved Elrond and Arwen and cried when Celebrian decided to leave. She had been the closest thing to a mother Mylea had ever had. One thing had not changed; she and Arwen relied on each other now more than ever.

          Arwen had fallen in love with Aragorn a man who had come to Rivendell as a boy for the protection of the elves. Mylea knew that Arwen would never love another. She herself had remained empty of such promises. Mylea seemed to hold herself back from the love of another fearing it would be gone too fast.

          As the sun set on a misty afternoon Mylea glided out among the many elves who had become her family over the years. Her keen eyes spotted Arwen a few yards away hidden in an embrace with Aragorn. She smiled to herself; she knew that Arwen had been waiting a long time for something this pure.

          "Mylea?" A voice came from behind her.

          Mylea turned swiftly and saw Elladan, one of Arwen's brothers standing before her. She smiled and hugged him and then patiently waited for what he had to say.

          "I just needed to speak with you…about something…important." Elladan stammered.

          "Why of course, now what is so important it could not wait after our feast?" Mylea asked with a giggle.

          "Well…we've known each other for too many years and I have not said what I have felt for so long…"

          "Mylea!" Arwen's voice echoed.

          Mylea's attention had been broken and she turned to her best friend, who was gripping the hand of Aragorn.

          "What news dear Arwen?"

          Arwen grinned from ear to ear and a flash of red crept into her cheeks.

          "We have news and we wanted to tell you first Mylea." Aragorn announced.

          "Well what is it?"

          Elladan stood and had the same expression of curiosity that Mylea carried, although he was infuriated with his sister barging in at the wrong time.

          "I have asked Arwen to marry me and she has accepted to be mine." Aragorn spoke and held Arwen tightly to his side.

          "Oh my goodness, I felt this day would come and I could not be more happier for you both." Mylea exclaimed and hugged each of them.

          "Arwen…have you spoke to father about this?" Elladan cut in.

          "No…" Arwen answered her eyes falling to the ground.

          "Arwen…father wants you to go to the Grey Havens, you know this." Elladan spoke condescendingly.

          "But I love him and I have already chosen a mortal life!"

          "Elladan, please do not ruin this special moment. Arwen's heart is her own." Mylea commented.

          Arwen gave a grateful smile to Mylea and then the announcement that dinner was prepared came. Arwen turned shrewdly away from Elladan and she hooked arms with Mylea. Mylea, Arwen, and Aragorn walked inside leaving Elladan to himself.

          As the night drew to a close Arwen spoke goodnight to Aragorn in their secret place on the bridge. She whispered things in his ears and caressed his face with her delicate hands. Aragorn held her close and stroked her long brunette locks of hair.

          "Aragorn you will not let them talk you out of it, will you?" Arwen asked looking deeply into his eyes.

          "Never, but I will understand if you change your mind my love, you give up immortality and that is something that can't be taken back."

          "I choose you, you are what matters most."

          With that Aragorn kissed her softly and walked her back to the home of Elrond. She kissed him one last time and entered feeling as if she were floating in thin air. She hurried to her bedroom and found Mylea reading.

          "Mylea I cannot tell you how happy I am."

          "I am glad for you Arwen, you know I love you both. I just will miss you when you leave us, you were the first person I ever really trusted." Mylea said sadly, trying to not show that tears were welling in her eyes.

          Arwen came and sat next Mylea and placed an arm around her shoulders. She brushed some of Mylea's fiery hair from her face and smiled.

          "I'm not leaving really…I know you will come visit me often. Its just we cannot stay here, father will not see me this way."

          "I know…where will you go, Gondor?"

          "Yes, Aragorn has decided to take his place in the kingdom. The people need him desperately, and I shall not leave his side."

          Mylea pushed a faint smile out of herself.

          "Well then I shall come often and watch all your children grow up." Mylea spoke with a soft laugh.

          "You shall be their favorite aunt." Arwen added and hugged her.

          Elladan entered his father's chambers with fury. Elrond sensed his coming and already had himself sitting at his table ready for the conversation.

          "Father do you know of Arwen and Aragorn?" Elladan hollered slapping his hand down on the desk.

          "Yes, I know what they are planning Elladan and I do not like it."

          "What can we do?"

          "I'm afraid I am powerless over Arwen but Aragorn might be different." Elrond now stood up, and paced the room.

          "Aragorn? He is in love with her, I see it in his eyes, he will not be swayed."

          "He will if he knows it is for the good of Arwen."

          With that final word Elrond grinned and patted his son's shoulder.

          "It is not that I don't want your sister's happiness, but she must go to the Grey Havens with Mylea."

          "Mylea?"

          "Yes, Mylea must go as well, two elves as precious as them cannot stay in Middle Earth much longer."

          The next day Aragorn received urgent word from Eomer and was planning to depart for Rohan. Orcs had been set lose again and Saruman was not going to give up easily.

          Aragorn sharpened his sword and packed himself little food and water. He would travel light so he would not be tracked. It was already a risk that he was bringing Gimli, a dwarf that was very precocious. As he readied himself Arwen entered and looked around shocked.

          "Where are you going?"

          "I must go to Rohan, Eomer needs my help it seems their people are being run out by armies of orcs."

          "No, don't go." Arwen pleaded and pulled him towards her.

          "I must my love, but I will return, I promise."

          "And you would never break a promise to me."

          "Never." Aragorn spoke and whipped a tear away from Arwen's bright eyes.

          Mylea stood next to Arwen as they watched Aragorn mount his horse and blow one last kiss to Arwen as her set off. He was gone as quickly as he mounted his horse and Arwen looked after him as if his shadow was still near.