Nine Companions, One Evenstar

By: Arythiel

Disclaimer: I do not own The Lord of the Rings, or any of Tolkien's creations.

Genre: Angst/Romance (AN: This story will actually have just about every genre in it.)

Rating: PG-13

Summary: AU- What if Frodo hadn't healed in time for the Fellowship to depart? Frodo must go with the fellowship, but along with him shall come an elf-nurse, Arwen Evenstar. What events shall change? What will Aragorn think?

~*~**~***~**~*~ Chapter Two Leaving Home ~*~**~***~**~*~

It was far past midnight, and the stars were out, creating a beautiful painting across the sky. An elf-maiden sat among her sleeping counterparts, humming softly. Arwen thought back to the day's events. She knew it would be but the first of many tiring days.

"Arwen, are you sure this is what you wish?" Elrond asked, "it is not to late to change your mind." The Fellowship would be leaving soon, everyone knew that Arwen's decision was not a hastily made one, but was true. Gimli seemed to take it the hardest, but everyone knew it was Aragorn who worried the most.

Arwen nodded, "Yes, father. I am as ready now as I will ever be, I fear that my companions will never accept me. Most of all, Aragorn." She looked at herself, inspecting for what might be wrong. She was clad in black leggings and a dark green tunic. Gauntlets and softly made elven boots completed the uniform. A large pouch at her waist held bottled ingredients, powders, and other various mixtures used to heal. Her elven sword was sheathed behind her back, and finally a dagger wrought with spells for the protection of the Evenstar was hidden in her boot. It was meager protection, but carrying a bow would just be cause of a burden for she was much more skilled with knives.

The Lord of Rivendell smiled, "You remind me so much of your mother. Do not worry, for soon enough they will realize just how important you are to the Fellowship." He turned to pick up a box on a table behind him, "I have something for you, I hope it will prove useful on the Quest." He opened the box to reveal a charm bracelet. "This belonged to your mother. I was going to save it for the day we reached Valinor," he got a far-away look, "but now seems to be a more appropriate time. It is fashioned with the grace of all the Valar. I hope that it will help you find your inner strength. To Celebrian, it was a beacon of light in dark places, but I am sure you will find your own meaning for it."

Arwen was speechless, "Thank you, father. There is naught else I can say, but thank you." She looked at him, knowing that this may be the last time they ever spoke. "Namarie."

She stiffened at the sound of someone clearing his throat behind her. She turned it was Aragorn. "You wished to speak with me, Lord Elrond?" Arwen gave her father a smile of gratitude and returned to tend to Frodo.

As she walked in Frodo exclaimed, "You look not like an elf maiden. You resemble more a soldier returning from a great adventure."

She smiled, "No, I would that my adventure was over and it has not yet begun. So, Frodo, are you ready for this?" Arwen asked, while slipping the gauntlet back over her arm. She felt a great deal of relief and hope.

The hobbit sighed, "It does not matter. For whether or not I am ready, I must still depart. But if you wish for details, I could use some medicine on my shoulder, for it is stinging with great pain."

"Frodo Baggins, do not despair. You have great friends to stand by you and help you bear this burden. Though, I am sure none can understand the mental distress you still go through." She waited a moment to continue, "however, there is one pain that I can cure."

Frodo slid his shirt over his head as the elf removed the bottle of paste. She lathered it on and re-wrapped the bandage. As she was putting her ingredients away she noticed the mithril mail. "That is a very beautiful coat of mail you have. I hope it will aid you."

"As do I."

~*~**~***~**~*~

"The ring bearer is setting out a on quest to judge the fate of Middle- Earth. Those that go with him, know that no bond nor oath shall be laid upon you to go farther than you will. Now, may the blessings of Elves, Men, and all the free peoples of Middle-Earth aid you." Elrond said, giving his last words of blessing to the Fellowship. Arwen bowed her head; this was it.

Frodo led the way out of The Last Homely House, leaving Arwen's heart behind.

~*~**~***~**~*~

'Fate is fickle thing, and an ironic thing at that.' She mused to herself. Gimli grunted loudly behind her, lost deep in sleep. She rolled her eyes. Arwen bore no dislike for the dwarf, but did not appreciate the way he undermined her. The entire day he had been constantly asking her if she would rather go at a "lady's pace." She merely told him that the pace they were at was quite to her liking, if not too easy for her. Unfortunately, Gimli was not the only one speaking to her in that manner. Boromir considered her a joke, Aragorn considered her a liability and Legolas told her that he thought her perfectly capable of what lay ahead, but she could tell it was lies.

The rest of the Fellowship however was perfectly pleasant. She found Pippin and Merry's antics to be quite amusing while Sam's folk songs were many masterpieces to listen to. Frodo was quiet, but still seemed at ease and that put Arwen's mind at peace. Gandalf was a wonderful companion to speak with; he had such a knowledgeable mind and seemed to be the only one that recognized her true potential.

She looked to the stars saying, "It seems to be considered able to do the work that others do, you must be able to do twice the work." Indeed, she would have to work twice if not three times harder than the others did in the Fellowship to prove herself worthy. "Such is the presence of a female."

She examined her mother's bracelet; she had named the "Grace of the Valar." Small life-like figures hung from the chain. Each had their own light; she named the Lords of the Valar off in her head, 'Manwe, Ulmo, Aule, Orome, Mandos, Lorien, and Tulkas.' Then named the Valier, Queens of the Valar, 'Varda, Yavanna, Nienna, Este, Vaire, Vana, and Nessa.'

Manwe, Lord of the Wind, for all beasts that can fly and all great winds are of his doing.

Varda, Lady of the Stars, Elbereth. She was most like the Evenstar.

Ulmo, Lord of the Waters, a terrible force like the waves of the ocean.

Aule, the Lord of the Crafts, and creator of the Dwarves. If you ever told a dwarf of this they would think it nonsense.

Yavanna, Giver of Fruits, she loves all that grows in Middle-Earth.

Mandos, Keeper of the Houses of the Dead. He is the summoner of all spirits that have been slain.

Vaire, the Weaver. She weaves all things that have ever been put in time.

Lorien, the Master of Vision and Dreams. Lothlorien is his garden.

Este the gentle, Healer of all Pain. Grey is her raiment and rest is her gift.

Nienne, the creator of Lamentation. She brings strength to the spirits of the dead.

Tulkas the Valiant. He is greatest in strength and prowess.

Nessa, the fleet-footed. She is a lover of deer and often runs amongst them.

Orome, the Hunter of Monsters and Lord of the Forests.

Vana, the ever young. All flowers spring from her coming.

Arwen smiled, "The Grace of the Valar is with me, I should hope that it will help for the perilous days ahead."

~*~**~***~**~*~

Not being able to sleep, Aragorn listened to Arwen's outer thoughts. He worried for her. He loved her dearly, for she meant more to him than the Moon and stars. He never meant to hurt her, but did not want to bring death upon her. However, she may have no way to escape it. 'I remember what Lord Elrond told me before we departed.'

"Aragorn, you are reaching your final test. Whether or not you conquer this evil that has dirtied the blood of men is your decision and will. The skill of the Elves can remake the sword the of Kings, but only you have the power to wield it." Elrond said solemnly.

"I do not want that power, I have never wanted it."

"You are the last of the bloodline, there is no other." Elrond said, "You know what lies ahead, the seduction of the Ring will test you. This will not be the only thing that tests you."

"What, more?"

"I know how you let Arwen go. It must have seemed like wisdom and the right thing, but it may be this choice that will be her end. In that case, you will still bring her to death." The Lord of Rivendell spoke softly.

Aragorn looked up at him in disbelief, "How can you say this to me now? I let her go to ensure that I will not be her doom and now you tell me that I have found another way of causing it?"

"It is best to not try to avoid fate, for fate will have its way. I think this decision you have made about Arwen will not only affect the two of you, but the future of many."

"Days ago you told me to let her go, why now?"

"Because now I see that the grace of the Evenstar is diminishing. She is slowly losing strength. The only way an elf can die is if they are mortally injured or lose their individual light, their reason to love, hope, live. Arwen may have lost her light." Elrond paused, then continued; "Now, this may not be true, but it is very likely. She will grow quieter and less lively until she loses the will to live. Aragorn, if you see this happening then you must do everything within your power to stop it. Her demise will be in Middle-Earth, but I would rather she be with you, or even be killed in battle. No death can be worse for an elf, having experienced something like it; I do not want Arwen to face it. Not Arwen, not the Evenstar."

"When did you feel this sadness, if I may ask?" Aragorn questioned.

Elrond got a faraway look, "When Celebrian died."

~*~**~***~**~*~

Hey everyone! What do you think? I hope this chapter wasn't too boring. It's very hard to write a story like this because I am putting movie context into it and at the same time trying to make it in book time. It's very hard. Please review! If I can get 40 then...well, I'll be happy and get out an exciting chapter!