(A/N: Thanks to feanen and little-lost-one for reviewing [again haha =)]
you'll see what the surprise is *mwahaha* and as for (both of) your
theories about Calwaiel pretending to be Canyaiel- maybe she was, maybe she
wasn't. Maybe, Legolas is a little cheater? Haha maybe?)
A/N again: haha icy878, just see *don't wanna ruin it. . . too badly* and yes, *sigh* I wish I had an Elrohir, too. And thanks to Emma and Nelinde for leaving their kind words! *did I miss anyone?*
Obviously, I ran along with them, asking loudly, "Where are you taking me?"
Before being answered with, "Be quiet- you shall see in just a second." They suddenly stopped in the small pasture, without telling me. I kept on walking but was pulled back by their arms.
I was confused, "What was the point of this?"
"You are going to have to wait," Elrohir snapped before resuming in his soft voice with a hint of a grumble, "Impatient one."
Arwen let out a soft snort then Elrohir glared at her, "Do you find this amusing?"
Arwen grinned broadly, "Yes, in fact I do!"
"Well, well," Elrohir paused, "Well, don't!" Arwen just laughed. I pretended to be cross.
"I am not impatient!" I shouted back. Elrohir and Arwen fell silent. Then, they looked at each other and started laughing again. I frowned then couldn't help but laugh with them. In barely a moment, I saw Elladan coming.
"That is-"
"Elrohir!" Arwen said, covering my eyes. Arwen and Elrohir started laughing, but obviously trying to muffle it.
"Arwen? Elrohir? Can you kindly take your hands from my eyes?" I asked, crossing my arms.
"Allow me to think for a moment," Elrohir said mockingly, "No!" I groaned in an annoyed tone, but just waited. Suddenly, as quickly as it came, Elrohir and Arwen took their hands from my face.
"Look that way," Elrohir said, taking my chin and gently guiding it toward the direction from where Elladan was coming from. Alongside him was a small-but nearly full grown- horse with a golden coat and a crème color mane and tail. I let out a girlish-Elven-child squeal.
(A/N: I hate [hate hate hate] to ruin the story by interrupting like this but about the horse, it would be what we know today as a Palomino horse)
"Is that for me?" I asked excitedly.
"No," Elladan responded with a perfectly straight face, and then started laughing, "Oh, please excuse me. I could not resist- of course she is for you."
"She is not yet fully matured," Elrohir smiled upon seeing my joy, "She is a riding horse- very quick, might I add. She is about three years- a filly- and has a bit of training."
"She doesn't have a name?" I asked hopefully.
Arwen smiled, "We decided you should pick it."
I squealed even louder, "I want to name her," I paused and thought for a moment, "Malthenaur."
"A Sindarin name?" Elrohir asked, curiously but smiling. I nodded then looked at my three friends.
"Thank you so much!" I said in an overly excited voice.
Arwen laughed, "It was a gift from father."
"Send Lord Elrond my gratitude," I said, walking up to the horse but stopping right before it, noticing a small splotch of white between its eyes. The horse looked at me with big brown eyes then nuzzled my cheek with her soft nose. I laughed, shutting my eyes and enjoying the warmth. I stroked Malthenaur's neck softly and she let out a small whinny.
"Oh, thank you so much!" I said again, laughing.
"Come now," Elrohir said, "We should go out to celebrate- and buy any necessities."
"Yes, let us go now!" Arwen said, excitedly. She loved shopping. I left Malthenaur in the pasture and closed the door. I ran inside to take my cloak then left with Elladan, Elrohir, and Arwen toward the town. We stopped at one of the very few eateries. It was the nicest, more exclusive restaurants, but, and sadly to say, since I was with all of Lord Elrond's children, we got in easily.
We sat in a nice little table, and were served with assortments of fruit, nuts, and berries. We left very soon after we entered and walked around the town. It was late afternoon and many of the shops were still open. We walked into several clothing shops, where Arwen bought several dresses, and insisted I buy just one. I did- I admit, I have a weakness for things like that- and it was just one.
It was a particular pretty one, too, though plain and undecorated with no embroidery. Of course, I had to buy one that I could ride horses in, so it wasn't exactly a dress- more like a half-dress. It was almost robe-like, and a deep green soft material which was water resistant, and laced up in the front. It had a large hood extending from the back.
There were two sets of sleeves, the outer sleeve was the same material and slit to the elbow, but the inner sleeve was a crème color and not slit at all but rather wide at the hand and narrowing as it went up the arm, and then it stayed narrow from the elbow up. The skirt was in three layers and all slit down the middle in both the front and back, but when worn it would overlap the other layers.
In addition I purchased a pair of tight crème colored trousers, which could fit under the skirt of the dress. I also bought a pair of gloves, which were dark grey in color and very soft. They laced up in the exact shade of ribbon. Along with these items, I bought a pair of boots, white with grey laces and only a slight heel- I wished to ride bareback.
I tried to convince myself it was only one outfit, but it was in four pieces- a robe, trousers, gloves, and boots. Elladan and Elrohir just laughed when I attempted to explain this to them- I suppose it was a male thing.
We walked our separate ways, and once I got home, I folded my robe and trousers then placed them in the trunk. Then I put the gloves on top of them, and the boots next to the trunk. I changed into my slumber clothing and fell asleep in my bed.
The next two-hundred-thirty-four years passed quickly. I was very proud of myself- I had not spoken to my sister or my mother since then. Yes, I had seen Calwaiel in those years, but I didn't say anything to her. She tried to talk to me- she greeted me once, and I could remember the people around me at the time being shocked when I simply walked away.
I could hear them, not bothering to lower their voices- saying how rude I was- and how poor Calwaiel looked crushed, and how sweet she was, and how perfect she was. Of course, she didn't tell anyone of what she did to me. And neither did I- only Elrohir, who wouldn't tell anyone, except maybe Elladan and Arwen. Speaking of which, I had gotten considerably better with a bow and arrow- with thanks to Elrohir for teaching and training me.
It was morning. Long ago had Malthenaur died- as horses do not live for two-hundred-thirty-four years. I have her daughter by many generations, whom I had named Lúthalanthir, daughter of the stallion Belegwaew, who was of the same blood of Malthenaur.
Lúthalanthir was six years old- and very beautiful at that. She had the same golden coat as Malthenaur, but instead with a silvery mane and tail. She loved to swim, which is why I named her Lúthalanthir- 'enchanted- waterfall.'
That morning, Arwen came to visit me. I was awake for quite some time already, dressed in a plain golden dress. I walked over to the kitchen to get something to eat.
"Hello, I bid you good morning," Arwen said, walking into my home.
"Good morning," I responded, glancing quickly over my shoulder as I searched for a piece of lembas bread. I grinned to myself when I found it.
"I fear I am going on a journey," Arwen said, "For quite some time."
I stopped and turned around to look at her, "Where to?" I took a piece of the golden bread off.
"I am going to visit my grandmother- Galadriel, in Lórien," Arwen said, simply. My eyes lit up when she mentioned Lórien. I abandoned my ripped piece of bread on the table.
"Lórien? Really?" I asked, "Oh, please, take me with you!" I knew I sounded childish- but I did not care. I have wished to travel to Lórien for centuries.
Arwen just shook her head, "I asked. I tried- really, I did! Father thinks it is foolish to take a maiden along, he says that, that, she will not be able to defend herself. Mother agrees with father," she added upon seeing the look on my face.
"Oh!" I said, growling angrily, "Does Lord Elrond not know me at all? Come now, we are going to have a talk with your father!" I took Arwen by the arm who just laughed as I dragged her to the palace. We walked up the steps in a matter of minutes.
"Where is Lord Elrond?" I asked an Elven-maiden angrily. Her eyes widened in fear and she pointed toward his room. I took Arwen towards his room and knocked briskly on the door.
"Greetings, Lord Elrond," I said once he opened the door, not even listening or caring if he greeted me back, "I hear Arwen is going to Lórien."
He smiled looking amused, "Yes, yes, she is. She is going to visit her mother's mother."
"I came to ask if I could accompany her."
Lord Elrond frowned, "I am afraid that is not a wise idea."
"And why not? Arwen is not going alone- is she?"
"No, she is not."
"Then, I see no good reason why I can not accompany her! I can use a sword and a bow and arrow- I can horseback ride very well- in which I thank you again for giving me my first horse," I added softly.
"I suppose," he paused for a moment, the faintest trace of a smile upon his face, as if he knew that I would end up going, "Then you may go along with Arwen and her guards."
"Oh!" I shouted, "Thank you, Lord Elrond! You know not what this means to me- I have wanted to go to Lórien for many years."
"Thank you, father," Arwen said softly, still standing next to me, "It will be quite a relief not being the only female in the group."
"When are we going?" I asked.
"Tomorrow," Lord Elrond answered, "be here in the morning, with your horse. I can supply you with any provisions you shall need." I nodded.
"Come on, Canyaiel, let us get our last looks of Imladris," Arwen said, walking outside. I followed her.
Her words rang in my head, and I started to wonder, would I ever come back? Then I quickly dismissed my thoughts- what was there in Imladris?
Nothing.
There was nothing here for me. We walked through the small town, with its perfect elegant white buildings all with vines of gold crawling up and down the pillars.
"Why are we here? We were just here yesterday," I said upon realizing that we were back in the town.
"Canyaiel, you are one of my closest friends- a shadow haunts your mind. I can feel it."
"There is nothing wrong-"
She sighed, "You are quite stubborn." I felt my eyes widen a bit. Stubborn- that word rang in my head. I had not heard that word from anyone since, Calwaiel. My mind floated back to when I called him stubborn.
I could see it all in my head, as if I was watching someone else doing my actions- not as if it was actually me- I was dressed in the beautiful purple dress. 'You are so stubborn! Sometimes, I wish I had never met you.' My harsh words chimed in my head.
"Yes," I said slowly, reminding myself where I was, "Perhaps I am a bit stubborn. But," I glanced up toward the sky, "It is quite a nice day. Let us forget our worries and enjoy ourselves- our last day in Imladris. I do not know when I shall see these beautiful lands again."
She looked at me, a little hesitantly, but nodded in agreement, "Yes, I should like to purchase more attire."
"You have an extraordinary liking to purchasing clothes. How many items of apparel do you have?" I grinned, teasingly.
"And you have an extraordinary dislike of purchasing attire- you have not many items of apparel."
"I am not of the rich and noble, dear Arwen, and I do not have the luxury of having so many items- whether of apparel or not- but I am content."
Arwen just nodded disappointedly, and led me into yet another one of her favorite shops. She bought only one dress, and then we agreed to meet halfway along the path to each others homes so we could go horse riding. I changed into my riding clothing and took my seven year old, Lúthalanthir, to the middle of the path. I waited just a moment for Arwen, and we rode along the river.
She had very nice and noble looking riding attire- it was in the same design as mine; only hers was a purple-grey in color and had embroidery down the arms. She wore her Evenstar pendant and a beautiful belt, encrusted with small gems. In the back was a long sash.
"It is quite a beautiful day," Arwen said, looking down at the river which we were riding along. I looked at her, an idea growing in my mind.
"Nice enough for a swim." Arwen looked up at me.
"Oh, Canyaiel, we couldn't- that is so improper!" Arwen scolded gently, but a look of desire flickered in her eyes.
"Come on, Arwen, 'tis our last day here, let us enjoy ourselves!" I said, dismounting and taking my boots off. I started unlacing my gloves, and with just a bit of difficulty, I succeeded in taking them off.
"You are serious." It was not a question, but more of a statement. I looked up at her, pausing in unlacing the front of my robe. Arwen dismounted and started taking off her boots, too.
I smiled, "You are going to join me." She smiled and nodded, taking off her gloves, with more difficulty- her laces went up her arms far higher. I took off my robe, standing in just my trousers and the undershirt of the robe, the flowing sleeves of the crème shirt hung limply, covering my hands. I waited for a moment as Arwen took the robe off and stood in the same clothing I did.
"Are you really going to-" I jumped in the water, not hearing anymore of her question. The cool translucent light blue water surrounded me, my long dark hair floating at the top. It was so refreshing and clean- pure. I kicked my feet and rose to the surface.
"Come now, Arwen!" She laughed and jumped in then swam to the surface.
"It is quite cool," Arwen said as she fingered through her dark auburn hair, "You are wearing the necklace," she looked down where the necklace hung.
I nodded, "Yes, I am. Thank you, again." I looked over to the nearby shore, where our horses were. Lúthalanthir looked over at us, before she started walking into the water.
Arwen laughed, "Tolo, Maranwo, nen maer!" I looked up to watch whether Maranwo would come in the water or not- he did, but slowly. I laughed; this large beautiful white horse was scared of a bit of water. Once Maranwo did go into the water, Lúthalanthir nuzzled his neck softly.
Arwen and I laughed as we watched our horses. We swam around in circles, splashing each other and laughing. Suddenly, I thought I heard a shout off in the distance.
"Did you hear that?" Arwen just looked at me, shaking her head. I strained my ears, then I heard the unmistakable shout of 'Arwen, where are you?'
Arwen's eyes widened, "That's my mother." We raced each other back to the shore then realized we had nothing to dry ourselves with. I placed the boots over my wet feet, ignoring the uncomfortable feeling, and draped the robe around me, only tying it loosely. I held my gloves in my hand as I mounted Lúthalanthir. Arwen and I had both just mounted, when we heard Lady Celebrían call Arwen's name again. We rode in that direction and found her.
"Oh, Arwen, I have been looking everywhere for you. You should start getting ready for the trip tomorrow." Arwen nodded.
"I shall see you tomorrow," she called over her shoulder as she dismounted and led her horse toward the palace with her mother. I looked up at the sky as I started riding toward my home.
I couldn't help but think that this would be the last time I looked up at the beautiful rose colored sky of Imladris. I will come back- it is just a matter of when. Right? That's what I convinced myself anyway. I had never left the walls of this city- what was the outside like?
I led Lúthalanthir into her stable, "Good night, Lúthalanthir, rest well, for we have quite a journey ahead of us," I was unsure of myself. I walked back to my home, changed into my slumber wear but could not fall asleep easily. After hours of thinking, I finally was able to rest, but only for an hour.
I looked outside- the sun would rise in just a few minutes. I eagerly changed into my riding clothes, which were still a little damp from the night before. I took my cloak and wrapped it around me. Walking into the kitchen, I ate the last bit of lembas bread that was still laying abandoned on the table.
I took my bow, quiver full of arrows, and sword. I placed the quiver on my back, then placed the sword and bow in-between my back and the quiver. I locked the chest. I walked back to my bedroom and opened my trunk, checking to see if I had forgotten anything- I didn't.
Then, it caught my eye. I took the little piece of wrinkled yellow paper, and placed it in my cloak pocket. It was something to hold on to- something to remind me of the horrible past of Imladris- something to remind me of home, should I need any more reminding.
I shut the trunk and locked it. I walked over to where my small box was, filled with hair pins. I combed my hair and braided it so it would not get in my way during riding. I placed as many hair pins into my hair as possible, for I wouldn't be able to bring any sacks with anything except for food and drink. I looked in the mirror.
If there ever was a woman-Elven-warrior, I surely looked like one. I noticed a faint glimmer from my neck as I pulled the cloak over my head. I smiled and gently fingered the beautiful necklace. Then, I walked outside toward the stables and led Lúthalanthir toward the palace.
I glanced at my home. When would the next time be that I saw it? I ignored these thoughts and started walking faster. Lúthalanthir looked a little surprised at my quickened pace, but walked alongside me nevertheless.
I would come back- I hoped.
A/N again: haha icy878, just see *don't wanna ruin it. . . too badly* and yes, *sigh* I wish I had an Elrohir, too. And thanks to Emma and Nelinde for leaving their kind words! *did I miss anyone?*
Obviously, I ran along with them, asking loudly, "Where are you taking me?"
Before being answered with, "Be quiet- you shall see in just a second." They suddenly stopped in the small pasture, without telling me. I kept on walking but was pulled back by their arms.
I was confused, "What was the point of this?"
"You are going to have to wait," Elrohir snapped before resuming in his soft voice with a hint of a grumble, "Impatient one."
Arwen let out a soft snort then Elrohir glared at her, "Do you find this amusing?"
Arwen grinned broadly, "Yes, in fact I do!"
"Well, well," Elrohir paused, "Well, don't!" Arwen just laughed. I pretended to be cross.
"I am not impatient!" I shouted back. Elrohir and Arwen fell silent. Then, they looked at each other and started laughing again. I frowned then couldn't help but laugh with them. In barely a moment, I saw Elladan coming.
"That is-"
"Elrohir!" Arwen said, covering my eyes. Arwen and Elrohir started laughing, but obviously trying to muffle it.
"Arwen? Elrohir? Can you kindly take your hands from my eyes?" I asked, crossing my arms.
"Allow me to think for a moment," Elrohir said mockingly, "No!" I groaned in an annoyed tone, but just waited. Suddenly, as quickly as it came, Elrohir and Arwen took their hands from my face.
"Look that way," Elrohir said, taking my chin and gently guiding it toward the direction from where Elladan was coming from. Alongside him was a small-but nearly full grown- horse with a golden coat and a crème color mane and tail. I let out a girlish-Elven-child squeal.
(A/N: I hate [hate hate hate] to ruin the story by interrupting like this but about the horse, it would be what we know today as a Palomino horse)
"Is that for me?" I asked excitedly.
"No," Elladan responded with a perfectly straight face, and then started laughing, "Oh, please excuse me. I could not resist- of course she is for you."
"She is not yet fully matured," Elrohir smiled upon seeing my joy, "She is a riding horse- very quick, might I add. She is about three years- a filly- and has a bit of training."
"She doesn't have a name?" I asked hopefully.
Arwen smiled, "We decided you should pick it."
I squealed even louder, "I want to name her," I paused and thought for a moment, "Malthenaur."
"A Sindarin name?" Elrohir asked, curiously but smiling. I nodded then looked at my three friends.
"Thank you so much!" I said in an overly excited voice.
Arwen laughed, "It was a gift from father."
"Send Lord Elrond my gratitude," I said, walking up to the horse but stopping right before it, noticing a small splotch of white between its eyes. The horse looked at me with big brown eyes then nuzzled my cheek with her soft nose. I laughed, shutting my eyes and enjoying the warmth. I stroked Malthenaur's neck softly and she let out a small whinny.
"Oh, thank you so much!" I said again, laughing.
"Come now," Elrohir said, "We should go out to celebrate- and buy any necessities."
"Yes, let us go now!" Arwen said, excitedly. She loved shopping. I left Malthenaur in the pasture and closed the door. I ran inside to take my cloak then left with Elladan, Elrohir, and Arwen toward the town. We stopped at one of the very few eateries. It was the nicest, more exclusive restaurants, but, and sadly to say, since I was with all of Lord Elrond's children, we got in easily.
We sat in a nice little table, and were served with assortments of fruit, nuts, and berries. We left very soon after we entered and walked around the town. It was late afternoon and many of the shops were still open. We walked into several clothing shops, where Arwen bought several dresses, and insisted I buy just one. I did- I admit, I have a weakness for things like that- and it was just one.
It was a particular pretty one, too, though plain and undecorated with no embroidery. Of course, I had to buy one that I could ride horses in, so it wasn't exactly a dress- more like a half-dress. It was almost robe-like, and a deep green soft material which was water resistant, and laced up in the front. It had a large hood extending from the back.
There were two sets of sleeves, the outer sleeve was the same material and slit to the elbow, but the inner sleeve was a crème color and not slit at all but rather wide at the hand and narrowing as it went up the arm, and then it stayed narrow from the elbow up. The skirt was in three layers and all slit down the middle in both the front and back, but when worn it would overlap the other layers.
In addition I purchased a pair of tight crème colored trousers, which could fit under the skirt of the dress. I also bought a pair of gloves, which were dark grey in color and very soft. They laced up in the exact shade of ribbon. Along with these items, I bought a pair of boots, white with grey laces and only a slight heel- I wished to ride bareback.
I tried to convince myself it was only one outfit, but it was in four pieces- a robe, trousers, gloves, and boots. Elladan and Elrohir just laughed when I attempted to explain this to them- I suppose it was a male thing.
We walked our separate ways, and once I got home, I folded my robe and trousers then placed them in the trunk. Then I put the gloves on top of them, and the boots next to the trunk. I changed into my slumber clothing and fell asleep in my bed.
The next two-hundred-thirty-four years passed quickly. I was very proud of myself- I had not spoken to my sister or my mother since then. Yes, I had seen Calwaiel in those years, but I didn't say anything to her. She tried to talk to me- she greeted me once, and I could remember the people around me at the time being shocked when I simply walked away.
I could hear them, not bothering to lower their voices- saying how rude I was- and how poor Calwaiel looked crushed, and how sweet she was, and how perfect she was. Of course, she didn't tell anyone of what she did to me. And neither did I- only Elrohir, who wouldn't tell anyone, except maybe Elladan and Arwen. Speaking of which, I had gotten considerably better with a bow and arrow- with thanks to Elrohir for teaching and training me.
It was morning. Long ago had Malthenaur died- as horses do not live for two-hundred-thirty-four years. I have her daughter by many generations, whom I had named Lúthalanthir, daughter of the stallion Belegwaew, who was of the same blood of Malthenaur.
Lúthalanthir was six years old- and very beautiful at that. She had the same golden coat as Malthenaur, but instead with a silvery mane and tail. She loved to swim, which is why I named her Lúthalanthir- 'enchanted- waterfall.'
That morning, Arwen came to visit me. I was awake for quite some time already, dressed in a plain golden dress. I walked over to the kitchen to get something to eat.
"Hello, I bid you good morning," Arwen said, walking into my home.
"Good morning," I responded, glancing quickly over my shoulder as I searched for a piece of lembas bread. I grinned to myself when I found it.
"I fear I am going on a journey," Arwen said, "For quite some time."
I stopped and turned around to look at her, "Where to?" I took a piece of the golden bread off.
"I am going to visit my grandmother- Galadriel, in Lórien," Arwen said, simply. My eyes lit up when she mentioned Lórien. I abandoned my ripped piece of bread on the table.
"Lórien? Really?" I asked, "Oh, please, take me with you!" I knew I sounded childish- but I did not care. I have wished to travel to Lórien for centuries.
Arwen just shook her head, "I asked. I tried- really, I did! Father thinks it is foolish to take a maiden along, he says that, that, she will not be able to defend herself. Mother agrees with father," she added upon seeing the look on my face.
"Oh!" I said, growling angrily, "Does Lord Elrond not know me at all? Come now, we are going to have a talk with your father!" I took Arwen by the arm who just laughed as I dragged her to the palace. We walked up the steps in a matter of minutes.
"Where is Lord Elrond?" I asked an Elven-maiden angrily. Her eyes widened in fear and she pointed toward his room. I took Arwen towards his room and knocked briskly on the door.
"Greetings, Lord Elrond," I said once he opened the door, not even listening or caring if he greeted me back, "I hear Arwen is going to Lórien."
He smiled looking amused, "Yes, yes, she is. She is going to visit her mother's mother."
"I came to ask if I could accompany her."
Lord Elrond frowned, "I am afraid that is not a wise idea."
"And why not? Arwen is not going alone- is she?"
"No, she is not."
"Then, I see no good reason why I can not accompany her! I can use a sword and a bow and arrow- I can horseback ride very well- in which I thank you again for giving me my first horse," I added softly.
"I suppose," he paused for a moment, the faintest trace of a smile upon his face, as if he knew that I would end up going, "Then you may go along with Arwen and her guards."
"Oh!" I shouted, "Thank you, Lord Elrond! You know not what this means to me- I have wanted to go to Lórien for many years."
"Thank you, father," Arwen said softly, still standing next to me, "It will be quite a relief not being the only female in the group."
"When are we going?" I asked.
"Tomorrow," Lord Elrond answered, "be here in the morning, with your horse. I can supply you with any provisions you shall need." I nodded.
"Come on, Canyaiel, let us get our last looks of Imladris," Arwen said, walking outside. I followed her.
Her words rang in my head, and I started to wonder, would I ever come back? Then I quickly dismissed my thoughts- what was there in Imladris?
Nothing.
There was nothing here for me. We walked through the small town, with its perfect elegant white buildings all with vines of gold crawling up and down the pillars.
"Why are we here? We were just here yesterday," I said upon realizing that we were back in the town.
"Canyaiel, you are one of my closest friends- a shadow haunts your mind. I can feel it."
"There is nothing wrong-"
She sighed, "You are quite stubborn." I felt my eyes widen a bit. Stubborn- that word rang in my head. I had not heard that word from anyone since, Calwaiel. My mind floated back to when I called him stubborn.
I could see it all in my head, as if I was watching someone else doing my actions- not as if it was actually me- I was dressed in the beautiful purple dress. 'You are so stubborn! Sometimes, I wish I had never met you.' My harsh words chimed in my head.
"Yes," I said slowly, reminding myself where I was, "Perhaps I am a bit stubborn. But," I glanced up toward the sky, "It is quite a nice day. Let us forget our worries and enjoy ourselves- our last day in Imladris. I do not know when I shall see these beautiful lands again."
She looked at me, a little hesitantly, but nodded in agreement, "Yes, I should like to purchase more attire."
"You have an extraordinary liking to purchasing clothes. How many items of apparel do you have?" I grinned, teasingly.
"And you have an extraordinary dislike of purchasing attire- you have not many items of apparel."
"I am not of the rich and noble, dear Arwen, and I do not have the luxury of having so many items- whether of apparel or not- but I am content."
Arwen just nodded disappointedly, and led me into yet another one of her favorite shops. She bought only one dress, and then we agreed to meet halfway along the path to each others homes so we could go horse riding. I changed into my riding clothing and took my seven year old, Lúthalanthir, to the middle of the path. I waited just a moment for Arwen, and we rode along the river.
She had very nice and noble looking riding attire- it was in the same design as mine; only hers was a purple-grey in color and had embroidery down the arms. She wore her Evenstar pendant and a beautiful belt, encrusted with small gems. In the back was a long sash.
"It is quite a beautiful day," Arwen said, looking down at the river which we were riding along. I looked at her, an idea growing in my mind.
"Nice enough for a swim." Arwen looked up at me.
"Oh, Canyaiel, we couldn't- that is so improper!" Arwen scolded gently, but a look of desire flickered in her eyes.
"Come on, Arwen, 'tis our last day here, let us enjoy ourselves!" I said, dismounting and taking my boots off. I started unlacing my gloves, and with just a bit of difficulty, I succeeded in taking them off.
"You are serious." It was not a question, but more of a statement. I looked up at her, pausing in unlacing the front of my robe. Arwen dismounted and started taking off her boots, too.
I smiled, "You are going to join me." She smiled and nodded, taking off her gloves, with more difficulty- her laces went up her arms far higher. I took off my robe, standing in just my trousers and the undershirt of the robe, the flowing sleeves of the crème shirt hung limply, covering my hands. I waited for a moment as Arwen took the robe off and stood in the same clothing I did.
"Are you really going to-" I jumped in the water, not hearing anymore of her question. The cool translucent light blue water surrounded me, my long dark hair floating at the top. It was so refreshing and clean- pure. I kicked my feet and rose to the surface.
"Come now, Arwen!" She laughed and jumped in then swam to the surface.
"It is quite cool," Arwen said as she fingered through her dark auburn hair, "You are wearing the necklace," she looked down where the necklace hung.
I nodded, "Yes, I am. Thank you, again." I looked over to the nearby shore, where our horses were. Lúthalanthir looked over at us, before she started walking into the water.
Arwen laughed, "Tolo, Maranwo, nen maer!" I looked up to watch whether Maranwo would come in the water or not- he did, but slowly. I laughed; this large beautiful white horse was scared of a bit of water. Once Maranwo did go into the water, Lúthalanthir nuzzled his neck softly.
Arwen and I laughed as we watched our horses. We swam around in circles, splashing each other and laughing. Suddenly, I thought I heard a shout off in the distance.
"Did you hear that?" Arwen just looked at me, shaking her head. I strained my ears, then I heard the unmistakable shout of 'Arwen, where are you?'
Arwen's eyes widened, "That's my mother." We raced each other back to the shore then realized we had nothing to dry ourselves with. I placed the boots over my wet feet, ignoring the uncomfortable feeling, and draped the robe around me, only tying it loosely. I held my gloves in my hand as I mounted Lúthalanthir. Arwen and I had both just mounted, when we heard Lady Celebrían call Arwen's name again. We rode in that direction and found her.
"Oh, Arwen, I have been looking everywhere for you. You should start getting ready for the trip tomorrow." Arwen nodded.
"I shall see you tomorrow," she called over her shoulder as she dismounted and led her horse toward the palace with her mother. I looked up at the sky as I started riding toward my home.
I couldn't help but think that this would be the last time I looked up at the beautiful rose colored sky of Imladris. I will come back- it is just a matter of when. Right? That's what I convinced myself anyway. I had never left the walls of this city- what was the outside like?
I led Lúthalanthir into her stable, "Good night, Lúthalanthir, rest well, for we have quite a journey ahead of us," I was unsure of myself. I walked back to my home, changed into my slumber wear but could not fall asleep easily. After hours of thinking, I finally was able to rest, but only for an hour.
I looked outside- the sun would rise in just a few minutes. I eagerly changed into my riding clothes, which were still a little damp from the night before. I took my cloak and wrapped it around me. Walking into the kitchen, I ate the last bit of lembas bread that was still laying abandoned on the table.
I took my bow, quiver full of arrows, and sword. I placed the quiver on my back, then placed the sword and bow in-between my back and the quiver. I locked the chest. I walked back to my bedroom and opened my trunk, checking to see if I had forgotten anything- I didn't.
Then, it caught my eye. I took the little piece of wrinkled yellow paper, and placed it in my cloak pocket. It was something to hold on to- something to remind me of the horrible past of Imladris- something to remind me of home, should I need any more reminding.
I shut the trunk and locked it. I walked over to where my small box was, filled with hair pins. I combed my hair and braided it so it would not get in my way during riding. I placed as many hair pins into my hair as possible, for I wouldn't be able to bring any sacks with anything except for food and drink. I looked in the mirror.
If there ever was a woman-Elven-warrior, I surely looked like one. I noticed a faint glimmer from my neck as I pulled the cloak over my head. I smiled and gently fingered the beautiful necklace. Then, I walked outside toward the stables and led Lúthalanthir toward the palace.
I glanced at my home. When would the next time be that I saw it? I ignored these thoughts and started walking faster. Lúthalanthir looked a little surprised at my quickened pace, but walked alongside me nevertheless.
I would come back- I hoped.
