Disclaimer: Sadly I do not own anything in the story. I wish I did, but I don't.
Summary: AU After the death of his friend Aragorn falls into depression and there may only be one person who can draw him out of it.
How Can I Survive
Chapter 3
It had been two days since Arwen's arrival and all the guests for the feast were due to turn up. Elrond dearly hoped that Thranduil was going to come, as did Elladan and Elrohir.
Aragorn did leave his room, but he was still not acting how a young man should. He would always be by himself and he wouldn't eat. Elladan was glad that his brother had listened to him, but he still wished he could do something to lighten the man's heart. He knew Aragorn wasn't at fault for what happened. He also knew Aragorn blamed himself, and it seemed like the man was the only one who didn't know that, that wasn't the truth.
It was late afternoon and Aragorn was walking by himself -as usual- through the gardens of Imladris. He was looking at a trail that led into the forest around the property. Gazing that way caused him to whimper. That was the trail that he and Legolas used to race on. Aragorn had only ever beaten his friend once, and the elf never let up about that. Thinking about this only caused more tears to fall from his face.
He seated himself against the stump of an oak tree. "I'm sorry Legolas" he whispered into the wind, the wind that was blowing his shoulder length wavy dark hair.
"You must have been very close, I am truly sad about what happened" the female voice spoke. Aragorn slightly jumped at the sound of another, for he didn't hear her come up. He turned around and relaxed. "Thank you milady, I appreciate your condolences" he said solemnly. He quickly wiped away the tears and stood up to meet the lady's gaze. "Please call me Arwen, and its okay to cry, I know I would if I lost my best friend."
The breeze was causing Arwen's long black hair to fly up away from her back and blow around in the current of air.
She sat down and motioned for Aragorn to follow. He did and he reoccupied his original spot. "I only ever met Legolas once" Arwen spoke "he came as I was departing for Lorien. But of the time I spent with him I could tell he was a really special person" she finished. "He was, he was really special." Arwen could see that Aragorn was very sad. "And from what I could tell, he was really popular with the ladies" she said hoping to make him laugh. She was successful. Aragorn let a small giggle escape his lips. "He was that too."
"Well I better be going, I have to get changed for the feast" Arwen informed the man. They both sat up. "Will you be coming" she asked. Aragorn hesitated, for he was thinking about not attending. "Yes. Yes I'll be coming." he answered. "Good, then I'll see you later." Arwen then made way for the palace.
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"Thranduil, I'm glad you could make it" Elrond greeted, with the twins right behind him. All three then bowed. "Lord Elrond, this is your home not mine, I should be the one bowing" and then Mirkwood's king did just that. "There is no need for that, I'm just glad you decided to come." Elrond said. "Elrond" Thranduil began "I hold none of you responsible for what happened. T'was not your fault nor the fault of your sons" he said motioning toward Elladan and Elrohir.
Elrond then led the group into the palace. "Glorfindel" he called. The fair haired elf appeared almost instantly. He was always on his toes now. "Could you please show Thranduil and his party to the guest rooms that were prepared for them. For I have to greet the guests" "Of course milord" Glorfindel replied motioning for Thranduil and his riders to follow him.
Elrond and the twins then went back outside to greet the others that were arriving. There were many coming from different places. Even people of small importance from Rivendell were invited. More elves from Lorien were due and the other party from Mirkwood as well.
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Arwen was in her quarters getting ready, for the feast was going to begin very soon. Her maid was helping her pick what outfit to wear and also helping her style her hair.
When she was finished she looked radiant. She was wearing a long, silk, dark violet gown that had no sleeves. It did up around the neck and it flared out at the bottom. Some of her hair was done up into a bun and the rest hung loosely down her back.
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Aragorn had told Elrond and the twins that he had decided to attend to feast. All three were overjoyed. He seemed to have been making progress. Now Estel was in his room also changing for the event. The lord of Imladris had told him he had to look nice for the feast. He had decided on navy blue leggings and a matching tunic.
He then walked out of his room and made for the ball. He seriously hoped he would not regret his decision to come. He also hoped that no one would really notice he was there. He liked to blend in. It was a big change because usually when he was with Legolas they would always stand out. Its not often you see a Mirkwood elf with a human. Especially the prince of Mirkwood and the heir of Isildur. Everything changed when he died.
He made it down to where the people would be. It looked like he was the last person. He saw Thranduil and he immediately tried to hide himself. But Thranduil saw him.
"Estel" Mirkwood's king called. "Yes milord?" the man visibly tensed at the sight of his friend's father. "I already told Elrond, but I want you to know as well. I don't blame you for what happened to my son. I am glad he had a friend as close as you. And I get the feeling you would have done the same thing for him…" "Oh I would have" Aragorn cut off Thranduil. "And I appreciate that. Please do not fear that I hold you responsible." the king finished. "I don't and I thank you." the Dunadain replied. Thranduil patted him on the back and then walked over to his previous conversation.
Aragorn relaxed after he talked to Thranduil. He was glad to find out that the elf didn't blame him. But that didn't change the fact that he still blamed himself.
Something else then caught his attention. He saw Arwen waving to him to go over to her. She was standing with Elladan and Elrohir. He obeyed and walked over to the others.
"Good evening" he said as he approached them. "No need to be so formal Estel" Elrohir joked. The three siblings laughed but Aragorn stayed stern only smiling a little bit. Elladan laid a hand on Aragorn's shoulder. He knew how hard the man was taking to loss of Legolas. For he remembered what he had to just to get him out of his room.
"If you'll excuse me, I see Ireth and I would like to talk to her" Arwen said disappearing off into the crowd. "Ireth is Arwen's best friend. They only met about a year before Arwen left but they were inseparable when she was living here." Elrohir explained. "I think she reminds Pityon of his daughter because he is very protective of her" Elladan joked.
Arwen finally got over to her friend and hugged. This was the first time they had seen each other in many years. Ireth wasn't there to welcome her home so they were both glad to see each other. "I'm so glad to see you" Arwen said as they separated. "Me too. How long are you going to be here?" Ireth asked and Arwen replied "I'm not going to be going anywhere for a long time"
Like it? R and R puhlease. I don't know if I should continue so let me know!!
