Disclaimer: I do not own anything to my dismay. I think I'm going to cry *sniff* anyway I'm not making any money on it.
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.
A/N- There will be more A/A scenes to come in later chapters so don't worry!
How Can I Survive
Chapter 9
Arwen heard a knock on the door of her quarters. At first she thought it was Elrond and he was here to give her another long lecture about lying and keeping secrets. But it was not so.
She opened the way in only to find Aragorn standing there looking as forlorn as anything. "Estel what's wrong" she asked as she dragged the man into her room. "I love you Arwen" he said, but that didn't really answer her question.
"I love you as well, but is everything alright" she enquired as she put her palms to his cheeks. "Everything will be" he answered.
She didn't know what he meant by that but she decided it wouldn't be wise to press him about it, so she left it alone.
"No but Arwen you need to know this. I love you" he said, and he started to shake. The Evenstar was getting worried about him. "Maybe I should take you to the houses of healing" she suggested. "No I am okay, and so will everything else." Arwen was confused about what he was saying. "Perhaps you just need to sleep, you probably didn't get much last night" she said touching his broken nose. "I think you are right" the man replied as he kissed her and left the room.
Aragorn made his way down the hallways to get to his room. Once he had arrived he sat down on his bed and took one last look at his room. The room that had belonged to him for many many years. "This is for the best" he thought to himself. "She may miss me at first, but she will soon forget about the love we shared. It is for her own good" he assured his aching heart.
He picked up his sword, the sword Elladan had given to him on his 20ith birthday, and sheathed it. He also gathered a small pack which carried two changes of clothes and a bit of food, that might last him the week, along with some lembas bread that would last longer.
He walked onto the balcony and climbed down until his feet met the grassy ground. He then quickly made his way to the stables to retrieve his horse. He mounted the mare and rode the direction that led to the forest that surrounded Imladris.
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Thranduil and his party would be leaving to go back to Mirkwood in the morning so all of them were getting some rest. For some reason the king could not. He got up out of his bed and walked out on to the balcony. He thought all he needed was fresh air.
On the veranda, he saw something off in the distance. Only the sharp eyes of an elf could've picked up that it was a human riding away from Rivendell and not towards it. Thranduil had heard what had occurred between Estel and Arwen, so he could only guess that, that was who it was.
He ran as fast as he could to Lord Elrond's quarters and banged as hard as possible. Startled, the Peredhil jumped out of bed and opened the door.
"Thranduil, what is wrong?" he asked hurriedly. "Its Estel, I think he has run off."
Together, the two elven rulers sprinted down the hallways in the direction of Aragorn's bedroom. Without even bothering to knock, Elrond threw the door open, only to find it empty, except for a letter that lay on his made bed.
"Maybe I will leave you alone" Thranduil said and he left the span, closing the door behind him.
Elrond let a tear fall from his eye as he read the salutation. He had written 'dear family' but he had crossed it out. The letter now read:
Dear Lord Elrond and Yours,
I apologize for the pain I have caused you and your family. I am truly sorry, which is why I have left. I think it is best for everyone involved, if I was gone. Especially Arwen. Please know that I do love her and that will never change, never. I know there is nothing that I can say or do that will make up for the trouble that have cast upon you, so I will not even try to.
I will stay away from Rivendell as long as you deem necessary, even if that means for the rest of my life. I will not blame you if you think that is a good idea.
Elladan, I am sorry for all my mistakes that have caused you pain. I never meant for it to be like this. I love you like a brother and I always will. I know you are angry at me and rightfully so. I don't expect you to ever forgive me, considering I will never forgive myself. I am sorry for what happened to Legolas, for he was my best friend and he was your friend. The blame will forever be on my shoulders and that is where it belongs.
Elrohir, I thank you for defending me but I still can't figure out why you did that. I will always remember you even if you won't remember me. I am sorry we have to part under these circumstances, but I see no other way. You will always remain in my heart.
Arwen, I am sorry I fell in love with you.
Aragorn son of Arathorn
R & R PLEASE!!
