Disclaimer: Sadly I do not own anything.
Summary: After the death of his friend, Aragorn falls into depression and there may only be one person who can draw him out of it.
~*Author's Notes*~ Thank you to all the people who have continued to review my story. You guys have persuaded me to keep on writing it. I think there will only be a couple more chapters left anyways. Probably around five, so lets get on with chapter 24.
How Can I Survive
Chapter 24
After the talk he had with Elrond, Aragorn decided to take a walk through the gardens of Imladris. It was always so relaxing there and he could be at peace with himself and with the world around him.
During their conversation, they had came to a decision that Aragorn would leave to train with the rangers within a month at the most. He was looking forward to this, but at the same time he knew he would miss Rivendell and all the people that lived there. But he also knew that this was something that he would need to do. He had been informed of his ancestry a while back, and this was an important part of who he was, or at least who he was supposed to be.
*****
Elrond and Mirkwood's king were in the peredhil's study. "I am afraid that I must be returning back to my kingdom. I have been away much longer than my company had planned" Thranduil explained to his long time friend. Elrond nodded, he had the experience of knowing how hard it could be to keep matters in order.
"Of course, I understand completely" he said. "I will send some guards with you to ensure a safe journey" the elf lord offered, but was shoved off. "No, that will not be necessary my friend. Although I appreciate it, I still have plenty off riders" Thranduil objected.
"Please, it will let me have a lighter heart. And besides I was going to send a party to the base of the Misty Mountains to wipe out the rest of that habitation" Elrond was almost begging, and there was a pleading look in his knowledgeable eyes, which changed Thranduil's mind. "Alright, alright. I accept your offer."
Elrond visibly relaxed and he let a small breath of relief escape his lips as he loosened up in the red velvet chair that he was seated in. His actions caused Thranduil to laugh with amusement. He knew how hard the past couple of months had been on his comrade, but it was always delightful to see how much you could satisfy him by doing the simplest things.
"Thank you, I will be very comforted knowing that no danger can befall anybody else that I am acquainted with" he said as he joined in merriment with his friend. The lord of Imladris finally was able to ask a question "when will you be leaving?" "I presume at first light tomorrow morning" Thranduil answered as the hilarity died down and was replaced with a yearning to return to their own quarters and get a good night sleep.
*****
Aragorn was leaning against a tall oak tree as he stared up into the night sky that was filled with glowing stars. He sat cross legged on the ground and his hands were resting on his thighs. His eyes immediately rested upon Earendil, the star that shone the brightest against the black sky.
Aragorn started to softly sing Beren's song to the lady Luthien.
"Namarie lisse kemen formenya vilya
oiale almarea, an sinome caitane
ar sinome nornorone tyelce olbarinen
undu Isil, undu Anar
Luthien, Tinuviel"
Farewell sweet earth and nothern sky,
forever blest, since here did lie
and here with bissom limbs did run
beneath the Moon, beneath the Sun,
Luthien, Tinuviel
The young man never got a chance to finish the song for another came out in to the garden and when he noticed he instantaneously halted the beautiful melody.
"Why do you stop?" Arwen asked as she seated herself next to him on the dewy grass. "You shouldn't be outside, especially at hours of darkness. It is not good for you when you are still mending" he said worriedly. But he also wanted to change the subject, he was slightly embarrassed that she had heard him singing.
"Don't be silly" she responded nonchalantly with a grin crossing her pink lips. "The night air is good for my health. That's what my mother used to say" she finished. "Well, you might catch a chill, considering you're not all mended, and that might hinder your natural immune system" he said lovingly when he noticed that she was only wearing a nightgown made from a very light material. He took out the wool blanket that he had brought with him and he wrapped it around her slender shoulders.
"Arwen, I think we need to talk" Aragorn said breaking the calm moment that was passing between them. "About what you and my father talked about." It was a statement not a question. "Yes, we talked about some things that might concern you" he began uncertainly. She gazed at him and gave him a look, that seemed like she was silently telling him to keep going.
Her light grey eyes were staring into his deep green ones and her raven hair was flying carelessly in the wind as was his shoulder length wavy hair.
"He gave me some advice that I think I should take, no matter how much it will break my heart" he paused and it appeared like he didn't want to continue, but that's exactly how he felt. "I will not marry until the journey that awaits me is complete. I know my fate and what is waiting for me as do you, and I don't want you to be put in the kind of danger that is most definitely going to make an appearance in the near future. I don't want anything else to happen to you that could be life threatening" he said hoping that she would understand.
"I would wait an eternity for you" the Evenstar said devotedly but there was a hint of sorrow in her melodic voice. She put his chin in her hands and had an expression on her face that would convince even the most immovable of people that she was sincere. Aragorn knew she was, and he was so glad about that, although he felt so bad that he had caused her even more pain, but this time it was emotional pain instead of physical. None the less, it would still way down on her heart of gold.
She then took out the necklace that he had given her and held it so it was visible to both of them. "As long as I have this, I will always love you."
~*Author's Note*~ I would like to thank all my reviewers again. The fact that you ask me to continue means so much to me, I can't even begin to tell you. I would thank you all by name, but my computer is all screwing up so right now that is impossible. But you know who you are, so just know that I offer you all my gratitude and you will be continued to be thanked and thanked. Please continue to r and r.
~*Judy Greenleaf*~
