Disclaimer: I own nothing and I don't claim to.

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'r Notes*~ Thanks to all my reviewers! Sorry this chapter has taken such a long time but I had my graduation ceremony and I just had to be there. Also the day after that, some parents rented a hall for a dance for the graduates. So I have been really busy. I know that's no excuse but I have to defend myself here.

Oh and a note to Daydreamer. Nessime only got 50 more years because she is a resident of Mirkwood, therefore Elrond could not make the final decision. The banishment penalty that he gave her only applies to Rivendell. Hope this clears some things up for you. By the way, I am not sure if this is completely true, but it is AU so if it isn't, oh well!

A note to ~ME. Thanks for your information, I really appreciate it. I didn't realize that when I started writing this, so since it is AU, I'll just make it so that she really was killed. But I extremely value the fact that you told me otherwise I could have made that mistake again. All my gratitude!

How Can I Survive

Chapter 36

"My two sons and Lord Glorfindel will be the ones accompanying you home" Elrond told his once welcome guest. The peredhil detested the idea of sending Elrohir on this mission but he and his twin were the best warriors in Imladris and he wanted as much safety as possible.

Nessime cringed when she was informed of this. She hated to be around this family let alone go on a trip with them back to Mirkwood. She felt terrible and the last thing she wanted to do was lay more pain on the shoulders of Celebrian's kin.

"Yes milord. I am ready to depart as soon as they are" she managed to reply.

*****

"I am so sorry about what has happened" Aragorn said to his beloved as they sat on a bench that overlooked the gates of Imladris. They were waiting to wish farewell to Elladan and a most trusted advisor. "It is not your fault that the killer of my mother was in my own home and we all failed to see it" Arwen responded.

"I know, but so much hurt and angst has been brought upon the last homely house and I can't help but feel that some of it was because of me" the dunadan stated.

"Oh Estel, you do not have to feel at liability. No one could have seen this coming, not even Lady Galadriel. The future always remains a blur until it is time, the right time, for the truth to be told. As much as it pains me to know that I have been this close to a murderer, I have to remember that I did not know, just like you did not know what would happen to Prince Legolas" the evenstar sad as she placed her hands on Aragorn's cheeks.

"Arwen, please don't think that I am trying to get your pity. I really should be the one comforting you, and not the other way around. I'm sorry that I am not as strong as you" he replied as he took her hands and held them in his own.

The evenstar was trying her hardest to be as powerful as her lover made her out to be, but it was taking a toll on her. She didn't want to seem melancholy when it seemed like the only feeling that her brothers had right now was vehemence.

"Estel, you are strong, otherwise how would you have made it through these last couple of months?" she questioned.

"I made it through because of you" the man answered.

"We will be getting on our way now" Elladan said as he and his twin approached his sister and the dunadan.

Arwen quickly stood up and embraced her brother as if she would never see him again. "You better be careful" she told him. "And you two" she said as she ran over and hugged Elrohir as well. "I want both of my siblings to come home unscathed. Or at least alive" she stated

"Oh come on Arwen, you know that's a lot to ask of them" Aragorn jested causing everyone to laugh a little. Some more than others.

"We'll try our best" Elladan responded with a small smile still pasted on his fair face.

"I think Adar and Glorfindel are escorting Nessime here" Elrohir remarked breaking the silence that was his. "Well, they should be getting down here shortly then" Estel rejoined.

A stillness and hush overtook the small group for whatever reasons. It was strange because usually when they were all together you could never find peace and quiet. Everyone was just so caught up in their own thoughts about the recent events that their minds were preoccupied.

Elrond and his advisor along with the newly banished, came over to the soundless party and broke the silence.

"Are you two ready to go?" Glorfindel inquired.

"Yes we are ready and waiting" Elrohir answered, with a nod of his fine head.

He was deliberately not making eye contact with Nessime. He knew if he looked at her, all she would see in his eyes would be abhorrence and disgust mixed with hatred. As far as he was concerned, the elf that he fell in love with was dead and that would never change.

" That is good to hear because everything is set for you to make your journey to Thranduil's realm" Erond stated.

"We will leave now then" the blonde elf lord proclaimed.

"All speed to you and may you have all the blessings of Manwe to help you arrive safely" the ruler of Imladris wished them well.

"Good luck" Arwen shouted loudly. "And good riddance" she mumbled under her breathe.

*****

It had been days since the group of four began their trek to Mirkwood and not one person had spoken a word to Nessime. Although it saddened her, she couldn't blame them, not at all.

All she wanted to do is apologize to them again, if only they would let her. She knew that it was asking a lot but she just needed to say she was sorry. She wished that she could just die so she wouldn't have to put up with never ending guilt and sadness. She loved Elrohir and she now knew that he would never return those feelings.

Have you ever had someone

Steal your heart away

That you'd give anything

To make them feel the same.

Have you ever found the one

You dreamed of all your life

You'd do just about anything

To look into their eyes

Have you finally found the one

You've given your heart to

Only to find that one

Won't give their heart to you

Brandy - Have You Ever

Sorry that this one was short and that it took a while. But don't worry the next chapter will be up soon!

~*Judy Greenleaf*~