Part 36.
As the stars rose that night Arwen stood beneath them, staring up into the heavens. Elessar, ever close by, perched on the balcony wall.
"Lady?" The King's niece called, "Lady Arwen? The wind is cool tonight. I brought you this." She held a woolen shawl out to Arwen.
Arwen looked over at the younger woman and smiled. "Please call me Arwen, Lady of Rohan. Thank you for the loan of your shawl. It is needed on this night." Arwen pulled it around her shoulders, over her Elven cloak.
"You are very welcome, Arwen. I would ask that you call me Eowyn."
"Thank you Eowyn." Arwen repeated.
"Is he yours?" Eowyn asked, gesturing to the silver falcon.
Arwen nodded. "This is Elessar, he journeyed with me out of my home in Imladris."
"Elessar?" Eowyn asked again.
"It means Elfstone in my own tongue. It is a good name for him."
"What are you doing out now?"
"Looking up at the stars. The same stars shine over my home in Rivendell. That one, Carandil shines above Rivendell at this time of night. I am a long way from home." Arwen told her.
"Lady, Arwen. Is there, will we come through this? The war I mean. Will we make it?" Eowyn asked.
"The future is like a pool of water. It ripples and changes. Only recently have the ripples stilled and the images began to clear. The battle for Middle Earth has not yet begun, but it will fall on this land like storm. All peoples of Middle Earth shall be touched by it." Arwen told her, once more looking towards the sky.
After Eowyn had left her Aragorn appeared on the terrace. "What troubles you tonight, Lady?"
"I cannot say." Arwen told him. "Everything is waiting. I can feel it in the earth, the water, the trees, even in the air. Everything waits for this war."
"What have you seen?" Aragorn asked her.
"I will ride with you, and the Rohirrim to Helm's Deep. Then Nallahir, Elessar and I will make for Lothlorien. If all should fail, I know that Galadriel and Celeborn are there. I wish to be with them."
They were both was silent for a long time. Finally Aragorn spoke. "That is your decision to make, Lady of Rivendell and Lothlorien. I will ask King Theoden if he can spare me to escort you."
"When I ride for Lorien I will ride alone. You will be needed at Helm's Deep. Once Gandalf goes in search of Eomer, King Theoden will look to you for council." She reached out to touch his cheek, "You will need to show him where hope lies."
"What if I find myself in despair?" He asked.
"Then as always, look to the light. Look to the Evenstar." Carefully she lifted her famous Elvish jewel, the Evenstar over her head and pressed it into his hand. "I am always with you. You will not despair."
"How can you know this, Arwen?"
She stood close to him. "Trust this..." She placed her hand over his heart. "Trust us..." She took his hand and held it in her own.
"My path is hidden from me. I cannot see it." He told her, leaning his head against hers, his voice low and full of emotion.
"Your feet are already walking the path laid out for you. You cannot fail now." She told him, laying her fingers against his lips.
He kissed them, "You are my hope, my Lady. But should I fail, should Middle Earth fall, you must sail to the Undying Lands with what is left of your kin." He opened his hand to reveal the Evenstar necklace. "This belongs to you."
"Keep it." She told him. "It is mine to give to whom I choose, like my heart."
With those words he left the terrace, leaving her standing there, watching him as he walked away still holding her Evenstar necklace.
She looked up to the stars. "Father I hope you and Galadriel know what you are having me do."
Elrond's voice became reflected in her mind. *Arwen you know that you must come home.*
*Father I have already promised you this. I will come home to you*. She sent back.
Galadriel sent her a message too. *Trust in Lorien. The tide is turning, but it may not turn soon enough. Make haste to Lorien, my granddaughter.*.
Part 37.
Before dawn the entire city of Edoras was wakened, to make sure that none were left behind in the exodus.
Arwen had waken earlier than most and set about preparing herself and Nallahir for the journey to Lothlorien. As she worked Aragorn, Gandalf, Legolas and Gimli approached her. "Aragorn tells that you intend to return to Lorien." Gandalf said to her.
"There is no place in Middle Earth I would rather be, save Rivendell. But I shall not reach Rivendell, so I settle for fair Lorien with my mother's people there." Arwen answered him.
"If you are sure, Lady Evenstar, then we will not try to stop you." Legolas told her.
"I am very sure." She smiled at him, laying her hand on his cheek. "You could not stop me even if you tried, my dear friend." She turned to Gimli. "You have been a loyal companion and a great friend. I call you Elf Friend of Rivendell."
She produced a small linen wrapped package from one of the saddle bags at her feet. The wrappings fell away to reveal a jewel set in gold, on a chain bound in silver. "Elf-friend wear this as a sign of our friendship, and as a sign of hope, which has not forsaken us." She pressed it into his hand, curling his fingers around it.
"If hope has not forsaken us, why do you depart?" Aragorn asked, almost pleading with her to stay.
"I cannot. My path was set long before yours, Lord Elessar, who shall one day soon become King of Gondor." She answered, returning to her packing.
Shadowfax, Gandalf's white stallion walked over to them and nuzzled Gandalf's hands. "Lady, happy partings on your journey. Take my greetings to the Lord and Lady. Shadowfax and I now ride for Eomer. On the fifth day, at dawn look to the East." He told them, before bowing his head and giving Shadowfax leave to run.
The journey to Helm's Deep was long and slow, hampered by the multitudes of women and children and the elderly.
Much of it was over fair green grass, which Nallahir bowed his head often to take mouthfuls of.
Gimli walked alongside the Lady Eowyn, a sword buckled at her waist, with Gimli telling her of Dwarf lore. "It's true that you don't see many Dwarf women. In fact they are so alike in voice and appearance that they are often mistaken for Dwarf men." Gimli laughed. "And this in turn has given rise to the belief that there are no Dwarf women, and that Dwarves spring from holes in the ground." He was saying.
Arwen held back laughter, while Aragorn said to them quietly, "It's the beards." Eowyn burst into peals of laughter.
Arwen walked, leading Nallahir, just as Aragorn led Hausufel and Legolas led Arod. Althas and Charlay rode on Nallahir's back, ever under the watchful eyes of the Elven Lady.
Their silence was relaxed, in spite of her impending departure.
In the East the sky was dark, as though a storm had beset that land.
"Have decided which path you will take to Lothlorien?" Legolas asked.
"I will ride to Fangorn, and then through it. The Ents will see that I have safe passage. The path I have chosen will then take me over the Limlight River. A party of Elves waits for me there on the other side. We will ride into Lorien together."
"Where is Elessar the falcon?" Gimli asked, the jewel Arwen had given him glittering around his neck in the sunlight, as he looked skyward for the silver falcon.
"He has taken word of my coming to Lorien, and to the Ents." Arwen answered him.
"There is no stopping you then, is there?" Aragorn asked, his voice tinged with sadness.
"This is something I must do. There is a place I need to be. Please try to understand." She told him.
"Tell me about Lothlorien?" Eowyn asked, "I've never been out of the Riddermark."
"Lothlorien is the home of my mother's people. My grandparents are the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood. I spent much of my time there while I was growing up. It is the fairest Elven dwelling left in Middle Earth. It is full of tall beautiful mallorn trees, and the grass is a carpet of golden star flowers and white blossoms, the elanor flowers and the niphredil blossoms. It is the heart of Elvendom on Earth." Arwen told her. "I spend much of my time in Rivendell, or Imladris in your tongue, with my father and my brothers when they are home from their hunts, for it is my childhood home, but I love Lothlorien just as much as I ever did. It waits for me to come even now. I am being called home." Arwen fell silent for a long time.
Finally, near the rocky pass that would lead the Rohirrim to Helm's Deep Arwen was able to say goodbye to the others. She hugged each in turn, including Eowyn, and King Theoden, who treated her as his niece.
"Eowyn, watch over Althas and Charlay until they find their mother." She kissed each child good bye.
She mounted Nallahir and spoke one last time. "Until we meet again my friends. It may take some time, but you will understand why I have to leave. May the Grace of the Valar watch over you all until our next meeting." With those words she pressed Nallahir forward and galloped off across the land. In moments she was gone from common sight, so fast was Nallahir.
"I didn't expect her to ride so swiftly." Eowyn said after she had vanished from her sight, her hands resting on the shoulders of the children.
"Her horse is Nallahir, in Arwen's own tongue it means 'swift wind'." Aragorn told her. "Arwen will be in Lothlorien by nightfall."
Eowyn wondered at the sadness in his eyes.
Part 38.
Arwen rode swiftly, Nallahir covered the ground as though it were nothing.
Before midday she had entered Fangorn Forest, riding less swiftly now. The trees still passed by quickly, sun light dimmed by the leafy canopy above.
Images pressed into her mind. She saw the people of the Rohirrim besieged by Warg Riders.
Eowyn, clutching at the small hands of Althas and Charlay began leading the people once more towards the ancient fortress.
Aragorn and the others stayed to destroy as many of the Wargs and Orcs as they could, giving the people time to reach the fortress. She watched as Aragorn was unseated from his horse Brego, given to him by Theoden, and dragged by one of the Riders.
In her mind Arwen watched him slay the Orc rider, only then to see the crazed Warg drag Aragorn over a cliff. For a long time he lay in silence, floating in a river. Long he drifted, until fate had him washed ashore.
In her head she called to Aragorn, projecting her thoughts into his dazed mind. She closed her eyes, allowing Nallahir to guide them. *I am here, my love.*
Images flashed through her mind, Aragorn's memories of him and the others fighting with Warg riders, and then being taken over the edge of a cliff by one of the Wargs.
*Hold tight to your faith, my Ranger. Hold tight to me.* She sent to him.
Waves of pain returned with his next thoughts.
*Do not despair Aragorn, all happens for a reason. There is something you must do or see, destiny would have you survive* The next images showed her a horse, Brego, come to find his master. *Aid is coming to you, my love. You must wake yourself. Go to Theoden, ride to Helm's Deep. My heart goes with you. The hope of Rohan goes with you.*
She watched as Aragorn managed to mount the horse, then he was lost to her in a swirl of color.
With a heavy heart she increased her pace, needing to be surrounded by those she cared about.
All because she could not be at Aragorn's side while he was wounded.
Before dusk she had reached the Limlight River.
As darkness began to fall she was hailed by Haldir and Celeborn. "Arwen, child. Come along! It has been a long day for you, and your grandmother awaits your arrival." Celeborn called to her.
She rode up to them, dismounted hurriedly and embraced her grandfather. "It is nice to be so close to home." She told him.
Galadriel awaited them in her garden, with her waited Lord Elrond of Rivendell, Arwen's father.
He stood to greet her and she rushed into his arms. "I told you I would come back safely!" she said to him.
"I am glad you have, Arwen Evenstar. I am glad to see you safe." He answered, hugging her tight, before letting her go.
"How goes things in the Riddermark?" Galadriel asked.
"Rohan will soon be under siege from both Isenguard and Mordor. King Theoden has taken his people to Helm's Deep. Gandalf has ridden to search for Eomer, the King's nephew whom was exiled by the King's adviser, a servant of Saruman. Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas have journeyed to Helm's Deep, they will stay and fight with the Rohirrim." Arwen told them.
"Death will take them all, Men and Orcs." Galadriel shook her head.
"That is why you called me home?" Arwen asked.
"Arwen our time is over. We won't be sailing for the Undying Lands just yet." Elrond told her, "But there is nothing left here for you."
Fighting tears Arwen looked up at the three Elder Elves. "There is so much left here for me. There is Aragorn and Lorien and Rivendell."
"Aragorn will die the death of a mortal man, Arwen. You cannot change that." Elrond said.
"Everything that is born dies. You told me that father. One day yes, he will die, and I will be there beside him. Only then, if and when I can bear these lands no longer will I sail to the Undying Lands, and there perhaps I will die. This is our land, and it is our home. Why won't you fight for it?" She choked back a sob.
"Arwen you must accept this. It is not your fate." Elrond tried again.
"My fate is inter-twined with two others, father. Frodo the Ringbearer, and Aragorn Elessar, who will one day soon be the King of Gondor. Please, my heart is already pulled in different ways. Do not pull me the way I cannot take, and press me onto the paths I will not choose." She pleaded. "Let me go back to Helm's Deep. An alliance once existed between Elves and Men. Let me take the archers and swordsmen of Rivendell and Lothlorien, together we will honor that alliance."
"You speak of honoring alliances? My daughter I remind you that I was there when the One Ring was cut from Sauron himself." Elrond told her. Galadriel flinched at the sound of the name. "I was there the day that the strength of Men failed. Failed us all, the Free Peoples of Middle Earth." Elrond finished.
"Aragorn is not Isildur. He is Isildur's heir and the One Ring is not in his possession. I have seen the Free Peoples unite under a common goal, and I have seen the strength of men. Already people are looking to Aragorn for leadership, although they know not why. I have seen the strength in him, and I have lit the fires of hope in his heart. I will return to Helm's Deep, with or without the archers and swordsmen, with or without your permission." Arwen told him.
"What about our people?" Elrond asked.
Arwen turned away from him, gazing into the Pool of Galadriel. She studied the waters for a long moment before answering him. "Let them fight for what they believe in."
Early the next morning Arwen awoke to find Galadriel siting in her room. She sat up, pushing the light rug to the floor.
"It is well that you have woken Arwen. Preparations are being made. You are going back to Helm's Deep, and our people have chosen to fight for what they believe in." Galadriel told her.
"Do they know what they believe in?" Arwen asked, not quite believing what she was hearing.
"They know what they believe in Arwen. They believe in Earendil, their Evenstar. Our people believe in you, and the time has come for you to lead them."
Galadriel gestured to the set of fresh clothes laid out for her. "Dress quickly. I will bring you some breakfast in a few minutes." Galadriel left the room.
Hurriedly Arwen dressed and pulled her hair back away from her face, braiding it into a coronet behind her head. As she finished fixing the loose ends Galadriel re-entered the room, carrying with her a tray.
She placed it down and laid a circlet of silver on Arwen's brow. A clear white stone glowed from the band over her brow. "You are almost ready to ride into battle, my granddaughter. Eat now, you will need strength for your journey." Arwen nodded.
As she ate Galadriel picked up a roll of tightly bound linen, tied in many places with leather thongs. "Do not forget this, Evenstar. It was love that made this, and love that will see it though. Trust your heart." Galadriel finished.
Before she departed Elrond and Celeborn greeted her, and bade her good bye. For a long time Arwen clung to her father. "Thank you father." She whispered in his ear before she let go to mount Nallahir, who was also rested and ready to depart once more.
Once she was settled in the saddle, Galadriel passed her the rolled up linen, which Celeborn helped to tie behind Nallahir's saddle.
"Ride well, Arwen Undomiel. The hope of our people rests with you." Celeborn told her. "Bring them home to us, and make sure you come home yourself."
"I will. I remember my promise father." Arwen told Elrond. "I will return to you."
The three Elves watched as Arwen led the Elvish army, save the reserve who guarded the borders of Lothlorien, and the Elves who had been left in Rivendell to guard the borders there.
"She will be all right." Galadriel told them, "She has much of Celebrian in her."
"Aragorn, Gandalf and Legolas will watch over her." Celeborn said.
"So why do I have the feeling that my daughter will never return home with me?" Elrond asked them, watching as Arwen and the Elven soldiers faded from sight.
Part 39.
Elessar flew high above them, scouting their way.
Below him, Arwen and Nallahir galloped as one, leading her people into battle.
They traveled quickly, with light footfalls and few rest breaks, save only several hours sleep in the darkest stretches of the night.
On and on they ran, Arwen joining the others on foot often, and while riding she would sing to them in the Elven tongues, the stories of Luthien and Beren, Elwing and the Mariner Earendil, as well as songs of the land, and the tales of Lothlorien and Rivendell.
They marched long into the night, passing on the edges of Fangorn, and running freely over the flat lands of Rohan.
Darkness had long since fallen on the second day of the journey by the time they reached Helm's Dike, their way lit with Arwen's own Evenstar light, and by the lanterns carried by the Elves on the outside and at the front of the group. Even running the well-trained soldiers kept to their lines of regiment and order.
High above, on the walls of Helm's Deep, Men looked down in awe at the sight of the Elven warrior maid and the army of Elves come to aid them.
The gates were opened allowing them into the fortress. Arwen bade the Elvish soldiers to hurry inside.
In front of King Theoden, Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas she dismounted from Nallahir. Haldir stood close beside her, acting as both footman and bodyguard, holding Nallahir's reins until he was led away by a stable boy.
The glow emitted from her very skin did not cease, making the white jewel on her forehead shine like a star. "Once an alliance existed between Elves and Men." She began. "We have come to honor that alliance, and fight alongside you as we once did. We would be honored to draw arms with you. From the Golden Woods of Lothlorien and fair Rivendell, I bring the offer of friendship and aid to you in this time of great need." Arwen finished.
Aragorn walked over to her and hugged her, swinging her around. "You, my Lady, are most welcome."
Arwen smiled as she hugged him back. "Nai tirunvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar, nin melath." She whispered in his ear.#May the Valar protect you, my love#. Then she drew away from him, and turned to face Theoden.
"How is this possible?" Theoden asked, looking around at the tightly formed, battle-clad Elvish soldiers.
"This is our Middle Earth too. Here in this courtyard are represented many of the races of Free Peoples of Middle Earth. Men, Dwarves and Elves. If the Free Peoples will not defend their homes and lands, they will be taken from us. If we do not fight for Middle Earth, who will?" Arwen told him.
"I did not think we were so lucky in our allies as this." Theoden told her.
"If I may Lady?" Haldir asked Arwen. She nodded. "Lord of the Mark, I am Haldir, captain of the guard of Lothlorien, Lady Arwen's bodyguard and friend. The Elves you see before you now are willing to fight for what they believe in. As a people we believe in this Middle Earth, it is our home, even though our time is over and our kin already sail for the Undying Lands. We need not look far for hope, Lady Arwen Undomiel, the Evenstar of her people is our hope. Our teachings tell that where there is light, there is hope. I would ask that we find hope together as we renew this ancient alliance."
Arwen bowed her head. "Well spoken Haldir of Lothlorien. Now, where would you have us await this impending attack?" She asked Theoden.
"You my Lady, I would have wait in the caves with the other women and children. But I do not think you would go. I wish for you to be safe, Lady, and so find myself at a loss." The King answered.
"There is nowhere safe in Helm's Deep now, not with the Enemy so close." Arwen told him. "I will stay and fight. It is intended for me. My sword and arrows are as sharp as anyone else's here. Where would you have the Elven army stationed?"
The Elf Soldiers were quickly dispersed upon the battlements and around the perimeter. Spaced around with them were Elf captains who spoke the Common Speech, making it easier to relay orders to all.
Once the Elves were stationed Arwen followed Aragorn, Theoden and
their companions into the Hornburg Hall. "Lady, I do not know how you have achieved this, but all of Rohan will thank you for your alliance." Theoden told her.
"My people fight for what they believe in. I gave them a means to an end. They made their choice. Many remember the last time we fought against Mordor. We will not fail you." Arwen told him. "Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn of Lothlorien, and Lord Elrond of Rivendell all send their greetings to you in this dark time."
"I will leave you to your companions for now." Theoden told her. "There are things you will wish to discuss." With those words he left the Hall.
Arwen turned and hugged Aragorn. "Sit, let me tend to you before the battle, you will fight better if you are sound of mind and body." Gently she began clean and bind his cuts with Elvish ointments and white bandages.
"You knew what you were doing all along, didn't you?" Legolas asked her.
"I rode to Lorien because my father and Galadriel summoned me. When I arrived they told me that there was no hope here. All would perish in the battle for Helm's Deep, Men and Orcs alike. I argued with them, asking to be allowed to return with the army of the Elves." Arwen told him.
"You must have said something else." Aragorn told her, "Lord Elrond and Lord Celeborn aren't so easily persuaded."
"I told them I will not travel to the Grey Havens and sail for the Undying Lands with the rest of my people. My heart belongs in Middle Earth. I asked them to let our people to fight for what they believe in." Arwen answered.
"What do they believe in?" Gimli asked.
"Galadriel told that they believe in me." She said quietly.
"You are the light of the Elves, Arwen. Who better for them to believe in?" Legolas told her, "I believe in you. I have wronged in the time since you left us. I despaired and it was wrong of me. I grew angry with our people for abandoning us, yet it seems we are in the thoughts of the Elders more than any realised."
"Well spoken." She told him, bowing her head. "May we all meet again once this war is over."
"Do you know when that will be?" Gimli asked.
"I cannot say." Arwen said to them. "But I can say that it will be over."
As she finished speaking Haldir entered the Hall. On his outstretched arm rested a white falcon. "My apologies Lady, but news has arrived from Lorien." Arwen whistled to the falcon.
It spread it's wings and flew to her, landing on her outstretched hands. "Greetings to you Illya of Lorien. What news do you bring to Helm's Deep?" She asked the bird softly. Gracefully she sat and let the falcon rest in her lap. Her fingers were gentle as she untied the message.
It was written in Elf Runes in case Illya had been intercepted. She took the parchment in her hands, holding onto it for a moment. She reached into a pouch on her belt and produced a treat for Illya. "Well done my friend, remain at Helm's Deep." Arwen told the falcon. Then she studied the letter, breathing a sigh of relief. "Galadriel has gone to the Dwarves of Erebor. She has offered them the same hand of friendship Gimli offered her. Many are marching now, to Helm's Deep, as is Celeborn and my father. They bring with them the archers and swordsmen of the Woodland Realm and of the Grey Havens." Arwen said to them. "We may yet make it through this."
"Praise be to our forefathers of old!" Theoden called from the Hall door upon hearing her news.
"Praise the Kin of those who will fight for what they believe in." Aragorn answered him. He turned to Arwen. "Does the letter speak of the Dunedain?"
"Galadriel has already counseled you of them. Do not despair Elessar, the Dunedain have yet a part to play, but we will not see them here at Helm's Deep." Arwen told him.
He smiled, "How are we to despair, Lady? The light shines brightly in front of us."
"Keep your spirits high, Estel." She answered, using the name of his childhood. "I may be the light of my people, but you are the hope of yours."
As the stars rose that night Arwen stood beneath them, staring up into the heavens. Elessar, ever close by, perched on the balcony wall.
"Lady?" The King's niece called, "Lady Arwen? The wind is cool tonight. I brought you this." She held a woolen shawl out to Arwen.
Arwen looked over at the younger woman and smiled. "Please call me Arwen, Lady of Rohan. Thank you for the loan of your shawl. It is needed on this night." Arwen pulled it around her shoulders, over her Elven cloak.
"You are very welcome, Arwen. I would ask that you call me Eowyn."
"Thank you Eowyn." Arwen repeated.
"Is he yours?" Eowyn asked, gesturing to the silver falcon.
Arwen nodded. "This is Elessar, he journeyed with me out of my home in Imladris."
"Elessar?" Eowyn asked again.
"It means Elfstone in my own tongue. It is a good name for him."
"What are you doing out now?"
"Looking up at the stars. The same stars shine over my home in Rivendell. That one, Carandil shines above Rivendell at this time of night. I am a long way from home." Arwen told her.
"Lady, Arwen. Is there, will we come through this? The war I mean. Will we make it?" Eowyn asked.
"The future is like a pool of water. It ripples and changes. Only recently have the ripples stilled and the images began to clear. The battle for Middle Earth has not yet begun, but it will fall on this land like storm. All peoples of Middle Earth shall be touched by it." Arwen told her, once more looking towards the sky.
After Eowyn had left her Aragorn appeared on the terrace. "What troubles you tonight, Lady?"
"I cannot say." Arwen told him. "Everything is waiting. I can feel it in the earth, the water, the trees, even in the air. Everything waits for this war."
"What have you seen?" Aragorn asked her.
"I will ride with you, and the Rohirrim to Helm's Deep. Then Nallahir, Elessar and I will make for Lothlorien. If all should fail, I know that Galadriel and Celeborn are there. I wish to be with them."
They were both was silent for a long time. Finally Aragorn spoke. "That is your decision to make, Lady of Rivendell and Lothlorien. I will ask King Theoden if he can spare me to escort you."
"When I ride for Lorien I will ride alone. You will be needed at Helm's Deep. Once Gandalf goes in search of Eomer, King Theoden will look to you for council." She reached out to touch his cheek, "You will need to show him where hope lies."
"What if I find myself in despair?" He asked.
"Then as always, look to the light. Look to the Evenstar." Carefully she lifted her famous Elvish jewel, the Evenstar over her head and pressed it into his hand. "I am always with you. You will not despair."
"How can you know this, Arwen?"
She stood close to him. "Trust this..." She placed her hand over his heart. "Trust us..." She took his hand and held it in her own.
"My path is hidden from me. I cannot see it." He told her, leaning his head against hers, his voice low and full of emotion.
"Your feet are already walking the path laid out for you. You cannot fail now." She told him, laying her fingers against his lips.
He kissed them, "You are my hope, my Lady. But should I fail, should Middle Earth fall, you must sail to the Undying Lands with what is left of your kin." He opened his hand to reveal the Evenstar necklace. "This belongs to you."
"Keep it." She told him. "It is mine to give to whom I choose, like my heart."
With those words he left the terrace, leaving her standing there, watching him as he walked away still holding her Evenstar necklace.
She looked up to the stars. "Father I hope you and Galadriel know what you are having me do."
Elrond's voice became reflected in her mind. *Arwen you know that you must come home.*
*Father I have already promised you this. I will come home to you*. She sent back.
Galadriel sent her a message too. *Trust in Lorien. The tide is turning, but it may not turn soon enough. Make haste to Lorien, my granddaughter.*.
Part 37.
Before dawn the entire city of Edoras was wakened, to make sure that none were left behind in the exodus.
Arwen had waken earlier than most and set about preparing herself and Nallahir for the journey to Lothlorien. As she worked Aragorn, Gandalf, Legolas and Gimli approached her. "Aragorn tells that you intend to return to Lorien." Gandalf said to her.
"There is no place in Middle Earth I would rather be, save Rivendell. But I shall not reach Rivendell, so I settle for fair Lorien with my mother's people there." Arwen answered him.
"If you are sure, Lady Evenstar, then we will not try to stop you." Legolas told her.
"I am very sure." She smiled at him, laying her hand on his cheek. "You could not stop me even if you tried, my dear friend." She turned to Gimli. "You have been a loyal companion and a great friend. I call you Elf Friend of Rivendell."
She produced a small linen wrapped package from one of the saddle bags at her feet. The wrappings fell away to reveal a jewel set in gold, on a chain bound in silver. "Elf-friend wear this as a sign of our friendship, and as a sign of hope, which has not forsaken us." She pressed it into his hand, curling his fingers around it.
"If hope has not forsaken us, why do you depart?" Aragorn asked, almost pleading with her to stay.
"I cannot. My path was set long before yours, Lord Elessar, who shall one day soon become King of Gondor." She answered, returning to her packing.
Shadowfax, Gandalf's white stallion walked over to them and nuzzled Gandalf's hands. "Lady, happy partings on your journey. Take my greetings to the Lord and Lady. Shadowfax and I now ride for Eomer. On the fifth day, at dawn look to the East." He told them, before bowing his head and giving Shadowfax leave to run.
The journey to Helm's Deep was long and slow, hampered by the multitudes of women and children and the elderly.
Much of it was over fair green grass, which Nallahir bowed his head often to take mouthfuls of.
Gimli walked alongside the Lady Eowyn, a sword buckled at her waist, with Gimli telling her of Dwarf lore. "It's true that you don't see many Dwarf women. In fact they are so alike in voice and appearance that they are often mistaken for Dwarf men." Gimli laughed. "And this in turn has given rise to the belief that there are no Dwarf women, and that Dwarves spring from holes in the ground." He was saying.
Arwen held back laughter, while Aragorn said to them quietly, "It's the beards." Eowyn burst into peals of laughter.
Arwen walked, leading Nallahir, just as Aragorn led Hausufel and Legolas led Arod. Althas and Charlay rode on Nallahir's back, ever under the watchful eyes of the Elven Lady.
Their silence was relaxed, in spite of her impending departure.
In the East the sky was dark, as though a storm had beset that land.
"Have decided which path you will take to Lothlorien?" Legolas asked.
"I will ride to Fangorn, and then through it. The Ents will see that I have safe passage. The path I have chosen will then take me over the Limlight River. A party of Elves waits for me there on the other side. We will ride into Lorien together."
"Where is Elessar the falcon?" Gimli asked, the jewel Arwen had given him glittering around his neck in the sunlight, as he looked skyward for the silver falcon.
"He has taken word of my coming to Lorien, and to the Ents." Arwen answered him.
"There is no stopping you then, is there?" Aragorn asked, his voice tinged with sadness.
"This is something I must do. There is a place I need to be. Please try to understand." She told him.
"Tell me about Lothlorien?" Eowyn asked, "I've never been out of the Riddermark."
"Lothlorien is the home of my mother's people. My grandparents are the Lord and Lady of the Golden Wood. I spent much of my time there while I was growing up. It is the fairest Elven dwelling left in Middle Earth. It is full of tall beautiful mallorn trees, and the grass is a carpet of golden star flowers and white blossoms, the elanor flowers and the niphredil blossoms. It is the heart of Elvendom on Earth." Arwen told her. "I spend much of my time in Rivendell, or Imladris in your tongue, with my father and my brothers when they are home from their hunts, for it is my childhood home, but I love Lothlorien just as much as I ever did. It waits for me to come even now. I am being called home." Arwen fell silent for a long time.
Finally, near the rocky pass that would lead the Rohirrim to Helm's Deep Arwen was able to say goodbye to the others. She hugged each in turn, including Eowyn, and King Theoden, who treated her as his niece.
"Eowyn, watch over Althas and Charlay until they find their mother." She kissed each child good bye.
She mounted Nallahir and spoke one last time. "Until we meet again my friends. It may take some time, but you will understand why I have to leave. May the Grace of the Valar watch over you all until our next meeting." With those words she pressed Nallahir forward and galloped off across the land. In moments she was gone from common sight, so fast was Nallahir.
"I didn't expect her to ride so swiftly." Eowyn said after she had vanished from her sight, her hands resting on the shoulders of the children.
"Her horse is Nallahir, in Arwen's own tongue it means 'swift wind'." Aragorn told her. "Arwen will be in Lothlorien by nightfall."
Eowyn wondered at the sadness in his eyes.
Part 38.
Arwen rode swiftly, Nallahir covered the ground as though it were nothing.
Before midday she had entered Fangorn Forest, riding less swiftly now. The trees still passed by quickly, sun light dimmed by the leafy canopy above.
Images pressed into her mind. She saw the people of the Rohirrim besieged by Warg Riders.
Eowyn, clutching at the small hands of Althas and Charlay began leading the people once more towards the ancient fortress.
Aragorn and the others stayed to destroy as many of the Wargs and Orcs as they could, giving the people time to reach the fortress. She watched as Aragorn was unseated from his horse Brego, given to him by Theoden, and dragged by one of the Riders.
In her mind Arwen watched him slay the Orc rider, only then to see the crazed Warg drag Aragorn over a cliff. For a long time he lay in silence, floating in a river. Long he drifted, until fate had him washed ashore.
In her head she called to Aragorn, projecting her thoughts into his dazed mind. She closed her eyes, allowing Nallahir to guide them. *I am here, my love.*
Images flashed through her mind, Aragorn's memories of him and the others fighting with Warg riders, and then being taken over the edge of a cliff by one of the Wargs.
*Hold tight to your faith, my Ranger. Hold tight to me.* She sent to him.
Waves of pain returned with his next thoughts.
*Do not despair Aragorn, all happens for a reason. There is something you must do or see, destiny would have you survive* The next images showed her a horse, Brego, come to find his master. *Aid is coming to you, my love. You must wake yourself. Go to Theoden, ride to Helm's Deep. My heart goes with you. The hope of Rohan goes with you.*
She watched as Aragorn managed to mount the horse, then he was lost to her in a swirl of color.
With a heavy heart she increased her pace, needing to be surrounded by those she cared about.
All because she could not be at Aragorn's side while he was wounded.
Before dusk she had reached the Limlight River.
As darkness began to fall she was hailed by Haldir and Celeborn. "Arwen, child. Come along! It has been a long day for you, and your grandmother awaits your arrival." Celeborn called to her.
She rode up to them, dismounted hurriedly and embraced her grandfather. "It is nice to be so close to home." She told him.
Galadriel awaited them in her garden, with her waited Lord Elrond of Rivendell, Arwen's father.
He stood to greet her and she rushed into his arms. "I told you I would come back safely!" she said to him.
"I am glad you have, Arwen Evenstar. I am glad to see you safe." He answered, hugging her tight, before letting her go.
"How goes things in the Riddermark?" Galadriel asked.
"Rohan will soon be under siege from both Isenguard and Mordor. King Theoden has taken his people to Helm's Deep. Gandalf has ridden to search for Eomer, the King's nephew whom was exiled by the King's adviser, a servant of Saruman. Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas have journeyed to Helm's Deep, they will stay and fight with the Rohirrim." Arwen told them.
"Death will take them all, Men and Orcs." Galadriel shook her head.
"That is why you called me home?" Arwen asked.
"Arwen our time is over. We won't be sailing for the Undying Lands just yet." Elrond told her, "But there is nothing left here for you."
Fighting tears Arwen looked up at the three Elder Elves. "There is so much left here for me. There is Aragorn and Lorien and Rivendell."
"Aragorn will die the death of a mortal man, Arwen. You cannot change that." Elrond said.
"Everything that is born dies. You told me that father. One day yes, he will die, and I will be there beside him. Only then, if and when I can bear these lands no longer will I sail to the Undying Lands, and there perhaps I will die. This is our land, and it is our home. Why won't you fight for it?" She choked back a sob.
"Arwen you must accept this. It is not your fate." Elrond tried again.
"My fate is inter-twined with two others, father. Frodo the Ringbearer, and Aragorn Elessar, who will one day soon be the King of Gondor. Please, my heart is already pulled in different ways. Do not pull me the way I cannot take, and press me onto the paths I will not choose." She pleaded. "Let me go back to Helm's Deep. An alliance once existed between Elves and Men. Let me take the archers and swordsmen of Rivendell and Lothlorien, together we will honor that alliance."
"You speak of honoring alliances? My daughter I remind you that I was there when the One Ring was cut from Sauron himself." Elrond told her. Galadriel flinched at the sound of the name. "I was there the day that the strength of Men failed. Failed us all, the Free Peoples of Middle Earth." Elrond finished.
"Aragorn is not Isildur. He is Isildur's heir and the One Ring is not in his possession. I have seen the Free Peoples unite under a common goal, and I have seen the strength of men. Already people are looking to Aragorn for leadership, although they know not why. I have seen the strength in him, and I have lit the fires of hope in his heart. I will return to Helm's Deep, with or without the archers and swordsmen, with or without your permission." Arwen told him.
"What about our people?" Elrond asked.
Arwen turned away from him, gazing into the Pool of Galadriel. She studied the waters for a long moment before answering him. "Let them fight for what they believe in."
Early the next morning Arwen awoke to find Galadriel siting in her room. She sat up, pushing the light rug to the floor.
"It is well that you have woken Arwen. Preparations are being made. You are going back to Helm's Deep, and our people have chosen to fight for what they believe in." Galadriel told her.
"Do they know what they believe in?" Arwen asked, not quite believing what she was hearing.
"They know what they believe in Arwen. They believe in Earendil, their Evenstar. Our people believe in you, and the time has come for you to lead them."
Galadriel gestured to the set of fresh clothes laid out for her. "Dress quickly. I will bring you some breakfast in a few minutes." Galadriel left the room.
Hurriedly Arwen dressed and pulled her hair back away from her face, braiding it into a coronet behind her head. As she finished fixing the loose ends Galadriel re-entered the room, carrying with her a tray.
She placed it down and laid a circlet of silver on Arwen's brow. A clear white stone glowed from the band over her brow. "You are almost ready to ride into battle, my granddaughter. Eat now, you will need strength for your journey." Arwen nodded.
As she ate Galadriel picked up a roll of tightly bound linen, tied in many places with leather thongs. "Do not forget this, Evenstar. It was love that made this, and love that will see it though. Trust your heart." Galadriel finished.
Before she departed Elrond and Celeborn greeted her, and bade her good bye. For a long time Arwen clung to her father. "Thank you father." She whispered in his ear before she let go to mount Nallahir, who was also rested and ready to depart once more.
Once she was settled in the saddle, Galadriel passed her the rolled up linen, which Celeborn helped to tie behind Nallahir's saddle.
"Ride well, Arwen Undomiel. The hope of our people rests with you." Celeborn told her. "Bring them home to us, and make sure you come home yourself."
"I will. I remember my promise father." Arwen told Elrond. "I will return to you."
The three Elves watched as Arwen led the Elvish army, save the reserve who guarded the borders of Lothlorien, and the Elves who had been left in Rivendell to guard the borders there.
"She will be all right." Galadriel told them, "She has much of Celebrian in her."
"Aragorn, Gandalf and Legolas will watch over her." Celeborn said.
"So why do I have the feeling that my daughter will never return home with me?" Elrond asked them, watching as Arwen and the Elven soldiers faded from sight.
Part 39.
Elessar flew high above them, scouting their way.
Below him, Arwen and Nallahir galloped as one, leading her people into battle.
They traveled quickly, with light footfalls and few rest breaks, save only several hours sleep in the darkest stretches of the night.
On and on they ran, Arwen joining the others on foot often, and while riding she would sing to them in the Elven tongues, the stories of Luthien and Beren, Elwing and the Mariner Earendil, as well as songs of the land, and the tales of Lothlorien and Rivendell.
They marched long into the night, passing on the edges of Fangorn, and running freely over the flat lands of Rohan.
Darkness had long since fallen on the second day of the journey by the time they reached Helm's Dike, their way lit with Arwen's own Evenstar light, and by the lanterns carried by the Elves on the outside and at the front of the group. Even running the well-trained soldiers kept to their lines of regiment and order.
High above, on the walls of Helm's Deep, Men looked down in awe at the sight of the Elven warrior maid and the army of Elves come to aid them.
The gates were opened allowing them into the fortress. Arwen bade the Elvish soldiers to hurry inside.
In front of King Theoden, Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas she dismounted from Nallahir. Haldir stood close beside her, acting as both footman and bodyguard, holding Nallahir's reins until he was led away by a stable boy.
The glow emitted from her very skin did not cease, making the white jewel on her forehead shine like a star. "Once an alliance existed between Elves and Men." She began. "We have come to honor that alliance, and fight alongside you as we once did. We would be honored to draw arms with you. From the Golden Woods of Lothlorien and fair Rivendell, I bring the offer of friendship and aid to you in this time of great need." Arwen finished.
Aragorn walked over to her and hugged her, swinging her around. "You, my Lady, are most welcome."
Arwen smiled as she hugged him back. "Nai tirunvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar, nin melath." She whispered in his ear.#May the Valar protect you, my love#. Then she drew away from him, and turned to face Theoden.
"How is this possible?" Theoden asked, looking around at the tightly formed, battle-clad Elvish soldiers.
"This is our Middle Earth too. Here in this courtyard are represented many of the races of Free Peoples of Middle Earth. Men, Dwarves and Elves. If the Free Peoples will not defend their homes and lands, they will be taken from us. If we do not fight for Middle Earth, who will?" Arwen told him.
"I did not think we were so lucky in our allies as this." Theoden told her.
"If I may Lady?" Haldir asked Arwen. She nodded. "Lord of the Mark, I am Haldir, captain of the guard of Lothlorien, Lady Arwen's bodyguard and friend. The Elves you see before you now are willing to fight for what they believe in. As a people we believe in this Middle Earth, it is our home, even though our time is over and our kin already sail for the Undying Lands. We need not look far for hope, Lady Arwen Undomiel, the Evenstar of her people is our hope. Our teachings tell that where there is light, there is hope. I would ask that we find hope together as we renew this ancient alliance."
Arwen bowed her head. "Well spoken Haldir of Lothlorien. Now, where would you have us await this impending attack?" She asked Theoden.
"You my Lady, I would have wait in the caves with the other women and children. But I do not think you would go. I wish for you to be safe, Lady, and so find myself at a loss." The King answered.
"There is nowhere safe in Helm's Deep now, not with the Enemy so close." Arwen told him. "I will stay and fight. It is intended for me. My sword and arrows are as sharp as anyone else's here. Where would you have the Elven army stationed?"
The Elf Soldiers were quickly dispersed upon the battlements and around the perimeter. Spaced around with them were Elf captains who spoke the Common Speech, making it easier to relay orders to all.
Once the Elves were stationed Arwen followed Aragorn, Theoden and
their companions into the Hornburg Hall. "Lady, I do not know how you have achieved this, but all of Rohan will thank you for your alliance." Theoden told her.
"My people fight for what they believe in. I gave them a means to an end. They made their choice. Many remember the last time we fought against Mordor. We will not fail you." Arwen told him. "Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn of Lothlorien, and Lord Elrond of Rivendell all send their greetings to you in this dark time."
"I will leave you to your companions for now." Theoden told her. "There are things you will wish to discuss." With those words he left the Hall.
Arwen turned and hugged Aragorn. "Sit, let me tend to you before the battle, you will fight better if you are sound of mind and body." Gently she began clean and bind his cuts with Elvish ointments and white bandages.
"You knew what you were doing all along, didn't you?" Legolas asked her.
"I rode to Lorien because my father and Galadriel summoned me. When I arrived they told me that there was no hope here. All would perish in the battle for Helm's Deep, Men and Orcs alike. I argued with them, asking to be allowed to return with the army of the Elves." Arwen told him.
"You must have said something else." Aragorn told her, "Lord Elrond and Lord Celeborn aren't so easily persuaded."
"I told them I will not travel to the Grey Havens and sail for the Undying Lands with the rest of my people. My heart belongs in Middle Earth. I asked them to let our people to fight for what they believe in." Arwen answered.
"What do they believe in?" Gimli asked.
"Galadriel told that they believe in me." She said quietly.
"You are the light of the Elves, Arwen. Who better for them to believe in?" Legolas told her, "I believe in you. I have wronged in the time since you left us. I despaired and it was wrong of me. I grew angry with our people for abandoning us, yet it seems we are in the thoughts of the Elders more than any realised."
"Well spoken." She told him, bowing her head. "May we all meet again once this war is over."
"Do you know when that will be?" Gimli asked.
"I cannot say." Arwen said to them. "But I can say that it will be over."
As she finished speaking Haldir entered the Hall. On his outstretched arm rested a white falcon. "My apologies Lady, but news has arrived from Lorien." Arwen whistled to the falcon.
It spread it's wings and flew to her, landing on her outstretched hands. "Greetings to you Illya of Lorien. What news do you bring to Helm's Deep?" She asked the bird softly. Gracefully she sat and let the falcon rest in her lap. Her fingers were gentle as she untied the message.
It was written in Elf Runes in case Illya had been intercepted. She took the parchment in her hands, holding onto it for a moment. She reached into a pouch on her belt and produced a treat for Illya. "Well done my friend, remain at Helm's Deep." Arwen told the falcon. Then she studied the letter, breathing a sigh of relief. "Galadriel has gone to the Dwarves of Erebor. She has offered them the same hand of friendship Gimli offered her. Many are marching now, to Helm's Deep, as is Celeborn and my father. They bring with them the archers and swordsmen of the Woodland Realm and of the Grey Havens." Arwen said to them. "We may yet make it through this."
"Praise be to our forefathers of old!" Theoden called from the Hall door upon hearing her news.
"Praise the Kin of those who will fight for what they believe in." Aragorn answered him. He turned to Arwen. "Does the letter speak of the Dunedain?"
"Galadriel has already counseled you of them. Do not despair Elessar, the Dunedain have yet a part to play, but we will not see them here at Helm's Deep." Arwen told him.
He smiled, "How are we to despair, Lady? The light shines brightly in front of us."
"Keep your spirits high, Estel." She answered, using the name of his childhood. "I may be the light of my people, but you are the hope of yours."