A/N: I worked really hard on this story, and I don't want to be a pain, but
I really want to know what anyone and everyone think of this. It took me
just over four months to write many of those days turning into very
sleepless nights and I'm kind of hoping that it wasn't all in vain.
Samantha.
Part 55.
After riding through the city a while, Arwen stopped Nallahir and called out to a young soldier, busy practicing his sword technique. "Hello over there."
"Can I help you, Lady?" He asked.
"I am new to Gondor. I rode here with Dunedain, but now wish for some peace. Is there a garden nearby?" Arwen lowered her hood so that she could see better.
"Y-yes Lady." The soldier stammered, seeing her face properly for the first time. "Away down there and to the left. You cannot miss it."
"Thank you. What is your name, soldier of Gondor?"
"Berleron, son of Berleraid, Lady."
"Defend your City well, Berleron, son of Berleraid. As long as men fight for what is theirs we shall not fall to the enemy." She told him, then smiled before she rode off towards the gardens.
***********
Finally Arwen was able to rest in the gardens, sitting down beneath a great tree, on the grass beside a pond full of fish. Idly she trailed her fingers in the water.
/Galadriel./ She sent out. /Galadriel, I need you./
Several moments later the answer came back. /What ails you child?/
/The threat of Mordor nears. The Ringbearer nears the end of his quest./
/You foresaw these things too Arwen. Galadriel sent back. You knew what may happen./
/Should I ride to war? I have been asked, but I do not know where my path lies./ Arwen sent to her.
/Trust your heart, Arwen Evenstar. It will see you through/. Galadriel sent her last message, and then was gone.
In the beauty of the garden Arwen leaned back against the tree trunk and dipped her fingers once more into the fish pond and closed her eyes.
/Father. Ada, I need you. Ten'amin. She sent to him. Hear me./
/Uma, nin Tinu./ Elrond sent back immediately. *Yes, my daughter.*
/Help me. I am unsure/. She sent back, tears trickling down her cheeks.
/Do not despair Arwen. Ask of me what you will. If I can tell you I shall/.
/Should I ride to war with Aragorn and the others? Should I stay in Minas Tirith? Or should I leave these places and come home to you, Ada?/
/What does your heart tell you, my daughter?/ He sent back.
/That I should stay with Aragorn and ride by his side into the fires of Mordor./
Elrond was silent for several moments. /Your heart has chosen then, nin iell. Follow it/. He projected the thoughts clearly into her mind. *My daughter.*
/I've missed you Ada/. Arwen sent to him.
/And I you, Arwen, as has all of Rivendell. We are all so proud of you though./
/What does Rivendell look like now?/
/It is Spring here now, just creeping over us, renewing hopes for the future and renewing this land as ever it has in the past. Everything is receiving new life. May the grace of the Valar protect you always, my daughter. Come home safe to me./
/When this war is over I will come home to you. Even if it is only for a little while./ She promised, then felt Elrond release his contact with her.
For several moments Arwen allowed herself to be homesick, and to miss the father she loved so much. While she did Nallahir stopped chewing on the lush green grass and nuzzled her, trying to let her know that she wasn't alone. After a few seconds she laid her hands on his face and rested her head against his cheek.
She was jolted out of her misery by a voice speaking to her.
"Arwen, are you all right?" Aragorn sat down beside her and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.
"I will ride with you into Mordor. My heart has led me this far, let it lead me to the end." She told him.
"It will be a pleasure to have you by my side, Arwen, as it always is. Do not cry anymore, and don't shut yourself away." Aragorn told her. "Tell me about how you feel."
"You did not need this burden. I have taken council already and made my decision. I will ride with you." Arwen promised him.
"Very well then. We should go back then. You will need to prepare for when we leave."
"When is that?"
"Not long. Tomorrow morning. The rest of this day will be lost to organization and preparation. You are right Arwen. All things wait for this war. Now that it is about to break over us I feel it in all things. The air, water, earth." He confided.
She smiled and patted his cheek. "You have been with the Elves too long. But you are right. Everything is stretched to breaking point." Arwen stood, holding her hand out to him. "We should go now."
"As usual A'maelamin, you right." He conceded, allowing her to haul him to his feet. *My beloved*.
Together they walked back towards the busy center square, Arwen leading Nallahir by his reins.
"How did you find me?" She asked as they walked, hand in hand.
"I looked." He smiled gaily at her, chuckling as she raised her eyebrows in disbelief. "I thought you would go to a place where you felt more at home. I asked one of the soldiers where the gardens were. He said he'd seen you."
Aragorn confessed.
"My friend Berlaron, son of Berlaraid?" Arwen asked. Aragorn nodded. "He told me how to get to the gardens in the first place."
************
As they entered the main courtyard Legolas hailed them, causing Elladan and Elrohir to look up, as well as Eomer and Imrahil.
"Did you decide on what will happen when we ride to war?" Arwen asked, before they joined the others.
"We are riding for Minas Morgul." Aragorn told her, his voice low. "My mind is more at ease with you by my side, Lady Evenstar."
"Aragorn, we must make ready." Eomer called, "We didn't know where you had gotten too."
"Have a care to tell people where you disappear too." Elladan chided him.
"Are you riding with us, Lady Arwen?" Legolas asked her.
"I have followed my heart this far. I will follow it to the end, into the very fires of Mordor." Arwen answered him. "I have taken council with Ada and Galadriel. Both with well on us, and say may the Valar protect us in our time of great danger."
"What does Ada say?" Elrohir asked.
"Spring has come to fair Rivendell. All is blossoming with new life, and new hope." She said quietly.
"We will see Rivendell soon, Arwen." Elladan promised her, "And Lothlorien, and maybe all too soon the Grey Havens as well."
"Let us all prepare for war." Imrahil interrupted the heavy silence. "And let us also pray that we all return here safely."
Arwen said nothing, but turned away to face Nallahir's side and adjust his saddlebags, all containing his mistress's possessions.
Part 56.
As they assembled in the early dawn, the next morning, Aragorn called out to all, "Men of Gondor and Dol Amroth, Riders of Rohan, Dunedain, and other beloved friends! Let us ride now to Minas Morgul. Let us ride swiftly, before the storm of Mordor covers these lands we love so much in darkness!"
He wore his gray Elven cloak, and it was clasped with the green stone Galadriel had gifted to him, which had been returned to her by Arwen in her last stay in Lothlorien.
With her keen hearing Arwen could hear the soldiers speaking softly amongst themselves. They spoke of the war, and fear of Sauron, but many also spoke of Lord Aragorn of the Dunedain, the Elfstone, and of this Arwen was proud. Her love had almost come into his own, his name as it had been foretold had been given to him by his own people. Elessar, the Elfstone.
She gazed at him, astride Brego, beside her. Again he was speaking to the people who didn't yet realize that he was their King, finally returned to them from exile. He drew Anduril from its sheath and held it aloft. "You shall not be sheathed again until the last battle is fought." He vowed.
They rode as swiftly as they dared, each person keeping to his company, so that all men were accounted for, and the strength of the army was known to it's commanders.
Arwen herself rode with Aragorn and the Dunedain, as they had ridden from the River Isen after their time at Isenguard. Gandalf, Legolas and Gimli rode with them, while Pippin rode with his own squadron, just behind them. Merry had not ridden out with them, but stayed in the Houses of Healing, still not having comprehended the valor and honor he had earned during his time in the battle on the Pelennor Fields.
As they journeyed North-East Arwen had sung with Aragorn, Legolas and her brothers, even with the rest of the Dunedain at times, riddled and played guessing games with Pippin and some of his companions when she tired of the others talks, and told Eomer and Imrahil stories and often pointed out the stars to them.
Eomer listened particularly well, mostly because he had known his Uncle, Theoden had liked to listen to her on their journey to and from Isenguard, counting her as another niece, the same as Arwen.
He had noticed that now instead of the crystal pendent she had worn about her neck was wore by Aragorn, and around her neck she wore a gold necklace with a delicate circlet of gold, engraved with Rohirrim letters. The symbol of a dear friend and ally to Rohan, and a token rarely ever given, even all of Rohan's long history. Theoden had seen something very special in the Lady Evenstar.
He turned to smile at her as she laughed with Pippin and some of the other soldiers of Gondor. The guard Aragorn had ordered to watch over her, and protect her if need be, rode a careful distance away, far enough that he wasn't intruding, yet close enough to be on hand if she should need any help.
Aragorn turned to face him, for the Rohirrim rode alongside the Dunedain. "She is lovely isn't she?" He asked.
"Forgive me. Theoden, my Uncle saw something in her, I don't know what. I look for myself, hoping to see it one day. But yes, she is lovely. The Lady Evenstar speaks with all of these men as equals, the commanders and soldiers alike. I have not yet heard her raise her voice to anyone. It seems that she is only ever jovial and full of mirth."
"She tells nothing of sorrow." Aragorn agreed. "She does not hold onto it. Arwen tries to see the good in every one, and the hope in every situation. As we rode to Edoras, she sang for us and told us not to despair, because we were here, it was night and we were riding with friends. Even now she does the same. It boosts the morale of the men and lightens their spirits."
"Who does what?" Legolas asked, drawing alongside the pair.
"Arwen." Aragorn said to him.
"She has come into her own since we left Rivendell. I think the Lady will be happy to begin her life in Gondor once this war is done." Legolas smiled, turning in his saddle to look back at her.
Sensing their stares upon her Arwen smiled at them and waved, then turned back to her companions and involved her guard in the game she was playing with Pippin and the others.
"Has she spoken of Frodo since we left Isenguard?" Legolas asked.
"No." Aragorn answered him. "The only news I have heard of Frodo and Sam is that they met up with Faramir before he was taken ill, and they were headed into Mordor. I have not the heart to ask her of them. It pains her greatly. When she thinks no one is watching her she allows her pain to surface. No, I have not had the heart to ask."
Samantha.
Part 55.
After riding through the city a while, Arwen stopped Nallahir and called out to a young soldier, busy practicing his sword technique. "Hello over there."
"Can I help you, Lady?" He asked.
"I am new to Gondor. I rode here with Dunedain, but now wish for some peace. Is there a garden nearby?" Arwen lowered her hood so that she could see better.
"Y-yes Lady." The soldier stammered, seeing her face properly for the first time. "Away down there and to the left. You cannot miss it."
"Thank you. What is your name, soldier of Gondor?"
"Berleron, son of Berleraid, Lady."
"Defend your City well, Berleron, son of Berleraid. As long as men fight for what is theirs we shall not fall to the enemy." She told him, then smiled before she rode off towards the gardens.
***********
Finally Arwen was able to rest in the gardens, sitting down beneath a great tree, on the grass beside a pond full of fish. Idly she trailed her fingers in the water.
/Galadriel./ She sent out. /Galadriel, I need you./
Several moments later the answer came back. /What ails you child?/
/The threat of Mordor nears. The Ringbearer nears the end of his quest./
/You foresaw these things too Arwen. Galadriel sent back. You knew what may happen./
/Should I ride to war? I have been asked, but I do not know where my path lies./ Arwen sent to her.
/Trust your heart, Arwen Evenstar. It will see you through/. Galadriel sent her last message, and then was gone.
In the beauty of the garden Arwen leaned back against the tree trunk and dipped her fingers once more into the fish pond and closed her eyes.
/Father. Ada, I need you. Ten'amin. She sent to him. Hear me./
/Uma, nin Tinu./ Elrond sent back immediately. *Yes, my daughter.*
/Help me. I am unsure/. She sent back, tears trickling down her cheeks.
/Do not despair Arwen. Ask of me what you will. If I can tell you I shall/.
/Should I ride to war with Aragorn and the others? Should I stay in Minas Tirith? Or should I leave these places and come home to you, Ada?/
/What does your heart tell you, my daughter?/ He sent back.
/That I should stay with Aragorn and ride by his side into the fires of Mordor./
Elrond was silent for several moments. /Your heart has chosen then, nin iell. Follow it/. He projected the thoughts clearly into her mind. *My daughter.*
/I've missed you Ada/. Arwen sent to him.
/And I you, Arwen, as has all of Rivendell. We are all so proud of you though./
/What does Rivendell look like now?/
/It is Spring here now, just creeping over us, renewing hopes for the future and renewing this land as ever it has in the past. Everything is receiving new life. May the grace of the Valar protect you always, my daughter. Come home safe to me./
/When this war is over I will come home to you. Even if it is only for a little while./ She promised, then felt Elrond release his contact with her.
For several moments Arwen allowed herself to be homesick, and to miss the father she loved so much. While she did Nallahir stopped chewing on the lush green grass and nuzzled her, trying to let her know that she wasn't alone. After a few seconds she laid her hands on his face and rested her head against his cheek.
She was jolted out of her misery by a voice speaking to her.
"Arwen, are you all right?" Aragorn sat down beside her and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.
"I will ride with you into Mordor. My heart has led me this far, let it lead me to the end." She told him.
"It will be a pleasure to have you by my side, Arwen, as it always is. Do not cry anymore, and don't shut yourself away." Aragorn told her. "Tell me about how you feel."
"You did not need this burden. I have taken council already and made my decision. I will ride with you." Arwen promised him.
"Very well then. We should go back then. You will need to prepare for when we leave."
"When is that?"
"Not long. Tomorrow morning. The rest of this day will be lost to organization and preparation. You are right Arwen. All things wait for this war. Now that it is about to break over us I feel it in all things. The air, water, earth." He confided.
She smiled and patted his cheek. "You have been with the Elves too long. But you are right. Everything is stretched to breaking point." Arwen stood, holding her hand out to him. "We should go now."
"As usual A'maelamin, you right." He conceded, allowing her to haul him to his feet. *My beloved*.
Together they walked back towards the busy center square, Arwen leading Nallahir by his reins.
"How did you find me?" She asked as they walked, hand in hand.
"I looked." He smiled gaily at her, chuckling as she raised her eyebrows in disbelief. "I thought you would go to a place where you felt more at home. I asked one of the soldiers where the gardens were. He said he'd seen you."
Aragorn confessed.
"My friend Berlaron, son of Berlaraid?" Arwen asked. Aragorn nodded. "He told me how to get to the gardens in the first place."
************
As they entered the main courtyard Legolas hailed them, causing Elladan and Elrohir to look up, as well as Eomer and Imrahil.
"Did you decide on what will happen when we ride to war?" Arwen asked, before they joined the others.
"We are riding for Minas Morgul." Aragorn told her, his voice low. "My mind is more at ease with you by my side, Lady Evenstar."
"Aragorn, we must make ready." Eomer called, "We didn't know where you had gotten too."
"Have a care to tell people where you disappear too." Elladan chided him.
"Are you riding with us, Lady Arwen?" Legolas asked her.
"I have followed my heart this far. I will follow it to the end, into the very fires of Mordor." Arwen answered him. "I have taken council with Ada and Galadriel. Both with well on us, and say may the Valar protect us in our time of great danger."
"What does Ada say?" Elrohir asked.
"Spring has come to fair Rivendell. All is blossoming with new life, and new hope." She said quietly.
"We will see Rivendell soon, Arwen." Elladan promised her, "And Lothlorien, and maybe all too soon the Grey Havens as well."
"Let us all prepare for war." Imrahil interrupted the heavy silence. "And let us also pray that we all return here safely."
Arwen said nothing, but turned away to face Nallahir's side and adjust his saddlebags, all containing his mistress's possessions.
Part 56.
As they assembled in the early dawn, the next morning, Aragorn called out to all, "Men of Gondor and Dol Amroth, Riders of Rohan, Dunedain, and other beloved friends! Let us ride now to Minas Morgul. Let us ride swiftly, before the storm of Mordor covers these lands we love so much in darkness!"
He wore his gray Elven cloak, and it was clasped with the green stone Galadriel had gifted to him, which had been returned to her by Arwen in her last stay in Lothlorien.
With her keen hearing Arwen could hear the soldiers speaking softly amongst themselves. They spoke of the war, and fear of Sauron, but many also spoke of Lord Aragorn of the Dunedain, the Elfstone, and of this Arwen was proud. Her love had almost come into his own, his name as it had been foretold had been given to him by his own people. Elessar, the Elfstone.
She gazed at him, astride Brego, beside her. Again he was speaking to the people who didn't yet realize that he was their King, finally returned to them from exile. He drew Anduril from its sheath and held it aloft. "You shall not be sheathed again until the last battle is fought." He vowed.
They rode as swiftly as they dared, each person keeping to his company, so that all men were accounted for, and the strength of the army was known to it's commanders.
Arwen herself rode with Aragorn and the Dunedain, as they had ridden from the River Isen after their time at Isenguard. Gandalf, Legolas and Gimli rode with them, while Pippin rode with his own squadron, just behind them. Merry had not ridden out with them, but stayed in the Houses of Healing, still not having comprehended the valor and honor he had earned during his time in the battle on the Pelennor Fields.
As they journeyed North-East Arwen had sung with Aragorn, Legolas and her brothers, even with the rest of the Dunedain at times, riddled and played guessing games with Pippin and some of his companions when she tired of the others talks, and told Eomer and Imrahil stories and often pointed out the stars to them.
Eomer listened particularly well, mostly because he had known his Uncle, Theoden had liked to listen to her on their journey to and from Isenguard, counting her as another niece, the same as Arwen.
He had noticed that now instead of the crystal pendent she had worn about her neck was wore by Aragorn, and around her neck she wore a gold necklace with a delicate circlet of gold, engraved with Rohirrim letters. The symbol of a dear friend and ally to Rohan, and a token rarely ever given, even all of Rohan's long history. Theoden had seen something very special in the Lady Evenstar.
He turned to smile at her as she laughed with Pippin and some of the other soldiers of Gondor. The guard Aragorn had ordered to watch over her, and protect her if need be, rode a careful distance away, far enough that he wasn't intruding, yet close enough to be on hand if she should need any help.
Aragorn turned to face him, for the Rohirrim rode alongside the Dunedain. "She is lovely isn't she?" He asked.
"Forgive me. Theoden, my Uncle saw something in her, I don't know what. I look for myself, hoping to see it one day. But yes, she is lovely. The Lady Evenstar speaks with all of these men as equals, the commanders and soldiers alike. I have not yet heard her raise her voice to anyone. It seems that she is only ever jovial and full of mirth."
"She tells nothing of sorrow." Aragorn agreed. "She does not hold onto it. Arwen tries to see the good in every one, and the hope in every situation. As we rode to Edoras, she sang for us and told us not to despair, because we were here, it was night and we were riding with friends. Even now she does the same. It boosts the morale of the men and lightens their spirits."
"Who does what?" Legolas asked, drawing alongside the pair.
"Arwen." Aragorn said to him.
"She has come into her own since we left Rivendell. I think the Lady will be happy to begin her life in Gondor once this war is done." Legolas smiled, turning in his saddle to look back at her.
Sensing their stares upon her Arwen smiled at them and waved, then turned back to her companions and involved her guard in the game she was playing with Pippin and the others.
"Has she spoken of Frodo since we left Isenguard?" Legolas asked.
"No." Aragorn answered him. "The only news I have heard of Frodo and Sam is that they met up with Faramir before he was taken ill, and they were headed into Mordor. I have not the heart to ask her of them. It pains her greatly. When she thinks no one is watching her she allows her pain to surface. No, I have not had the heart to ask."