Disclaimer: I own nothing of Tolkien's. But maybe we share a love for creating stories.
Edited on 11 Oct 2003
Chapter 7It was late noon. The council of Elrond had just ended.
She had listened in wonder about the tale of the ring, and of the nine dark riders, and of what the dwarves had to say.
Ariel felt Legolas' distress when Aragorn found out the Wood-elves had let a creature called Gollum escape, and shot him a sympathetic look.
She wanted to jump to Aragorn's defense when a man from the South called Boromir insulted Aragorn indirectly, and was glad when an old hobbit called Bilbo did so by reciting a poem. She thought the verses suited Aragorn:
All that is gold does not glitter
Not all who wander are lost
The old that is strong does not whiter
Deep roots are not touched by the frost
From the ashes a fire shall be woken
A light from the shadows shall spring
Renewed shall be the sword that was broken
The crownless again shall be made king.
Frodo was to take the ring to Mordor, and eight other companions are to go with him. Ariel pitied Frodo, for he carried the burden of Middle Earth on his small shoulders.
Ariel smiled in amusement as Sam, Frodo's servant leaped up from the bushes and indignantly told everyone present that Frodo was not going anywhere without him.
The fellowship of the ring consisted of Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Gimli a dwarf, Aragorn, Boromir, Gandalf, and Legolas.
Ariel was worried for Legolas, for she knew the journey to Mordor was perilous and wrought with dangers. Arwen felt the same with Aragorn.
"But for Aragorn it is clear that the path chosen for him to take leads to his destiny, which is high, for he is the heir to the throne of Gondor, made for doing great deeds. And I, lady Undomiel will not hinder it. And Father will only allow me to be wed to a king and no other. But I have faith Aragorn will receive the scepter. Come, let me show you what I have made for him in secret."
She unfurled a standard. It was made with black cloth, one of the finest that does not tear easily and can withstand wind or rain. There was the White tree with seven stars about it, which were wrought with gems, and lastly, a crown, made of mithril and gold glittered. It was the banner of Gondor.
"It is only half done, for I have yet to sew over the Tree with protective thread, which will prevent it from fraying."
"Nevertheless, it is finely done, and will be justly given to Isildur's heir."
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The cool evening made it perfect for a stroll on the gardens. Alone.
There were pine, beech, elm and oak trees providing shade. Ariel basked in the tranquility if it all, allowing the serenity to wash over her.
Her thoughts were with Legolas and the rest of the fellowship when approaching voices interrupted them. Not feeling up to meeting anyone, Ariel, hid behind a tree and waited for the voices to pass.
Presently two elves came walking down the path towards her.
"Father says we are to go to Silverlode and scout the area for any of the nine riders."
"Of that matter—" He faltered when he caught a flash of lavender behind an oak tree.
"Reveal yourself." He demanded.
Left with no choice, Ariel stepped out, ready with an explanation.
"What business do you—"
They gaped at each other.
"Elladan? Elrohir?" Ariel dared not believe her eyes.
"Ariel?" Was it their eyes or was their long lost sister in front of them?
Just when she thought she could get no happier, she burst into tears. Undecided on who to embrace first, she hugged them both together.
"Tanya Awra that hurts, little sister." Exclaimed Elladan when they hit each other's head in the process.
"Nae saian lumme" It has been so long Elrohir told Ariel. "You have grown much."
They sat on the lawn while recalled the years they had together. When all of a sudden Ariel grew quiet.
"What is it?" asked Elrohir.
"She has that 'look' on her face which implies she has something up her sleeve." Elladan said.
"Uh-oh, better move away." Elrohir recognized the familiar expression Ariel reserved for both of them specially whenever she and Arwen played tricks on them.
"I was just wondering if both of you are just as ticklish as before."
"No, you don't." Too late, Ariel tackled them to the ground and started tickling them till they were all rolling on the ground, laughing.
"Enough." panted Elladan. "You made me lose my self control." And he tried to regain his dignity by sitting up straight, failing miserably when Elrohir and Ariel laughed at him.
"Brother, you can never look like Father." Elrohir teased
"One day I will though." Elladan retorted.
"Ariel we have a surprise gift for you, meant to be given on that fateful day you were separated from us."
"We know how much you loved watching us practice our knife fighting."
They took out a long knife each, and handed it to Ariel, who accepted the gift proudly.
"We made it ourselves," Elrohir proclaimed proudly. "But when you did not come home, we kept it with us ever since."
The blades were well tended and shiny, and the handles were encrusted with jewels, sparkling in the sun. Elvish runes imprinted on the sword read, 'For Silverstar, from Elladan" and "From Elrohir."
She was so touched her eyes brimmed with happiness. She tried to thank both of them, but no words came out.
"We are sorry we cannot be with you any longer, for we have to discuss pressing matters with Father.' Elladan said regretfully.
"But we will see you tomorrow, so cheer up." Elrohir said, on seeing his sister's crestfallen face.
"Mayhap we can teach you how to wield two knives at once?" Elladan asked.
"Aye! I would dearly love to!" Ariel exclaimed, her face shining.
"We shall meet you at the arena ere the coming of dawn."
"Agreed. Farewell. Elladan and Elrohir."
When they were out of sight, Ariel held the blades against her breast, close to her heart.