Many months passed. My whole world seemed to cave in around me. Things were no longer as easy as they once were. I could no longer find comfort in talking to dear Bilbo. He became more easily distracted, and often forgot what I had just said, and even what he just said! So I decided just to spend my time thinking. It's been my only comfort, after all.
My face was pink from crying, so I went to get some water to cool it off. I splashed some water on my face, but when all the ripples had settled, I stared at my reflection. It was not the same reflection I saw a year ago. A year ago, my reflection was purely myself. I was whole. I felt alive. Now, I look like I had part of myself torn out. The color in my cheeks was gone, and I looked as though I was a mortal woman. I was not myself. Ada was right. I went back to my room, and laid my head on my pillow, and went into mental rest for a while, as I so often did.
Maybe I could visit Aragorn in his mind, if he was willing. I closed my eyes, pulling an image of him into the front of my mind. I smiled to myself as I saw Aragorn in my mind. Tears came dangerously close to my eyes as I saw how tired he looked. I knew he felt defeated. Then, I walked over to where his weak and sleeping body, resting my lips on his. He awoke, gazing into my eyes.
I whispered.
I am asleep, he said to me quietly. I bend down beside him.
he said weakly, and brushed his hand over my cheek. I felt so whole again.
I whispered again.
As I walked away and looked out over Rivendell, he got up slowly and followed me.
He slid his hands up and down my arms, warming me inside.
Minlû pedich nin aur hen telitha, he said, sadly.
(You told me once..... this day would come)
Si peliannen i vâd na dail lîn, I replied.
(This is not the end..... it is the beginning.)
I paused, looking into the eyes of my love. It was one of the most powerful feelings, looking into those eyes.
Boe bedich go Frodo. Han bâd lîn.
(You must go with Frodo. That is you path.)
He shook his head. He looked so tired! I almost lost my focus and poured my sorrows out in his arms, but I knew that if I appeared to loose hope, then what would he have left to turn to?
Si boe ú-dhannathach, I whispered as I laid my fingertips on his mouth.
(You cannot falter now.)
I brushed a piece of his hair aside so I could see his face, and traced every line of worry on his forehead.
Ae ú-esteliach nad, estelio han, I laid a hand on the evenstar he still bore. Estelio ammen.
(If you trust nothing else... trust this. Trust us.)
He looked into my eyes, as if he would give up everything to make this moment last all of eternity. I felt the same way.
I closed my eyes and let his lips touch mine, just like so long ago. Soon, we both had let go of reality.
He pulled away to breathe, and I took this chance to nuzzle against his should. He ruffled my hair, and kissed the point of my ear. I wanted to laugh and weep at the same time. I decided just to let go, and not think so much. After all, this may be the last time I would ever see him.
he said softly.
(I love you)
Iaiwa ullumë enyala. Meldalë ana.
(I'll forever remember. I love you, too.)
He brushed his hand by my breast, still staring into my eyes. But I had to break the gaze.
I whispered to him. You are weary.
(Rest.)
Uuyë seerë indoninya, he answered.
(No rest is in my heart.)
I looked at him pleadingly. I don't want you to go, I said. But you must. Go with Frodo. There is where you will be needed. Not with me.
I reached out to touch him, but all I touched was the atmosphere. I fell to my knees, and found that everything was back to how it was. It was a dream, and nothing more. I sat there for so long, doing nothing, feeling nothing. I was nothing. I knew that if I did stay to see this world renewed, I would have to start again.
