In the time before the War of the Ring, a loved one was lost. Now, in the peace that follows, Valraen, the King's own cousin has been found. But her past is covered in darkness and Valraen has no memory of herself or the Elf she loved. As the forces of darkness that separated them gather once more, can Legolas bridge the distance between them and reclaim the one he lost?
This chapter is considerably shorter, but I wanted to get it up. Longer chapters coming. Please review! All comments welcome (including constructive criticism).
Legal Stuff – All characters (except Valraen/ Arienel and The Master) belong to Tokien The Great. None to me (more's the pity). I am but a trespasser on his glory. Chapter 3: To sleep, perchance to dream…
Aragorn gazed sadly at the unconscious form of his cousin. He understood now his old friend's reaction. It could not have been easy for the Elf. He remembered clearly the sorrow and heartbreak they all had felt at Valraen's disappearance but none more so than Legolas. Something in his friend had died that day and Legolas had never again favoured another woman, preferring instead the easy camaraderie of men.
When they learnt that Valraen might be alive, a light had come to Legolas' face such as had not been seen in a decade. Even Gimli, who knew nothing of Valraen, had commented on it.
"Well lad," he had chuckled, "Who'd have thought you'd get so fired up over a girl. Had we known, we would have set you in front of an army of women and not an army of orcs!" That had caused Legolas to scowl but even Gimli's customary teasing could not dim his delight.
What a difference a week had made, Aragorn thought sadly. The truth must be uncovered, he realised, else I may never see him smile again.
***
"Mae govanen Legolas…. amin nowe utua
lle sinome …"
Startled by one he had not heard approaching, Legolas
turned from his silent contemplation.
"Arwen," he nodded. "Sut naa lle?"
"Come now, mellonamin," she said good-naturedly. "Is that any way to greet an old friend."
"Amin hiraetha, Arwen…" he said quietly, "I am not good company tonight."
Looking away from the sympathy he saw in her eyes, he turned his gaze once more to the stars.
Arwen sat next to the hooded figure where he sat by one of the many golden red trees that now graced the city. Legolas himself had overseen their planting, holding true to his word that he would see more gardens in Minas Tirith. Wrapping her cloak around her knees to keep out the chilly air, she watched him thoughtfully.
"You are in pain my friend," she said. "I would ease it if I could. Will you not share your thoughts with me? Or if not, perhaps I can sit with you awhile and ease your loneliness."
Legolas looked at her intently.
"How do you do it, Arwen? How do you live each day knowing what you will one day lose?"
Arwen paled but did not flinch. "It was the choice I made," she explained. " To taste both the sweetness and bitterness of mortal life. And it is all the sweeter for the bitterness that will follow."
Legolas looked away.
"Legolas… look at me. I am happy now. I am loved now. Death is but the other side of life. Loss is but the companion to discovery. Where one is, the other must follow."
"She is not yet lost, mellonamin."she said, touching his hand gently. "There is still hope."
Legolas looked down at the hands resting softly on his. Sighing, he closed his eyes.
"I am sorry Arwen… amin n'elea ta…"
Removing his hands almost apologetically,
he rose to his feet and bowed his head respectfully to the Queen.
"It is late and I must return to the forest where I belong," Legolas said quietly.
"Quel du, Arwenamin." And with that he turned and disappeared into the night.
***
The little girl lifted her small sword high.
"Aragorn! Aragorn! Amin ume ta, Aragorn!"
"Well done little cousin…" The young man laughed, lifting her onto his shoulders. "I knew you could do it. All hail Valraen," he said "Slayer of orcs! Conqueror of goblins!"
He twirled her around.
"Watch who you call a goblin!" said an amused voice, rising from his place on the ground.
"You're a goblin," she giggled dizzily. "Cardolan's a goblin Aragorn!"
"Yes…" said Aragorn mischievously. "And quite an ugly one at that."
Cardolan laughed. "Bested by an eight year old…." he grinned. "How will I ever live it down? We'll have to watch this one Aragorn. In a few years, she'll be able to defeat even the Prince of Mirkwood."
"What shall wecall you aratoamin?" Aragorn asked playfully as he set her on the ground next to his friend. "Belger? Astalder?"
"Arienel…" the girl announced. "I like that name. Yes… I shall be Arienel…"
***
Elvish/ English translation
(my thanks to The Grey Company – www.grey-company.org)
Mae govanen =
Well met
Amin nowe utua lle sinome
= I thought to find you here
Sut naa lle?
= How are you?
Mellonamin = My friend
Amin hiraetha =
I'm sorry
Amin n'elea ta = I do not see it
Quel du, Arwenamin = Good night, my lady
Amin ume ta = I did it
Aratoamin = My champion
Belger = Mighty one
Astalder = Valiant one