Synopsis:

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?

Sorry for taking awhile to update.  Hope you enjoy this chapter.  I

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 5:  The road to redemption

"Where is he?" The booming voice echoed through the tall corridor.  "Where's the weeping Elf?"

Aragorn grinned broadly at the short figure bounding purposefully towards him.  "Gimli," he laughed.  "I should have known."  Closing the distance between them, he clasped his friend by the shoulder.   "When Arwen said she had a plan, I did not imagine it would be you."

"It's not only a beautiful but a smart wife you've got there laddy," said the grinning Dwarf, thumping the King on the chest.  "Never trust a man to do a dwarf's job."

"I'm glad you're here Gimli, my friend." Aragorn laughed.  "You have been sorely missed."

A wide smile glimmered through the dwarf's beard.  "There'll be plenty of time to talk of my many talents lad," he said.  "Feed me first and then let us deal with our sad friend together."

**

Much later, when his belly was full and his thirst quenched, Gimli leaned back in his chair and looked soberly at the King.  "So," he said.  "Is it that serious?"

"He has withdrawn completely," Aragorn replied.  "He talks to no-one.  Especially not to me. I fear I did more damage than good Gimli, when I tried to spare him the pain."

"And this woman, this Valraen… she remembers nothing?"

"Not a thing," said the King sadly.  "But it is not that which pains him most."

Gimli looked at him questioningly.

"It is the hatred he sees in her eyes," Aragorn said as he brought a tired hand to his forehead.  "It is the hatred we all see."

Gimli looked knowingly at his friend.  "And how are you doing laddy?" he asked.

Aragorn sighed.  "As well as can be expected Gimli.  But then, I have Arwen."

Gimli nodded.  "So… I am to cheer up the Elf.  What will you do?"

Aragorn paused.  "What has to be done.  I must either reclaim my cousin or restrain her but she cannot be allowed to return to the Selenar."

Gimli stood up to leave. "I'll find Legolas," he said.  "I think its best if you leave him to me."

"Gimli," Aragorn said as he walked his friend towards the door.  "If I should fail and my cousin cannot be reclaimed…"

The sentence hung tensely in the air between them.  Gimli nodded.  "I'll do my best lad," he said.

**

Arienel was awake when the Queen entered her room.  It was the first person other than the maid that she had seen in almost a week.  In that time, she had not been allowed to venture outside of her room other than to attend to her private needs.  Even then she had been accompanied.  Had she not exercised all the patience Selenar were famous for, she felt she would have gone mad.

Her fortitude had paid off however and had presented itself in the form of none other than the Elf Queen of Gondor.

Arienel forced the dislike from her face as Arwen approached her bed.

"Quel amrun Valraen," Arwen said.  "I am Arwen.  I have come to see how you are faring."

"As well as can be expected," Arienel ground out, forcing herself not to react to the name.  "When will I be allowed to leave this room?"

"When you are well Valraen," Arwen said, placing a soft hand on Arienel's cheek.  "Are you comfortable mellonamin?  Is there anything you need?"

Arienel suppressed with difficulty the angry growl that was fighting its way past her lips and tried not to flinch.  "I am very comfortable."  She forced a smile.  "I need only some air and to stretch my legs."

Arwen smiled in understanding but said nothing.

"Could I perhaps see the King again?" Arienel tried again.  "He is my cousin isn't he..."

Arwen's smile faded as she stepped back.  "I have brought you some clothes Valraen," she said, placing them on the chair next to her bed.  "They should fit you.  We always were the same size." She grinned at the pale face beneath her.

"You are welcome to walk anywhere within the grounds around the palace.  I am afraid however that I cannot let you venture outside of them.  I am sure you understand Valraen.  It's for your own protection."

Arienel closed her eyes and took in a shaky breath.  "The King…" she repeated.  "When will I see the King?"

"In time." Arwen said quietly.  "In time Valraen… but first you need your rest."

Arienel felt the last shreds of her patience snapping.  "My name…" she hissed, "is Arienel…"

"Is it?" the Queen whispered, gazing at her with a strange expression.  "Is it indeed?  Forgive me mellonamin… amin rinuva tanya."

She placed a soft kiss on Arienel's forehead and smiling turned away.

"Amin entuluva tul're… Valraen…"

Watching Arwen leave, Arienel thumped her hand against the bed and let out a soft cry of frustration.  Only later did she realise that she had understood every word the Queen had said.

**

Elvish translation c/- the Grey Company (www.grey-company.org)

Quel amrun = Good morning

Amin rinuva tanya = I will remember that

Mellonamin = My friend

Amin entuluva tul're = I will return tomorrow