Written by Perdu for the PPC fic exchange
Written for Hal
The Troth Plighting
High above the hill, the moon and glittering stars shone in an effort to give their blessing upon this hour. Two forms stood atop the hill and gazed at the beauty surrounding them. One of them spoke in a persuading tone.
"The fate of Men is uncertain. They are not tied to this world and thus escape to a place known only to Iluvatar. The Firstborn have always known that peace and rest were but a ship-voyage from the Havens. Men have no such promise. Do not abandon that hope for a weary existence in this tired lands" he argued.
"I would turn from that and embrace the Gift of Men if you would have me," she stated.
"I love you, but I would not have you be separated from your kin" he said quietly. He moved to stand beside her and faced the West.
"That is not your decision to make. You know that my heart is pledged to you. Even though you doubt yourself, I believe that you will prevail and return to me when all has been accomplished. I will not leave you to face these times alone" she spoke earnestly.
With that, he pulled out a cloth-wrapped bundle and began to open it. Arwen gasped as she saw its contents. In the center of the cloth, a ring of curious design gleamed in the moonlight. Two silver snakes were intertwined to form the band while an emerald of deep green separated the tails.
"How did you come by this treasure?" she wondered. "I thought it had been lost Ages ago."
"Not so," he said with a faint smile. "It has been kept for this hour and this purpose."
A tear found its way down Arwen's cheek and dripped to the ground of Cerin Armoth with a soft splat.
Aragorn gently grasped her hand and began to speak.
"This ring has ever been a sign of trust between the Firstborn and Men. I give it to you now as a hope for the future. Hope that one day I will regain the throne of my ancestors and hope that we may find some measure of peace with each other. I do not know what road lies ahead of me. However, I now betroth myself to you. Whatever comes, we will face it together," he vowed in a solemn tone.
Arwen stared at the ring now gracing her hand and looked up at Aragorn with peace in her eyes. "I accept this ring as a sign of our betrothal and as a promise of the things to come. I will turn from my kin and join with yours," she answered.
With that, the Eldar and the Edain were again joined, this time for the last.