Author's Note: This is my favourite chapter so far that I have written, so I hope you all like it. Thanks to my reviewers, I think that I've made this one a bit clearer with the memories, let me know. It will begin with a memory, still at Éowyn and Faramir's house. Let me know about any typos and if I ever figure out how to edit these chapters I will fix them.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. (Does that make me a communist?) At least I don't own anything having to do with Lord of the Rings. Don't sue.

"I looked into your future and I saw Death" --Elrond ROTK

CHAPTER THREE

That night, the night before both Aragorn and Faramir were to leave was one of those that made me eternally grateful to be given a chance at mortality. We had all sat in the sitting room after supper and after Elboron and Eldarion were put to bed. The room radiated with love and I was glad to be a part of it. I was also glad for the two children slumbering in the corner, for they would grow up in such an environment. After a while the conversation diminished and we retreated to our respective rooms; Éowyn had prepared the guest bedroom for Aragorn and me although we would be sharing a room once the men were gone.

His touch meant so much more to me now that I would be without it for a time. I melted into his kiss as he took me in his arms, drawing me close. I had never felt such love before in my life until I was wed, and I was lost in the depth of his.

Afterwards I lay in his arms and we talked of the future, our future together as we had done so many times before. We both wished for another child and I lay my hand on my stomach, silently praying to Eru that he had that night planted in my womb that seed which would give us another beautiful baby.

It was one of those moments in which time seems to pause its great wheel and eternity is meaningless. That night, in the house of a friend filled with love and lying in the caring arms of my husband I felt as though come what may, when time began again its great spin, this moment at least, had lasted a lifetime. Or perhaps it was simply a second, which would be lost again later. At that time I did not know.

The next morning Aragorn and Faramir left and Éowyn's and my mood were melancholy for the remainder of the day. Eldarion and Elboron got along quietly, playing some sort of game with large smooth rocks. It was a grey, cloudy day, one that seemed to reflect my state of mind, but by twilight the clouds were beginning to break and a waxing moon showed its glowing face among the stars that I knew so well. Eärendil, father of Elrond, shining with his captured Simaril, Varda; maker of the stars with the light of Ilúvatar on her face, and others which I had grown up under. All of the sadness dissipated out of me; I had always felt comfortable under the stars; I was their namesake and I had spent much of my life underneath them, learning their history. Éowyn caught my slight sigh and moved closer, taking my hand.

"Pray tell what ails your mind, my friend." She lifted her grey eyes to my blue. "Is there nothing that I can do?"

"Nay Éowyn, there is naught you can do. I look at these stars and I miss my father. When last I saw him it was a bitter parting indeed."

"I am sorry. If it may help, I would tell you that I too still miss my uncle. What thought consoles me is that I will see him in the halls of my fathers when it is my time to pass."

I can hold no such thought. Elrond will have passed on to Eressëa, to Elvenhome past the seas, to shores that I will never see. No boat can carry me forth from this land, such is the nature of the choice I made, to bund my heart to this earth. I will not see him again, for he will not die and I will." A sudden chill passed through me as I caught a glimpse of what my future held.

"I have no words to ease your grief, Arwen, but perhaps there are none at all, even that the Elf-Lords may think of. Mayhap this is a time when words have no meaning." She finished softly, squeezing my hand. I said nothing, only squeezed back as we stood together, shoulder to shoulder, (she was near my height, so tall was she) under the loving moonlight. A light wind lifted up our hair, binding it together, the black against the gold. I felt Éowyn's eyes upon my face and I broke my silence.

"The burden on my heart has lessened a bit with your words, melda. We should return and check on the children."

"Aye, but with all hope they are still sleeping."

"We can hope," I said and with that we turned and retreated inside.

A month and a half later I anxiously awaited Aragorn's return. Eruhantale, I was pregnant.

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What within me was demanding that I let go of my control and let these memories inundate me? It was still too early, too painful to remember those who I had loved and lost. Never had I felt more loved than at that cottage, the quiet retreat for Éowyn and the Steward. Would a time ever come when I would be able to let go? Would there be a time that I could forgive myself for the choice that I had made and come to accept it? I did not know.