AN – now you will see what would have happened if Arwen had not died, kind
of. Because she and Gandalf can remember the events that happened after
she died...Ok this is a bit confusing, so just remember that they are the
only two who can remember anything about this entire story. And watch out
for similarities to the other ending, if Arwen had died. Like the
christening now is similar but also opposite to Arwen's funeral.
Trumpets sounded throughout Gondor more than two weeks later. At the top of the steps to their home Aragorn stood with Arwen, who held the baby in her arms. They looked down at the street in front of them, it was filled with people all wearing bright colours and throwing red rose petals in the air in happiness.
They descended the steps and alighted into the golden carriage pulled by six magnificent white horses, a gift from Gondor. Leading the procession was the most magnificent white horse of all, Shadowfax himself, with Gandalf sitting happily astride him. He led the procession through the streets so al the people could get their first view of the new Prince of Gondor.
Aragorn smiled proudly, taking hold of the baby and holding up just high enough for the people to get a glimpse of him in the top of the open carriage. Arwen smiled and waved to the crowd, her hand resting comfortingly on Aragorn's knee.
They slowly drew away form the buildings and climbed a steep hill. As they crested the hill they saw a grand sight indeed. On the edge of the cliff stood a small crowd of people, the personal guests of the King and Queen. Four hobbits stood dressed smartly in their best clothes, smiling happily to see their old friends again. Behind them stood the Prince of Mirkwood, wearing a stunning outfit of white and gold, and an even more dazzling smile. Even Gimli, who stood next to Legolas, was dressed in bright clothes for the occasion.
But two strangers also stood in the crowd of family, which included Arwen's father and brothers. One elf maiden who knew no one stood a little apart. A pretty young thing with long golden hair and bright green eyes. She stood shyly with her head bowed, not making eye contact with anyone if she could help it. She wasn't even sure why she had been invited to this ceremony, when she had never been to Gondor or met the proud parents.
FLASHBACK
"Anánia, a letter has arrived for you by eagle." Her mother Silia said, walking over to Anánia's bed and sjaking her awake gently.
'Who would be writing to me?' She speculated as she unfolded the parchment and read in with wonder.
'Dear Anánia Silverbough,' it read. 'You are cordially invited to the Christening of the son of Aragorn, son of Arathorn and King of Gondor and Arwen, Lady of Rivendell.'
"Why have I been invited?" She asked the Lady of Lothlorien, Galadriel, later that day.
"We must not question the wisdom of Gondor." Galadriel replied mystically, a sly smile playing on her face. (AN – I'm going to say that Galadriel can also remember the events that happened, seeing as she generally knows everything anyway.) "You have been chosen as the representative of Lothlorien, and you must go."
"But why me?" She persisted. "Why not Haldir, or Orophin, or Rumil even. They have all met King Aragorn before. Why have I been chosen?"
"Let us call it fate." Galadriel smiled, handing Anánia a pile of green and yellow cloth. "You are destined to meet the people who will be there. I expect a representative from Mirkwood will be sent also, you shall not be the only elf there, and you shall be among friends. That is a dress for you to wear to the ceremony, you must represent us with pride and grace, young Anánia."
END OF FLASHBACK
Now Anánia stood in the dress given to her by Galadriel. It was a rich yellow but the colour gradually changed to green at the hems of the skirts and sleeves. Fine gold lace detail now glinted in the spring light. She glanced up at the couple with their child and felt a longing to hold the child herself.
A little away from her stood a strange being whom the others could not help but stare at. Only Gimli seemed at ease with the winged man. He stood taller than any man there, with enormous white wings sprouting from his back. He wore a loose white shirt with slits cut for his wings at the back, and bright red trousers and bare feet.
In the centre of the group stood a beautiful silver dish encrusted with diamonds. It stood on a marble pillar and was filled with sparkling crystal water. Now Gandalf stood in front of this alter and began reciting elven verse.
'Born are the young unto the world Bringing youth and beauty to be unfurled We come together in this place To welcome another of our race
Elf and dwarf and man unite To witness all this historic sight We name this child on the morn Half a moon after he was born. (AN - Half a moon, as in half a month.)
And in the company of those here present With father and mother, loving and pleasant We bless this child, prince of this land With holy water from a wizard's hand.'
Gandalf took Eldarion in his arms and held him gently. He dipped his weathered but gentle hand into the water in the bowl and sprinkled a few drops on Eldarion's head. All the company knelt, including Aragorn and Arwen. Gandalf then sprinkled some water on their heads too.
Now Elrond took a jug carved from crystal and dipped it in the water. He took also a cup, whittled from willow wood. Taking this around he handed the bowl to each person in the congregation, pouring a few drops of water into the bowl. The person then drank the water and Elrond moved on to the next person.
"The parents accept their humility and acknowledge their bonds to the child." Gandalf spoke as this happened. "The family welcome their guests here, sharing the holy water that blesses their child. Their child now thanks you for your presence by sharing the water, given by the maternal grandfather."
As Legolas sipped the water and raised his eyes they fell on the elf kneeling opposite him. Their eyes met for a moment, and Anánia felt her heart flutter. She recognised him as the Prince of Mirkwood, and immediately averted her gaze. But she could feel his eyes boring into her long after Elrond had passed Legolas. Legolas watched the girl with interest, feeling as if he had somehow seen her before.
His attention was brought back to the ceremony in hand. Gandalf was now holding the baby, and Aragorn and Arwen now knelt before him.
"I pledge my promise to my son." He announced. "My sword shall always protect him, my work shall feed him and my wisdom shall guide him."
"I pledge my promise to my son." Arwen said softly. "My arms shall hold him, hand shall steady him and my soul shall keep him."
"Your son pledges a promise to you on this day, that he shall renew upon his twentieth birthday." Gandalf announced. "He pledges to love his mother in childhood, and to obey his father in youth. In adulthood he promises to protect his mother and stand beside his father."
Arwen and Aragorn stood and took their places in front of the font. Gandalf came over to them and placed the child in Arwen's arm. Then he announced to the rest of the congregation.
"To steady this child through life we name him. He shall have many names in his lifetime, as his father and his fathers before him have done. But to one and all he shall have an eternal name. He shall be called...Eldarion." At this the congregation stood looking at the king and queen with their baby. Aragorn had his arm around Arwen's shoulder and was smiling with tears in his eyes.
"Gifts have been brought from each nation represented to serve my son through his life." Aragorn announced. "These are to be presented at a special ceremony in my palace. Those who have gifts from their countries should journey back to the palace in the carriages that await you. The rest of you are all invited to the special feast of my household, to be held at midday."
Everyone clapped and cheered, and around ten delegates made their way to the waiting coaches, each pulled by two horses. Arwen, Aragorn, Gandalf and Legolas climbed into the first one, and it pulled away slowly. Into the next carriage leapt the four hobbits, and into the next Anánia, Gimli, the Winged Man and Elrond. Faramir and Eomoer boarded the final carriage. The carriages rocked their way down to the palace, through streets still filled with people cheering and waving and throwing flowers in the path of the horses.
Once inside the palace the party who had been in the four carriages were led into a small room. Arwen sat in a large chair at one end of the room, at the top of three steps. A long gold carpet led to this throne. Aragorn stood behind her with one hand on her shoulder. Faramir appeared around the corner and stood at the foot of the stairs, a piece of parchment in his hands.
"As is the custom when a prince is born, neighbouring countries and allied nations bring gifts to the newborn boy." Faramir announced. "Now the gifts are to be presented. First, the gift from neighbouring Rohan."
Eomer stepped forwards at knelt at the foot of the stairs. "I have no gift to give of my country at this moment." He said. "But upon the night that Eldarion was born, a foal was born in the stables of Rohan. He shall grow into a fine black stallion. When Eldarion is of age and the horse has been trained he shall be brought to Gondor and given a name by Eldarion, his new master."
"Thank you for you kind gift, my friend." Aragorn said happily. Eomer nodded and backed away.
"Next, the gift from the Shire." Faramir announced.
Frodo and the other hobbits stepped forward shyly and bowed. Frodo presented what seemed to be a book, finely bound in leather and embossed with gold. "It is a manuscript of Bilbo's book, and the additions I made to it." Frodo explained. "So that Eldarion can read all about how his father helped to save Middle Earth."
Aragorn could only smile to show his gratitude. Faramir announced the next gift. "From the city of Rivendell and the family of Arwen." He said.
Elrond stepped forward and bowed, then he held out a small bottle filled with pure water. "These are waters from the river that flows through Rivendell." He said. "In times of great need this water has always saved us, may it do the same for you."
"Thank you Ada." Arwen said, smiling happily and rocking Eldarion in her arms.
"From the woodland realm of Mirkwood, Prince Leglas bears a gift." Faramir continued.
Legolas approached and held out what appeared to be a fine bow and a quiver of arrows. "The finest in Mirkwood." He said. "And I pledge to teach your son the art of archery, should he ever wish to learn."
"The gift is gladly accepted." Aragorn smiled.
"From...um..." Faramir was lost for words seeing that Astor was next in the line.
"From the city of Avion." Astor said. "I can bring only the tail feather of an eagle. It is a meagre gift, but the bearer shall always be helped by the eagles, should he ever wish their assistance."
Arwen smiled and nodded as Astor backed away.
"From Lothlorien, brought by Lady Anánia." Faramir said. Anánia stepped forwards and bowed.
"The Lord and Lady send their best wished and this gift." She said softly. She held out a beautiful silver ring. It was carved out of tiny silver leaves, each containing a glistening diamond like raindrop inside the curling leaf. "Ever elf has their necklace charm or ring." Anánia said. "Lothlorien gives this ring to Eldarion." She handed the ring to Aragorn and curtseyed before stepping back.
"From the dwarves, a gift given by Gimli, son of Gloin." Faramir spoke.
"I bring a gift of mithril." Gimli said. He held out what appeared to be a breastplate for battle, which glistened in the light. "A mithril breastplate will save you in any battle, young prince." He said. "Yet we hope that you shall never have to wear it!"
"Finally, a gift from the wizard Gandalf." Faramir said, rolling up his parchment and stepping down. Gandalf stepped forward and surveyed the baby intently.
"I do not wish you to battle either, young Eldarion." He said. "but the path of a future King is a treacherous one, and you shall need to protect yourself." Gandalf extended an arm and revealed a long sheath. In one swift motion he revealed a sword, glimmering and glinting in the light. "Every prince must learn to wield and hold a sword. This one is called Dahlgren."
Aragorn felt the weight of the sword. "It is a perfect gift, thank you." He said. "You have all shown my son and family such kindness, now I can repay you. Let us go and feast!"
AN – Ok, I am half planning a sequel to this story and I need ideas now. I also need you to tell me whether it should be a continuation of this story. And did Arwen have any more children after Eldarion, I have a feeling she had twins but I can't remember at the moment! Please give me any ideas, as I will gladly write another fanfiction if I get the ideas.
Btw, sorry I haven't updated in so long. I've been snowed under with work and exams and stuff so I'm getting this chapter off in a rush before my exam tomorrow. Therefore please excuse any spelling or grammar mistakes; I don't have the time to proof read this chapter. I will do my responses to reviewers next chapter, sorry everybody!!!
Trumpets sounded throughout Gondor more than two weeks later. At the top of the steps to their home Aragorn stood with Arwen, who held the baby in her arms. They looked down at the street in front of them, it was filled with people all wearing bright colours and throwing red rose petals in the air in happiness.
They descended the steps and alighted into the golden carriage pulled by six magnificent white horses, a gift from Gondor. Leading the procession was the most magnificent white horse of all, Shadowfax himself, with Gandalf sitting happily astride him. He led the procession through the streets so al the people could get their first view of the new Prince of Gondor.
Aragorn smiled proudly, taking hold of the baby and holding up just high enough for the people to get a glimpse of him in the top of the open carriage. Arwen smiled and waved to the crowd, her hand resting comfortingly on Aragorn's knee.
They slowly drew away form the buildings and climbed a steep hill. As they crested the hill they saw a grand sight indeed. On the edge of the cliff stood a small crowd of people, the personal guests of the King and Queen. Four hobbits stood dressed smartly in their best clothes, smiling happily to see their old friends again. Behind them stood the Prince of Mirkwood, wearing a stunning outfit of white and gold, and an even more dazzling smile. Even Gimli, who stood next to Legolas, was dressed in bright clothes for the occasion.
But two strangers also stood in the crowd of family, which included Arwen's father and brothers. One elf maiden who knew no one stood a little apart. A pretty young thing with long golden hair and bright green eyes. She stood shyly with her head bowed, not making eye contact with anyone if she could help it. She wasn't even sure why she had been invited to this ceremony, when she had never been to Gondor or met the proud parents.
FLASHBACK
"Anánia, a letter has arrived for you by eagle." Her mother Silia said, walking over to Anánia's bed and sjaking her awake gently.
'Who would be writing to me?' She speculated as she unfolded the parchment and read in with wonder.
'Dear Anánia Silverbough,' it read. 'You are cordially invited to the Christening of the son of Aragorn, son of Arathorn and King of Gondor and Arwen, Lady of Rivendell.'
"Why have I been invited?" She asked the Lady of Lothlorien, Galadriel, later that day.
"We must not question the wisdom of Gondor." Galadriel replied mystically, a sly smile playing on her face. (AN – I'm going to say that Galadriel can also remember the events that happened, seeing as she generally knows everything anyway.) "You have been chosen as the representative of Lothlorien, and you must go."
"But why me?" She persisted. "Why not Haldir, or Orophin, or Rumil even. They have all met King Aragorn before. Why have I been chosen?"
"Let us call it fate." Galadriel smiled, handing Anánia a pile of green and yellow cloth. "You are destined to meet the people who will be there. I expect a representative from Mirkwood will be sent also, you shall not be the only elf there, and you shall be among friends. That is a dress for you to wear to the ceremony, you must represent us with pride and grace, young Anánia."
END OF FLASHBACK
Now Anánia stood in the dress given to her by Galadriel. It was a rich yellow but the colour gradually changed to green at the hems of the skirts and sleeves. Fine gold lace detail now glinted in the spring light. She glanced up at the couple with their child and felt a longing to hold the child herself.
A little away from her stood a strange being whom the others could not help but stare at. Only Gimli seemed at ease with the winged man. He stood taller than any man there, with enormous white wings sprouting from his back. He wore a loose white shirt with slits cut for his wings at the back, and bright red trousers and bare feet.
In the centre of the group stood a beautiful silver dish encrusted with diamonds. It stood on a marble pillar and was filled with sparkling crystal water. Now Gandalf stood in front of this alter and began reciting elven verse.
'Born are the young unto the world Bringing youth and beauty to be unfurled We come together in this place To welcome another of our race
Elf and dwarf and man unite To witness all this historic sight We name this child on the morn Half a moon after he was born. (AN - Half a moon, as in half a month.)
And in the company of those here present With father and mother, loving and pleasant We bless this child, prince of this land With holy water from a wizard's hand.'
Gandalf took Eldarion in his arms and held him gently. He dipped his weathered but gentle hand into the water in the bowl and sprinkled a few drops on Eldarion's head. All the company knelt, including Aragorn and Arwen. Gandalf then sprinkled some water on their heads too.
Now Elrond took a jug carved from crystal and dipped it in the water. He took also a cup, whittled from willow wood. Taking this around he handed the bowl to each person in the congregation, pouring a few drops of water into the bowl. The person then drank the water and Elrond moved on to the next person.
"The parents accept their humility and acknowledge their bonds to the child." Gandalf spoke as this happened. "The family welcome their guests here, sharing the holy water that blesses their child. Their child now thanks you for your presence by sharing the water, given by the maternal grandfather."
As Legolas sipped the water and raised his eyes they fell on the elf kneeling opposite him. Their eyes met for a moment, and Anánia felt her heart flutter. She recognised him as the Prince of Mirkwood, and immediately averted her gaze. But she could feel his eyes boring into her long after Elrond had passed Legolas. Legolas watched the girl with interest, feeling as if he had somehow seen her before.
His attention was brought back to the ceremony in hand. Gandalf was now holding the baby, and Aragorn and Arwen now knelt before him.
"I pledge my promise to my son." He announced. "My sword shall always protect him, my work shall feed him and my wisdom shall guide him."
"I pledge my promise to my son." Arwen said softly. "My arms shall hold him, hand shall steady him and my soul shall keep him."
"Your son pledges a promise to you on this day, that he shall renew upon his twentieth birthday." Gandalf announced. "He pledges to love his mother in childhood, and to obey his father in youth. In adulthood he promises to protect his mother and stand beside his father."
Arwen and Aragorn stood and took their places in front of the font. Gandalf came over to them and placed the child in Arwen's arm. Then he announced to the rest of the congregation.
"To steady this child through life we name him. He shall have many names in his lifetime, as his father and his fathers before him have done. But to one and all he shall have an eternal name. He shall be called...Eldarion." At this the congregation stood looking at the king and queen with their baby. Aragorn had his arm around Arwen's shoulder and was smiling with tears in his eyes.
"Gifts have been brought from each nation represented to serve my son through his life." Aragorn announced. "These are to be presented at a special ceremony in my palace. Those who have gifts from their countries should journey back to the palace in the carriages that await you. The rest of you are all invited to the special feast of my household, to be held at midday."
Everyone clapped and cheered, and around ten delegates made their way to the waiting coaches, each pulled by two horses. Arwen, Aragorn, Gandalf and Legolas climbed into the first one, and it pulled away slowly. Into the next carriage leapt the four hobbits, and into the next Anánia, Gimli, the Winged Man and Elrond. Faramir and Eomoer boarded the final carriage. The carriages rocked their way down to the palace, through streets still filled with people cheering and waving and throwing flowers in the path of the horses.
Once inside the palace the party who had been in the four carriages were led into a small room. Arwen sat in a large chair at one end of the room, at the top of three steps. A long gold carpet led to this throne. Aragorn stood behind her with one hand on her shoulder. Faramir appeared around the corner and stood at the foot of the stairs, a piece of parchment in his hands.
"As is the custom when a prince is born, neighbouring countries and allied nations bring gifts to the newborn boy." Faramir announced. "Now the gifts are to be presented. First, the gift from neighbouring Rohan."
Eomer stepped forwards at knelt at the foot of the stairs. "I have no gift to give of my country at this moment." He said. "But upon the night that Eldarion was born, a foal was born in the stables of Rohan. He shall grow into a fine black stallion. When Eldarion is of age and the horse has been trained he shall be brought to Gondor and given a name by Eldarion, his new master."
"Thank you for you kind gift, my friend." Aragorn said happily. Eomer nodded and backed away.
"Next, the gift from the Shire." Faramir announced.
Frodo and the other hobbits stepped forward shyly and bowed. Frodo presented what seemed to be a book, finely bound in leather and embossed with gold. "It is a manuscript of Bilbo's book, and the additions I made to it." Frodo explained. "So that Eldarion can read all about how his father helped to save Middle Earth."
Aragorn could only smile to show his gratitude. Faramir announced the next gift. "From the city of Rivendell and the family of Arwen." He said.
Elrond stepped forward and bowed, then he held out a small bottle filled with pure water. "These are waters from the river that flows through Rivendell." He said. "In times of great need this water has always saved us, may it do the same for you."
"Thank you Ada." Arwen said, smiling happily and rocking Eldarion in her arms.
"From the woodland realm of Mirkwood, Prince Leglas bears a gift." Faramir continued.
Legolas approached and held out what appeared to be a fine bow and a quiver of arrows. "The finest in Mirkwood." He said. "And I pledge to teach your son the art of archery, should he ever wish to learn."
"The gift is gladly accepted." Aragorn smiled.
"From...um..." Faramir was lost for words seeing that Astor was next in the line.
"From the city of Avion." Astor said. "I can bring only the tail feather of an eagle. It is a meagre gift, but the bearer shall always be helped by the eagles, should he ever wish their assistance."
Arwen smiled and nodded as Astor backed away.
"From Lothlorien, brought by Lady Anánia." Faramir said. Anánia stepped forwards and bowed.
"The Lord and Lady send their best wished and this gift." She said softly. She held out a beautiful silver ring. It was carved out of tiny silver leaves, each containing a glistening diamond like raindrop inside the curling leaf. "Ever elf has their necklace charm or ring." Anánia said. "Lothlorien gives this ring to Eldarion." She handed the ring to Aragorn and curtseyed before stepping back.
"From the dwarves, a gift given by Gimli, son of Gloin." Faramir spoke.
"I bring a gift of mithril." Gimli said. He held out what appeared to be a breastplate for battle, which glistened in the light. "A mithril breastplate will save you in any battle, young prince." He said. "Yet we hope that you shall never have to wear it!"
"Finally, a gift from the wizard Gandalf." Faramir said, rolling up his parchment and stepping down. Gandalf stepped forward and surveyed the baby intently.
"I do not wish you to battle either, young Eldarion." He said. "but the path of a future King is a treacherous one, and you shall need to protect yourself." Gandalf extended an arm and revealed a long sheath. In one swift motion he revealed a sword, glimmering and glinting in the light. "Every prince must learn to wield and hold a sword. This one is called Dahlgren."
Aragorn felt the weight of the sword. "It is a perfect gift, thank you." He said. "You have all shown my son and family such kindness, now I can repay you. Let us go and feast!"
AN – Ok, I am half planning a sequel to this story and I need ideas now. I also need you to tell me whether it should be a continuation of this story. And did Arwen have any more children after Eldarion, I have a feeling she had twins but I can't remember at the moment! Please give me any ideas, as I will gladly write another fanfiction if I get the ideas.
Btw, sorry I haven't updated in so long. I've been snowed under with work and exams and stuff so I'm getting this chapter off in a rush before my exam tomorrow. Therefore please excuse any spelling or grammar mistakes; I don't have the time to proof read this chapter. I will do my responses to reviewers next chapter, sorry everybody!!!