Chapter 8
May Varda guide your path back to me
Legolas caught sight of the couple as they exited a haven.
" Your sister is smiling and with Estel?" Legolas sent the twins inquiring glances.
" They met yesterday and it seems they are quite enamored with the other," Elladan grinned, " She sought him out this morning."
" She knows he is….?" Legolas trailed off.
" Yes, Ada told us 3 all at the same time of his true identity and renaming," Elrohir nodded.
" Ada does not look happy," Elladan glanced at their father joining them.
" Legolas."
Aragorn raised his hand in a greeting. Legolas was one of his few Elvin friends and probably knew his true identity already. Legolas caught arms with his old friend, saying something that made the man laugh. He then turned to Arwen.
" Evenstar, it has been long," Legolas said.
Arwen threw her arms around him in a hug. He was a third brother to her.
" You look even more beautiful than I remember, though I am sure it is because of the one who escorts you and not me," Legolas whispered.
Arwen pushed him, her cheeks flushing. The twins grinned knowing Legolas had most likely said something about Aragorn.
" No wonder Thranduil sent you here. You are always getting into someone's hair, Greenleaf."
" Tis a gift, m'lady," Legolas grinned, catching her wince.
" Ach, you are worse than him. You do it to annoy me though," Arwen smiled up at him, her faux anger lost.
" The noon meal is upon us. Why do we not continue this reunion inside over a bite to eat?" Elrond suggested.
Elrond watched with sad eyes as his daughter sought out Estel, taking his hand as he walked beside Legolas talking animatedly. Elrond frowned, catching his squeeze of her hand and then hers back.
" Are you coming, Ada?" Arwen glanced over her shoulder.
She paused catching his frown at the connected hands. She let them go. Aragorn glanced back, pausing slightly. She smiled in assurance.
" Go on. I will walk with Ada."
Aragorn nodded, jogging to join the others.
" Do not let me see such a display again, Arwen Undomiel. Your eyes should not stray from the Elves," Elrond said before walking away.
Arwen's gray eyes, identical to his, flashed in anger.
" I am not an animal to be harnessed and trained. My heart and its matters are my own, Ada," Arwen replied.
Elrond paused, looking back at her.
" As long as you are my daughter, those are mine also."
~*~
The dusk meal was filled with laughter. The twins ever egged on the usually calm Legolas. Aragorn chuckled at the 3's playful bickering as he rose. Arwen glanced up catching her father rise also.
" Estel."
Aragorn froze, turning from the kiss he had bestowed upon his mother's cheek.
" I wish to speak to you in private."
Aragorn's gold eyes clouded. Elrond glanced at Arwen to se her reaction. Her eyes met his defiantly.
" Have I done something?" Aragorn asked, his heart sinking.
Elrond was going to forbid him to go with Elladan on the hunting trip.
" We will speak of it in private," Elrond answered.
Aragorn glanced over his shoulder. All the children of Elrond and Legolas looked deeply troubled, Arwen most of all.
~*~
Aragorn watched Elrond carefully as they entered the private study. The lord was strangely silent. Aragorn shifted nervously. He had done something terribly wrong, but he did not know what it was he had done.
" Ada?"
Elrond turned quickly, his gray-brown eyes lit with fire.
" You, song of the Dúnedain, your thoughts betray your heart. My daughter is of a higher lineage than you. Turn your eyes away. She is to pass over the Sea with me when I do," Elrond's low tone was not one to be argued with.
" The choice to pass from Middle-Earth is your child's decision, not yours, Master Elrond," Aragorn said softly.
The use of Elrond's formal name made the lord cringe. He did not want this from his son. He did not want to hurt his son, but to protect his daughter.
" True, but Arwen would not have a choice lest you begat one," Elrond paused to let that sink in, " Speak no more of this. The days are darkening and evil is come."
Aragorn nodded, mechanically bowing. He exited, his back stiff before he sighed.
*He is right. It is just folly.
A soft hand found his. Aragorn glanced down at a worried Arwen.
" What did Ada say that had upset you so?"
Aragorn tried to leave. Arwen's hand did not release him, jerking him back to face her in the public hall. Aragorn was surprised by her strength as the stare down began.
" Estel," Legolas froze.
His eyes darted between them, an ill-concealed smile appearing on his face.
" Do not wish to rest after your journey, Greenleaf?" Arwen asked, impatiently, swishing her long hair behind her back.
Legolas nodded, turning back the way he came.
" That was rude, Night-" Aragorn faltered.
Arwen caught it.
" Ada spoke to you of me, did he not?" Arwen asked, almost bitterly.
" Maybe," Aragorn conceded.
Arwen glanced up angrily.
" He told you to stay away from me, did he not?" Arwen pulled him back to face her when he turned, not caring of the whispers of the Elves, " Tell me."
" Yes, yes he did," Aragorn answered softly, his gold eyes fleetingly glancing up.
Arwen raised her eyebrows, surprised he had admitted it.
" I order you not to listen to him, Estel. I will not let him order you or me around," Arwen declared, pulling him over to the side so they did not block the Elves headed to the Hall of fire.
Many sent them inquiring glances. Aragorn smiled slightly at Arwen, ignoring them.
" I was taught never to disobey a lady's orders."
Arwen threw her arms around him in a hug, ignoring the murmurs it elicited. He was so much like Glórhen and yet so not like him at the same time. She pulled back and took his hand to lead him towards the Hall of Fire.
~*~
Aragorn kissed his mother's cheek, peering over her shoulder. He almost paled seeing the sketch she was coloring. It was the one he had drawn of Arwen in the gardens. Gilraen continued, noting her son's silence as she brought the greenery to life around the unfinished Elvin princess.
" Why," Aragorn swallowed, " Why are you finishing that? Twas an awful sketch."
" I will make it beautiful," Gilraen shrugged.
She had stayed late that year. The leaves were already changing and falling.
" Arwen is quite beautiful," Gilraen said with a knowing smile, continuing her work all the while.
" Nana Êlenrana spoke to you," Aragorn groaned.
" I saw you 2 in the gardens. Tis not hard to tell," Gilraen replied.
" She is so beautiful, Nana, but she Elvin and Elrond's daughter. Ada already spoke to me telling me she will either marry an Elf or go over the Sea with him," Aragorn said.
Gilraen put down the pencils to look up at him.
" Not even Elrond can control all aspects of his children's lives."
~*~
" Estel, have I not made myself clear? Leave Arwen alone," Elrond almost growled.
" Ada," Aragorn began.
" You heard my, Estel. Abide by it."
Aragorn strode out, towards the gardens. He would skip the evening meal. Arwen appeared, catching his hand, trying to slow him down. She pulled him to face her again. He resisted, this time harder, but she still kept a firm grip on his arm. Elrond exited in time to see it all.
" You will not push me away," Arwen's eyes met Aragorn's in a hard gaze.
Elrond's eyes met Aragorn's. Arwen turned back, catching his steel gaze. Her eyes hardened. Aragorn walked away.
" Arwen, come join me to walk to the breakfast meal. I have not seen you lately," Elrond bid.
" No, Ada. I am needed elsewhere."
Arwen turned on her heel after Aragorn. Elrond sighed. He should have been gentler. He should have known Estel would take his words like a slap in the face.
~*~
Arwen finally caught up with Aragorn's long strides. He had long legs and the lengths were a jog for even her. She grinned at the nickname that popped into her head.
" Strider," she sang, grabbing onto his wrist.
Aragorn paused, glancing at her oddly.
" You nicknamed me. I nicknamed you. It fits," Arwen giggled.
Aragorn's eyes smiled, though his lips remained untouched by the mirth.
Arwen moved closer, one hand on his chest and another around his wrist to ensure he would stay.
" Did Ada speak of me again?" she whispered.
Aragorn looked away.
" Do not be shy, Estel. Do you not think I perceive your feelings?"
Aragorn looked up his eyes shadowed in embarrassment. His high cheekbones flushed and he made a move to leave.
" Be not embarrassed," Arwen did not release him, " Any other I would have turned away as before, but you are different."
" Why?" Aragorn whispered.
" Because I feel the same."
Aragorn's eyes searched hers.
" You do not jest?"
Arwen's lips curved,
" No, Aragorn, I do not. I would not lead you on like that."
" You like me?"
Arwen had to giggle. He was so cute when he was confused and surprised. She lifted a hand and gently ran it from his temple to his jaw line, feeling the unshaved stubble and then soft skin underneath it.
" Aye, I know it has been but 2 days, but it is like I have known you before," she chose her words carefully.
She did not wish to offend him by saying he reminded her of her former troth partner. That would serve only to make him think that was why she liked him.
Aragorn took her hand to lead her towards the dining room. It was almost dinnertime. Just outside of the dining room, Arwen leaned up and kissed Estel's cheek, hidden from everyone's eyes but Elrond's. She sat beside her father, pulling the napkin over her lap. She glanced up catching Elladan's worried eyes. He titled his head towards Elrond. Elrond was glaring almost venomously at her.
" Didst thou see the display, Ada? There will be more," Arwen said.
" If I catch it-" Elrond began.
" You will, Ada. Best get used to it."
The twins exchanged a glance. Arwen had never openly defied Elrond. They swallowed, holding their breath as the father and daughter stared each other down. Elrond stood, throwing his napkin violently onto his empty place and walked out. All eyes turned to the front at the lord's sudden departure. Arwen looked down, before noting Aragorn's questioning eyes. She shrugged lightly, glancing around before mouthing:
" He's not happy with me."
~*~
* She openly defied me. She has never done that before. What have I done now to lose my daughter's grace? I just want to protect her. Does she not see that?
Elrond paced his study, one hand to his temple and the other around his waist.
* She likes him. That display was more to show me than him. By his smile, I suspect he knows.
Elrond collapsed in a chair.
* Where are you, Kel? I need you right now. Our daughter is in love with an Edain. Our sons and that same Edain leave in the morn to hunt orcs and I am on the verge of killing 2 so I may be at peace again.
He wished that she would glide in, lay her arm around his shoulder, a kiss to his temple and then tell him it would be all right. Elrond sighed. He had a vague notion that if Celebrian were here, she would already be planning the wedding.
* Why Arwen? If it had been one of the boys, I could have dealt with it, but not my baby, my Undomiel.
His answer came in the form of his own voice and he cringed at the words.
" Some things cannot be changed."
Elrond laid his head on the desk. Either way he went, he was going to lose a son and daughter.
~*~
After dinner, Estel left for his room. He heard her footsteps behind him and simply put a hand behind him. She took it with both of hers.
" Ada is most defiantly not happy with me," Arwen said, " I bet I will get a lecture just as you have once you leave in the morning."
" I feel bad for you," Aragorn replied.
" I fell bad for myself. He has never been so angry with me," Arwen laid her head on his shoulder.
He gently kissed her hair, sending a thousand sensations running through her body. They stopped outside her room. Arwen licked her lips.
" Do you not have to pack and such?" Arwen asked, " I can help. I have helped Elladan and Elrohir before."
" They are your brothers. It is ok for you to be in their bedchambers. It is not for me," Aragorn answered.
" There is an outer chamber, or the balcony," Arwen began.
" Nightingale, I do not want your reputation spoiled on my account," Aragorn shook his head firmly.
" Please, Estel. I-" Arwen looked up at him, " I do not want you to go yet."
Aragorn sighed, shaking his head.
" Come on."
Arwen swung his hand gaily as they continued past her room. Many Elves glanced at them questioningly. All knew they were not wed and only bedrooms were down this hall.
~*~
Arwen sat on the balcony of his room. She smiled, seeing a sketchbook. She opened it and then quickly glanced back to see where Aragorn was before continuing. He was bent over his sword, fingers memorizing every groove for any breaks. She turned the pages faster, easily recognizing the black and white sketches from various places around Imladris. She turned to the last few pages and just stared. She was looking at herself. There were 3 pictures, one of a full portrait and 2 of her among the gardens.
" Arwen?"
Arwen's head darted up. Aragorn sat beside her.
" What are you doing?"
" Nothing."
Arwen's hands trembled as she tried to put the sketchbook back where she had found it without him seeing.
" Then what is the nothing you are trying to so hard to hide from me?" Aragorn asked, amused as he glanced up at the stars.
Arwen laid it between them. Aragorn drew in a breath, instantly recognizing it. He had meant to throw it into the fire.
" You looked through it?" he whispered.
Arwen nodded.
" You are a wonderful artist. Ada never mentioned that."
" He does not know. It has never mattered," Aragorn shrugged.
" It is a beautiful gift," Arwen said.
" It means nothing."
" Then may I have it?"
Aragorn shrugged.
" If you wish. It was going to be fire kindling."
Arwen picked up the book, pulling it almost possessively to her chest as she stood.
" Thank you."
Aragorn shrugged.
" They were of no use to me."
Arwen placed a kiss on his cheek.
" They are of use to me," she flushed a little, " I shall let you sleep."
Aragorn stood also, lifting her land to his lips. Arwen sent him a small smile, before turning to leave. Aragorn fell across his bed, falling asleep before he even hit it. Arwen appeared again, brushing away the hair from his face. She placed a kiss on his forehead. He was beautiful in sleep as he was in life, though it was strange to see him with his eyes closed. She quickly turned to leave. If anyone caught her in here and reported it to her father with the wrong idea… Arwen shuddered at the thought. Elrond would skin them both.
She closed the door hoping to sneak down towards her room. She took a step and heard an all too familiar cough. She froze and then groaned, waiting.
" What were you doing in Aragorn's room, Arwen Undomiel?"
Arwen's clear gray eyes met her father's defiantly.
" Maybe I should not tell you."
What little self-control Elrond had received in his study, he lost at her insinuation. He had come to apologize, but that had been thrown into the wind a time ago.
" Arwen, I am disgusted by this behavior. I do not care if you hate me. I am your father," he turned her head to face him, " You will respect me."
Arwen looked down.
" Yes, Adar," her whisper was barely audible.
Elladan had heard the raised voice of Elrond and stepped into the hallway. The tears behind Arwen's eyes made him cringe. She hated to be reprimanded.
" Ada, your voice is far too loud for me to sleep through," Elladan interrupted.
" Then ignore it," Elrond said, " I am speaking to your sister."
" Maybe you best take it elsewhere than the hallway," Elladan said, and then added, " You would not want us leaving tomorrow to be killed from lack of sleep?"
Elrond nodded in agreement. His steel hand wrapped around Arwen's upper arm. Arwen sent Elladan a pleading look handing him a book.
" In my room," she mouthed.
Arwen sighed in relief when Elladan took the sketchbook. Elrond would have most happily used it for kindling. She did not understand his mood. He had never been like this when other Elves had pursued her. Why he was different with Estel…With Aragorn. Arwen's eyes flashed with realization. Ada was afraid. Estel was Edain and she was less than full-Elven. Her spouse would be the race she would become.
" Why were you in Estel's room?
" I was not in his actual room. I sat out on the balcony while he packed. It was just for company, Ada. You need not worry. Estel is honorable and I have morals," Arwen soothed, " You look tired, Ada. Elladan and Elrohir's leavings have never made you look this weary.
Elrond collapsed in a chair. Arwen curled up in her father's lap like she had when she was a child. Elrond gently stroked her hair.
" I am sorry for being so mean, Ada."
Elrond felt tears come to his eyes.
" I only want to protect you, Undomiel. You are my star," Elrond whispered.
Arwen felt her throat close with emotion and she sniffed slightly. She had always been close to her father. She kissed his cheek.
" Im meleth le, Ada (I love you, Daddy)."
Elrond pulled her closer, beginning to sing to her softly in Elvish after whispering softly:
" A im le, Undomiel."
~*~
Arwen waited impatiently for Aragorn to exit. When he did, her eyes widened. He looked nothing like the Elvin prince he was, but more like one of the Edain. She took his bow carefully, then one of his hands.
" So you are really going?"
Aragorn looked down at her with a sad smile.
" Yes, though it seems no one thinks I should."
" I was just asking. I am sure you are able. My brothers and father are not quick to let anyone go out into battle."
Aragorn sent her a half-smile.
Elrond watched them as he quickly approached. He had spent last night, rocking Arwen to sleep, like when she was a child. His heart clenched as she smiled up at Estel, leaning up to bestow a kiss upon his cheek. He looked down, trying to not be angered. She had to let her heart decide and it seemed that her heart was set upon Estel. He brushed by the 2, not bearing to watch it anymore. He was going to lose her.
~*~
" Ada is sad," Elrohir muttered.
The downcast cloud strode in front of Aragorn and Arwen, his distress clear as the stone set in the circlet upon his brow.
" He fears to lose her," Elladan perceived.
" She likes Estel," Legolas spoke up softly, " She looks at him as she did Glórhen."
The twins were silent. Thought they respected and loved Estel, he was Edain. He was going to die one day. They did not want to lose their sister also in that fashion. Elladan sighed, glancing at Elrohir sadly. It was not their place to interfere.
~*~
Arwen held onto Sulroche's bridle, letting Aragorn mount.
" Write me?" she whispered, " I will be returning to Lorien soon."
Aragorn nodded.
" Till our next meeting, Nightingale."
The 5 horses leapt away. Arwen watched them go, feeling her father pull her close. Elrond heard her whisper and tears threatened to boil at them.
" Fare thee well, Estel, may Varda guide your path back to me."
AN: Just a few things. I mentioned that Elrond's words hit Aragorn like a slap. Elrond does not slap Aragorn. Just wanted to clear that up. Review this, please!! Thanks! What should happen next? I haven't written it yet, so any ideas would be great.