Brothers: A LOTR Fanfic

Chapter 6

Aragorn's jaw dropped when Arwen told him who it was. "Him?! Why?!" he exclaimed.

"It was all my father and his father's idea, Estel," Arwen explained. "It was not my choice or his."

"But why? Why an arranged marriage?" Aragorn asked.

"Because my father wanted me to marry someone noble, so that I could have a good life," answered Arwen. "But we both realized that we wouldn't be happy together, so we broke it off. My father was wrong."

"But Arwen, why didn't you tell me about this earlier? Like maybe when me met?" Aragorn asked.

"Because we had broken off the engagement or whatever you want to call it before I even knew you," said Arwen. "I didn't think it would matter."

"Arwen, it does matter. You should've told me," Aragorn said.

"You aren't mad, are you?" asked Arwen. "You don't want to break up, do you?"

"No, of course not," Aragorn replied. "Nothing could make me break up with you. If we can survive what your father is putting us through, then we can survive anything." He smiled and took Arwen's hand. "Don't ever think that I would break up with you. I love you, Arwen, more than anything. I always want to be there for you, and for our daughter." He kissed her.

"I love you, too," Arwen said, smiling.

(A/N: You'll find out who the mystery elf is soon, okay?!)

Aragorn was sitting at his desk a few weeks later and Arador walked in. "Aragorn, I need to talk to you," he said.

"Okay," Aragorn said. "What is it?" He turned to face Arador.

"Lord Elrond said that we need to leave soon for a journey," Arador began.

"What for?" asked Aragorn.

"He said we have to go to Mirkwood," said Arador. "There are reports of Orcs near their borders, and they need help protecting the realm."

"Do I really need to go? You're a good enough fighter to handle it on your own," said Aragorn.

"Aragorn, you must come," Arador said.

"But I can't leave Arwen to take care of Eledhwen alone!" Aragorn exclaimed. "She's only a month old! I can't leave her with all the responsibilities!"

"I know that, but you have orders," explained Arador. "You can't disobey them."

Aragorn rested his head in his hand. "Fine, I'll go," Aragorn said. "When do we have to leave?"

"At the end of the week," Arador said.

"That's only three days away!" exclaimed Aragorn.

"I know," said Arador. "I'm sorry, but I just found out today."

Aragorn sighed. He said, "How will I tell Arwen? She won't be happy."

"I'm sure she'll understand," Arador reassured.

"You're leaving already?!" Arwen exclaimed as she pulled back the blankets.

"Arwen, I'm sorry," Aragorn said. "I just found out."

"But Estel, you have a daughter," Arwen said. "She needs a father."

"Arwen, I will return," said Aragorn. "But I don't know when. I won't be away long."

Arwen crawled into bed. "Aragorn, this is what I hate," Arwen began. "You stay for a few months, and then you leave for who knows how long. Then you come back, and do the same thing all over again! Estel, I thought maybe your priorities would change now that we have Eledhwen, but I guess not. I know that you're a ranger and it's your job, but think about what you're doing!" She blew out the candle on her nightstand and layed down.

Aragorn got into bed next to her. She quickly rolled over so that her back was facing him. "Arwen, ple-" he began.

"Estel, go to sleep, like I'm going to," Arwen said. "We can talk more in the morning." Aragorn leaned over and kissed her cheek before laying down.

"Suilad (greetings), Arador and Aragorn," King Thranduil said when Arador and Aragorn approached the King's palace. They bowed to him. "Thank you for coming. We could use your help."

Legolas emerged from the palace. "Suildad, mellyn nîn (greetings, my friends)," he said, and greeted them with the traditional Elven greeting.

"We're happy to help you," Arador said.

Aragorn and Legolas were on patrol together that night. Arador was nearby with one of the guards.

"So, how are Arwen and Eledhwen?" Legolas asked.

"They're both doing fine," answered Aragorn. "But I miss them already." He paused for a moment. "Legolas, why didn't you ever tell me?"

"About what?" asked Legolas.

"About your engagement to Arwen," Aragorn said. "I found out that she was promised to you."

That's the end of Chapter 6! What'll happen next? Chapter 7 coming soon!!