CHAPTER TWO
Elessar, Arwen and Gimli still sat at the table sharing anecdotes when a herald stepped into the room.
"My Lord. My Lady." He bowed low to each of them. "There is a messenger from the sons of Elrond. An Elf called…em...Gorfindall." He hesitated on the name.
"By all means, show him in." Aragorn said.
In strode a tall Elf (even for an Elf) with silvery hair. He wore rough and well-worn riding clothes.
"Greetings, Lord Glorfindel, forgive my herald for his ignorance to your proper title." The king rose and bowed, then gestured to the chair that Legolas had vacated, "Hama sinome." Sit here.
"Quel amrun." The Elf bowed back and sat. Good morning. "I did not announce myself in that way, sire, it is no fault of his. I bring news from Lords Elrohir and Elladan." He continued with only a slight pause. "They head for Mithlond ere the year is out." A look of sadness crossed Arwen's face. "Cirdan is preparing a ship for them, and I will journey with them to the Uttermost West and many others of the Peredhil's household." Stopped and looked at Arwen. "I am sorry to bear this new to you, my Lady." A tear slipped down her cheek and Aragorn laid his hand upon hers.
"Be not sorry, friend." She whispered to Glorfindel. "It is as it will be."
"Lords Elladan and Elrohir invite you and all who would, to Imladris before their departure." Glorfindel said. "In fact, they insisted that I not return without you and your family."
Aragorn nodded. "We will surely come."
Eldarion concentrated on his aim and a bead of sweat dripped from his brow. He arm ached form the strain, but he kept it very still.
"Eldarion! Tula sinome!" The clear voice of his mother startled him and he released with a jump, missing the target. Come here.
"Tulien!" He answered, looking apologetically at Legolas. "I'll be right back." He dashed off into the citadel, leaving Legolas to ponder the frequent use of Sindarin in the greatest city of Men.
"Eldarion, this is Lord Glorfindel, he has come from Imladris." Arwen laid a pale had on her son's shoulder. Eldarion noticed she looked rather sad. He bowed to the Elf.
"Saesa omentien lle." A pleasure meeting you.
"Mae govannen. You were but a wee babe when last I visited Minas Anor." He smiled kindly and bowed in return.
"Eldarion, we are to journey with Lord Glorfindel to Imladris to see your uncles." Arwen explained. Eldarion grinned.
"A real adventure! Iire lye auta?" When do we leave?
"A week's time." Aragorn answered.
Eldarion woke, and as usual stood upon the ramparts to watch the sun rise over the mountains and strike the city. His thin nightshirt rustled in the cool breeze.
"Today is the day." Aragorn laid a large hand upon his shoulder.
"Quel re, Ada." Good day Father. The boy turned and hugged his father.
"A good day indeed." Aragorn lifted his son and carried him into his room. "Now, dress for riding. The Prince of Ithilien rides across the Pelennor within the hour. His family accompanies him." Aragorn grinned and helped his son fasten the straps on his leather riding tunic. "A steward of Gondor will once more come to the White City."
Eldarion waited at the ramparts until he could see the horses crossing the bridge at Osgilliath; several horses, not hurrying at all. Guards of the Citadel rode out to meet them as they crossed the Pellenor. Legolas stepped up beside the prince and peered at the dust-shrouded figures.
"Four horse ride from Cormallen, but one bears a double burden. Prince Faramir carries a young girl in the saddle before him."
"Indeed?" Eldarion grinned hugely. "That would be Gilraen. She is my very good friend." Legolas looked at Aragorn who stood behind. Aragorn smiled.
They were soon joined by Gimli, Arwen, and Glorfindel. All wore riding attire and the Queen had her dark hair in tidy plaits.
"Let us observe the return of the Steward." Aragon put his arm around his wife and set his hand upon Eldarion's head.
They watched as the cloud of dust moved closer to the great gates of the city.
"Faramir, my friend." Aragorn embraced the tall Gondorian. "My Lady Eowyn." He bowed and kissed her on the cheek. Then he turned to their young girl. "Did you have a good ride?" He knelt to receive her hug.
"Yesh Shir. A right good ride." She smiled up at him; a comical smile as both front teeth were missing. It was all Aragorn could do to keep from laughing. He straightened.
"Thank you for arriving precisely on time." Arwen said. "Come. Eat."
After the hearty meal, Aragon proclaimed the Return of the Steward. He turned over his rule to the Steward until his return from the West. As these things were happening, Eldarion and Gilraen played in the garden.
"We're goin' to Rivendell!" Eldarion proudly announced. "But first, we getta go through Rohan and see Eomer King!" Gilraen squealed.
"Uncle Eomer! Lucky you; I haven't sheen 'im in 'bout a month." She giggled. "He alwaysh givesh me shompin' shpecial."
Eldarion chuckled at her speech but begged her to tell him what kinds of presents he gave her.
"Lasht time he visheted, he gived me a lil wooden mare. She wash painted shorrel and had four white shockin'sh." Eldarion begged her to continue describing the gifts. "Onesh Uncle brung me a blanket wid a horshe an' a hound shtitched on it. Itsh real warm and comfy."
The adults were discussing important matters over more food.
"We go to Rivendell by way of the Gap of Rohan , which will, of course lead us right past Edoras. So we will, naturally, stop and visit Eomer." Aragorn paused to munch a strip of crisped meat. "I've a mind to continue with the Lords of Imladris to Mithlond." He smiled at Arwen. "I know it would bring you joy to see their departure. Also, I have a mind to see the Prince Imrahil and look into my Northern Kingdoms and Even visit Bree again." The others nodded and chewed. "But do not tell Eldarion. I want the lengthening of the trip to be a surprise." The others nodded and chewed.
Eldarion and Gilraen slipped into the hall and snatched some food to eat while sitting on the floor.
"My Lord Aragorn, you will give my regards to my brother?" Eowyn looked into his eyes.
"But of course, My Lady." Aragorn dipped his head in a bow. Eldarion always wondered why the two always used such formal titles for each other. "I know my Southern Kingdom is in capable hands." The king nodded to Faramir. "You have long since shown your quality." Faramir bowed his head in return. "We must now make ready our departure." The whole group (nine) trooped down to the stables where horses were being prepared for travel. Glorfindel's white Asfaloth was left untouched, as was Brego. No one could get near the kings horse safely.
"Legolas, pick a steed." Aragorn instructed as he placed the saddle on Brego's broad back. Legolas moved along the stalls, touching each horse's nose and whispering in Sindarin.
"Dina. Uuma dela." Be silent. Don't worry. He said as a flighty filly tossed her head. He moved on. "Here is a horse like unto Arod." He patted the stallion's silvery neck. "Is he satisfactory to you, Dwarf?"
"Whichever you choose will be a good choice, though I'm quite certain it will still toss me." Gimli grumbled.
Legolas turned to the stable master who hovered nearby. "What is the name of this noble steed, good sir?"
"Ah, that one, master, is unnamed. It was very recently found wandering south of the city." He gestured abstractly. "Yet it is not of the Rohirrum. I beg you to name it, sir."
"This one I shall ride."
"You have chosen an unbroken young stallion, master. Much strength and restraint is needed.
"No restraint is necessary." Legolas said as he unlatched the stall gate and led the stallion out with a touch of his fingers. The stable master stepped back.
"An unbroken horse! Did he say the beast was unbroken?" Gimli demanded. "All is lost!" Legolas grinned.
Arwen led her delicate elvish mare to the stable door and the master helped her into the saddle. Glorfindel vaulted onto Asfaloth's bare back and Aragorn helped his son onto Brego's saddle. Elessar stepped into his stirrup and mounted. Then he hastily dismounted to assist Legolas in boosting Gimli onto the new horse's back. After many soothing words to both the animal and the dwarf, they were all mounted and ready to go.
The entire city lined the streets to bit their beloved king farewell. Through a lane of waving people the horses trotted. Out the vast main gates and northward over the Pellenor they trotted.
(All I was doing was typing off a handwritten manuscript…think of how long it will be now that I am at the end of my manuscript!;) Thanks reviewers, keep 'em comin'. Tell me about spelling and grammar and what I can do to improve.)