Disclaimer: I own nothing of LOTR and the only thing that is mine are a couple of original characters.
Chapter: 16
The days of rejoicing the grand wedding of King Elessar had come to an end. The guests of the King and Queen had begun to yearn for wishing the couple well and the return to their own homes or adventures.
Arwen felt mixed emotions. The sweet feeling of finally having the one thing her heart truly desired; a life with Aragorn. She felt sorrow of the approaching time when she will say farewell to her kin, for the last time. She watched the bustling scene of people and children in the courtyard and garden below as she stood at her chamber window. An immense bond was beginning, even now, between herself and the people of Minas Tirith. She felt that her life here with her beloved would be well blessed and prosperous.
Her thoughts were invaded by the sound of light tapping at her door. She turned and called, "Enter," for her visitor. When a beautiful bronze face peered around the open door, Arwen's face lit with excitement.
Melayren returned Arwen's bright smile, "Forgive me for being absent at the morning feast?"
Arwen laughed and held her hands outstretched in front of her, "It is a habit to which I am becoming accustomed. How fares Legolas?" Arwen teased, knowing that her cousin and the handsome prince spent as much time together as possible.
Melayren closed the door and hurried to take both of Arwen's hands in her own. She kissed Arwen's cheek, and then drew her into a quick and warm embrace. Melayren drew back, laced her arm with Arwen's and the two sat in the two overstuffed chairs close to the hearth. Candles lit the small sitting space and cast a sense of security.
Arwen studied her cousin's sparkling eyes, "I am hoping this is a life match. Legolas is a true and noble soul."
Melayren smiled knowingly, "Aragorn is in the Solarium. He has audience and do you know of what they speak?"
Arwen raised an eyebrow and patiently waited for Melayren to continue.
"He is sharing tales about one that he holds most high and much admiration. He speaks of you…you are his respectable advisor, his admirer, supporter and his life force." Melayren paused as her eyes misted and tears threatened to fall. She inhaled to hold her voice steady, "I prey to the Valar that Legolas and I find what you hold with Aragorn."
Arwen leaned forward and lightly replied, "I would pronounce that you have. One only needs to observe the two of you and discern the love."
Melayren tilted her head slightly, "There is much to think and talk over. We haven't made distinct actions for the future. I have made a decision about the funeral escort." She waited for the change of subject to absorb. "I have chosen to ride with you when the escort sets for Ederas. I shall ride part of the way, at least."
Arwen gasped, "That is wonderful. Perhaps Master Gimli will exchange horses with you…" Melayren realized that Arwen wasn't ready to give up the conversation of her relationship with Legolas.
Melayren laughed despite the disreputable image she conjured of herself and Legolas atop Arod.
Snapping the last clasp on his armor, Aragorn strode through the entrance of the grand horse stable. He passed stall after stall of regal horses that were the pride of the noble house. He was anxious to ride the newly acquired stallion that had been given to him as a marriage gift. He hadn't had a chance to name the fine Chestnut hued creature. He liked to feel the horse's strides and potential before matching it with the perfect signage.
"You look ready for hostile foray. Where is the enemy?" Legolas' smooth voice teased from the stall that Aragorn passed.
Aragorn paused with a smile when he saw Legolas leaning against the stall's gate, eyeing him mischievously. Aragorn's delight heightened as he invited his friend to join him for the afternoon. "I am going to let my new horse stretch his legs. Care to join me?"
Legolas had turned for Arod's stall even before Aragorn had completed the explanation. Legolas grinned widely at his friend and they leisurly rode for the castle gate and open fields. The late afternoon sun cast a buttery yellow hue upon the fields of wheat and barley. Legolas glanced at Aragorn with a boyish grin and they spurred the horses to a full run. The stallion Aragorn sat upon proved to be a fast and durable animal. He could only be given the name, Alcarnor; for he was true glory and splendor.
Melayren studied the sticks, of various sizes, that lay scattered on the small table before her. Satisfied with the point score, she marked the small paper card. Her thoughts turned from the quiet game to the image of her golden Elf, riding away from the stables with Godor's king. Legolas ignited a fire deep within her, even as he rode away. It had been a long wait to find her heart and she was certain he was well worth the wait.
Arwen gathered the sticks in her hand and held them above the table. Smiling at the far away look on Melayren's face, she let the sticks fall, dance on the flat surface, and then fan out in the center. She counted the matching sticks that connected with one another. "We depart in the morning. I plan to soak in a bath this evening." Arwen noticed Melayren nod, in agreement, but she was sure that Mel only half heard her. The cousin's continued the game in a comfortable silence until a servant announced the hour. They decided to tally up the scores and call the game close enough for "even". They parted and Mel made her way back to her chambers to rest.
Saradel adjusted her headpiece, to suit her plaited hair, which crowned her head. She smiled with satisfaction as she afforded herself one last glance in the full mirror. The thin gold hair accessory sparkled brilliantly and added to the gold trim of her Sapphire robes.
"Mother, you are stunning." Melayren smiled warmly at Saradel. Melayren gave her mother a knowing glance as to the extra care in her appearance.
Saradel decided to dismiss Melayren's teasing entirely, not wanting to admit that her preparation was for more than just a final night at the Citadel. Before she arrived at the White City, she had been feeling the draining and hopelessness effects of losing a loved one. She missed her husband greatly. Upon their seventh day of arrival, she had been introduced to an Elven warrior, Elendil Telrúnya, whom had traveled from the Elf City of Mithlond, the Grey Havens. Life has become interesting for her once more. Saradel's loving brother, Lord Elrond, had seen to it that Saradel's thoughts and her time was occupied and absent from her lost husband. She had warmed up quickly to the humorous anticks of the blond warrior. His honorable nature and thoughtfulness began to win her heart. Elendil's presence eased Saradel's broken heart and warmed her very soul.
Saradel turned to find her daughter seated in a stuffed chair near the open window. Melayren seemed deep in thought and Saradel smiled, knowingly. "Will you be ready shortly, Mel?"
Melayren smiled, "I shall be a while. I plan to bathe before attending the meal."
Saradel lovingly touched her only child's left shoulder, quickly kissed her cheek, and then departed her chambers.
Melayren went to her own room and prepared for a hot, floral scented soak.
To Be Continued…