A Note: I do not own anything to do with Lord of the Rings---
they belong to those running the Tolkien estate, and anything to
do with New Line Cinema and anyone else affiliated with the
movie trilogy. Tari and Colin are my own creations, you want to
use them, just let me know, I'm pretty flexible. I am not making
any money from this (as is well shown by my bank account at the
moment, unfortunately); I'm just an obsessed fan who decided to
try my hand at it, after reading the works of many others. Hope
you like it, and review it for me please! Also thought up some
part of the plot for much later in the story that will include
Eomer, but look for that later on. Enjoy!

Chapter 6

"Well, Lady Tari, I believe I have so many questions that I do not know where to begin!" exclaimed Elrond. "However," he continued, "I believe that I will not ask any more than what I have for now. I believe that you should be among the Council this afternoon. Estel, have you any more questions for the lady?"

"Just one more, "he replied, turning from Elrond to Tari. Looking into her eyes, Aragorn asked, "this has nothing to do with what you just told us, but how old are you?" The concern in Tari's eyes melted and she began to chuckle.

"Oh, thank goodness! An easy one! I am 27, milord. I realize that I appear to be much younger. I hear it all the time at home. It is a trait in my family to look much younger than my actual age. It can be quite trying at times, but its great as I get older. I just keep telling myself, 'think how great you'll look when you're 80!'" Tari ended with a laugh. "My people don't have Numenorean blood or anything like that, but with the technology available in the world I came from, our life spans are still pretty long. My people could compare to the Rohirrim in life span, although we're not all blonde like they are. Anyway, I realize that the oldest Rohirrim can live to about 65 with what is known to them so far. Middle Earth is much like my home was about 500 years ago, and more. Technology and knowledge in my world has grown so much that healers, or doctors as we call them, can keep men alive to 80, 90, 100, and even a few years more! My own great grandmother died at 102, so that gives me hope for a pretty long life, assuming I don't get sliced by orcs or something. Anyway, that was a long winded question to answer '27' I suppose, but it gave a bit more information about my world anyway."

"Shall we inform those at the Council of where you are from?" Elrond asked. Tari sat silent for a few moments, trying to decide. She wasn't sure that was such a great idea, considering all she knew. Before she could open her mouth, however, Aragorn piped up. "Ada, I do not believe this to be wise. I fear that any more discussion outside Imladris could somehow fall into the Enemy's hands. You know that Gandalf said that Saruman has turned from goodness, and even Lady Tari knows of all that will happen here. If it is known, she could be captured somehow, and you know that female captives suffer many more terrible horrors that I will not speak of here than male captives. It is my belief that this information would be best kept between the 3 of us, except for Gandalf. He probably already knows of this anyway. Would this be to your satisfaction, My Lady?"

Tari stared at Aragorn in amazement. "That is amazing! How did you know I was about to say that? Are you able to read my mind or something?" He gave her an amused grin. "Nay, my lady," he replied, "'Tis just what I thought we should do." Tari shook her head, dumbfounded. "I guess great minds think alike then." She said softly to herself. Elrond and Aragorn chuckled, both having heard her.

"Well, Lady Tari, it is time to get ready for the Council. Estel, please show her to her room." Elrond announced. A knock was heard on the door, and a beautiful, dark haired female elf popped her head in the door. "Ada," she said softly, her voice like soft chimes on a summer breeze, "The guests for the Council have arrived and are ready for it to begin." She finished. "Arwen, come in." Elrond replied. She opened the door further and entered the room, almost if gliding. She then closed the door softly behind her and glided over to her father, kissing him on the cheek softly. Tari smiled lightly, wishing that her own father were here. "I want you to meet a new member of the Council, my dear. This is Lady Tari, and she hails from very far away." Elrond said, as Arwen nodded her head. Tari curtsied to her, knowing that Arwen was a princess and, in her world, she was just a regular person. "It is wonderful to meet you, My Lady." Tari said softly, very nervous all of a sudden. A laugh bubbled forth from Arwen as she replied, "Please, do not be so formal and nervous with me! Just call me Arwen. I see you have met Estel as well." Arwen settled her eyes on Aragorn and a dreamy smile crossed her face. Tari looked up at Aragorn and saw a similar face, although somewhat goofy as well. Tari rolled her eyes with a chuckle. "Yes," she replied, amused, "he is the first person I met when I arrived in Imladris." Tari was quite sure Arwen hadn't heard a word.

Elrond cleared his throat loudly, clearly not amused. "Estel, please take Lady Tari to her room, and Arwen, please find some suitable dresses for Lady Tari to wear." He commanded in a loud voice. Aragorn cleared his throat in embarrassment, nodding abruptly to Arwen. "Yes, Ada," he replied. "Come along then, Lady Tari." She nodded her head to Elrond and lowered her head as she exited the door so that Aragorn could not see the grin on her face. Arwen followed not far behind, turning down a corridor opposite from where Tari and Aragorn were headed.

"You don't need to be embarrassed you know. About your display of affection for Arwen. I know all about that too. You don't need to hide it from me." Tari said softly, peering up at Aragorn, since he was so much taller than she was. Aragorn's brow unfurrowed slowly. He turned his head to look down at Tari. "Thank you," he replied softly, "its nice to have someone understand. Since I met Arwen, I was in love with her. Being the foster son of an elf lord and being raised among elves was wonderful, but none of them, excepting Arwen, are very happy or understanding of us wanting to be together." Tari nodded in sympathy. "I see what you mean. I bet part of you feels like you can't ask her to give up her immortality for you, but the other part of you can't fathom what life would be like without her." He nodded sadly, and replied, "Yes. I believe this is the first time anyone could understand what I was feeling. Living among elves, they can't imagine not being immortal, or not wanting to be immortal. They cannot understand why Arwen might want to give up her immortality knowing that I would, eventually die, and she would fade herself because of her broken heart. Part of me wonders how I can doom her to death and heartbreak." He sighed deeply. Tari nodded thoughtfully. "Did you ever stop to think that she has already thought about all of this herself? Yes, it is a lot for her to think about, and giving up her friends, family, and immortality is a big deal, but think about what she would be giving up if she chose immortality over you. If she didn't go immediately to the Undying Lands, she would still fade from heartbreak. Either way, it is bound to happen to her anyway, no matter what she chooses. She knows that just as well as you do. Isn't it better for her to spend a limited time with the one she loves rather than to spend eternity alone? I know I wouldn't be strong enough for that. Years alone is hard enough, but eternity? I know I couldn't do it. Maybe she can't either." Tari finished as they stopped in front of an ornately decorated door. Aragorn opened it for her in silence. Tari knew he was contemplating everything she had said. He gestured her inside and followed her in, leaving the door open for Arwen since she would be coming with armloads of dresses.

"Lady Tari," Aragorn began, "I thank you for this conversation. It has given me a lot to think about. I believe I did need a reminder of all that Arwen has already said." Tari nodded with a smile on her face. "It was my pleasure. And its just Tari, remember. I figured you needed another female point of view. Any time you want to talk, I'm here."Aragorn nodded, "I'll remember that. Anything I can do for you, just name it." He replied. Tari thought briefly, knowing of the adventure she planned on joining soon. "Actually, I wouldn't mind having a bit of sword training. One never knows when it might come in handy." He chuckled softly. "I shall see what I can do, milady." He bowed deeply, mocking her with a laugh. "Ha ha, very funny, milord." She laughed back, curtsying and bowing her head, her shoulders shaking with her laughter.

Arwen entered at that moment with the two of them laughing and bowing/curtsying to each other. She cleared her throat softly, announcing her presence. Aragorn's head shot up, and he looked to Tari briefly before looking at Arwen with a sheepish grin on his face. Arwen's brow was raised in curiosity and, upon looking between Arwen's curious face and Aragorn's sheepish grin, she burst out laughing. "I'm sorry, Lady Arwen, I don't mean to be rude. It seems that your betrothed here has quite a good sense of humour." Arwen looked to Aragorn in shock. "You told her about us already Estel?" Before Aragorn could defend himself, Tari replied on his behalf. "He did not have to, my lady. It was obvious to me how much the two of you love each other. I just came to my own conclusions." Arwen blushed and lowered her head, the tips of her pointed ears glowing light pink. "Don't be embarrassed, Lady Arwen. I think its quite lovely to be so in love that you can't help but show it. I just hope it happens for me someday." Arwen smiled to Tari, thankful for the support. "Well, Tari, I shall look for a sword for you and begin lessons after the Council. I shall come for you in half an hour to escort you to the meeting, if that would be to your liking." Tari nodded. "That would be fine. See you soon, my friend."

Upon Aragorn's exit, Arwen looked at Tari in thought. "Red appears to be your colour. Am I correct?" Tari looked at Arwen in amazement. "Yes, it is. Deep red actually. You have a very perceptive eye, lady Arwen." Arwen smiled. "Please, just call me Arwen. I truly hate the formality." Tari nodded in agreement. "Me too. Please, call me Tari. All my other friends do." "Then I shall as well," Arwen answered. "Estel seemed to be comfortable with you earlier. It seems the two of you shall be good friends." Arwen said casually. Tari thought she might be a little upset with the ease of speech that Tari had with Aragorn. "Yes. I told him that it was obvious how much in love the two of you were and I told him how hard I thought it was to be mortal and be in love with someone immortal. I gave him another female perspective to think over. I told him how hard it would be for you no matter what you decided to do, because either way would end in heartbreak for you. Then I told him I understood how you could decide to choose him over immortality because eternity is a long time to be alone. I know I certainly couldn't do it, even if I were an elf as well. I couldn't go my own lifetime alone, let alone eternity. I just thought he needed to hear it." Arwen smiled slowly as she listened to everything Tari had said, relieved that she wasn't losing Aragorn. "It seems the two of you have discussed this in detail." Arwen observed. "No, not really. It was more of an I spoke, he listened kind of conversation. He wasn't saying anything on the way to my room, and the silence was too much for me. So I just told him not to be embarrassed by how he felt, then I just kept talking." Tari confessed. "He seems quiet. My father's like that sometimes too. I guess I'm just used to filling the silence sometimes. But I'm quiet sometimes too. It depends on my mood I guess." Arwen nodded. "We should get back to the dresses though." Tari continued. "Let me see them." Arwen held up the red dress she had mentioned. It was gorgeous!! It had a scooped neckline and a fitted waist, which flared out at the top of the hips. The sleeves were wide, the ends hanging past the knees. A gold belt hung low on the waist and the stitches and hems were in the same gold thread. Satin mules were made to match. "Whoa!" Tari murmured, her eyes wide. "This is too fancy for me to wear. I love it, but I would be afraid of ruining it!" Arwen laughed. "Don't be silly! Besides, this dress is for more of a formal dinner or party. I was thinking more along the lines of this deep rose coloured dress for this afternoon's Council. What do you think?" Tari looked it over. It had an empire waistline and the same sleeves adorned this dress. It came with matching mules and a sheer rose wrap, with roses along the wrap's top hem. Tari nodded dumbly. The dress really was lovely, even if pink wasn't her favourite colour. It reminded her of a sweater she had in her closet at home. Arwen helped her put it on and did up her hair with a few pink roses in it. Tari slipped on the mules and turned, at Arwen's request, to look into the mirror. Tari gasped at her transformation. She looked beautiful!!

Tari started as she heard a knock on the door. "Come in!" called Tari. Aragorn entered the room and took Arwen's hand to place a kiss upon it. Then, he looked at Tari as she came out from hanging up the other dresses in the closet and he gasped. "Wow, Tari, you look lovely! The men at the Council won't be able to take their eyes off you!" Arwen shot him a dirty look. Tari giggled as she realized that Aragorn had not seen it. "Except for you, of course, right Strider?" Tari replied with a question, hoping to appeal to Arwen and to try to make things easier for Aragorn, since she knew that Arwen didn't look happy with that comment. "Since you're practically an elf and all?" Arwen looked at Tari and couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, Estel, time for you and Tari to go to your meeting. Until the dinner feast, meleth nin." Arwen kissed him softly on the cheek and glided out the door. Aragorn's gaze was off Tari by this time and followed Arwen out the door. Tari's brow furrowed in thought and, as he turned away from the door, he held out his arm and the look on her face disappeared before he could see it. "Shall we?" he asked. "We shall." She replied, taking the arm he offered with one hand and closing the door behind them with the other.