Chapter 2 Drifting memories
Arwen read through the letter again but really this was pointless now as her eyes were so full of tears she could not see anything, let alone read the piece of paper but she was still trying to in case she had read it wrong before and what she thought was, was not actually true. Also it meant she did not have to look up at Aragorn as she couldn't bear to let him see her face. She felt Aragorn squeeze her shoulder and she looked up,
"I'm sorry, I only just got the letter. I didn't know it would be so serious, when I went six weeks ago to the houses of healing they said that this would be very unlikely so I didn't bother to tell you, they then sent this letter saying that they had made a mistake and would like to see me again. I went there two days ago on my way back from visiting Filion's Farm. They were pretty certain then but I didn't want to say unless they were completely certain, they sent this while you were out. I'm so sorry, there's nothing I can do now; I must rest a lot so I ought to go in now." Aragorn looked at her with sad eyes and Arwen instantly felt a pang of sympathy for him as he turned to walk back to the house.
Arwen's gaze followed him as he walked back up to the castle. She would have loved to have followed him, to have gone up with him to bed but she knew if he was to ever to get stronger or well again that he had to rest (although there wasn't really much chance of that happening) but she did long for his touch and the feel of his tongue in her mouth.
She walked quietly across the soft springy grass down to the lake. Her rowing boat was tied to an old gnarled tree root by the waters edge. She pulled on the rope which attached to bow to the tree root so the boat was close to the edge and hopped in, untying the rope as she did so. At first she just let the boat drift over the calm, glassy water to the middle. Its stillness allowed her to think, she couldn't believe what had just happened, it all seemed like a horrible dream that she could just wake up from and everything would be alright. She didn't want to believe it, how could her precious Estel be sick, dieing even. Oh it just wasn't fair! She started to row then in her frustration moving the oars up and down rapidly making lots of splash on the once calm lake. She had soaked herself as well but she didn't notice that or at least not until she reached the other side and had calmed down a bit and began to think a bit more rationally and realise her surroundings. The spot where she was floating took her back, it was one of the happiest memories she had. It was the day that Aragorn had proposed to her. They had been out been out in the boat together in the middle of summer, with the hot sun beating down hard on them making the lake glisten. Arwen had been dangling her feet over feet over the side and Aragorn had his arms around her and was nestling his face in the back of her neck kissing it softly. She was replying with little moans of appreciation which made Aragorn very happy. Arwen turned her head to look at him, and he took it as a hint for him to kiss her so he carefully lifted her feet out of the water and pulled her round to face him, his arms dancing all over her body. Their lips were together, their tongues massaging the roofs of each others mouths. Suddenly, Aragorn broke away and got down on one knee. He got out from his pocket a small black velvet box and on opening it Arwen saw the most beautiful ring, with diamonds and sapphires encrusted in it. He then asked in a soft voice,
"Arwen, will you marry me?" Arwen looked at him smiley and said with certainty,
"Of course Estel." Then kissed him again.
Arwen then came back to reality back to reality a bit more peaceful and cam than before and decided to go and find Aragorn. She dipped her hand in the cool water and washed the dry tears from around her eyes and looked down at her soaked dress. Never mind, she thought it will dry. She tied up the boat and got out gracefully shaking off some of the water from her dress. She then half skipped half ran up the lawn to the castle.
When she got there she tiptoed upstairs in case Aragorn was sleeping and changed her dress. She then went into the room Aragorn was in. He was lying on the fast asleep so Arwen sat down on the stool beside and held his hand, stroking it gently until he woke up.