The Same Woman
By Rose-Arwen-Padme
Shocking News
"Excuse me?"
Glir looked back at the man across from him, disturbed by his strange stance of wide eyes and an open, gaping mouth. "Arwen Undomiel," he repeated.
Aragorn still was not convinced he had heard correctly. "I'm sorry, but one more time?"
Glir was beginning to wonder what sort of company he had stumbled upon as he replied for the third time, "Arwen Undomiel."
Aragorn closed his eyes and breathed deep. "The Lady of Rivendell?"
"Yes."
"The Evenstar of her people?"
"Yes."
"Granddaughter of Galadriel?"
"Yes."
"Hair as black as the night? Eyes that could outshine any star?"
"Exactly."
"Sister of Elrohir and Elladen?"
"Yes!"
Aragorn sat back, unable to think clearly. "That's not possible."
"You are very peculiar, Aragorn," Glir whispered. "Very peculiar. Yet, though I yearn for this woman dearly, and I love her like the stars," Aragorn fought to inhale, "I cannot say that my love is returned."
Aragorn's head snapped up. "Pray, do not stop there! Continue your tale!"
"Well," Glir said, crossing his arms and shifting his feet. "I have known Lady Arwen since she was born to the beautiful Celebrian; there is not more than a hundred years between us, though. I loved her from the first moment I saw her. We grew up together, I as her third brother, she as my only sister." He smiled, as if remembering several memories. "Hmmmm…. well, though several times I professed my eternal love for her, she refused me every time, saying she loved me too much as a friend to love me as anything more."
Now it was Aragorn's turn to sigh, but in relief.
"I refused to admit defeat," Glir continued. "But she never embraced me as anything more than a friend. Alas! When friendship is not enough, the only solace one can have is to leave. To stay in Rivendell was to see her, and not be able to cherish her the way I desired to….. it was more than I could bear." He ran a hand across his forehead, greatly subdued in spirit. "So I retreated to Mirkwood. I lied to you earlier, Aragorn. I did not spend all my years in that place in contentment. For my heart has always yearned to be with her….Arwen." He raised his head. "But that is why my body is traveling once again to my homeland. To Arwen! To win the maiden that has kept my heart once and for all!"
Aragorn could only stare at the ground in dismay. Somehow the thought that Arwen never returned the feelings of Glir did little to lift his discontent.