IMPORTANT AUTHOR"S NOTE: I know that I got some reviews that mentioned how Aragorn was acting and thinking differently than the noble, kind but brave Aragorn we all know and love. That's great, though! I love knowing that the readers really care about the characters enough to express their concerns. The thing is I wrote the last chapter in mind that Aragorn has never had a threat like this with Glir. And who acts normal when they are in love? Especially when this person you love so much is also being more than noticed by someone else? I don't think Aragorn would be all noble and sweet towards Glir. Tell me if I'm wrong, but I thought he would be really protective of her.

The Same Woman

By Rose-Arwen-Padme

Arrival in Rivendell

Arwen and Aragorn walked side by side, and Glir trailed behind them. She related the past events that had taken place in Rivendell since his departure as they neared the gate. He learned that Thagarus, a beautiful horse in Elrond's stables he had shown interest in for many years, had finally given birth to a perfect, healthy foal.

Arwen squeezed Aragorn's hand in her own. She leaned into him and said, "Well, are you ready to be home?"

Aragorn smiled at her, pulling loose hair behind her ear. "I'm with you," he replied softly. "I already am home."

She smiled back, resisting the urge to embrace him and never let go. Instead she raised her hand to caress his cheek, murmuring teasingly, "Such a charmer."

His grin widened. "Does it work?"

"Of course," she replied, squeezing his hand again. Then she turned to Glir, who was having a hard time hiding the red of his cheeks caused by anger. "Glir!" she called. "Are you ready to be home, too?"

Glir's face broke into a grin. "As the Lord Aragorn said, 'I already am home!'" he sing-songed.

Much to Glir's dismay, Arwen only took that as a friendly remark. She kidded back, "How lucky am I to be walking home with two such charming individuals!" Her sweet laughter echoed through the trees around them.

Suddenly, a loud male voice from overhead shouted, "Estel! Estel is here! Make ready, for Estel has returned to Rivendell!"

Arwen smiled again. "You hear that you two? Imladris is stirring with your coming," she proclaimed.

Both man and elf seemed to raise their heads proudly as they emerged through the large entrance to the sounds of clapping and yelling. Arwen let go of Aragorn's hand to race ahead, and she reached her father who was just coming out of a doorway.

"Father," she exclaimed. "Not only has Aragorn returned, but my dear friend Glir has come as well! He has returned at last to his home! Father, come and meet the travelers."

Elrond smiled, enjoying seeing his daughter so happy, a strong contradiction to the distant, quiet Arwen she had been the past few months. He followed behind her as they reached the man and elf, his grin reaching his eyes.

"Aragorn," he called, and the man stepped forward, bowing respectively. "So you have made your way to Rivendell again, and I am glad. All the city rejoices in your arrival, as well. Welcome home."

Aragorn smiled warmly at the elf that had become his father in so many ways. "Thank you, My Lord. I am very happy to be home."

"May I hope that your stay this time will last longer than times past?"

Aragorn nodded in answer to Lord Elrond's question, and added, "Very hopefully, Lord Elrond. I hope to remain fora seasonbefore I embark again."

Smiling, he subtley stole a wink at a beaming Arwen.

"Well, my home is your home, as always, Estel," Elrond replied warmly. He paused briefly to lay his hand on Aragorn's shoulder with a smile.

Then Elrond passed to Glir, and his eyes glittered brightly. "Glir, son of my friend Egerlio. You too have returned to Rivendell at last, and no doubt my daughter is very happy to see you once again." Aragorn stiffened slightly, and Elrond pretended not to notice.

A smug grin was stuck on Glir's face. "To see Arwen again is indeed a breath of fresh air, Lord," Glir said. He walked behind Aragorn, and then came up just between him and Arwen in the space in between the two. He wrapped his arm around her, his grin widening. "I hadn't realized I missed her so much until I finally saw her." He looked into her blue eyes, and Arwen looked back innocently. "It has been too long, Arwen." After a moment, he turned back to Elrond. "And to see you again, Lord, makes me feel like I am surrounded by family. Yes... it is truly good to be home," he said, his voice filled with genuine meaning.

"A feast shall be prepared tonight in both your honor's," Elrond announced. "But now, both of you shall rest. Glir, I am sure you and Arwen have a lot to catch up on," Aragorn'sbreath hitched, "but that can wait till later." Aragorn sighed, glad Elrond had said something right.

His was dismayed though when Arwen replied urgently, "But father, there is no way I could wait around for the feast to become reacquainted with my childhood friend. We have missed so much together; I wish to know what he did in Mirkwood all these long years." She turned to her friend. "I promise I will try not to keep you long. Come, let us walk in the gardens for a time while I hear of your adventures past the Bruinen River."

Glir laughed at her playfulness, and eagerly accepted. "Lord Elrond, please, I could no more resist Arwen than I could resist spring! Let us walk for just a little while, then I shall rest."

Elrond laughed, feeling joy at seeing the pairing of the two. "Please, I am not your father! Do what you want, Glir," and he laughed again. Aragorn could only watch as he encouraged, "Run along, run along!"

Glir laughed, and took Arwen's hand, preparing to lead her towards the gardens, but she stopped him when she cried, "Wait!"

She pulled her hand from his grasp as she walked to Aragorn, her steps slow but steady. "Aragorn," she whispered so only he could hear. "I promise you as well that I will be back shortly. For no matter how much I want to talk to Glir," her voice dropped so low he could barely hear her, "I want to do more... welcoming things with you." She smiled a smile she reserved only for him, and his heart soared back into his chest.

He leaned forward and whispered into her ear, "I will be counting the seconds."

He noticed Elrond was frowning when he pulled back, but not as much as Glir. But Arwen was smiling, and that grin could light up any room, and he was not troubled. In his mind, the world still revolved around only the two of them.

He watched with more confidence as Arwen and Glir walked away, Arwen already giggling as Glir began his recounts, though with a little more edge in his voice that only Aragorn could pick up on.