AUTHOR'S NOTE: Yay!!! A very special scene is coming up!! But in the next ch. In the mean time I hope you all enjoy this prelude to this very special moment that I spent a lot of time on. I think all of you know of what I speak :)...Thank you so much Natulcien!! It is great to have you reading my story :). I hope to write other stories but I am planning on writing an actual book to publish (or a few) that is along the same line as Tolkien's style, and school is about to start again :P. I will try my best! I have actually already started writing a story about Eldarion, Aragorn's son, from the point of view of the maiden he ends up marrying. We will see...Enjoy ch. 23!!
In the last few days of Víressë—April—Elrond came to Arwen. She had anticipated this for many days...ever since the vanquishing of Sauron, the Dark Lord. Her father's face was lined with grief for his heart ached to know that it was time to fulfil his word to Aragorn who now was about to step up to the throne. Arwen's eyes had shone more brightly as they did whenever Aragorn was in Rivendell ever since that glorious day. It had not only sealed the fate of Middle-earth but her own as well for the good.
"Beloved daughter, you know why I am here."
"Yes," she said facing him, "I do."
He looked down at the ground. "We shall be departing for Minas Tirith in a few days. Of course...our company will be halting in Lothlórien since Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn are to come with us."
Arwen felt no smile come for she also felt the grief of parting from her kin. How bittersweet was mortality for her; to leave her beloved father for the beloved of her heart. To never see her kindred's face evermore after their mournful parting.
"Never more than memory," she said in low tones.
Elrond looked up. "You said something?"
Arwen met his gaze intently. Her eyes glistened, not with moisture, yet with their own inborn light.
"How selfish have I been!" Elrond cried rushing to take her hands.
"Selfish?"
"Not only for you did I make my presumptions. I thought for myself as well. I did not wish to part from you forever even if it meant you taking the course of your own will. I still do not...although...now I see fate has you woven in its design more intricately than my mind conceived. Forgive me for what I have done to you!"
"There is nothing to forgive," said Arwen. "Your reasons were understood. I might have done the same for one does not easily wish for their child to leave them forever."
Elrond glanced down at their clasped hands and nodded. There was no turning back now, yet he felt angry with himself for the words that had come from his own lips.
"Now that that is settled..." Arwen released his grip and strode to the ledge. They stood on a covered bridge of light stone crossing a sparkling spring that tumbled over the silvery rocks.
"Father...remember I still love you."
On the first day of Lótessë, Arwen, Elrond, and a great company of Elves set out from Rivendell for Minas Tirith. Before they left, Arwen found the old hobbit Bilbo writing on a stone bench surrounded by sweet flowers and lush trees. Living things had begun to grow in the past month when the healing rains began to fall upon the earth.
"Dear Bilbo, will you not go with us?" she asked softly.
He looked up from his work. "Ah! I am too old for such a long journey. I shall take only one last in my life and this, I fear, is not it." He smiled. "But it would be grand to accompany all your splendid people and see Aragorn...being King and all."
Arwen nodded her head, allowing a dark lock of hair to fall forward. She reached out a pale hand to grasp Bilbo's old, wrinkled one. His shining blue eyes gazed up at her wonderingly.
"Farewell, friend. We shall not meet again. I go to my destiny. Namárië."
Bilbo had no heart to bid her farewell in return, but grinned as warmly as he was able. Arwen walked away after taking a deep breath. Her destiny indeed awaited her for now she left behind all that she had known in the past years.
Galadriel, Lady of Light, clasped Elrond's hands and then Arwen's. Celeborn and she had welcomed them as soon as they were in Caras Galadhon. They had not seen Elrond in many years—last being the meetings of the White Council before.
"Celeborn...Galadriel. It is pleasant to speak with you once again," said Elrond.
"Yes, we greatly welcome you back to Lothlórien. It has been many long years, has it not?" said Celeborn.
"Indeed. I should have come sooner when there was more time. Lórien has always been a second home to me...and my daughter." He glanced at Arwen who now smiled softly.
"We have tried," said Galadriel whose eyes sparkled enchantingly in the light about them. Her hair was a shimmering river of gold edged in silver. It had been said in all the years that her long, waving hair reflected light of the Two Trees that once shone brightly in Valinor. Now that they were gone their light remained only in the Silmarils and the Lady of Light's beautiful tresses. When she stood beside the Evenstar, they were as evening and morning; starlight in one whilst sunlight was in the other. Elrond and Celeborn both observed this in one glance. "Our people shall be ready in only a few days. There is not much to prepare for, yet I believe you and those who came with you should rest a day or more."
"And imprint upon our memories of this land's fairness," Arwen said gazing around them. "Beauty, love, and light have all gone into it, bringing a brief taste of Eldamar across the Sea. How I shall miss it when all of your kindred have left it." Elrond noted the way she said your instead of our. "The memory shall live on for many ages of this world though only in that form."
All of them silently agreed feeling her words nestle in their minds. Galadriel spoke after a few moments of quiet. "Undómiel, remember Lórien when all else has faded. Remember the lands of the Elves after we have departed Middle-earth. These lands shall not be forsaken completely then."
"I shall not let them," she said. "Nor will I forget so easily that which I love so dearly. Minas Tirith has mighty stone walls and towers, yet never will it be so fair as the greenery of Lothlórien and Imladris." She pulled her cloak closer about her shoulders, and lifted the hood from her face. The light about them shimmered on a face as fair as glittering starlight.
Soon they found themselves feasting on light bread, rich wine, sweet fruits, and honeycomb. Lembas was now being stored in packs for their journey to Minas Tirith as well as the return to their beloved land that they would have to leave in little time. Arwen grabbed a cluster of purple grapes from the bowl. As soon as she picked one to place it in her mouth, memories of many years past flowed before her vision of the morning her and Aragorn sat watching the sunrise not far from where she now sat. The burst of sweetness in her mouth as her teeth sunk into the grape's flesh brought back the smells and tastes of that precious moment in time. A tremble of her heart brought her to reality once more after reliving a day that was stored away in a dear corner of her mind.
I have always favoured the sunset in the West, she heard his voice say from that bright morning. As have I, she thought. It shall not be long, meldanya. The Shadow is conquered, has fled, and now nothing can keep us apart. No longer.
Elrond was watching her as she ate little that evening. He knew where her mind wandered as the others laughed and spoke together celebrating the defeat of Sauron who had plagued them so many long years. He tried to understand her undying love by bringing up thoughts of his lost love Celebrían, the daughter of Celeborn and Galadriel. He felt a thrill rush through him knowing they would be reunited in short time. Her beautiful face filled his vision. He took a sip of wine and cleared his mind.
The escort of Arwen—that had enlarged with people of the Golden Wood—made ready to depart on the sixth day since they had arrived. It was a fair company, fairer than any that had walked in Middle-earth since the awakening of the Elves before Men even breathed. Arwen had been greeted with blessings from her kindred the whole length of their brief stay for all knew the fate their Evenstar had chosen. Their lips curved into smiles while their eyes were wells of grief. It was a path few had the heart to tread.
She went to her horse to find it already prepared for the long journey into the lands of Men. She thought of how Aragorn would have been crowned days ago and making decisions at present. She took a deep intake of cool air flowing through the Elven-kingdom.
Elrond approached her. "It is time." He drew a deep breath. "King Elessar awaits us in Gondor and we are expected also in Edoras."
"Elladan and Elrohir are there then?" she asked mounting.
He also mounted. "Yes, they have sent a message saying they will meet us and escort us there when we cross the borders of Calenardhon."
Arwen rode forward alongside him to the head of the large company. Galadriel and Celeborn were already waiting there. With the moving forward of the Lord and Lady of Lórien, Lord of Rivendell, and the Evenstar of all the people, the great company began their journey. The lush grass bent under the trod of the horses then sprang back from their light step. The air was permeated with scent of the aftermath of rain lingering from the night. Water clung to leaves, dripping onto the ground already moist and muddy. There was also a faint mist moving through the trees as if alive, stretching its arms to the open waters. The fair escort was riding along the banks of the Celebdil for they would not ride in boats because of their numbers. The waters had risen because of the rains of spring so the shore had lessened. Dirt had churned into thick mud and some of the horses had to pull free of it when they neared the embankment.
Arwen bid farewell to all the land as she passed it by. The golden leaves mingled in an array of colour with yellow blossoms upon the boughs of the mellyrn. Not long after, the golden shower faded and the land became aged and weathered once more for they had crossed the borders of the Golden Wood. The youthful ether of the elven-lands fled but remained in the Elves that walked there.
On the forty-fourth day of their long journey, the escort of Arwen was met by two Elves who created a stir. Arwen was gazing ahead as they rode in the lands of Rohan, where the Rohirrim ruled, and two horses of those people came pounding across the grass. She caught sight of them leagues away because of her elven-sight and the fact that the land was mostly flat with some rolling hills. Even from that distance, Arwen recognised the two figures on horseback.
"They have come," said Elrond. Galadriel turned her head to see for she had been speaking in low tones to Celeborn.
Not much longer did they wait. Elladan and Elrohir were greeted warmly.
"Aiya, 1. yonyar," said Elrond.
"2. Atarmma, you have come earlier than expected. We were to meet you on the borders in our minds," said Elladan.
Elrohir nodded. "Yes, this is well for," he glanced at Arwen, "all of us may come swiftly to the Stone City."
Arwen smiled. "Destiny awaits us."
"To our grief." Elladan's face no longer shone with merriment, nor did Elrohir's.
"And to hope for Middle-earth," said Galadriel interrupting for Arwen's case. The Evenstar nodded to her gratefully. "Things must take their course as was planned by Ilúvatar and the Valar. Do not turn to despair, but to love and assurance, for Sauron is destroyed forever! All the Free Folk are truly free now and the King that has returned shall bring peace for many long years even unto his death. With him, his Queen shall also heal the lands. Their descendants will keep the legacy far into the ages. Hope oft is found in grief."
"Forgive me for despairing, my lady," said Elladan. "The Evenstar is my beloved sister whom I love dearly and I mourn the loss of such a dear spirit."
"We are not parted yet! Together we shall make merry and enjoy each moment anew for some time yet. Let us forget our grievances!" Arwen cut in.
Elrond agreed heartily and began moving forward first as the rest followed. Elladan and Elrohir spoke of Edoras where they would rest for a day or two.
"It is a quaint yet warm place," said Elrohir. "Meduseld is a mighty hall where there can be felt long years of Men in the ground, walls, pillars, and roof above. There is much rebuilding to do for some places have become feeble after some neglect that began in the time of Sauron. Otherwise, it is comforting."
"As is expected from what I have heard of the Rohirrim. Are the people still there?" said Arwen.
Elladan answered this time. "Yes. There are some who journeyed to Minas Tirith when they heard of the King's return and to see his crowning that occurred many days ago. Most have remained here to bask in the glory of liberty from fear or whether or not they are going to be attacked. It is a new feeling to them all." He smiled. "They were even more shocked to see Elrohir and me when we arrived. The only ones who had seen an Elf previously caught a glimpse of Legolas of Mirkwood while he was with Mithrandir and Aragorn."
"They shall have such a sight as never before," said Elrohir.
The escort reached Edoras, the capital city of all Rohan. The gold roof of Meduseld glittered in the sunlight and the banner of their people—a white horse running on a green field—waved proudly in the warm wind from the South.
Once they came into the city, many people appeared in windows, doorways, and to the sides of the roads once word spread of the fairest of companies that had come. Wide eyes of children peered around corners while open mouths hung on grown men and women.
Arwen watched from the shade of her hood pulled forward. A slight grin crept up for she took joy in seeing the bright faces of the young. Someday there would be children of her own, yet not for some years. She could feel their innocent gazes piercing her cloaked form, wondering who the hidden figure was. Many of the men and women watched her as well. They knew she was of great importance since she was at the head of the large company alongside Master Elrond who was a lord of Men and Elves. Elrond had bid her cover her face at their arrival.
"I fear there is none of high power to welcome us," said Elrohir as they entered the Golden Hall.
"They are all in Minas Tirith with...King Elessar," said Celeborn.
"Ah, but we must have someone to greet our guests!" cried a voice. A tall, blond man of middle-age strode towards them on long legs. He bore marks of a high captain. He bowed low with a fist over his heart. "Welcome to Edoras Fair Folk of the North. You are most appreciated though King Éomer nor his sister Éowyn could be here. They bid me remain here to do what they could not."
"Then we are grateful to you," replied Lady Galadriel. The man's eyes brightened as he gazed upon her face of wondrous beauty and his hands fingered the helm he held.
Arwen studied the length of the great hall and felt a strange sensation within like a thrilled whisper or a chill wind. Aragorn had most assuredly stood where she did now.
The man occasionally glanced in her direction; he was obviously curious of her identity. "You have many with you," he said wrenching his gaze away to face Elrond, "so most of your fair company will have to make an encampment outside the city. I was told you would not be here long. Is this true?"
"Yes," said Elrond.
"Two days would be sufficient," Celeborn said quietly. Galadriel rested her hand lightly on his arm in consent.
The Rohirrim man nodded and bowed once again. Arwen walked towards the throne at the end of the hall. The man had the Lady Galadriel, Lord Celeborn, Glorfindel, and Erestor shown to rooms they had prepared. Elrond remained there with his daughter and the Rohirrim captain. The mortal was standing in the awkward silence still fidgeting with his helm.
"If it is permitted," he began, "it would...quench my strong curiosity as to who...the cloaked maiden is. Is she...an Elf?"
Elrond did not answer for a long moment. He watched Arwen move about the throne. "Arwen Undómiel is my beloved daughter who is Half-elven as myself; though she has chosen a different path."
"A different path?"
Elrond sighed. "She is to wed King Elessar in Gondor."
The Rohirrim man could not hide his shock. His head swung to the side instantly when Elrond's words sunk in. He lifted a hand to his head in confusion. When he looked back, Elrond was gone for he had gone to Arwen's side.
"My daughter, why do you linger here?"
Arwen shook her head. "I do not know. Estel stood here not long ago. It is almost as if...I could feel his presence." She drew a deep breath. "Maybe it is only the yearning of my heart."
"Perhaps." Elrond gently lifted away the hood of her grey cloak. Glistening tears tarried in her bright eyes and he grasped her hands in a warm gesture of comfort; yet they were tears of joy, not of despair.
"My time has come at last," she whispered. "My love shall be whole soon. I have never felt so gladdened...not even when the Shadow was destroyed."
Elrond smiled and touched her cheek. "Then I shall also be joyous."
The Mortal Man still stood there gazing at a scene of love and elegance between close kin. He hardly was able to think normally after seeing the wondrous beauty of the Elf-maiden. His mortal eyes had never seen such wonder in any child of Ilúvatar. Arwen felt his eyes upon her. She turned her head to see him.
"The world has changed. Prepare for what is coming. It has been absent in most lands for hundreds—even thousands—of years. Peace," she said. "Peace has come."
Arwen's escort had left Edoras some days ago and now were coming to the White City. They would reach its gates at eve. It was a cool day in Middle-earth and Arwen found herself being coddled by three elf-maidens and Galadriel herself. She was standing aside speaking to the Evenstar.
"There is nothing more splendid than the Evenstar in white garb," said Galadriel with a shining smile. There was love showing in her face that was usually inexpressive.
"And her close companion of Lothlórien," Arwen added after lifting her arms for the Elves to fix the sleeves of her gown. They stood in a tent drawn up for this single purpose: to prepare Arwen Undómiel for her marriage.
Her eyes sparkled and she gazed down at her attire. A shimmering gown formed over her with flowing sleeves and skirts that also trailed a short distance behind. Glittering white gems were placed in her hair and on her pale brow.
"Here," said Galadriel lifting a silver phial encrusted with small sapphires. She removed the top and raised it to her nose. "This is a fragrance precious among the Elves. It is worn often in unions."
Arwen took it to take of its scent. "It is...niphredil blossoms." She handed it back.
"Yes, their petals crushed and mingled with water. This phial I concocted specially for the water is of the fountain in Lórien where light of Eärendil rests. Keep it well for it shall be the last of its make in only a short time."
"Should you not keep it? It is yours," said Arwen.
Galadriel smiled faintly. "Think of it as my gift to you before our parting."
"Then I thank you deeply for, not only this, but for everything you have given unto me: your counsel, your friendship, and your love. You have been as a mother to me and have given me guidance when it was needed."
"As I strove to do," said Galadriel.
1. my sons
2.our father