AUTHOR'S NOTE: PLEASE READ THIS FIRST PART!! All right...I know you all want to read this part extremely bad but I would appreciate it if you read this first. Please do not expect a spectacular, dazzling reunion that lasts the whole ch.!! The part I wrote is short and sweet and after reading it I realised if I wrote any more it would seriously ruin the rest of it. I felt I was treading sacred ground or something :D. Natulcien: Yeah, you know writers tend to draw things out for suspense :) so the wait is over at last!! And this is only the beginning....kaylz: hmm...I think your idea is best realised by you and you would be the perfect one to write it. I also have this weird thing that I must stick to Tolkien's writing and I have tried my best to do this in Eternity. I am very flattered though that you would offer me ideas of yours to write :). Thank you very much!! Valia-Elf: yes, lots of fluff!! finally!! Everyone enjoy ch. 24!!
The stars bloomed in the heavens, bright and radiant like never before, yet a golden haze lingered on the horizon. The air was fresh and cool stirring with a gentle breeze.
The King Elessar had been brought word that a fair company was approaching from the North of which he had waited as soon as he had fond the sapling of the White Tree. He watched now as they arrived at the gates—what was remaining—and his heart was filled to bursting. His joy overwhelmed him as those who saw him could feel his incredible elation spreading all around for this was the moment he had passed through darkness, trials, death, and long years patient to live for. To be crowned King of Gondor and Arnor was his highest goal yet only because it was the last fulfilment to allow his heart's desire to be made real.
Elladan and Elrohir were first to reach the greeting party standing on the open grass before the gates. They each met Aragorn's gaze and smiled with the knowledge of who came afore them. Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn were also there with shining faces sitting before a great company of their kindred of Lothlórien.
Aragorn greeted them with fair spoken words, yet his mind was elsewhere as many of them knew. He paused when the mounted Elves, faces glimmering beneath the stars, drew aside as two horses moved past them, one a grey palfrey that he recognised at once. Some of the Elves bowed their heads as the two rode through.
Aragorn felt he could no longer speak or breathe and his heart pounded noisily in his chest. A sight more fair than all the glittering stars above or the lush earth below rendered him silent and unmoving.
Master Elrond had ridden forward with a long object obscured in his hands and face proud for the one who stood before him; yet the King's gaze lingered briefly upon the mighty lord for it was his companion, who had also come forward, that drew his gaze...and his breath.
Arwen Undómiel, Evenstar of the Elves and Lady of Rivendell, sat upon her silvery-grey horse shining like a star and more stunning than nay that flickered in the sapphire heavens. Clear gems glittered on her brow and she was clothed in brilliant white that formed about her like a mantle of glory.
Arwen had glimpsed her beloved from the rear of the company standing tall and mighty, but now as she drew up before him she truly saw him as he was. He appeared then as he was when they had come together in Lórien long years ago when he was fully come to manhood; now he again seemed a high Elf-lord among the mortals who stood behind him, face bright in the twilight as the last glow of the sun faded. He wore a circlet of silver on his noble brow but one only needed to look upon his face and his kingly bearing to know what he was.
Those around her thought her even more beautiful for love and joy emitted from her like the rays of the sun. Elrond glanced at his daughter before dismounting. She followed yet realised she was overcome with emotion as never before. Tears of abounding joy glistened in her eyes though none fell.
Aragorn finally turned his gaze upon Elrond in warm greeting. The Elf-lord lifted what he held in his hands to him, all seeing at lat what it was: the sceptre of Annúminas. The King took it aloft as his eyes ran over its length in mingled satisfaction and awe.
"I told you long ago that you alone would bear this if you were crowned King of Gondor," said Elrond, his grey eyes searching King Elessar's. "Now it has come to pass and my word has been fulfilled."
Aragorn was going to thank him but Elrond continued.
"And there is something more I promised to you," he said more softly. He turned to his daughter still gazing upon the King and grasped her pale hand, drawing her forward. He also took Aragorn's hand and placed hers in his. "This word I have also fulfilled."
Arwen could only gaze into her beloved's bright eyes with love pouring forth from her heart. There were no words to speak. After so many years hoping to catch a glimpse of the other, spend a quiet moment together, or know each was well where they abided though they must be parted it all seemed a dream to be standing side-by-side prepared to never part again. Aragorn squeezed her hand lovingly and she knew everything was well again for the world had faded away and nothing else could touch her.
Elrond felt as though his daughter was already parted from him, but he smiled softly at the wonder in her eyes. A light seemed to emit from the reunited pair as the large company passed through the gates and up the paths of the levelled city to finally come to the Court of the Fountain where the White Tree glistened in the starlight.
Many were present including all of the fair Elves, the Ringbearer and his companions, Gandalf the White, and other noble people for this was the moment to signal the beginning of a new age for Gondor and a new life for its King.
Aragorn could smell the sweet fragrance of Arwen so close to him and he held to her hand as though he would never release her ever again. She felt a yearning to fall into his arms, to be held close, yet it was not yet the time. Her heart beat quicker when they reached the steps of the Hall of Kings.
As the stars glittered above and the last rays of the sun fell away from the heavens, Aragorn and Arwen spoke their vows and completed the ceremony of union. All were merry and joyous for it was a moment that had been anticipated for years, yet none were more joyful than the King and his new Queen.
Aragorn gently brushed Arwen's pale cheek as a soft smile appeared on his lips. She was astonished when he drew her to him and bestowed a kiss upon her that she would never forget, so full of rapturous love and joy abundant at the blessed night.
It was three days after the glorious and awaited union. Arwen Undómiel awoke beside her husband. He was still sleeping after getting to bed quite late the night before. The duties of a king rested heavily on his shoulders in these days for it was his responsibility to restore peace and healing in all the lands of Men. Arwen leaned over to kiss his brow.
Aragorn slowly awakened then and opened his eyes. A slight smile passed over his face when he saw Arwen watching him.
"You never do rest for long," he murmured.
"Neither do you...in terms of mortals."
He sat up and leaned forward on his elbows with fist under chin. Arwen laid a hand on his neck, fingering his hair. "We are leaving in nine days after Éomer arrives," he said. "Do you wish to journey with me the entire length or remain in Edoras till I return?"
"I shall wait for you there."
Aragorn nodded. He grasped her hand and gently kissed it. "It will be a long day this day."
She smiled. "Then you had best prepare for it."
Aragorn rose from the bed to pull on a shirt. The rising sun streamed through the windows after Arwen drew back the drapes.
"Anything particular you must do this day?" she asked.
Aragorn shook his head. "Only guiding and ruling the people. They truly need it. My messengers shall be moving along the roadways of Middle-earth soon. When we return here after escorting Theoden's body and the dear hobbits...they will go then." He moved to stand in front of a window and gaze out at the mighty city. The white stone glimmered in the morning light: towers, battlements, and high walls of Minas Tirith. From down below the people could look up to see the White Tower like a "spike of pearl and silver", as Frodo had described it, shining as it ever did in Gondor.
Arwen clothed herself in garments of pale yellow sheen with a girdle of gold leaves. Aragorn and she left their quarters together arm-in-arm with Arwen leaning against his shoulder. She sighed thinking of all the long years she yearned to feel him near her or to speak with him, yet everything would be well now.
"Estel," she said.
"Yes?"
"Have I strayed into a dream that I do not wish to wake from?"
Aragorn smiled and they stopped in the halls beneath a lighted window. Golden halos of light crowned their heads. He placed his hands with thumbs on her cheeks and fingers around her pointed ears. "Breathe the fresh air, feel the sunlight's embrace, and...my eternal love for you. If this is a dream, then all of life is a dream, death being the waking. I am thrilled not to wake from it for all has come to a completion I hoped for the entire length of this dream."
"Let us hope then that the dream continues on unto eternity," Arwen said placing her hands over his. She kissed him sweetly as they basked in the golden light.
They were still awaiting Éomer's return to Minas Tirith including the four hobbits, Legolas the Elf, Gimli the Dwarf, and Gandalf who often could be found in the presence of the King and his Queen. When Arwen saw Legolas for the first time since she had wed Aragorn, she hastened to him with a shining smile.
"Legolas! It has been long!"
He grinned, his blue eyes glimmering, and he clasped her hands firmly. "Indeed it has, Arwen. Too long." He searched her eyes. "It makes me glad that all your dreams and wishes have been fulfilled."
"And what of your dreams, my friend?"
"They have been fulfilled and more. For a time I thought all hope was void as we faced the utter darkness there at the Black Gates. You know...in that moment Aragorn brought to me a realisation: no matter the obstacle, or darkness, hope can bring us courage unforeseen or shine a light in what we believe was indestructible blackness. As he stood beside me, tall and might not stirring or quailing before the wicked hoards, I felt a bit of his boldness enter my heart. With him leading us...no amount of shadow could prevail."
Arwen could not help but smile and grasp her friend's hand. "Thank you. It grants me great pleasure to hear of my beloved's deeds while we were parted and to hear of the encouragement he has spread."
Legolas nodded and was comforted by her gladness. His smile returned. "There are some of my companions you should meet. Aragorn has taken great joy being among them and you have only tasted the merriment of their hearts," he said.
The elegant Elf led her down the halls of the Tower of Ecthelion into a parlour where the scent of pipeweed wafted through the arched doorway. Curls of silvery smoke floated in the air of the room, and she saw all four Halflings of the Fellowship puffing on their pipes as they conversed casually in their high voices.
"Do you really think so?" Merry mused. "I rather thought..." He cut off abruptly when Pippin's eyes grew quite large. They all turned to see who had entered and were quite astonished to find the mirthful elvish bowman and the fair Elven Queen standing just inside the parlour.
"Goodness me!" said Merry leaping to his feet with the others. "What a pleasant surprise!"
Arwen felt laughter arise in her until it was quenched at the sight of dear Frodo Baggins standing with a less surprised expression. Aragorn had healed him and brought him back to full health, yet his bright blue eyes were no longer so jovial and innocent. There was pain in their depths from the suffering of his long-born burden of great weight to body and spirit. The lines of his face also bore the troubles of his Quest as he watched with a gentle, quiet demeanour. Their gazes met for an instant, she seeing his scars, he seeing her compassionate understanding.
"My Lady Arwen," said Frodo with a slight bow.
She nodded to him as well as the other three. "Good day to you all," she said softly.
Legolas smiled. "My friends! Please sit! We are only here to enjoy your pleasurable company."
The hobbits did sit, if slowly, and gazed in awe upon the lovely maiden who sat among them with their old friend.
"It's quite strange being 'round such noble folk," said Samwise. "I don't think I'll ever get used to it."
"Nor with all these grand towers and halls," said Merry.
Pippin chortled and addressed Arwen. "We're very honoured to have you visit with us since we're only humble hobbits who speak of pipeweed and our meals."
"Such simplicity is comforting to one who has not heard any such conversation in all my years," said Arwen.
"And to one who has not heard enough!" Legolas smiled.
"Then we are pleased!" said Merry. "I've thought of what we might all be doing if none of this had happened. It was rather a strange thought, as I've said before. We'd all be a lot shorter on knowledge of the world, I say!" He did not have to explain what he meant by 'this'.
"Who would've thought we'd have done so much?" said Sam. "Seen Elves, fought Orcs, and...well...seen all these great events."
And saved Middle-earth from multiple enemies and threats, Arwen added in her own thoughts. They never did quite accept the fact that all the lands of Middle-earth would have fallen to shadow if not for their sudden bravery and hobbit endurance.
"You have taken part in the wondrous tale of the War of the Ring," she said out loud, studying each of them in turn. "Not even the wise could have guessed four Halflings would play such an important role. I am glad to sit among you admirable hobbits who have endured more than most Men."
Pippin blushed slightly, Sam looked down at his large feet chagrined, Merry cleared his throat as his eyes wandered to anywhere but her eyes, yet Frodo only smiled a soft smile and looked to his companions. He understood but was too humble to mention it or boast of his feats.
Legolas nodded slowly. "It grieves me most sorely to know we shall all be parted, the Fellowship of ours, and never all be together again. I have had much joy in your company."
They continued to speak together for a time longer of things less weighty. Legolas and Arwen said little for the hobbits were content to tell them of many things of the Shire so far away in the North.
"I cannot imagine what it must be like now," said Pippin with a thrill of excitement edging his clear voice.
Merry shrugged. "Most likely the same ol' Shire we left what seems so long ago. I wonder how they're holding up without us..."
The others laughed and Sam looked thoughtful through his grin. "My ol' gaffer is got to be worried sick by now; being Outside with Big People and all. I can't imagine how he's doing while I'm gone." He could not help but remember the images he had seen in Galadriel's mirror some time ago. They still were engraved in his memory as if from a terrible nightmare. "I hope all's well," he murmured.
"I am quite sure it is, dear Sam," said Frodo smiling. "We hobbits don't give in so easily or get bewildered without good cause."
Once the discussion had lasted for an hour or so Arwen felt she had to leave them for there was a pull on her heart, so she bid them a good day and was accompanied by Legolas who was going to search for Gimli who had disappeared earlier that day. The two were gone and the hobbits were silent for a long moment.
Pippin puffed thoughtfully on his pipe. "She reminds me of Lady Galadriel somewhat, don't you think?"
"And Gandalf and Elrond," said Merry shifting where he sat in the oversized chair.
"To think we'll be able to tell our children about all the noble folk we've met!" Sam said with a new light shining in his brown eyes.
Arwen entered Merethrond, the Great Hall of Feasts, on the King's arm. Éomer had arrived with the fairest of his men of the Rohirrim in Minas Tirith and he sat at the King's left hand that warm evening. His eyes roamed about the great hall with wide-eyed wonder at all the fair guests. The Elves were all present, shining with their elvish countenances, Aragorn and Arwen sat at the table's head in resplendent glory, and the four hobbits took their places there as well. They caught almost as many stares as the King and Queen of Gondor.
Elrond sat at Arwen's side while Galadriel sat across from him. Gandalf, Elrohir, Elladan, Éomer, Faramir, Éowyn, Glorfindel, Erestor, Legolas, and Gimli all sat nearest Arwen and Aragorn. There had not been such a gathering for many ages in Middle-earth. The Elves mingled with Men. Mortal and Immortal were allied once again by the union of Aragorn and Arwen.
Before they sat, Arwen was formally introduced to Éomer, son of Éomund, who held her in awe, capturing the memory of her grace and beauty in his heart.
"You are a very fortunate man, Aragorn...ah!...King Elessar," said Éomer with a bright smile.
Aragorn grinned and they each clasped the other's shoulder in warm friendship. The kingdoms of Men were united once again by a bond of love and friendship, not only an oath to serve.
Do not worry!! This is most assuredly not the end!! It is only the beginning :)...but I hope the story has not become too long for you all.