Hidden Secrets
Disclaimer: I only own Aranwen, Beran, Star, and the plot!
Chapter Seventeen: Departure
T.A. 3019
The Fellowship remained in Lothlorien for some time, resting and recovering from their journey so far. Aranwen and Aragorn got to spend some time together and practiced their sword fighting skills. Aragorn was impressed by her skills and taught her a few of his favorite tricks and she taught him some of hers. They both knew that their time spent together would soon end, but they did not dwell on it, but rather made the most of their time together.
Aragorn still did not know that she was married to Beran and expecting a child. No one besides the lady Galadriel knew her secret. She intended to keep it that way until her child was born and she could slip away into the North for good. She longed to be alone with only Star for company once more.
One night, the Fellowship, along with Aranwen, were summoned to Celeborn's chambers and spoke with Galadriel and Celeborn concerning their departure. Aranwen said not a word throughout the conversation, for she knew that she was to remain behind while her father left again. It was during this conversation that Aranwen began to make her own plans to take her future back into her own hands.
The following morning, the Fellowship packed their few remaining belongings. Aragorn had forced them to leave much behind along the journey. Many gifts were received by the members of the Fellowship to help them. Grey Elf-cloaks were gifted to each member of the Fellowship by the Elves of Lothlorien. Aranwen herself handed Aragorn his, which she had made with help from Galadriel. Lembas bread was loaded into packs. Packs were then loaded into boats, which also held gifts. Elven ropes lay inside each boat.
Finally, Galadriel called to each member of the Fellowship by name to give them each specific gifts. Aragorn was the first to receive his.
She handed to him an Elvish dagger. She also gave him a brooch of silver in which was set a great, green stone. She spoke at length of the stone's lineage, before calling him, "Elessar" which was the name foretold for him.
Boromir received a belt of gold.
Merry and Pippin received silver belts and daggers.
Legolas was gifted a bow of the Galadhrim, strung with Elf hair. He also received a quiver of arrows.
Sam was gifted a box of earth from Galadriel's orchard to use in his garden at home in the Shire.
Gimli asked for one—and received three strands of golden hair from Galadriel.
Frodo, the last to receive a gift, was given a small crystal phial, which contained light from Earendil's star and waters from Galadriel's fountain.
After saying their good-byes, the Fellowship climbed into their boats and set sail without a sound down the Great River. The Elves sang a song as they departed and Aranwen silently slipped away to her room.
Aranwen quickly dressed in a dark tunic and leggings, put on her vest, jacket and cloak. She shoved all of her other belongings into her saddlebags and took up her weapons. She then slipped down to see Star whom she saddled and hopped lightly onto her back. Pulling up the hood of her cloak to conceal her face, Aranwen paused to whisper good-bye before turning from Caras Galadhon for good.
"Noro lim," she whispered to Star and they galloped away, following the Great River, but staying out of sight and mind of the nearby Elves.
Aranwen was not going to be left behind again.
Author's Notes:
I know that this section is rushed, but it is quite a long, wordy section of the book and not entirely relevant to this story. Plus I did not want to copy J.R.R. Tolkien's work. Anyways, the story will be back to its usually style next chapter at Amon Hen, the first battle in the story. Next chapter will be up tomorrow!
Reviewers!
IwishChan – I enjoyed writing the happy reunion! Aragorn never wanted to leave Aranwen in Rivendell, but he thought it was the best choice for her. So he was so happy to see her again and she was happy that he was alive: )
ArwenFairTinuviel – Yep, I love to put twists in the story! Aranwen's child will actually have a big affect on Beran and her relationship. And there are still several more twists in the story, but they are a little ways away. : )
YoginiGal – You guessed correctly! Aranwen does indeed have foresight like Elrond. : )