Hidden Secrets

Disclaimer: I only own the unrecognized characters and the plot!

Chapter Forty-three: Aranwen's Secret Revealed

T.A. 3019

Later that evening, after Aragorn had appeared in a debate with Gandalf, Eomer, Legolas, and Gimli, he tracked down his elusive daughter. The half-Elf was sitting outside the Citadel, staring off into the distance. It was the day after the battle, yet she was still incredibly weak.

"Aranwen, man mathach?" he questioned, sitting down beside her. She still wore her bloodstained, travel-worn Ranger clothes. (Aranwen, how do you feel?)

"As well as can be expected," Aranwen sighed, her usually bright blue-gray eyes dull.

"Was it the battle?"

"A culmination of occurrences. I saw nana—in a dream…"

"A dream? Mar? Mas?" he asked her eagerly. He had received no news of Arwen since speaking with Elrond. (When? Where?)

"In Imladris. She spoke to me for a few moments. She was saddened until she saw me. She told me not to give up hope." (Rivendell.)

Aragorn nodded in understanding. Arwen had often told him the very same thing. It was ironic that his other name, the name he had grown up with, was Estel, which was Elvish for Hope and the Elves had named him.

"I have to go away soon. The battle may be over but the war continues," Aragorn said softly. He knew that she would want to tag along, but he knew that she should remain behind. He wanted her to remain behind. She needed to stay safe incase he did not make it back alive.

"Mas bedithach?" she inquired. (Where will you go?)

"We shall eventually march to the Black Gates and journey into the very heart of Mordor, itself. It is up to us to ensure Frodo's success."

Aranwen had almost forgotten about the small half-ling in the excitement. In fact, she had forgotten about all the Hobbits. Merry and Pippin—had they survived the battle? She hoped so. She loved the little Hobbits dearly. They had such an enthusiasm for life that was unique.

"Mar bedithach?" (When will you leave?)

"Two days hence," Aragorn explained sadly.

Aranwen's face fell. Two days was not long at all. She had hoped to have more time, and she knew that she would not be ready to leave. She was still far too weak from the visions and dreams and carrying the baby. She was mentally and physically exhausted.

"May I come with you?" she asked, though in her heart she knew the answer.

"No, Aranwen. I want you to stay behind. The battle may well go ill. I need for you to stay safe."

"I do not want to stay, yet I know I must," she replied solemnly.

"You must rest," Aragorn said, standing up. "I will see you in the morning."

"Ada," she said quietly, grabbing at his sleeve as he went to walk away. "I have something to tell you."

Aragorn sat back down. "What is it, my daughter? What troubles your mind?"

"Ada," tears began to fill her eyes. "Ada, I'm pregnant. It's Beran and mine's child."

He was shocked. It took him a moment to respond as he mentally tried to piece information together. How was this possible? She had been ill the last time they had seen Beran and Aranwen was still as thin as he had ever seen her. Surely she was mistaken.

"When…when is the child due?" he finally asked.

"Mid-summer," she replied quietly, unwilling to meet his eyes.

That was in less than three month's time! How could it be?

"Galadriel placed a spell upon me at my bidding to disguise it. I'm over five months along. She's the only one besides nana to know."

"Arwen knows?"

"I told her in my dream. And with the approaching battle, I had to finally tell you."

"You have known since Lothlorien?" he asked, amazed that she had been able to keep her secret hidden for so long.

"I did not know how to tell you. "

"All is forgiven. Your mother never could find quite the right words to tell me about you. Like mother, like daughter," he smiled, ruffling her hair.

"I still should have told you."

"Yes, you should have, but what is done is done. Now my only concern is that you and the baby stay safe. You must promise to stay inside the city walls until the baby is born or I tell you otherwise. Understood?"

"Yes, ada," she agreed quietly.

"Go rest," he said, helping her to her feet. "I will see you in the morning."

"Thank you, ada, for understanding."

"'tis no problem, my daughter. Now go take care of yourself and your child," he smiled, walking her towards her room. He was still in shock by her news, but he understood. They had just met and he could not expect her to tell him everything. They were still in the midst of forming a bond that had been delayed by the secret of her birth and her years in the Wild on her own. She was not a very trusting person, so for her to tell him was a major step.

He only wished that he could stay behind to watch over her and promise to play a role in his grandchild's life. But there would be no future for Aranwen and the unborn child in her womb unless Sauron and the forces of Mordor were defeated.

Author's Notes:

Again, just a short chapter and Aranwen finally told him. I think he took the news rather well. Enjoy! Next chapter coming soon along with another time jump.