Chapter Seventeen: Finally Find Rest

Elrond sat, watching the gentle breath of the wind stir the fresh summer leaves. He sighed deeply as he remembered summers before that had been full of joy. Summers before Celebrian had sailed, summers before they knew of the darkness, summers before Arwen left him. He felt painfully lonely despite the fact that many had come in the past days for the final council for which he would ever be present here in Middle earth. In mere weeks he and those who were to sail with him would journey to Mithlond and float away forever towards the White shores. He longed to see Estel one last time, to know that his son was safe for it seemed even in times of relative peace Estel had been able to find trouble.

He turned from the window as the sun began to dip lower and lower towards the high hills around his home. Elladan and Elrohir would take his place as lord of this realm once he left, and Glorfindel would do the same in Lorien for it seemed that the Lady's realm was never far from his friend's thoughts. He began pacing restlessly, wondering if he had time to reach Gondor if he left immediately after the council tomorrow and still reach Mithlond in time. Surely Gandalf could care for the hobbits to the Haven.

It was decided then, he would leave for Gondor late tomorrow so long as the weather held and he had not much doubt of this for even in the north the summers were fair. He immediately sat at his desk and began writing instructions for his sons and Glorfindel. Perhaps he could even convince Legolas to accompany him for he knew that the elf still cared for Estel a great deal although he could no longer bring himself to stay within that city. Yes, he smiled as he thought about seeing his son again and was deep in thought trying to determine the least amount of days in which he could make the journey when there was a hurried knock on the door.

"Come in," he stated absently.

"Lord Elrond, I bring you great news," exclaimed the excited young warrior who ran in at his permission.

Elrond was so startled that he looked up at the elf and could see by his expression that the news he carried must be of some importance.

"Well, what is it?" he asked slightly sharper than he had intended but the elf seemed not to notice and continued quickly.

"The King is coming!"

Elrond wondered now if the elf had been drinking a little much wine and told him so asking whether or not he still had his senses.

"The only elven king is already within these borders so unless you are aware of a new king that I am not I believe you should leave and we will forget that anything of this sort was ever said."

The elf seemed slightly offended by this but continued to try and make his meaning known.

"Not the king of elves, my lord," he explained slightly slower as Elrond's heart stopped in his chest. It could not be. "The king of all men has come to us, King Elessar of Arnor!" he exclaimed triumphantly.

"Where?" Elrond demanded frantically as he stood, his letter and all thoughts pertaining to it forgotten.

"He is walking one of the trails from the ford that is seldom used. He wished his presence to be made known only to you at this time and sent me here with much haste that I might tell you of his coming."

Elrond could not help but laugh simply from sheer joy and he knew the young elf was confused by his behaviour as he fled from the room without another word. His feet carried him to a path he knew had been a favourite of Estel's as a child and could hardly believe that he might find him walking it as he had wished for such a long time. He raced down the stairs and out into one of his private gardens knowing that he would find no other than the one he sought.

At the edge of a hill he stopped, the image before him paralysing him as he stood at the top of the stone stairway for there stood Estel, just as he had remembered him. He walked with long strides that were sure and unafraid in these woods that he knew so well. His broad shoulders conveyed the massive strength Elrond knew him to possess yet his movements were all that was gentle as he guided the lady beside him that Elrond did not recognize. He stood wondering who this could be when Estel looked up and noticed him watching them.

His son stopped, unsure of whether he was to be met with kindness or anger and Elrond descended the stairs towards them slowly, not trusting his own strength as he began to feel the weight of his son's presence. Estel's eyes were not shadowed, nor did he turn away when Elrond sought to meet his gaze. Showed there was his son's apprehension, but also his wisdom that surpassed what he had possessed when last they met. Elrond paused at the bottom of the stairs, feeling tears that he let fall without shame as his son took one timid step towards him.

It was all the encouragement that Elrond needed and immediately he went to his son, his arms open wide as he embraced him tightly and felt the wondrous sensation of his embrace being returned. He wept for joy at the return of his lost son, unable to speak aloud all that he felt, as they stood there unmoving for some time until at last he pulled away, holding his son at arms length. He laid his hand gently on his broad shoulder and smiled through his waning tears.

"Welcome home, ion nin. I have missed you."

"And I have missed you, Adar," his son answered affectionately and finally Elrond released him as Estel turned and reached back for the hand of the lovely lady who had stood watching them, smiling silently.

"Adar, I would be honoured to introduce you to the Lady of Arnor, my wife, Saeorii," he stated and Elrond did not miss the tone of admiration and love in his son's voice and rejoiced having feared that it might have been lost forever with Arwen.

"You are most welcome her, my child," he told her warmly as he took her hand from Estel and embraced her tenderly.

"Thank you, Lord Elrond," she answered and he was struck by the distant sorrow in her deep eyes.

"Please, no such titles shall we use for you are now my daughter," he insisted kindly as he took her arm and led her towards the house.

He looked back at Estel who smiled at him with pleasure and relief before placing his arm fondly around his youngest son and kissing his forehead as they continued through the gardens, basking in the gold of the setting sun.


Saeorii stood and sighed with contentment as she looked out at the legendary valley while it lay sleeping in the morning mists that seemed reluctant to surrender to the sun that was turning the sky crimson in the east. She pulled the tunic and robe that Elessar had given her to wear after his father insisted that her own be cleaned after their long travel from Gondor. She smiled to herself as the shirt slipped down one of her shoulders again as she was reminded how broad her husband's shoulders were.

She closed her eyes and breathed deeply the scent of the forest and the freshness of the morning dew and felt tears sting her eyes. It seemed surreal that so many years later she had finally reached the place she had been going on that day that she had been taken. She took great comfort in the murmuring of the trees and the rushing falls. This truly felt like home to her. Here among the elves whose soft voices were like music to her ears after so many years of having been held by men.

She sighed as she wondered, not for the first time, what her life would have been like had she not been taken by men. If, as she had purposed, she had reached Rivendell and been trained as a healer. Would she feel the stinging pain of past memories or have known such hurt as was forced upon her? She knew the answer to these questions was no, but then she wondered if she would have ever met Estel. Even if she had, would she have come to love him as she did now? She turned and watched him as he slept easy here in his father's house and amid those who were familiar to him though they did not yet know that he had come. She loved him with all her being.

Here in the early morning in this sacred realm the darkness of her past seemed to fade as she watched the sun rise slowly above the sleeping earth. Here among the elves she could be at ease while the one she loved slept nearby. Her heart rejoiced this morning and she felt perfect peace as the first birds of the morning began their song. She leaned against the pillar behind her and closed her eyes willing that this feeling should never end as she smiled up at the sky above her.

Aragorn shifted and moved to pull her closer to him and was at first slightly alarmed to find her missing. He opened his eyes and rolled over and saw her shadow dimly against the pale light of the dawn and relaxed. He studied her now without her knowing and felt deep contentment to know that she would be with him for the rest of his years no matter how short they might be. His loose tunic could not hide her slender figure and in his mind it looked much better on her than himself. Her feet were bare and her hair let down to fall softly around her and he knew he could not have thought her more beautiful if she had been dressed in the most stunning silks and draped with all the jewels in the halls of dwarves.

He stood and walked softly towards her and wrapped his arms around her slender waist as he leaned close to her and grazed his lips against her soft neck. She sighed and leaned against him and he turned her so that he could look at her. She smiled at him.

"Good morning," she greeted him languidly and he was reminded how much he loved the sound of her voice. He kissed her gently once before answering.

"Good morning, Melleth.

She laid her head against his chest as he pulled her close as she sighed deeply.

"I feel as if I have finally come home," she whispered and he smiled as they stood simply listening to all that was around them as the sun rose steadily in the sky.

"So do I," he answered, quietly as he listened to the soft whispering of the wind as she had once taught him. "So do I."


Frodo stood watching as all those he had missed were once more reunited. He was saddened to know that these were the last of his days here in Rivendell but worse was the fact that the one he wished to see most was noticeably absent. Legolas had told him, short days after their arrival that Aragorn would not be coming, he also stated that Aragorn was not what he had once been. The death of Arwen had changed him. This however, only made Frodo wish to see his friend more in hopes that he might do something for the man who had done so much for him. He sighed and politely excused himself from Gimli's side.

He looked up at the many faces around him, most were elven, many he recognized like those belonging to the sons of Elrond and Glorfindel, and others were unfamiliar. He was startled though to see among them the face of the Steward who sat by himself seeming content merely to be in such a place. He smiled as Frodo called to him and stood, bowing slightly before sitting down again as Frodo took the chair beside him.

"I did not know you were here, Faramir or I would have tried to find you sooner," he apologized.

"Think nothing of it my friend for I have been kept quite busy by Elrond's sons who have insisted on showing me every part of this wonderful realm."

"And do you like it," Frodo asked, remembering well the Steward's fondness for the elven folk.

"Aye, tis a beautiful place. Not even the forests of Ithilien can compare to its splendour."

Frodo let a comfortable silence fall between them but finally he could keep no longer from asking the question that burned in his heart.

"How is Aragorn?" Frodo felt fear as the man before him frowned.

"I am sure that you have been told of the shadow that has fallen over my dear king," he began and Frodo feared what he might speak, "but when I left him it seemed to have lifted although I have not seen him for some months for I have been away from Gondor for some time now."

Frodo sighed and Faramir laid his hand on his shoulder.

"Take heart little one," he stated kindly and Frodo tried to smile but could not seem to summon the emotion that went with it.

He was startled as he heard Faramir gasp, and the man's hand fell from his shoulder. The voices around them grew still and it seemed as if time had come to an end as Frodo turned to look behind him. His heart stopped. He thought for a moment that his eyes were deceiving him as he looked upon the familiar face of his most dear friend. For a moment Frodo studied him, looking for the shadow of which he had been told but could not find it. He was startled as the two elves that stood guard at the archway before the council announced his presence.

"All rise for King Elessar and the Lady of Arnor," they stated formerly and Frodo was confused by their title until he remembered Gandalf telling of the Northern Kingdom once ruled by men by which the great of Gondor were still called among the elves.

His friend looked every bit the King of Men as he stood silently watching the faces of all around him. He was dressed in the colours of his kingdom and upon his breast was the White Tree of Arnor. Upon his brow was the silver crown and at his side was the most beautiful lady that Frodo had ever beheld. She seemed unsure of herself as she stood next to the king and Frodo wondered when he saw that she too wore a crown and was dressed simply in the colours of Gondor. He felt his heart leap into his throat as his friends piercing silver eyes came to rest on him and he felt wondrous joy as the weary face smiled at him warmly.

It seemed that all were unsure of what should be said and done but Frodo could contain his excitement no longer and laughed aloud as raced towards his former companion and the man knelt and embraced him fiercely.

"It is wonderful to see you, Frodo," and Frodo felt relief at the familiar sound of the man's deep voice.

Legolas turned with Elladan and Elrohir at the elves announcement and the sound of the hobbit's laughter and Legolas felt as if he had been physically struck as he watched the man embrace their small friend and join in his laughter. He did not breathe as he watched his friend as he listened to the hobbit's exuberant exclamations. It was some time before he turned and Legolas was able to catch his eye. He watched his friend's expression turn to shame as he stood, taking the arm of the elleth beside him as they began to walk towards him.

The shadow he had seen was gone and his friend seemed again what he had once been. There was wisdom and laughter in his eyes as he stood in front of him, obviously unsure of where to begin. Legolas was not and smiled warmly as he stepped towards the man and embraced him gently, leaving no room for doubt in his friend's mind as he stated softly,

"Welcome, Estel, it is good to see you, gwador nin."

He was not startled to find his embrace returned and was reminded again of his friend's strength before they parted. He looked at his friend and then to the lady who stood beside him and the crown she bore told him that this was she of whom Faramir had told him. However, the fair steward's words had not done her justice as he looked into her deep eyes. Her dark beauty was strange for an elleth but was enchanting all the same and he did not miss the adoration in his friend's eyes as he looked at his wife. Legolas placed his hand over his heart and bowed slightly in elven greeting and was rewarded with a lovely smile.

"Please, Prince, Elessar has told me that you are as much his brother as any other and I would wish that you would treat me as your sister, not the Queen of Gondor as my title proclaims."

"Then you must call me, Legolas, my lady, and allow me to greet you as is fitting," he stated as he embraced her gently and kissed her cheek. He was very aware of the curious glances of the others as she pressed his hand gently before taking her husband's arm again.

"My king."

Legolas turned to see the man who had fast become one of his closest friends as the young steward walked towards them, his amazement at his king's appearance telling plainly he had no known of his coming as he knelt before them.

"Please, Faramir, rise," instructed Estel softly, and Legolas was glad to see the friendship between them as they clasped hands in the manner of elven warriors. "I long to hear of your doings in Ithilien since I left you," and Legolas smiled as he watched his friend speak with a kindness that had been absent when he and Gimli took their leave of Gondor some month's ago.

The young man was not given time to answer however as the twins finally burst forth as they greeted their younger brother and his new bride warmly. Everything was as it should be once more and Legolas smiled at Elrond who stood watching from the archway knowing the elder elf would now be content to leave Middle earth, having been assured of his son's well being.


Aragorn watched the face of his elven friend carefully as they walked together in the evening twilight. The council had gone well and he knew now that all would be as it should be. Only one thing had surprised him, and truly it amazed him still as he thought of it here among the peace and quiet of the forest with none but Legolas beside him.

"As you know, I shall soon sail for the White Shores to join my wife Celebrian who has passed on before me. Fear not though, for I leave this realm in the best of hands. My sons, whom I trust above all else shall be in charge of its care. Elladan and Elrohir shall watch here and care for all the weary who should come here seeking rest but only for a time for I do not wish them to stay here if there hearts should lead them to follow me. So, I shall leave this place to the care of my son, now called Elessar."

Aragorn remembered having stared at his father in startled amazement, his father had only smiled.

"Yes Estel, one day this shall be your home as you have always desired. One day your sons shall rise up and rule the realms of men from Arnor to Gondor. They shall be called great among all men, but no man shall be called as great as you. Your years shall be many, more than those of any other man for the light of the elves burns brighter in you than in those who have come before you. Anduril shall return to where it once lay, waiting for your hand to guide it. You shall dwell here away from the dangers of the world but when those who you love are threatened you shall again take up the sword and stand against the darkness. For always will you be Hope, to all who shall dwell in this place for many, many years to come. Those who come here will be made well by your skilled hand and made easy by your kindness, those who are weak shall be made strong by your wisdom."

"Of what are you thinking, Estel," Legolas asked quietly and Aragorn realized they had walked far without a single word.

"Only of what Adar told me today. I cannot believe he expects such things from one such as I. After all that I have done to my people, he believes that I will be called great and bring healing to those in need. I cannot see it," he stated bitterly.

"Why must you think so little of yourself, my brother. I have known you many years and have seen you at your worst but I have also seen you at your best. I have seen you lead frightened men into battle without a trace of fear. I have seen you face the dead and not turn from the path. I have seen you march upon the black gates of Mordor and return unscathed. No Estel, indeed you shall be called great for you have done great things and will continue to do so for many long years."

"Thank you," Aragorn answered, feeling his friends praise was undeserved but knowing better than to argue with the elf on such matters. "Will you come to Gondor with us?" he asked unable to keep the longing from his voice.

"Of course, I have missed getting you out of trouble," the elf stated haughtily and Aragorn pushed him playfully.

"If I remember it was you who found that wonderful little spiders nest the last time I came to Greenwood," Aragorn stated and watched as his friend winced unable to deny the truth and Aragorn laughed knowing he had gotten the better of the elf, for the moment at least.


Saeorii sighed as she lay back on the bed and looked up at the stars through the open window as she waited for Elessar to return from his ramblings with Legolas. Never had she felt so welcome as those here had made her feel today and she now understood more fully why her husband's heart had yearned for this place. She was startled from her thoughts though at a soft knock on the door. She stood and tied her robe as she went to the answer the door, actually enjoying not having a guard or servant there to open it for her although Elrond had offered.

She was surprised to see Frodo standing there and it was obvious that she was not who he had expected to answer when he stepped back slightly.

"Pardon me," he stammered nervously and Saeorii smiled.

"Not at all, master, what may I do for you this evening," she answered and watched him visibly relax at her reassurance.

"I was looking for Aragorn," he told her and it took her a moment to remember that he meant Elessar.

"He is out with Legolas and his brothers," she spoke softly and felt sympathy for the young hobbit, sensing the lingering pain of the burden he had once carried. "Is there nothing I might do for you?"

He shook his head, "No, my lady, I just wished to speak with him as I used to during the time he was our guide. It was nothing that cannot wait."

"You may come in and wait for him, if you like," she suggested, noticing his hesitancy to leave despite her husband's absence. "I would be glad of the company while I wait and I am sure that Elessar would be glad to see you," she told him as she stood so that he could enter their rooms.

He had taken only a few steps though when he gasped and grabbed his shoulder in obvious pain. She moved quickly towards him and helped him to the small loveseat near the doors to the balcony, kneeling before him as she looked up into his pained face.

"Are you well?" she questioned earnestly, "Shall I go and get Elrond for you?"

"Nay," he stated breathlessly as his pain seemed to ease somewhat, "it happens often and there is nothing that can be done for it," he told her suddenly seeming very tired.

"Here, lay down and rest for a while, I will get you something to drink while you wait," she instructed gently and was pleased to see that he did not protest but lay back as she had asked while she filled a silver goblet with elven cordial and brought it to him.

He drank only a little but seemed to be more well when he finished as she sat watching him carefully on the floor beside him. He handed the cup back to her and closed his eyes as he began to shiver and she took the robe from her own shoulders and draped it tenderly over him although he seemed not to notice. She felt a stab of sympathy for she knew the coldness he felt and the hope of forgetting pain for it was her own. She had been through darkness and like he, was now left to fight the shadows. She reached up and softly brushed a lock of his hair back from his face and murmured to him softly in elvish, bringing her hand to rest upon his shoulder where she knew a dark scar was drawn in his pale flesh. She felt a single tear fall to her cheek as he opened his eyes and turned his head to look at her.

Frodo felt a strange warmth as he looked at the dark lady who sat on the floor next to the couch where he lay, watching him intently. There was something about her that drew his heart towards her. Her light was unlike anything he had ever seen in all his time among the elves. It shone brighter than the wane moon and it seemed all the stars in the heavens rested upon her fair brow. He remembered only ever having seen the elves in such a way when the darkness of Sauron was upon him and he shuddered again as his thoughts were drawn once more to the dark lord.

"Frodo," she called to him softly and he could not help but look at her as she drew him back from the shadows that seemed to grow stronger each day he remained here in Middle earth. He knew he must sail but did not wish to.

A Caita carelya ammelda ar moiana.
Lanta i lómë, utúlielyë tiëo mettanna.
A lorë si, ar óla len i epë tuller.
Entë yaitar hrestallo pella.
Manen neyilyë? Mallo niër antalyassë?
Rato cenuvalyë sa ilyë caurelyar autuvar,
varna mi inya ranqui.

Man cenilyë eccaianna?
Manen i maiwi ninqui yaitar?
Arta i Eär Isil néca amorta -
Ciryar utúlier an yulu le márelya.
Rómen ahyuva ve hyellë telpina,
i cála nenissë. Ilyë fëar autar.

I Estel vinta ambarenna lómëo,

ter fuini lantala, pella enyalië ar lúmë.
Áva quetë: "Si utúlielwë mettanna".
Hresta ninquë yáma - elyë ar inyë ata ómentuvalwë.
Ar elyë nauva sinomë mi inya ranqui.

Man cenilyë eccaianna?
Ma i maiwi ninqui yaitar?
Arta i Eär Isil néca amorta -
Ciryar utúlier an yulu le márelya.
Ar ilyë ahyuva ve hyellë telpina,
i cála nenissë. Ciryar mistë autar

Númenna.

(translation)

Lay down, your sweet and weary head,

Night is falling; you have come to journeys end,

Sleep now and dream of the ones who came before

They are calling from across a distant shore

Why do you weep? What are these tears upon your face?

Soon you will see all of your fears will pass away

Safe in my arms, you're only sleeping

What can you see on the horizon?

Why do the white gulls call?

Across the Sea a pale moon rises

The ships have come to carry you home

And all will turn to silver glass

A light on the water, all souls pass

Hope fades into the world of night

Through shadows falling out of memory and time

Don't say we have come now to the end

White shores are calling; you and I will meet again

And you'll be here in my arms, just sleeping

What can you see on the horizon?

Why do the white gulls call?

Across the Sea a pale moon rises

The ships have come to carry you home

And all will turn to silver glass

A light on the water, gray ships pass
Into the West.'

Frodo sighed as he let her beautiful words send him to the world of dreams where the darkness could not touch him. He understood little of what was said for she sang in one of the elder tongues, but he knew enough to find comfort in her enchanting voice as he felt in her the power of the Ageless and finally found rest.

To be continued…..

All right, credit where credit is due:

Song is "Into the West" performed by Annie Lennox and written by Howard Shore for the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. IT DOES NOT BELONG TO ME!

It was translated into Quenya by Ryszard Derdzinski songs are in no way mine and I do not take credit for them.

Istarriel: Glad you are enjoying it and welcome, I hope this chapter wasn't a disappointment for you!

Tadriendra of Mirkwood: I can always count on you to be honest and I love you for it. Eowyn and Eomer are mad at Aragorn for hitting Saeorii, they were both present during the foreign council when Aragorn lost his temper. Although it wasn't stated they left before any "bridges could be mended" and they aren't close enough to Gondor to know about the change in him. They still think he is like he was at the first of the story although I haven't focused on that. Actually we'll be dealing with that matter in either the next chapter or the one after. Yes, I know I made him sound that way and it wasn't intentional but that's the way it came out and I couldn't think of a better way to do things so I left it. Sorry if it ruined the moment for you. Also, thank you for saying it was tastefully done, I was afraid some people would say it was too much and others not enough so I am pleased that it was not terrible. Anyway, that's just a really long way of saying, thanks, look forward to hearing from you again.

Ainariella: Glad you enjoyed those parts, and also glad that you like my descriptions, some think I'm a little too long winded. Oh well, everyone's entitled to their own opinion. Um, to answer your questions, Elladan and Elrohir are just mentioned in this chapter but will be more main characters for a couple of the later chapters. As to number of chapters, am unsure but we are winding down with this one sadly, a few loose ends to tie up before its finished so I would guess at least five? Not really sure about that though. 'Previous misdeeds' would be his neglect of Gondor and its people in the months between Arwen's death and Saeorii's arrival, his mistreatment of Legolas and Gimli, and hitting Saeorii. They aren't really focused on but they have been mentioned, I just didn't want to make a long list or anything but that should give you a basic idea. Nothing like murder or anything. Anyway, thanks so much for your review and I hope to continue to hear from you, very insightful reviews!

Onyxworrystone: Thanks so much! It was delicious.

Enyamorntulir: Thanks so much, I am glad to hear from you. Hope to hear from you again!

LadyArian: Wow, I don't think I've ever left anyone speechless before. Glad that you liked my chapter and totally flattered. About the Eomer thing, we'll fix that up in the next couple of chapters depending on how things unfold. Glad your enjoying this. Thanks so much!

Karone Evertree: Hmmm, guess I should have given everyone a review, sorry for confusing you. They are mad at Aragorn for his attitude during the foreign council and for hitting Saeorii. They were there and if you remember Eowyn especially was mad, that statement just tells you that things haven't been patched up between them yet. Glad you enjoyed the Aragorn moment and the history lesson. Um yeah, she is. Anyway, moving on, Legolas is here and shall remain for the rest of the story although he will not be focused on as much as Aragorn and Saeorii of course seeing as they are the main characters. Thanks!

Randomisation: You are most definitely correct. They did change that in the movie, probably because the "G" elf isn't in it and yes his name is Glorfindel. He is riding a horse and Aragorn asks for his help to get the hobbits across the ford. Frodo rides his horse across the Ford while Glorfindel and Aragorn fight the wraiths that aren't washed away by the flooding of the ford which is done by Elrond and Gandalf, not Arwen although I have to admit she did fit there and it's not totally unreasonable. Anyway, long way of saying you were right and it was Glorfindel the Balrog slayer who helped Aragorn and the hobbit's to Rivendell in the book, not Arwen. Glorfindel is more of a main character in my other story, and definitely in Tolkeins books. Anyway, thanks for your review and hope you continue to read and review!

Estel-Ara: you got your reunion although as of yet Elladan and Elrohir aren't main characters, they will enter again in later chapters and get more than a passing mention although I did get Elrond in before he sails to Valinor. You're right it is more often Legolas, prbly because the others aren't in the movie. Anyway, thanks and hope to hear from you again!

Wallflower: Thnx.