Chapter 16

*Present day*

Evelyn did not know which was worse—the teas they made her or the nightmares. The teas were strong, their pungent taste lingering in her mouth long after they were consumed. However, they did their job amazingly well. She would fall asleep soundly and awake much less stiffened than before, the pain all but gone and ridding to Gondor enjoyable once more. The problem lay with the dreams that came and tortured her peaceful slumber when she drank the teas.

If she chose to skip the teas, she was saved from watching the fires burn through small villages, watching people burn in their wake and the horrid men who would capture all those who survived. And in every dream was the same man on a distant hill, giving the commands. On these nights she lay awake, unable to relax through the pain of riding to drift into slumber. Pretending to rest to fake the others, she closed herself off from them, wallowing in the pain that ravaged her body and mind.

After a few days Evelyn created a system, She would lie awake as many nights as she could, enduring the agony it put her body through until she could not longer stand the pain or keep herself awake and then, and only then, would she drink the brews and let her mind be despoiled by the dreams.

What the dreams meant she could not say, but she knew it was not a joyful portent for Gondor, for the closer they journeyed the worse the images became. Somewhere deep inside, she knew the root of this evil was her reason to still be on Middle Earth, though she was loathe to admit it. It was easier to lock it away and forget, and that is what she did.

This morning, she awoke before dawn, tears streaking her face from the terrors she watched unfold. She lay on her palate, sweat soaked and breathing hard. At least she could move without pain, her one comfort this morning. Sighing Evelyn pushed herself up and began gathering her meager belongings. Being still would not help, she needed to be busy, keep moving.

By the time the others had woken, Granat and the pony where brushed throughly packs neatly folded and sitting beside them to be loaded. Evelyn sat by the fire finishing a piece of lembas and drinking a spice tea—one she concocted in Rivendell, not one of Ceilin and Elladan's brews. They all shared their morning greetings, but she found it hard to do much else. A part of her wished to tell them, or at least Elladan, about the dreams, but they were all so excited to see their family and friends, she hated to burden them with her troubles, and so she kept quiet. Evelyn's biggest fear was that the nightmares would not stop once she got to the city, that they would continue for the duration of the stay. How long she could tolerate them, she was not so sure.

It did not go unnoticed by the others, but they also knew better than to press her for answers. Pestering her would only cause her to clam up more, though her silence troubled them all. It had been many years since such ways had bothered her.

"If we leave soon and travel hard, we should reach Minas Tirith by nightfall. Our other option is to traveling lightly making the trip in two days." Lord Celeborn spoke, addressing the group as a whole. They all tentatively waited on Evelyn's response.

Having no desire to sleep on the ground anymore, or being plagued by her dreams and pain in public, The choice was easy, "We make for Gondor tonight."

"Aye," They all chorused softly behind her, wondering what a day of hard riding would do to her, though none dared to speak against her at the moment.

Dusk was fast approaching and finally, finally the glow of Minas Tirith could be seen glittering in the distance, a shimming white light against the dusky horizon, where stars where slowly beginning their nightly watch twinkling against the purple clouds. Evelyn sighed as relief washed over her. They had made it, after thirty-two days of travel, they had finally made it. They let the horses go as fast as they could, allowing the pony to not fall behind.

The land they cantered through had greatly recovered since she left over thirty years ago. What was once dusty sandy and rocked filled, savaged by years of battle and neglect, was now lush with grass, young trees and bushes littered the landscapes. Small homesteads dotted the land with large fields of crops and herds of sheep and cattle-which scattered as they raced by. Families ceased their evening chores to watch the party pass. Some gave small bows and nods, recognizing the Eleven sigils, others stood in curiosity. The children gawked openly, never having probably seen an elf in their short life. Most of these people would not see the royal family, going into the walled city only to trade and sell their goods.

All to soon, and yet not soon enough, the great gate was before them, repaired in stone and shimmering mithril, depicting the great white tree of Gondor. Soldiers stood guard over, looking down at them in interest.

"State your names and purpose!" One guard finally called out as the light had finally faded from the sky, the only source now was from the stars and torches atop the wall.

"I am Lord Celeborn of Lothlorien, the others are the Lord Glorfindel of Rivendell, The Lords Elladan and Elrohir, brothers to the Queen of Gondor, and the Lady Evelyn." His voice was bright and clear, ringing through the still night air to the ears of those standing guard.

Clearly they had been expected for there was a quick scramble to open the gates and alert the King and Queen their visitors had arrived at last.

The gates, pulled open by large draft horses, creaked and groaned as they slowly swung open, allowing the visitors to pass through under the towering stone archway and into the city.

The transformation here was astounding, and Evelyn forced herself to keep her mouth from hitting the floor and to stay focused on the group. Gawking was not becoming. The streets were paved new with white marble, the buildings inside had been rebuilt of white washed stone, candles flickering in the glass windows. All the rumble was long removed from the war. It was a joyous thing to behold, washing away the memories of what had been on her last trip to the city.

With the royal guard to assist them they made their way through the city. All the levels had its own gate to the next, all facing a different direction, except the main gate and the gate to the seventh level, which both faced the East. This design had travelers winding their way to and fro in the city to reach the destination, there was no straight path from one level to the next. Evelyn had not much time to notice the uniqueness of the design or its splendor the last time she was here. Most of her trips had been confined to the top most levels until the day she left and that day, she knew nothing but her own grief.

Evelyn took a deep breath, washing the memories away. Gondor was restored to its former beauty and strength, She would not mar it with the death and destructions she once associated it with. It was time for new beginnings.

Finally they arrived to the sixth level and the stables, The stables were grand, made of the same white washed stones infused with strands of mithril. The stalls, large and generous, with windows overlooking the land beyond. Intricate Iron bars topped the stone, giving the horses the freedom to see around them, the floors covered in thick bedding, gave them a soft place to lay and rest after such a tiring journey.

It was a good thing Evelyn had taken the teas the night before, As she had no option but to dismount here in front of her companions and strangers. Her feet hit the ground, her legs shaking, but they supported her. The pain was there but manageable, she let out a sigh, giving Granat a good pat, before handing him to the stable hand along with the pony Snapdragon.

Emerging from the stables they were greeted by the royal family themselves, it sent a jolt through Evelyn. Almost forty years had past since she had seen the rest of her family. She wanted to cry in both joy and grief.

Aragorn stood at the head of the procession, He wore simple clothing for a king. His breeches were black, covered to the knee by well worn leather boots. His beige undershirt barely showed under his surcoat of black, trimmed in gold around the bottom hem and where it split in the middle to allow movement. From the collar sprouted the sigil of the White tree in gold thread. It was finished with a leather belt and black cloak, trimmed with gold to match the tunic. His face held the same kindness and love she remembered, but marred with more wrinkles than she remembered, and his shoulder length wavy hair was streaked with grey.

Beside him stood Arwen, as regal and beautiful as she ever was, he face remained free from the ravages of time, but dark locks, like her husbands, showed shimmering grey. Her dress was made of a dark grey velvet, designed with an inlaid flower pattern. Its square neck embroidered with faint gold. The sleeves billowed out, lined with fine orange silk that hugged her thin arms. A belt of round gold cymbals, sat low upon her waist.

However, it was the people that stood directly behind them that caused Evelyn's heart to lurch in her chest. Éowyn and Faramir. Unlike where time had barely touched the King and Queen, her mortal friends showed the ravages of time. Both were somewhere in their fifties now at least. Both were grey haired, wrinkles marred their once youthful faces. She fought to keep the tears at bay and the shock from her face, this was to be a joyous reunion. Though from the looks on their faces, they were struggling to do the same, Evelyn never told Éowyn she was immortal.

The twins broke the measured silence first, rushing forward, enveloping their sister and brother in giant bear hugs, the men slapping each other fondly on the back in the process. They spoke greetings that Evelyn could not decipher in her current state of nerves. As they moved forward to the Prince if Ithilien and his wife, Evelyn came forward with Glorfindel's encouraging hand in the small of her back. Before long she found herself engulfed in Aragorn's strong arms, breathing in the once familiar smell of him as her face was smashed into his shoulder, Arwen's smiling face caught her eye from over his shoulder, her eyes twinkling in mirth. Evelyn could not help but smile in return.

"It is good to have you back Evelyn." Aragorn spoke, releasing her from his grip, looking her up and down, "You look very well indeed." The shadows that once haunted her had shriveled down to the depths of soul, and it was reflected in her eyes.

"My sister, too long have you been away!" Arwen exclaimed, grabbing her arms and looking her over as her husband had done just moments before. "It is good to have you here." Evelyn was once again wrapped in arms.

When she fund herself free, she saw she stood before Éowyn and Faramir, a small awkward silence growing between them.

"Éowyn," Evelyn spoke both in greeting and in question. He old friend took a hesitant step forward and placed a withered hand on her cheek, fingers trailing through the silent tears. It broke the spell and the White Lady of Rohan, now the Lady of Ithilien, embraced her as they had long years past, it was a hug Evelyn returned whole heartedly.

Faramir smiled at her, nodding his head in greeting. They had never truly spoken, only introduced formerly after the war. He spoke to them all, "Come! We will have dinner prepared for you, for I am sure you are weary from travel, a warm meal will help revive you." He beckoned them to follow and they did. Both Arwen and Éowyn flanked Evelyn, speaking rapidly, trying to catch up forty years of separation.

They sat at a small intimate table located off the great hall, It was a dining room made especially for the royal family and guest, so they did not have to always use the grand hall for all their meals. It boasted large columns like the grand hall, but was circular in structure, stained glass windows dressed the wall facing to the open air beyond, on the opposite stood large tables of deep cherry, where the food and drink was sat before being brought to the table. The ceiling was painted in a mosaic of the forest of Lorien.

Evelyn feasted on the best roasted spice chicken she could remember having. Followed by pastries and a delicious dark red wine. By the time she was finished it was all she could do to stay awake from the exhaustion and lovely sensation of having a full belly. Conversation flowed around her, and once in a while she would pipe up and answer a question, join in, or ask a question of her own, but mostly she just listened.

Once they had eaten and drank their fill, they were bade goodnight and shown to their room, where warm baths were being drawn. Evelyn smiled at the thought of a warm bath. All she had were the quick ice cold wash offs in the streams they passed along the way.

The room she was ushered into took her breath away. Arwen had outdone herself. The room was huge, with at least ten foot ceilings if she had to guess. Beautiful rugs of silver and blue hung from the walls acting as wallpaper. The bed sat against the far wall, a king sized canopy bed, with creamy linens and blue accent down pillows. Thick white wood furniture adorned the near walls. A vanity and full length mirror were placed across from the bed. There was a sitting area arranged in the middle of the room full with a chaise lounge and smoking table. And of course what Evelyn loved most of all, large french doors opening to a small personal stone balcony.

Walking to the bathroom, she found it to be just as lavish. The copper tub sat in the middle of the room where Ceilin was directed the servants bringing in the last of the hot water. Tables stood near the tub full of different soaps and washed, filling the air with their fragrant aromas.

Evelyn wasted no time sinking into the steaming water, letting its warmth ease all the tension from her muscle. Normally she would wash her hair herself, but made no protest when Ceilin started on it for her, she just did not have the energy, for tonight she would let her maid pamper her for once. Ceilin's hands worked against her scalp in rhythmic motions, sending her mind quickly off to sleep. She barely remembered finishing the bath, nor her handmaid escorting her to the down bed. As soon as her body hit the mattress she was asleep, Ceilin covering her with a blanket and quietly exiting the room. She slept until dawn.