A/N sorry for the delay in this chapter to all my dear readers. Between working full time and going back to school online for my BSN, plus all the traveling Summer brings, life has been crazy. I hope this chapter makes up for some of the delay. I look forward to your thoughts and ideas, as always!

Chapter 28

F.A. 70

Valinor

The cool breeze drifted down from her mountains as she stood on the balcony of Galadriel's apartments in Tirion. Upon her return to Valinor, Evelyn stayed a time once more in Nienna's halls, until a home of her own was constructed. Even upon leaving the halls, her heart was heavy with grief and sorrow, an aching that could not be quenched. As such, she had requested her home be built amongst the Pelori Mountains above the home of Nienna. There she had resided for fifteen years. When her grief became too much to bare, she simply had to walk out her door and let loose her powers.

Truly they had given her a home more befitting a queen. It was more of a small palace than a house. Built from the mountain stone, and overlooking the sea. The stone was white washed and inlaid with precious mithril so the walls glittered like ice crystal. A frozen waterfall cascaded from the mountain, splitting her home in half, separating her private suits from the areas of the house that housed guests, a large ball room and banquet room. Galadriel said it home could house at least ten families in her private halls and twenty in the guest chambers. Why she would even need so much room she could not fathom, she did not even have staff, it was just her.

She preferred it that way. Though she kept the road and surrounding area of her home free from her blast. A mile out the landscape as far as the eye could see glistened in the sunlight, the ice reflecting the light. Though the cold did not affect her, the same could not always be said of others. Maybe it was also left clear in the hopes that someone would brave the trek and see her, though Galadriel and Haldir had been the only ones. Then again, who else did she know? No one, she berated herself. However, she was much more accepted here than in Middle Earth, revered almost, it was unsettling.

She also had a barn built, a large red barn with a rooster weathervane. It looked and was very out of place against the glittering rock of her house and the stunning backdrop of the mountains, but it was a piece of home, a reminder of where she came from. The twenty stalls were all full, a mix of mares, stallions, a few geldings, and foals. The horses keeping her busy and filling her days. She trained and worked them most days, keeping her heartbreak at the back of her mind. Those who were ready, she brought with her this trip to sell. She did not have to fret if they went to good homes, that was not what exhausted her. It was the people, the elves, the attention was overwhelming and wearisome.

It was the reason she was here standing on the stone balcony overlooking the rolling hills of Tirion and the land that ran down to Valimar, the home of the Valar and Vanyar. She was tired of the elves greeting her with bows and curtsies, rushing to introduce themselves to her, not that she remembered any of their names. It was hard coming to terms with the fact that here she was equal to the Maiar, a divine being. Both Galadriel and Haldir assured her it would stop in a few years. No one greeted Gandalf that way any longer. Her seclusion did not help, they chastised her.

Evelyn had no desire to step out of those doors and be ambushed by the curious elves, but she could also not decline Galadriel's summon, she owed the lady too much from her time in Lothlorien. The letter had not stated the reason for the desired visit, other than she had kept herself locked away for too long again and her presence was needed for an upcoming event. An event Galadriel still would not inform her of, only gave her a knowing look and sheepish smile. Haldir was no better.

"You should be getting ready." Galadriel spoke, walking to stand beside the Kelvarwë.

"It would help if I knew what I was dressing for." Evelyn replied, eyeing her friend. "From the looks of it, I imagine it is a rather formal occasion."

"Not so formal as a special occasion, but yes, you should dress the part my dear." The older elleth smiled, "Come, I shall help pick your dress.

And so, Evelyn found herself many hours later starring at herself in one of the most elegant gowns she had ever seen, let alone wear. The gown was silver, with a deep cow neck, held on her shoulder by slender straps. Embellishing the gown were threads of gold looping from the middle out, overlapping in sections. Where the material hit her knees, the threads hung loosely down to swish as she walked. And from the shoulder straps the same gold cords hung, showering her arms in gold filigree. Her long hair, though traditionally worn down by the elves, was loosely pulled back and secured at her nape with a gold clasp, accentuating the silver necklace given to her as a gift from Nienna when she left her home.

She felt beautiful, majestic, but not worthy of the extravagance. Evelyn sighed, stepping away from the mirror as Haldir walked into the sitting room. His smile was soft, not fully reaching his eyes. Evelyn pondered over the fact for a moment before pushing the thoughts away. "You look beautiful," he stated, reaching forward and planting a light kiss upon her cheek.

"Thank you." She returned his smile, taking his offered arm, and following behind Galadriel.

Walking through the city, Evelyn was pleased to see that most people were not out milling in the streets, able to take in the beauty of the city. The walls and terraces gleamed white in the sun as the sand of diamonds on the streets sparkled. Crystal staircases lead from the fertile land to the city entrance and continued through the various levels. The center of the city of Tirion stood Ingwë's tower, its bright light shining out for all to see. Below his tower, Evelyn could see the house of Finwë, the first King of the Noldor. Along the terraces grew trees and shrubs of all shapes and sizes, with flowering plants at their bases. Waterfalls cascaded from the outer walls of the city into the Sea at its base. The crystal blue waters glittered in the sun, the soft sound of the waves crashing upon the rocks could be heard as they neared the lower levels of the city.

"Ah, there is Gandalf now." Galadriel exclaimed as they reached the sea level. Stretched out before them was a larger banquet hall. Three walls stood tall around the area, while the sea wall remained open, allowing for an unparalleled view of the shores. They floor was marbled tile, inlaid with gold filigree. Robust and ornate columns stood on the open terrace to the sea, the arches sporting a multitude of plants with ivy clinging to the post. Along the back wall stood many long tables filled with a vast array of food and drink. "It is good, we are among the first to arrive."

Gandalf approached them, still wearing his customary white robes Evelyn had grown accustomed to in Middle Earth. Smiling Evelyn gave the wizard a robust hug, "It has been too long my friend."

The old Maiar chuckled, "Yes, indeed, my dear girl, much too long." Pulling back, hands still gripping her shoulders, he took in the woman before him. It had been close to seventy years since he had seen her. Her scars now gone, left her skin glowing and beautiful, but her piercing icy ices still bore haunting shadows in their depths. Valinor mayhap be a place of healing but there were some wounds which even the healing of Nienna cannot touch. Pushing those thoughts away he spoke again of lighter subjects, "You look as lovely as ever."

Evelyn smiled, "To honor do I owe this occasion?"

With a twinkle in his eye, Gandalf easily evaded the topic, "You shall see soon enough, but come, come, let us taste the decadent food and wine, many coming will wish to meet you."

Inwardly she cringed, but did her best to hid it, she had no intentions of embarrassing her friends by seeming rude. Mentally preparing herself she followed he old friend to the tables, filling a plate with an assortment of fruit and vegetables, and grabbing the largest wine glass she could find, wishing the liquid would influence her.

As time minutes passed, more and more elves began gathering in the hall. Many she had never seen before and all were richly dressed in finery that made her look under dressed. Her mind continued to reel over the cause for the gathering, celebration, whatever this way.

Seeing her brow creasing in anxiety, Haldir made his way to her, pulling her out of the corner she was attempting to hide in. "You shine much to brightly to be able to hide, even in a corner such as this one." He earned a scowl from his friend. "Come, my Lady Galadriel wishes for you to meet some special people."

"Special people?" Evelyn questioned, turning a quizzical brow to the ellon beside her, neither ready nor wanting to meet more people. Anyone in association with Galadriel would be of very high status, no one she would be important enough to be an acquaintance with.

Galadriel smiled and waved them over at that moment, cutting off any escape Evelyn had planned as those gathered around her turned to see what drew her attention. All eyes fell on her, and Evelyn quickly dropped her gaze to the floor, her heart beating wildly in her chest. The eyes never left her and she felt their burn into her very soul. The only elf she recognized was the Lord Elrond, who had offered her a brief smile.

"Evelyn," Galadriel greeted, drawing her focus to the elleth. "I would like you to meet my family, as my grandsons adopted you as a sister, you are as family." She smiled at the bewildered woman in front of her.

Evelyn was not sure what to say or what to do, she was speechless and she was sure her mouth hung agape. Yes, Elladan and Elrohir had taken her in, called her sister, broken her away from her grief and pain. They gave her friendship and a since of family since the breaking of the Fellowship, but she had not expected the notion of family to extend past them.

"Elrond, you have met, but you have not meet my daughter, his wife Celebrían." She spoke, extending her arm out to the elleth beside her. Celebrían stepped forward quickly, taking Evelyn by surprise, placing light kisses on each cheek. It was only as she pulled back that Evelyn could see her clearly. Her lavish blue gown draped her body with ornate silver threads adorning the fabric, her silver blonde hair hung in loose waves well past her hips. It was clear she was the daughter of Galadriel and Celeborn. While she had her mother's face, she held her father's eyes and smile. There were no lingering signs of the grief and torment she knew the woman had faced at the hands of orcs. Evelyn had taken a few hunting trips with the twins going after straggling orc packs to practice with her powers. She knew the grief and rage they still felt over her capture and torture. They would be pleased to see her now, free from the pain.

"I am pleased to meet you, I hope in the future to become better acquainted with the woman my sons have adopted." She smiled, attempting to hide the shock over seeing the woman's eyes. It was not the color that struck her, but the pain and grief lurking in their depths. Emotions she knew too much of. This woman, this elemental, had been in their land for nearly fifty years, and it was as if the pain was still new, not even Nienna's hall had diminished them.

Evelyn smiled, seeing clearly where Arwen got her spirit and her heart. "I look forward to those times my lady," She replied as Galadriel then turned to the others gathered.

"May I present you to my father, Finarfin, King of the Noldor here in Valinor." Evelyn curtsied as best she could in the tight gown. She was not prepared to meet the rulers of the elves of Valinor. "Father, this is Evelyn Kenward, the last and only Kelvarwë among us, and member of the Fellowship of the Ring."

The wise ellon looked upon the woman in front of him, many questions and thoughts pouring through his mind. He took in much of the same characteristic his granddaughter had, yet his mind focused on traits more interesting to himself. "You have the power of ice as I recall." He stated.

Evelyn was a bit taken aback by his blunt replies and omission of pleasantries. It took her a moment to compose her herself as she constructed her reply. "In all due respect My Lord, I am winter herself, I do not just have the power of ice." The elf king raised in brow at her response. The others continued to chat around them, seemingly unoffended by her reply, and she let loose the breath she was holding.

"You also are a kin slayer, are you not?" His question caused all conversation around them to cease. Evelyn felt the blow, a burning gut wrenching pain in her heart. It was all she could do not to stagger backwards from its force. She felt humiliated, alienated, and angry as well. She felt he had no right to judge her, king or no, he knew nothing about her.

"I beg your pardon, but being of the Maiar we cannot be killed. I destroyed my father's physical form and Frodo did of Sauron the Deceiver. His soul now holds no power, nor will it ever again as it resides in the void, where it shall stay forever more. This I was promised by the Valar. I take no pride nor joy from my actions, only relief that those I love still in Middle-Earth are safe."

Evelyn was shocked to see a smile break out upon the king's face. "One day child, when you are ready, we shall talk of your adventures. I would very much like to see how winter is created." She was not sure what had just occurred, though she knew from the Noldor's history, kin slaying was not taken lightly. It felt as if she had just passed some sort of test, but she was not sure what it was. Evelyn chose not to question it. At that moment, there was a ruckus at the entry, though she did not turn to see, clearly others had arrived and were exchanging excited greetings.

Then a voiced filtered through the air, one she had not heard in many years as a second chorused along with it, Evelyn spun on her heels, her eyes locking with two sets of grey eyes and smiling faces. "Evelyn!" They chorused together, receiving a squeal in response as she took off across the room, manners long forgotten. Haldir barely caught her wine goblet before it clattered to the floor. She felt their strong arms envelope her in a bear hug, she could not breathe, but found she did not care, her brothers where back with her.

Glorfindel sauntered over to the twins gathered family, greeting them all merrily. Celebrían was smiling ear to ear at her son's happiness, waiting patiently for her greeting as they had yet to see her. "It is good to see them happy, they truly seem to care for her."

"Aye, they do, they were inseparable during Evelyn's time in Rivendell." Glorfindel replied.

"Aye, it's a wonder the poor girl survived, let alone stayed with their antics." Celeborn replied, removing himself from his embrace with his wife after years of separation, he lovingly wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close and was rewarded with a loving smile.

"Some things never change," Celebrían laughed, the delicate tinkling sound drawing her son's attention as they pulled away from Evelyn.

"Trust me, she gave it back to the pranksters as much as they gave it." The Lord of the Golden Flower chuckled.

Evelyn watched as her brothers caught sight of their mother, having not have seen her in countless years. She watched as they rushed her, much as she had done them. They picked her up and twirled her through the air, seemingly squeezing the life out of her they held on so tightly. A smile spread across her face at the reunion, her heart filling with a happiness it had not felt in many years.