It was the summer of Araiel's 17th year when her world turned upside down. She remembered the day clearly; it was raining. She sat upon the window ledge, a book in her delicate fair hands as she stared at the raindrops pattering on the glass. What drew her violet blue eyes away from her book was the post rider approaching the city gates. He was admitted. She watched as he circled the winding streets of Minas Tirith until he had reached the Citadel. It was well past the days of Aragorn and even Eldarion, but the white marble city was no less awe-striking. It had been rebuilt many times complete with many rooms for the court as well as the royal family. The white tree still flourished even throughout the winter.
It was a dull day for Araiel. As soon as the post rider reached the Citadel, she made her way down the stairs to the hall though she detested the court way of life. She picked up her ornate velvet skirts and nearly clutched a hand to her bodice as she forced the large oak door open leading to the great Hall. Her father would meet the post rider personally. What would the note be? A letter from her friends in Rohan or perhaps a message from the elves? She did not yet know that the message would be on that changed her life forever.