Chapter 2

I didn't even get to thank him, Arwen thought, not even to say goodbye. He was there, and then he was gone. Arwen had later questioned her father about Estel. Lord Elrond let out little information. Only that he was there for a few days, and would be off to journey to Rohan and pick up more sword-fighting skills.

" I overheard my brother saying that Estel would be coming back soon-", Thayta began.

" Seriously? How long will he stay this time?", Arwen asked bluntly.

" Close to a year, I think", Thayta replied, " But, Arwen?"

" Yes?"

" I know its not my place to say what you should or shouldn't do, and…"

" You're my best friend. Give me some advice", Arwen said, sitting down on her bed and brought her knees up, and tucking them under her chin.

" Well, Arwen, if you really like Estel, I wouldn't discourage you. After all, don't they always tell us to follow your heart?"

" Yes, Thayta. They did say that…but I somehow sense that there is a however"

Thayta came towards Arwen and sat beside her. She took the princess's chin in her hand and turned Arwen's face towards the opened window. Outside, birds were chirping and the sunlight bore through the window. Sending dancing rays playing across the carpet filled with intricate illustrations of the history of Middle-Earth.

" You're the most beautiful person in Middle-Earth, Arwen. You have a long life ahead of you, and…I would so dislike to see your long elf years wasted".

" Wasted? What do you mean?", frownlines appeared on her unblemished face, " It was love at first sight. I know that. And not just for him, but for me". Thayta was old for and elf. She was wise, and Arwen knew that. Maybe she should hear her out, " I'm sorry. Please continue".

" When you go to the Undying Lands, you will shine like no other! Your love for him will be everlasting!", Thayta exclaimed, " Isn't that enough?"

Arwen was speechless.

" Nevertheless, I will be happy for you if you wish to marry Estel and stay on Middle-Earth", Thayta finished.

Arwen's eyes widened, " Marry? We only met once! How would you know that I feel that way about him?"

" My Lady Arwen, let me remind you that I've lived on Middle-Earth longer than your father has. I see the symptoms, and I know the results", Thayta stated simply.

" I remember, Thayta. I remember…", Arwen trailed off as she leaned against Thayta's shoulder and instantly slipped into a peaceful sleep.

Lord Elrond was there, standing before the gates of Minas Tirith. Arwen was clothed in a white silk dress, and sat upon a horse the color of clouds in the sky on a beautiful day.

As she looked at the city of which her to-be-husband was soon to be king of, the gates began to open. Bells rang throughout the city. Arwen glanced at the gate and saw a single man running towards her. Now, she could see herself get off her horse and run towards him. The people of Gondor stood behind the gates and the sound of their cheering was ever evident. The elf, Arwen, and Aragorn met and broke into a deep and passionate kiss. Their arms wrapped round each other as they grinned happily. They stood before Lord Elrond and Galadriel. Tears of happiness flowed down her father's cheeks and they smiled at the joyous couple. A hand touched Arwen's shoulder. She turned around and Thayta's tear stained face appeared. The aged elf smiled, and then…the smile vanished. The elves looked up at the sky. Dark clouds rolled in. The sun disappeared. Aragorn caught Arwen in his arms. " Estel…what's-", Arwen started. Aragorn pushed her behind himself, " Its…Sauron's army!". Lord Elrond gasped, " Sauron himself!". Aragorn pulled Arwen into his arms, and Arwen willingly buried her face in his hair. The day grew dark and Arwen looked back. Sauron appeared beside them. His darkness enveloped the king and future queen. Arwen was filled with terror…and Sauron spoke unspeakable words. Words not to be uttered…words filled with despair and cruelty. His last words could be heard by all, " Where is my ring? There shall be no more happiness, no more light, no more…", on and on he went. With each word, he slew the people of Gondor, the elves, till no one now stood except Aragorn and Arwen. Sauron reached out his metal clad hand and tightened his grip on Arwen and Aragorn.

" BEGONE!!!", Aragorn cried out ferociously. Arwen gasped. Aragorn? Standing up against Sauron? Sauron's grip changed, and he grasped Arwen's throat. Arwen gasped again, and this time, in absolute fear. With his free hand, Sauron knocked Aragorn away from her. " Tell me where the ring is and I'll let her go", he hissed at Aragorn, her Estel. Aragorn didn't reply and Sauron squeezed the air out of her. The feeling was tremendous and Arwen closed her eyes, preparing for her death. " Stop!", she heard Aragorn cry out. Sauron paused and glanced at Aragorn. " Its in the…the…", Aragorn gasped. " No! Aragorn!" Arwen screamed with whatever breath she had left, " Don't!". Sauron tightened his fingers around her neck, stronger and with much more purpose. " Wait! The Shire!", Aragorn cried out. Arwen yelled as Sauron pressed the life out of her.

" Stop! Please stop! ". The last thing she heard was Aragorn's scream of terror.

Arwen sat up, her face stained with sweat. When she finally realized that she was screaming, she closed her mouth.

Her room door opened and she looked up. Lord Elrond swept in and hurried over to her.

" Arwen!"

" Father!" she rushed into her father's arms.

" Arwen?", Elrond asked, " What happened?". He touched her sweat drenched shoulder and glanced worriedly into his daughter's face. Arwen hugged her father tightly and sobbed.

" It was a dream father!", Arwen gasped out.

" A nightmare seems more like it", Elrond said, patting her shoulder, " Tell me about it, Arwen"

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