**A/N: Sorry for the short chapter but I wanted to get at least one more chapter before ending this first story! I decided that I will do a story for each movie instead one long story so that I can put in as much detail as I want without worrying about their being a ridiculous amount of chapters. I expect there will be one or two more chapters in this story but thank you to all reviewed:
Danda225
Abyss Prime
Kilataia (much thanks for the ideas!)
Gwilwillith
Any how I hope you enjoy the chapter and Happy Reading!**
I remained in the gardens for a long time, the sweet scent of the flowers and the soothing sounds of the waterfall keeping me calm as I tried to sort through the new images that fluttered through my head. A tear fell down my cheek as I thought of my mother and father. My mother possessed such beauty and even with age she still looked more beautiful to me than a young and beautiful enchantress. I only wish that I could see what my father looked like, what qualities of his that I possessed. I assumed that I had received his height since I was taller than my mother. I had also hoped that when I looked at or thought of Aragorn that people could see I held just as much love and admiration as my mother seemed to hold for my father. I squeezed my eyes shut as I hoped that I would not have to experience the same pain my mother had to go through when losing my father. I also hoped that if I had a child she would never have experience losing me or her father like I did.
"Aria?" I heard a voice question softly and I immediately knew it was. I felt love swell in my heart and I lifted my head up to see Legolas standing there by the doorway. The image of Legolas taking me from mother and swearing to her that he would always protect and care for me came to the forefront of my mind.
"Legolas," I said softly, smiling as I ran up to him and hugged him tightly. He took a small step back, not expecting such an enthusiastic hug from me, but wrapped his arms around me and laughed brightly.
"What is this for?" He asked with a smile on his face and amusement twinkling in his eyes.
"I love you so dearly my brother, my protector, my most trusted keeper. You are my greatest friend and I could not ask for a better brother from the Valar themselves." I said, my cheek pressed against his chest and a tear dripping down my other cheek as I continued to hug him tightly. I did not know how deep Legolas' brotherly love ran for me until today and I couldn't help but feel silly for fighting with him all those countless times when he only wanted to protect me, his little sister. I understood now that Legolas knew that I was old enough and certainly capable enough to protect myself, but that none of that matter to him because he vowed to himself and my mother that he would always be there to protect me even from the thing I didn't how to or couldn't protect myself.
"Where did all this come from?" He asked as he pulled away from me. A touch of concern lit up in his eyes as he saw the redness of my eyes and the tear on my cheek as softly brushed it away. I could see him go into his brother mode and his face only held emotions of love, concern, and worry. "What is going on? Did Aragorn say something hurtful towards you or perhaps Haldir?"
"No none of that my dear brother, I have discovered something much more important." I said, quickly shaking my head and smiling softly as I grabbed his hand and led him to the bench I was sitting on before. "Come, let's sit down, I have much to tell you."
"Please do, I am worried for you now little one." Little one was name that almost all the members of adoptive family called me because my adoptive family consisted all of elves and they well past my years of age.
"Galadriel asked me to look into her mirror and I finally did." I began with and I could see the anxiousness and worry enter my brother's eyes. He opened his mouth to speak and I lifted my hand to silence him so I could continue. "In the mirror I saw some interesting things from both my past and future. I learned that my parents are Lady Duilin and Lord Beren and my father was the ruler of a city. I saw the death and destruction of my city which was the night of my father's passing; sadly I did not get to see what my father looked like though or learn of how he passed. I also saw the death of my mother." I paused for a moment when I saw my brother's eyes grow somber and lowered his head.
"Lady Duilin was beautiful and gentle woman. I thank the Valar for granting me the opportunity of meeting a special being like her." He said quietly and I grabbed his hands holding both of them in mine. He looked up at me and a pleading look entered his eyes.
"Please know that I do not hold any anger or blame towards you for telling me, I don't hold it for any of you. The emotion has passed and I understand why you kept it from me. I only hold love for you brother, the deep love of a sister that I could only hold for you. Seeing my mother's passing has made me realize just how much you love me brother, how much you care for me and wish to protect me. You do these things for me; protect me like you do, not out of stubbornness or fear but out love and for the vow you made to yourself and my loving mother." I said and my brother hugged me tightly, burying his face in my hair and I rubbed my hand up and down his back.
"That is all I have ever wanted you to see my dear little sister. I never knew what having a little sister was like before I saw you for the first time, before I met you, I had felt such love and protectiveness over you. The feeling was strange and foreign to me because I had never had any type of sibling before but I enjoyed the feeling." He pulled away and I placed a hand on his cheek, a smile growing on my lips.
"Please tell me of them, of my parents." I requested quietly and a smile grew on Legolas' face.
"You're birth father and my father were the closest of friends. My mother and your mother became close as well when Eradan married your mother. The love between your parents could rival even the love of my father and mother, they were the perfect pair. Duilin the sweet swallow that held beauty, grace, and gentleness in a way that only she could possess. You're father, Eradan, was jovial man with a boisterous laughter and kind hearted smile that was guaranteed to make you smile and giggle no matter how upset or sad you were. When Duilin gave birth to you there was a massive celebration where your entire city and even all of Mirkwood were invited. Just before the celebration was about to commence was the first time I held you, the first time I met you. You were so small even in the lithe arms of your mother and everyone knew you were bound to look like her with your blue eyes that were already so vivid and the small tufts of silvery blue hair. Duilin offered you to me and I was hesitant at first since I had not held such a small child in my arms before. But as soon as I held you everyone could see the bond grow immediately between us so our father says. I believe him to be true because as soon as you nestled into my arms and tugged on my arm, your eyes lit up and immediately you gave out a sweet giggle. I felt the first surge of brotherly love and protectiveness for you and couldn't seem to let you leave my arms. I spent the whole night playing with you and letting you tug on my hair which seemed to be your favorite activity." I let out a soft giggle and continued to listen, my smile wider than ever. "Countless times I rode out to your city just to spend time with you and Duilin was overjoyed at the fact. Eradan had told me once that she had this silly belief that we would become lovers and you would one day be queen of Mirkwood." We both began to laugh at such a silly statement and I wished that I could hear my father's laugh at that moment; it was described to sound absolutely wonderful.
"Please tell me more of my mother." I whispered, tears on my cheek and a smile gracing my lips as her image appeared my mind. I washed away the dirt from her beautiful face and replaced the terror in her eyes with love and kindness.
"Duilin had a very enthusiastic personality full of daydreaming and fairytales that she would tell to children who seem to flock around her at all times. She was the perfect woman to stand next to the ruler of a city. When Eradan had to be forceful and fearless her kind and gentle nature would be right there with him to calm your people. She believed you would amount to great things. She daydreamed of your perfect prince who would sweep you away and you would be loved by your people, your children would be just as beautiful as you were. I remember the first time she told me of these daydreams and I felt myself beginning to believe her for she had a way of telling things that no matter how preposterous it was you would find yourself believing in the end." He said with a soft smile and I hugged him tightly again, wiping my new batch of tears from my cheeks.
"Thank you brother, thank you so much for all you have given me. I will never stop loving you or wish for another brother. I only wish father could be here with us for this occasion as well." Legolas only smiled and held my hands again.
"Please tell me what else you saw." He requested and I frowned as the jumbled flashes appeared in my mind.
"I'm still trying to tell where which one ends and the next begins, it was all very blurry for me. I remember there was battle, I was pushing Haldir for some reason and I felt pain. There was one that worries me though." I said as I furrowed my eyebrows, my frown growing deeper.
"What was it?" He questioned calmly and I sighed, placing a hand on my forehead.
"I was at the edge of a cliff, my arm dangling over the side, I was screaming for Aragorn. I could feel the fear from myself from the image. Legolas, what if something is going to happen to Aragorn? I could not survive." I said weakly as tears welled up in my eyes. Legolas gave me a comforting smile.
"It's alright little one, the future you may see in the mirror is not the only future you may have. You cannot fill yourself with worry over something that may not even happen. Do you remember anything else?" He asked and a smile grew on my face as a blush spread across my cheeks.
"Before I pulled my face from the water I had seen one more image. It was blurry since I was trying to pull my face from the water but I could tell it was of Aragorn and I. We both had the largest smiles on our faces that I have seen anyone possess. We were dancing, Aragorn was twirling me around and the version of myself from the image couldn't help but laugh. We began to dance slowly, holding one another so close as flower petals landed on us from above. I was wearing a beautiful shimmering white gown and a ring of flowers sat upon my head. I think it was a wedding we were at Legolas, my wedding." I said with a soft smile and Legolas returned the smile widely.
"I hope that is in your future little one for I see Aragorn as the prince your mother hoped you would find." I giggled softly and nodded.
"But how am I to know that Aragorn wants this from me? I do not wish to get my hopes up, only for them to be crushed." I looked down sadly at my hands and Legolas lifted my chin softly with his fingers.
"Little one, I see the same love Eradan held for your mother in Aragorn's eyes and the same for you as Duilin. Do not fret, Aragorn will ask this of you when he is ready and when believes it is the right time, I have much faith in him and would be honored to welcome him into our family as I'm sure father would be as well." I smiled widely at him and squeezed his hands tightly with mine. "Now let's get back to our resting site as I'm sure Aragorn is most anxious to see your beauty again." I giggle lightly as blush came across my cheeks and Legolas helped me up from the bench. I wrapped my arms tightly around his as we left the garden. The glow of my smile I was sure could rival the beautiful flowers of Galadriel's mysterious garden.
We had the reach our resting site and everything was quiet. The hobbits were sleeping and I could hear Gimli's roar of snore on the other side of the site near the trees. Aragorn and Boromir sat next to each other in front of fire, Aragorn smoking his pipe. Legolas nodded to me as broke away and began to set up the place where he would rest for the evening. I smiled softly to him before making my way over to the two men by the fire.
"Lord Boromir, Lord Aragorn," I greeted softly, a hand resting on both their shoulders; my eyes were only set on Aragorn though.
"Lady Aria, how do you fair?" Boromir asked with a smile and I turned to him.
"I am very well, thank you Boromir." He nodded and stood, giving me a gentle hug and a warm smile.
"I am glad you are healed. I shall retired for the night, goodnight Aria, Aragorn." We both nodded and I sat next to Aragorn as Boromir walked to where his resting place was already set. I wrapped my arm around Aragorn's and rested my head against his shoulder. His comfort was all needed to truly calm my fears and mixed emotions. I could always feel tranquility in his presence.
"How was your speak with Lady Galadriel?" Aragorn questioned and I smiled a sad smile.
"I looked into her mysterious mirror." I said and he raised an eyebrow. "I learned some of who my parents were."
"Will you be alright?" Aragorn asked with a hint of concern and I smiled softly kissing his cheek.
"Yes, Legolas came afterwards and told me more of them." I said and he shot me a confused glance.
"But I thought no one knew who your parents were." He said and I sighed, going into the story of what Galadriel told me. I then proceeded to him all of what I know about my parents, their names, how they ruled the city, my mother's beauty and grace, and my father's jovialness.
I savored the sweet sound of Aragorn's laugh and was captivated by the smile I had known for so long. As we sat and talked the evening away I could not picture myself with anyone else, I could see myself wanting to enjoy the beauty of life and its wonders with anyone else. That portion of my heart was only reserved for him and I could feet it blossoming as it had waited many long years for these moments to come. I kissed Aragorn softly before we retired for the evening, sleeping next to one another as the fire died and for the first time I had felt complete peace.
We remained in Lothlorien for a few more days as the fellowship, mostly my brother and Aragorn thought, wanted to ensure that I was completely healed before we moved on. Elvish medicine was a brilliant sight to see and the elves that healed me received my full gratitude seeing as there was barely even a scar left to show I was injured and I didn't need to add to the list of scars I had already received. They simply replied that I did not need to express my gratitude and that they were honored to heal the blessed princess of Mirkwood, to which I blushed profusely in response.
I had taken to wearing dresses for the remainder of the trip and a circlet with beautiful leaves made of emerald stone and golden vines throughout the circlet. Before I had hated the circlets, reminding everyone I was princess, because they made people treat me differently. But now I wore it proudly, proud to show everyone which family I belonged to.
The last day we stayed in Lothlorien was a truly sad one as I was not ready to part from my grandmother just yet, but I knew I had to. We had to wake much earlier than we had been the past few weeks so we could leave early and make good ground. Gimli had grumbled the whole way to the river since he was feeling ill from drinking too much elvish wine the night before, he absolutely adored the stuff. I smiled softly at his grumbles. Last night we had a partying feast, a form of goodbye from Lothlorien to the fellowship and I was sad to know that it would be a long while before we got a chance to feast on food like that again. Thankfully I was used to it though from my constant traveling. I could not say the same for the hobbits though as I was sure last night I saw Merry and Pippin cramming bread rolls and all other assortments of food in their pockets.
Once we reached the river the men immediately began to help the elves ready the elven boats and I waited anxiously for my grandmother and grandfather to show. I bit my lip softly and watched as Legolas explained what lembas bread was to little Merry and Pippin. Amusement twinkled in my eyes as I listened to them challenge each other on how many both of them ate.
"They are quite the sight to see, aren't they?" I heard my grandmother ask and quickly turned. She had gentle smile on her face as she too watched the hobbits.
"Yes, I rather enjoy traveling with them. They bring joy when one needs it the most." I smiled at her beauty and hugged her tightly.
"Do not despair my little one for we will see one another again." She said softly and I turned to Celeborn, hugging him as well. "Now please help me assemble the fellowship for I have gifts to give you all."
We quickly gathered them all in line; I was in between Sam and Aragorn. I watched in delight as Legolas received a Lothlorien bow, Merry and Pippin both received a small dagger, and Galadriel gave Sam elvish rope. It was a strange gift but I knew it would serve its purpose. It was then that Galadriel turned to me and I gave her a bright smile.
"This gift is one you have already received and I felt it was only right to give it back to you." I gave her a confused expression until she glanced to her left and my whole face lit up as I saw what stood a bit far back behind her.
"Elwing!" I cried out with joy as I raced to my horse and I could her Galadriel's merry laugh, like the sound of tinkling bells. I hugged Elwing tightly as she neighed loudly and stomped her feet with happiness.
"Oh I have missed you so dearly you stubborn horse." I said as I rubbed her nose and she replied by nuzzling me with it. I let out a soft giggle and did not notice as Galadriel stepped up to Aragorn.
"This is for you." She said with a soft smile and handed him a stunning ring. The ring was made of shining gold, the band consisting of golden leaves, each with their own little diamond in the middle and the very top held a larger diamond that sparkled in the light.
"This-this is beautiful my lady, but why give me such an exquisite item?" He asked with confusion and Galadriel's smile only widened.
"I think you know its purpose." She said softly and turned to me as I continued to greet my horse with delight. Aragorn grew slightly nervous at the thought and Galadriel gently closed his hand around the item, placing a golden chain in his palm as well before closing it completely. "Do not fear, you will know when it is the right time. I can see a great future between you two filled with joy and happiness. You will be able to feel when it is the right time, I promise you." Aragorn gave her a smile and I led Elwing over to the group just as Galadriel was giving Frodo the light of Earendil. I listened as Galadriel spoke to Frodo.
"Farewell Frodo Baggins, I give the light Earendil, our most beloved star. May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out." I smiled softly and knew that my grandmother had grown a fondness for the small but brave hobbit.
"What did you receive my love?" I asked Aragorn happily as Elwing walked up to Pippin, giving him a small push. I giggled softly as Pippin almost fell to the ground but smiled at the horse and patted her happily none the less. I turned my attention back to Aragorn who glanced at Legolas before looking at me once more.
"Just well wishes for our journey ahead, I think she and I both know I have already received my true gift." I blushed and my grin grew as I kissed him softly on the cheek before turning back to Elwing. She was now nibbling at Pippin's shirt and pushing her nose under his newly received cloak that we all received from the elves of Lothlorien.
"Elwing what by Valar are you doing?!" I asked as I walked over them. Pippin tried to scurry off but Elwing caught his shirt by her teeth and tugged him back continuing with her nibbling of his pocket. It was then that I caught on and placed my hand on that was clad with my newly made leggings and new tunic over them.
"Do you have food in your pocket Pippin?" I asked with suspicion.
"No!" He cried out quickly and I raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing him. I snatch an apple from our small stash and held it out in front of me.
"Elwing, here girl!" I called out and she turned to me. She quickly trotted over to me and grabbed the apple out of my hand, munching away. "Now eat whatever food you have quickly before she finds it again, the horse will never stop eating." I then began to softly pet her nose again as pushed against me. "I missed you too girl, how do you not get fat with all you've been eating?" I asked and she neighed loudly, as if offended, and turned from me, trotting over to my brother who greeted her with soft pats and rubs on the side of her neck. I rolled my eyes as I walked over to them.
"Brother, do you think it best if I ride Elwing through the forest and we follow you, or just have Elwing follow us in the forest?" I asked and he looked at me, knowing that I was worried to leave my horse by herself.
"I think it's best if you went on the boat in case there is any sign of trouble and a battle would fall upon you that would be too large for you to fight on your own. Elwing will be alright, she's a smart horse and she always finds her way back to you." I smiled softly at her and hugged her around her neck, happy to be reunited with my childhood friend.
"Follow our boats in the forest Elwing; do not stray from your path for I do not want you to get lost." I said and she neighed softly.
Soon we all gathered in the boats. I was in a boat with Aragorn and Frodo while Legolas was with Gimli and Boromir was with Merry and Pippin. I smiled softly at the hidden irritation in my brother's face; he wasn't too pleased to be in a boat with Gimli with no other company. I laughed softly and Frodo and Aragorn turned towards me while we paddled slowly.
"What is so funny meleth nin?" Aragorn asked me and I turned my smile towards him.
"My brother's behavior towards Gimli amuses me. I think it is good for him to have to share a boat with the dwarf." I said and Aragorn chuckled as well.
"He looks fine to me." Frodo said with confusion and I smiled towards him.
"Legolas is very well at hiding his emotions but I've been Legolas' sister since I was a baby I can tell his emotions quite well." I then leaned towards Frodo and glanced at Aragorn. "Aragorn isn't very good at hiding emotions either, but don't tell him I said that." I whispered just loud enough that I knew Aragorn heard and winked towards Frodo.
"I heard that!" Aragorn cried out and Frodo began laughing hard. I chuckled and went back to my paddling, watching the fish swim with the boat just underneath the surface.
We soon passed into the river Anduin and I frowned as the luscious green trees gave way to brown withering trees. After a while of passing almost silently down the river, with ugly gnarled trees as our only scenery, a flock of birds, black as night, began to fly high over our heads. Aragorn looked up above him in concern and I frowned, glancing back at Legolas who also had a frown on his face.
It was now becoming dawn and I smiled as I could see a few green trees here and there. I noticed a large white body followed by a long white tail and I felt relief knowing that Elwing was still near us.
"Frodo, Aria," Aragorn said quietly and we both turned towards him. He nodded his head behind him and we both looked up with wide and amazed eyes.
"By Valar, they're magnificent." I whispered and Aragorn smiled softly. There were two massive statues of Gondorian kings of old on either side of the river towering high above the trees with majestic power.
"The Argonath," Aragorn says very softly and I smile at him.
"That could be you one day meleth nin," I say softly in return and he only gives me a look of doubt. I sigh and turn my gaze back to the statues.
"Long have I desired to look upon the kings of old, my kin." Aragorn speaks up again and my thoughts turn to the city I lived in before and the people who lived in it once too. I began to wonder if I had any relatives and how far back did the Einar line back go. Did my father's side of the family always rule the city I once lived in? I decided once I returned home with my brother I would question my father thoroughly.
We finally reached the shores of Nen Hithoel and decided to rest for the night before deciding on where to go next. Not too long after we began to set up camp we heard soft neighing and I smiled as I quickly walked towards the edge of the forest. Elwing appeared out of the trees and I rubbed her nose softly. Aragorn stepped up next to me and handed the stubborn horse an apple. She immediately snatched the apple from his hand and made a noise of content. After she ate the apple she took a step towards Aragorn and began pushing her head against him, wanting him to pet her.
"I sometimes think she likes you more than she likes me." I said with a soft chuckle and Aragorn grinned towards me as he rubbed her neck.
"No, she's just like you, stubborn and hard headed, she must like you more." He said with a smirk and I gave him a short glare.
"But you dote upon while I scold her, she must like you more." Aragorn's smirk turned into a soft smile.
"Yes well it's only fair to dote upon her since I dote upon you seeing as you two are one of the same." He said and I grinned as he leaned forward, kissing me sweetly on the lips. I felt something pressed against my hand and I looked down at my hand with a laugh, an apple resting in it. Elwing snorted in jealously that I got an apple and she did not get two.
After we all ate and quickly put out the fire in case of enemies, everyone began to lay out the bedrolls and get ready for some sleep. I placed my bedroll next to Aragorn's and went to sit next to him.
"I will take the first watch." Aragorn said and the others nodded, leaving to lay in their bedrolls. I leaned against Aragorn and he looked down at me with a smile.
"You should get some rest." He said and I shrugged.
"I want to stay here and if I fall asleep against you then so be it." I said and he smile grew slightly. I reached up and softly kissed him on the lips before readjusting myself against him again. We remained silent, not needing noise in each other's company, and I watched the forest line across from us before I felt my eyes droop, falling into a deep sleep.