100 years later...
"Aradhel, come on! We're going to be late to the feast!" Eowyn grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the Great Hall. I laughed and quickened my pace, gathering the skirts of my dress in my free hand.
"Eowyn, relax! You know your uncle won't be angry if we're just a little late! I'll just tell him I wanted to see the sunset. He won't mind." It wasn't a lie. I had wanted to watch the sunset. Ever since I had left Mordor I made sure to watch the sun rise and set each day. It helped remind me I was free and remember my promise.
"But it's for your birthday! You can't be late to your own feast! It's just not done!" Though her words were stern, her tone was light and teasing. Eowyn never could stay mad at me. I liked to think it was because I was just that lovable, but the more likely reason was that she didn't want to make Theodred annoyed. He couldn't stand anyone being upset with me.
"Exactly! It's for my birthday! If I wished to watch the sunset I should have been allowed to do so, and I did. We'll be fine. It's just a small feast anyways." I replied.
Eowyn opened her mouth to speak, but shut it quickly as I flung open the doors to the Great Hall. Holding my head high, I walked into the room and strutted over to Theoden. I could feel all eyes in the room watching me as I curtsied before the king.
"Rise oh daughter of mine." He spoke and I quickly did as he commanded. Dropping his stern gaze, he rose from hos throne and embraced me. "Watching the sunset again?" He whispered in my ear. I nodded and smiled. "Yes my king. Eowyn did everything she could to drag me away so as to arrive on time, but I wouldn't let her."
Theoden laughed and released me, then turned to the crowd seated at the tables. I turned around and scanned the crowd, looking for a certain person. There he was sitting at the second table, the seat beside him empty, waiting for me. Theodred always sat among the people. He didn't like having to act like a prince and his people loved him for it. I gave him a small smile and returned my attention back to the king.
"Honored guests, I have called you here today to celebrate the birthday of my daughter, Aradhel. I can still remember the day my son, Theodred, found her outside the gates. I have watched her grow these 20 years I've known her from the small elf she was to the beautiful elf maiden standing before you today. Now enough ramblings of an old man. Let the feast begin!"
The crowd cheered and dug into the food laid before them. I hugged the king and smiled. "You're not an old man, father! It was a lovely speech. Thank you."
Theoden hugged me back and laughed, giving me a push toward the tables. "Thank you my dear, but tonight is a special night. Go and enjoy it. I know there's someone who is very eager to speak to you." He winked and walked back to his throne, entering into a conversation with Eowyn. I blushed and made my way to Theodred, taking the seat beside him.
"I was beginning to wonder if you were going to show up tonight Dela." Theodred leaned over and gave me a quick hug. I smiled, picked up my cup, and took a drink before replying. "Theoden should know better then to schedule the beginning of a feast at sundown."
Theodred laughed and pulled me out of my chair an onto the dance floor. He wrapped one arm around my waist and took my hand in his free hand, swaying in time to the music. "Aye, he should know better. Perhaps he planned it as such so you couldn't sneak in unnoticed."
I shook my head and glanced over at the king. "I think you may be right. The king has always loved theatrics." I flicked my gaze back to Theodred and blushed. He was staring intently at me. "What? Do I have something on my face?"
He let go of my hand and brushed a stray hair from my face before leaning in to whisper in my ear. "My lady, you do indeed have something on your face. You have two eyes, two ears, a mouth, and a beautiful pair of lips."
I felt my face grow redder and smiled softly. We fell into a comfortable silence and continued to dance until I felt a tap on my shoulder. "Excuse me sir, but can I steal away your lovely companion for a dance?"
Theodred released me and nodded to the stranger. "Of course." I turned around and squealed, rushing to hug the man. "Gandalf!" Theodred walked off, leaving me with Gandalf. He hugged me back and we began to dance. "Hello my dear Aradhel. It's been a while."
"Yes it has. I've missed you."
"I have missed you too Ara. In fact, I have come to ask you if you'd like to travel with me once more. Bilbo is about to turn 111, and he's invited us all to his party. What do you say?"
I thought about it for a few seconds. "I would like to see the world again."
We talked for a little while longer, then parted ways. The rest of the feast went by quickly, but all I could think about was the adventure ahead.