CHAPTER TWO: A True Friendship
"It is decided," declared the Lady Galadriel. "The council of Lothlorien will send our usual tribute to Zuleika of the Shifting Sands. However, this time we will also send an ambassador to the city of Zin Zaraboob. Arwen Evenstar shall seek the city's assistance in the war with Sauron, and also investigate the disappearance of Prince Kassim. It shall be a cautious investigation, so as not to violate the diplomatic mission."
Seated at the great council table by her guardian's side, Arwen felt a slight chill of foreboding mar the sheer pride of her achievement. Galadriel had championed her plan in council, yet the golden-haired queen had been cool and distant ever since Arwen first declared her intention to uncover the truth about the lost prince and the secret scroll. Surely after all this time the queen didn't doubt her courage?
"When do you depart our shores, Daughter of Elrond?"
"My ship sails in the morning," Arwen replied, "as soon as the goods are loaded aboard. I want to get moving at once." Quickly she added, "With the council's permission, of course." After all, the wise and dignified elf who had addressed her like an equal was even older than her father!
"All will be ready," Lady Galadriel confirmed. Her ethereal visage gave no clue whether she was pleased or displeased. "Let us all seek rest, for tomorrow shall be an eventful day."
Later, as she prepared for bed in her private chamber, Arwen reflected on the dangers ahead of her. She could understand now why even a man as fearless as Aragorn would have doubts about his worthiness on the eve of battle. But when her beloved was doubtful she was there for him. This was her night of doubt, and she was all alone.
Just then there was a gentle tap on the door.
"Come in, please." Lying on her bed in a relaxed pose, Arwen made a point of not appearing too excited or happy or relieved when she saw who it was.
"I have documents for you to read and sign," Galadriel announced, fixing the younger elf-queen with a cool, level stare. The fact that her arms were full of scrolls did not ease Arwen's anxiety in the slightest. When had her golden-haired friend and protector become this chilly and polite stranger? An aloof, unsmiling Galadriel perched on the side of her bed.
"These are letters to my father!" Arwen felt the color rise to her cheeks. She had not left the House of Elrond on the best of terms. Indeed her father had been most incensed at her, both for renouncing her immortality and even more for being caught in the midst of passion with a mortal like Aragorn!
"By signing these scrolls you bear witness that you have left my protection of your own free will," Galadriel said gravely. "You declare that your decision to leave was not forced, and that your death or injury or any other form of dishonor is not to be laid at the feet of the elves of Lorien or the council."
"Or at your feet?" Arwen signed as directed, and then looked deep into the blue eyes of the wisest female in Middle Earth. "Are you so certain I shall fail, Galadriel? Do you really think so little of me?"
"You are leaving me," Galadriel stated simply. "I must think of you as little as possible."
"But you do care about me, don't you?" Arwen felt tears come to her eyes. "Galadriel, you are so perfect in every way. All I have ever wanted was to be exactly like you! That is why I feel I must go on this quest to rescue Prince Kassim. Because I think it is something you would do."
"You do me honor, Arwen of Rivendell." Galadriel squeezed her hand. "Yes, I care about you very much. I worry what will happen to you. Beauty, courage, and kindness you have. I'm not so sure about wisdom." The Lady of Lothlorien smiled, but there were tears in her eyes too. "You are a very reckless young lady, Daughter of Elrond."
"Well, I have wisdom. But do I really need common sense?" Arwen had never attempted to joke with the queen before. But tonight she made her laugh. The two fair elven queens sat up talking until the hour was late, not worrying about the future, but instead laughing and enjoying the memory of good times past. At last Galadriel rose and said good-night, and Arwen lay back with a sigh, grateful for a true friendship.
Her joyous laughter swiftly became a deep sleep.