Troth and Promise, One-Shot

For the next thirty years, in the fight against Sauron, Aragorn and Gizzard became fast friends. On their travels, the two met up with Gandalf and Clockwise. When Gandalf admitted that Clockwise suffered from memory loss, in which case Clockwise couldn't remember who he was or how he first came to Middle-earth. Gizzard understood only too late, for Clockwise annoyed him now. The scarlet macaw did his best to become friends with the black cat.

As much as Gizzard wanted to be around him, but times were tough. Gizzard hoped there was a cure for his parrot friend.

…

By the year 2980 TA, the Ranger and black cat found Arwen and Gwen in the forests of Lothlórien. Gizzard was pleased when Aragorn and Arwen plighted their troth on the hill of Cerin Amroth. In the moment of his despair, Gizzard wandered through Lorien. By evening, he chased after a grey tabby cat. They arrived at a small stream, where the tabby cat lapped up some water into her mouth.

Slow down, Gwendolyn. Save some for the rest of us, Gizzard thought, startling the grey tabby cat.

Oh. It's only you, Ester. Gwen thought. What are you doing here?

I came here with Aragorn. What are you doing inside Lórien? Gizzard answered by thought.

I came to this forest alone and in secret. The grey tabby cat thought. It would be wise if you don't mention anything to…

Anything to who, Gwen? Gizzard thought. You're grandfather Algar?

How did you know my grandfather was Algar? Gwen asked suspiciously.

Gizzard chuckled under his breath. He told me about you.

Oh. Then that explains how you knew who he was, Gwen thought.

Why didn't you say anything to me when we first met? Gizzard asked in confusion.

I didn't feel like mentioning him then. I was so eager to see you leave, but I guess back then I was more sly and suspicious of other animals. I've changed, as have you Ester. I can tell. Your labors must have done so, Gwen explained in thought.

I never thought I would say this, but you are beautiful and I have thought of you almost every day, since we parted thirty years ago, Gizzard thought, happily.

What about the days when you didn't think of me? Gwen asked, suspiciously.

I was thinking about the task before me. Of course, those days I did think of you, I couldn't stop. They were too precious to me, too dear, Gizzard admitted, thoughtfully.

So now what do we do? Gwen asked, concerned.

Gizzard started to speak: Unless you can admit…

Admit to what, Ester? Unless Sauron is defeated, you may not have my hand in marriage, nor can you try to make me see reason, thought Gwen, sharply.

Please Gwen, don't…

Don't what? I made my decision years ago that if I fell in love with another cat, he wouldn't hurt me or my children. She then added: Also, if you defeat your brother or show him pity and reason, then I might accept your hand. Until that time, we have nothing further to say. With that, Gwen tore off across the forests of Lothlórien, vanishing into the darkness of the night.

o-o-o

News spread fast about Gizzard's affections towards Gwen. The news reached so well that Algar summoned Gizzard to his chamber. The black cat was delighted to meet Celeborn and Galadriel once more; however, Gizzard hadn't expected the silver Abyssinian cat frustration. The black cat attempted to keep his thoughts to himself, but when he did he was cut off by Algar.

A silence fell in moments. That's when Gizzard found the opportunity to speak up.

"Algar, Lord Celeborn, and Lady Galadriel, forgive me but I do wish for your permission to marry Gwendolyn, who lives at Rivendell. I know she won't accept my hand now, but if I could have Algar's blessing, I would be most pleased."

"Gwendolyn would have to know about this meeting, Ester," Algar admitted in seriousness.

"Please, if you gave me a chance…"

"Time is running thin. The darkness is spreading. You do not know what you are getting yourself into, Ester," Algar spoke, calmly but concerned.

"Then tell me. Give me your blessing to marry your granddaughter," Gizzard replied in slight desperation.

"That I cannot do, since Gwen's father is the only cat who can give the blessing, unless time has changed things. Until then, you are running out of options," Algar said in a serious tone. In Gizzard's silent haste, he turned to the silver Abyssinian cat one last time.

"You know what I have learnedn since coming to Middle-earth: some things are not meant to be kept a secret, Algar. In order to do something in this world, you have to fight for it. Well, I won't give up on Gwendolyn, nor will I give up on my oath to betroth her. You have my word." Gizzard left the chamber, hoping his words settled in. He hoped, but then Algar's words did ring true: time were changing, and so were they.