Part 4: May 20- 27
Early the next morning, they started off again toward Caras Galadhon. Haldir led them over the new wooden bridge which even the horses could easily cross. As they rode, they were joined by many Galadhrim of the Golden Wood.
After a long days riding, they came to the gates of the city. Elves in the treetops hailed their arrival with mush singing and merrymaking. Many other elves stood beside the way up to the mallorn where Celeborn and Galadriel dwelt. They also, like Haldir & and Rumil, bowed before the company as they rode past.
They at last came to the great mallorn in which Celeborn and Galadriel lived. They quickly ascended the stairs to the great hall at the top of it. As the entered they were greeted by all the elves present which included the Lord and Lady of Lorien. And so, there stay began in joy undimmed.
Sometime after their arrival, Elrond pulled his daughter aside for a quiet talk.
"Why did you bring me here, father?" Asked Arwen. They had come to a different side of the great tree, which boasted a swing that hung from the tree itself.
Elrond answered gravely."Daughter dearest, have you thought about the reason for this journey?" He asked after she had seated herself on the swing.
"No, father. I have been enjoying your company instead. But, what is the reason for this journey?" Arwen replied. " Have you heard anything about Estel?"
Elrond did not speak for a long while. He looked at the ground, pondering his answer. "He isn't dead. That is plain. But, I believe he is waiting for something to happen."
Arwen's curiosity was not diminished in the least." And?" She prompted.
"He is worthy beyond any doubt of the things he desires. The scepter needs giving away and with it, I must steel myself to give away a treasure of mine that I love dearly." Elrond sighed.
Arwen didn't realize what he meant. And Elrond was grateful. If she had, he thought his heart would break with grief.
He continued a short time after very solemnly. "Perhaps it is better so. I love you, my daughter." He departed.
The next evening, she was wandering around the base of the mallorn thinking things over, and unable to figure anything out. As if in answer to her troubles, Galadriel appeared and beckoned to Arwen to follow her. Bewildered, Arwen followed her up into the mallorn. She got off the stair about halfway up and followed Galadriel to the farthest part of the talan. They crossed a rope bridge onto a small flat with a room on it. As they entered, Arwen thought she was in another world.
The room was filled with beautiful dresses, hung on the walls in tall, narrow cubbies with their clasps and accessories stored before them. It was filled with light, streaming through the windows and radiating out of a large silver lamp, shaped like a great sphere. In the lamp, tiny silver grey particles swirled in the white mist out of which the light shone. The curious items interested Arwen very much and she wanted to explore them all. She turned to Galadriel mutely asking for permission.
"Go on, Arwen. Explore as you like." Galadriel motioned to all of the finery around her, with a smile. Arwen smiled in answer as she prepared to begin her explorations.
While Arwen was busy, Galadriel went directly to a chest of grey wood, set with gold and silver stars and mithril moons all over. Taking a beautifully fashioned mithril key, she opened it. The scent of mallorn leaves, elanor and niphredil issued out of it as soon as it was opened and flooded the room. It had revealed a small flask of water, and half a dozen clasps. This was only the first level. Galadriel anointed her hands with the water and rubbed them dry, before continuing to the next portion of the chest. The second level revealed a simple elf-white garment with sleeves barely covering the shoulders, and hemmed much higher than a usual dress would be. The neckline swooped quite low and it had a fitted waist, not meant for a girdle of any sort. She took it up and shook it out and called to Arwen.
"Arwen, come look. This is for you."
She turned and saw the dress. "For me!? Truly?!"
"Yes… For you. This is only the undergarment of my wedding dress. Go on in here and try it on." Galadriel replied, opening the door in the back of the room.
Arwen hesitated. "Before I do, am I right in guessing I am to be wed at long last?"
"Yes." Answered Galadriel, handing Arwen the garment. "Aragorn has regained his kingships and your father is to give him the Scepter of the North Kingdom, as now he needs more than he did before."
"Oh, Galadriel!" She cried, spellbound with wonder.
"Go change, Arwen." Galadriel commanded in a gentle but firm tone.
Arwen meekly obeyed and came out a minute later. Galadriel surveyed her for a while, and Arwen nervously waited.
"Does it fit?" She timidly asked.
"Yes, Perfectly."
"Is that all?"
"Of course not. There must be more for a Queen's wedding dress." Galadriel opened the next section of the chest and drew out another dress. It was very similar but had long, wide sleeves and swept lower to the ground. She pulled in on over her and looked her over again. Arwen pulled her dark tresses out of the neckline and waited. The effect was masterful. Her slender waist rose out of the skirt without being too tight or to loose. The skirt stuck out and down as a proper dress should. The effect was masterful, and Galadriel pleased.
"Turn around yourself, dear."
Arwen did and gasped. "Is that me?"
"Yes. That isn't all either." Galadriel again turned toward the chest and opened the next level. She drew out a stunning dress. Gold and silver stars and moons of mithril were embroidered all over it, and the neckline had a beautiful vine stitched carefully into it.
"Oh, this must be from the Blessed Realm!" Arwen cried.
Galadriel answered. "Indeed there is. But you will have to wait till your wedding day." Her hand lay on Arwen's shoulder. "I will keep it as my surprise for everyone. Now, let's get this dress off and go back to life as usual shall we?"
Arwen simply smiled.