Part 6: June 16- June 31
They awoke and departed early in the morning, on the last leg of their journey. Èomer and Èowyn bade them farewell as they rode out slowly for Minas Tirith. On the day before Midsummer, they passed Amon Dín. The messengers sent to Minas Tirith after them were never seen by any of the company. They definitely were not expecting the warm welcome they received at the gates of the City.
As they came in sight, all the City was waiting for them. Loud cheers and shouts of welcome were heard as they drew nearer. Flowers were thrown into the air and music streamed through the streets. Arwen couldn't help smiling as she heard and saw so many people greeting her and her company. Although the climb up to the Citadel seemed age-long, Arwen enjoyed it very much. It had kept her from worrying too much over what was soon to happen.
At last, they reached the Citadel and there stood Aragorn himself to greet them. "Welcome to Minas Tirith." That was all he could say at present. He beckoned and they all followed him inside.-
Even in her traveling dress, she struck him with her beauty. Inside, Aragorn was over the moon in the land of euphoria. He couldn't bear to think he had to wait any longer. He wanted to kiss her, take her in his arms, carry her inside on the spot, and more. But, he inwardly scolded himself instead. "Get a grip on yourself, Aragorn! Surely it would be shameful to do such a thing! If you could hold yourself in check at your first meeting, surely you must do the same now!" He managed to get inside, and as soon as they all had been led to their rooms, he sped of to his secret garden. It was behind a large green tapestry with a large silver star on it. Once inside, he sat on the swing and calmed himself while all the other elves were settling into there rooms.
The garden was small, but very welcoming. A swing hung from a tree that grew there. A bench of stone stood next to the hedge, which circled the garden, shielding everyone inside from view. The floor was of only of grass.
Aragorn left soon after, but was doomed to run into his guests. When he opened the door, all of the elves and Gandalf were there as if expecting him. They knew he was bound to come here eventually, and decided to beat him there. To him, however, this was a shocking surprise and the wizard to boot. As he entered, he kept a straight face and didn't color up with much difficulty.
Elrond came to present the Scepter and began to kneel as he did so. But Aragorn beat him to it. As Elrond gave it to him, he didn't stand up.
"Estel, get to your feet!" He whispered, urgently.
"Yes, Adar. (Father)" Aragorn answered, getting up. But as he did so, Arwen, who was in the middle of coming forward, and her father both knelt.
This time Aragorn had to tell them both to get up. "Elrond, Arwen, get to your feet, I beg you!" He said, softly in his turn, very surprised in his turn. They both stood at last, much to Aragorn's relief.
Elrond quietly stepped aside taking his daughter's right hand as he did so. Arwen was smiling happily at him; he tensed with suppressed excitement. Holding out his own right hand, he waited for Elrond. As he placed Arwen's hand in Aragorn's waiting one, he spoke.
"Before all who are present, I give my permission and blessing for my daughter, Arwen Evenstar, to wed this man, the Dunádan, Aragorn son of Arathorn, Elessar, rightful king of Gondor and Arnor." He added in a soft voice, "When will you wed?"
This remark sent both of them into a slight panic. After what seemed hours to the panicked, and milliseconds to those who weren't panicked, Arwen said, " I don't wish to wait longer. Tomorrow, my King?"
Aragorn knelt, gallantly replying," Tomorrow it shall be, my Queen, for your wish is to me a command." He kissed her hand.
She smiled, down at him, indicating with a motion of her head for him to rise. His gallantry did not go unnoticed, though. "He always manages to do something just wonderful." She thought.
Getting to his feet, he watched as the elves quietly slipped inside, but before Arwen followed, she squeezed his hand. "Tomorrow, my love." She told him, without speaking.
"Yes," he answered, adding yearningly. "I wish it would come sooner."
She smiled and disappeared through the doorway.
After she was gone, he knew that many had seen everything that had gone on and the City would be filled with the news before tomorrow came. He didn't care, however and departed inside.