NOTE: I hope you guys are still reading this and I must say chapter 24 is one of my very faves :). A long-awaited event occurs… Enjoy!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

In the last few days of Víressë — April – Elrond came to Arwen. She had anticipated this for many days… ever since the vanquishing of Sauron, the Dark Lord. Her fatherÂ’s face was lined with grief for his heart ached to know that it was time to fulfil his word to Aragorn who now was about to step up to the throne. ArwenÂ’s eyes had shone more brightly as they did whenever Aragorn was in Rivendell ever since that glorious day. It had not only sealed the fate of Middle-earth but her own as well for the good.

“Beloved daughter, you know why I am here.”

“Yes,” she said facing him, “I do.”

He looked down at the ground. “We shall be departing for Minas Tirith in a few days. Of course… our company will be halting in Lothlórien since Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn are to come with us.”

Arwen felt no smile come for she also felt the grief of parting from her kin. How bittersweet was mortality for her; to leave her beloved father for the beloved of her heart. To never see her kindredÂ’s face evermore after their mournful parting.

“Never more than memory,” she said in low tones.

Elrond looked up. “You said something?”

Arwen met his gaze intently. Her eyes glistened, not with moisture, yet with their own inborn light.

“How selfish have I been!” Elrond cried rushing to take her hands.

“Selfish?”

“Not only for you did I make my presumptions. I thought for myself as well. I did not wish to part from you forever even if it meant you taking the course of your own will. I still do not… although… now I see fate has you woven in its design more intricately than my mind conceived. Forgive me for what I have done to you!”

“There is nothing to forgive,” said Arwen. “Your reasons were understood. I might have done the same, for one does not easily wish for their child to leave them forever.”

Elrond glanced down at their clasped hands and nodded. There was no turning back now, yet he felt angry with himself for the words that had come from his own lips.

“Now that that is settled…” Arwen released his grip and strode to the ledge. They stood on a covered bridge of light stone crossing a sparkling spring that tumbled over the silvery rocks.

“Father… remember I still love you.”

* * *

On the first day of Lótessë, Arwen, Elrond, and a great company of Elves set out from Rivendell for Minas Tirith. Before they left, Arwen found the old hobbit Bilbo writing on a stone bench surrounded by sweet flowers and lush trees. Living things had begun to grow in the past month when the healing rains began to fall upon the earth.

“Dear Bilbo, will you not go with us?” she asked softly.

He looked up from his work. “Ah! I am too old for such a long journey. I shall take only one last in my life and this, I fear, is not it.” He smiled. “But it would be grand to accompany all your splendid people and see Aragorn… being King and all.”

Arwen nodded her head, allowing a dark lock of hair to fall forward. She reached out a pale hand to grasp BilboÂ’s old, wrinkled one. His shining blue eyes gazed up at her wonderingly.

“Farewell, friend. We shall not meet again. I go to my destiny. Namárië.”

Bilbo had no heart to bid her farewell in return, but grinned as warmly as he was able. Arwen walked away after taking a deep breath. Her destiny indeed awaited her for now she left behind all that she had known in the past years.

* * *

Galadriel, Lady of Light, clasped Elrond’s hands and then Arwen’s. Celeborn and she had welcomed them as soon as they were in Caras Galadhon. They had not seen Elrond in many years — last being the meetings of the White Council before.

“Celeborn… Galadriel. It is pleasant to speak with you once again,” said Elrond.

“Yes, we greatly welcome you back to Lothlórien. It has been many long years, has it not?” said Celeborn.

“Indeed. I should have come sooner when there was more time. Lórien has always been a second home to me… and my daughter.” He glanced at Arwen who now smiled softly.

“We have tried,” said Galadriel whose eyes sparkled enchantingly in the light about them. Her hair was a shimmering river of gold edged in silver. It had been said in all the years that her long, waving hair reflected light of the Two Trees that once shone brightly in Valinor. Now that they were gone their light remained only in the Silmarils and the Lady of Light’s beautiful tresses. When she stood beside the Evenstar, they were as evening and morning; starlight in one whilst sunlight was in the other. Elrond and Celeborn both observed this in one glance. “Our people shall be ready in only a few days. There is not much to prepare for, yet I believe you and those who came with you should rest a day or more.”

“And imprint upon our memories of this land’s fairness,” Arwen said gazing around them. “Beauty, love, and light have all gone into it, bringing a brief taste of Eldamar across the Sea. How I shall miss it when all of your kindred have left it.” Elrond noted the way she said your instead of our. “The memory shall live on for many ages of this world though only in that form.”

All of them silently agreed feeling her words nestle in their minds. Galadriel spoke after a few moments of quiet. “Undómiel, remember Lórien when all else has faded. Remember the lands of the Elves after we have departed Middle-earth. These lands shall not be forsaken completely then.”

“I shall not let them,” she said. “Nor will I forget so easily that which I love so dearly. Minas Tirith has mighty stone walls and towers, yet never will it be so fair as the greenery of Lothlórien and Imladris.” She pulled her cloak closer about her shoulders, and lifted the hood from her face. The light about them shimmered on a face as fair as glittering starlight.

Soon they found themselves feasting on light bread, rich wine, sweet fruits, and honeycomb. Lembas was now being stored in packs for their journey to Minas Tirith as well as the return to their beloved land that they would have to leave in little time. Arwen grabbed a cluster of purple grapes from the bowl. As soon as she picked one to place it in her mouth, memories of many years past flowed before her vision of the morning her and Aragorn sat watching the sunrise not far from where she now sat. The burst of sweetness in her mouth as her teeth sunk into the grapeÂ’s flesh brought back the smells and tastes of that precious moment in time. A tremble of her heart brought her to reality once more after reliving a day that was stored away in a dear corner of her mind.

I have always favoured the sunset in the West, she heard his voice say from that bright morning. As have I, she thought. It shall not be long, meldanya. The Shadow is conquered, has fled, and now nothing can keep us apart. No longer.

Elrond was watching her as she ate little that evening. He knew where her mind wandered as the others laughed and spoke together celebrating the defeat of Sauron who had plagued them so many long years. He tried to understand her undying love by bringing up thoughts of his lost love Celebrían, the daughter of Celeborn and Galadriel. He felt a thrill rush through him knowing they would be reunited in short time. Her beautiful face filled his vision. He took a sip of wine and cleared his mind.

* * *

The escort of Arwen — that had enlarged with people of the Golden Wood — made ready to depart on the sixth day since they had arrived. It was a fair company, fairer than any that had walked in Middle-earth since the awakening of the Elves before Men even breathed. Arwen had been greeted with blessings from her kindred the whole length of their brief stay, for all knew the fate their Evenstar had chosen. Their lips curved into smiles while their eyes were wells of grief. It was a path few had the heart to tread.

She went to her horse to find it already prepared for the long journey into the lands of Men. She thought of how Aragorn would have been crowned days ago and making decisions at present. She took a deep intake of cool air flowing through the Elven-kingdom.

Elrond approached her. “It is time.” He drew a deep breath. “King Elessar awaits us in Gondor and we are expected also in Edoras.”

“Elladan and Elrohir are there then?” she asked mounting.

He also mounted. “Yes, they have sent a message saying they will meet us and escort us there when we cross the borders of Calenardhon.”

Arwen rode forward alongside him to the head of the large company. Galadriel and Celeborn were already waiting there. With the moving forward of the Lord and Lady of Lórien, Lord of Rivendell, and the Evenstar of all the people, the great company began their journey. The lush grass bent under the tread of the horses then sprang back from their light step. The air was permeated with scent of the aftermath of rain lingering from the night. Water clung to leaves, dripping onto the ground already moist and muddy. There was also a faint mist moving through the trees as if alive, stretching its arms to the open waters. The fair escort was riding along the banks of the Celebdil, for they would not ride in boats because of their numbers. The waters had risen because of the rains of spring so the shore had lessened. Dirt had churned into thick mud and some of the horses had to pull free of it when they neared the embankment.

Arwen bid farewell to all the land as she passed it by. The golden leaves mingled in an array of colour with yellow blossoms upon the boughs of the mellyrn. Not long after, the golden shower faded and the land became aged and weathered once more for they had crossed the borders of the Golden Wood. The youthful ether of the elven-lands fled but remained in the Elves that walked there.

* * *

On the forty-fourth day of their long journey, the escort of Arwen was met by two Elves who created a stir. Arwen was gazing ahead as they rode in the lands of Rohan, where the Rohirrim ruled, and two horses of those people came pounding across the grass. She caught sight of them leagues away because of her elven-sight and the fact that the land was mostly flat with some rolling hills. Even from that distance, Arwen recognised the two figures on horseback.

“They have come,” said Elrond. Galadriel turned her head to see for she had been speaking in low tones to Celeborn.

Not much longer did they wait. Elladan and Elrohir were greeted warmly.

“Aiya, 1. yonyar,” said Elrond.

“2. Atarmma, you have come earlier than expected. We were to meet you on the borders in our minds,” said Elladan.

Elrohir nodded. “Yes, this is well for,” he glanced at Arwen, “all of us may come swiftly to the Stone City.”

Arwen smiled. “Destiny awaits us.”

“To our grief.” Elladan’s face no longer shone with merriment, nor did Elrohir’s.

“And to hope for Middle-earth,” said Galadriel interrupting for Arwen’s case. The Evenstar nodded to her gratefully. “Things must take their course as was planned by Ilúvatar and the Valar. Do not turn to despair, but to love and assurance, for Sauron is destroyed forever! All the Free Folk are truly free now and the King that has returned shall bring peace for many long years even unto his death. With him, his Queen shall also heal the lands. Their descendants will keep the legacy far into the ages. Hope oft is found in grief.”

“Forgive me for despairing, my lady,” said Elladan. “The Evenstar is my beloved sister whom I love dearly and I mourn the loss of such a dear spirit.”

“We are not parted yet! Together we shall make merry and enjoy each moment anew for some time yet. Let us forget our grievances!” Arwen cut in.

Elrond agreed heartily and began moving forward first as the rest followed. Elladan and Elrohir spoke of Edoras where they would rest for a day or two.

“It is a quaint yet warm place,” said Elrohir. “Meduseld is a mighty hall where there can be felt long years of Men in the ground, walls, pillars, and roof above. There is much rebuilding to do for some places have become feeble after some neglect that began in the time of Sauron. Otherwise, it is comforting.”

“As is expected from what I have heard of the Rohirrim. Are the people still there?” said Arwen.

Elladan answered this time. “Yes. There are some who journeyed to Minas Tirith when they heard of the King’s return and to see his crowning that occurred many days ago. Most have remained here to bask in the glory of liberty from fear or whether or not they are going to be attacked. It is a new feeling to them all.” He smiled. “They were even more shocked to see Elrohir and me when we arrived. The only ones who had seen an Elf previously caught a glimpse of Legolas of Mirkwood while he was with Mithrandir and Aragorn.”

“They shall have such a sight as never before,” said Elrohir.

The escort reached Edoras, the capital city of all Rohan. The gold roof of Meduseld glittered in the sunlight and the banner of their people — a white horse running on a green field — waved proudly in the warm wind from the South.

Once they came into the city, many people appeared in windows, doorways, and to the sides of the roads once word spread of the fairest of companies that had come. Wide eyes of children peered around corners while open mouths hung on grown men and women.

Arwen watched from the shade of her hood pulled forward. A slight grin crept up for she took joy in seeing the bright faces of the young. Someday there would be children of her own, yet not for some years. She could feel their innocent gazes piercing her cloaked form, wondering who the hidden figure was. Many of the men and women watched her as well. They knew she was of great importance since she was at the head of the large company alongside Master Elrond who was a lord of Men and Elves. Elrond had bid her cover her face at their arrival.

“I fear there is none of high power to welcome us,” said Elrohir as they entered the Golden Hall.

“They are all in Minas Tirith with… King Elessar,” said Celeborn.

“Ah, but we must have someone to greet our guests!” cried a voice. A tall, blond man of middle-age strode towards them on long legs. He bore marks of a high captain. He bowed low with a fist over his heart. “Welcome to Edoras, Fair Folk of the North. You are most appreciated, though neither King Éomer nor his sister Éowyn could be here. They bid me remain here to do what they could not.”

“Then we are grateful to you,” replied Lady Galadriel. The man’s eyes brightened as he gazed upon her face of wondrous beauty and his hands fingered the helm he held.

Arwen studied the length of the great hall and felt a strange sensation within like a thrilled whisper or a chill wind. Aragorn had most assuredly stood where she did now.

The man occasionally glanced in her direction; he was obviously curious of her identity. “You have many with you,” he said wrenching his gaze away to face Elrond, “so most of your fair company will have to make an encampment outside the city. I was told you would not be here long. Is this true?”

“Yes,” said Elrond.

“Two days would be sufficient,” Celeborn said quietly. Galadriel rested her hand lightly on his arm in consent.

The Rohirrim man nodded and bowed once again. Arwen walked towards the throne at the end of the hall. The man had the Lady Galadriel, Lord Celeborn, Glorfindel, and Erestor shown to rooms they had prepared. Elrond remained there with his daughter and the Rohirrim captain. The mortal was standing in the awkward silence still fidgeting with his helm.

“If it is permitted,” he began, “it would… quench my strong curiosity as to who… the cloaked maiden is. Is she… an Elf?”

Elrond did not answer for a long moment. He watched Arwen move about the throne. “Arwen Undómiel is my beloved daughter who is Half-elven as myself; though she has chosen a different path.”

“A different path?”

Elrond sighed. “She is to wed King Elessar in Gondor.”

The Rohirrim man could not hide his shock. His head swung to the side instantly when ElrondÂ’s words sunk in. He lifted a hand to his head in confusion. When he looked back, Elrond was gone for he had gone to ArwenÂ’s side.

“My daughter, why do you linger here?”

Arwen shook her head. “I do not know. Estel stood here not long ago. It is almost as if… I could feel his presence.” She drew a deep breath. “Maybe it is only the yearning of my heart.”

“Perhaps.” Elrond gently lifted away the hood of her grey cloak. Glistening tears tarried in her bright eyes and he grasped her hands in a warm gesture of comfort; yet they were tears of joy, not of despair.

“My time has come at last,” she whispered. “My love shall be whole soon. I have never felt so gladdened… not even when the Shadow was destroyed.”

Elrond smiled and touched her cheek. “Then I shall also be joyous.”

The Mortal Man still stood there gazing at a scene of love and elegance between close kin. He hardly was able to think normally after seeing the wondrous beauty of the Elf-maiden. His mortal eyes had never seen such wonder in any child of Ilúvatar. Arwen felt his eyes upon her. She turned her head to see him.

“The world has changed. Prepare for what is coming. It has been absent in most lands for hundreds — even thousands — of years. Peace,” she said. “Peace has come.”

* * *

ArwenÂ’s escort had left Edoras some days ago and now were coming to the White City. They would reach its gates at eve. It was a cool day in Middle-earth and Arwen found herself being coddled by three elf-maidens and Galadriel herself. She was standing aside speaking to the Evenstar.

“There is nothing more splendid than the Evenstar in white garb,” said Galadriel with a shining smile. There was love showing in her face that was usually inexpressive.

“And her close companion of Lothlórien,” Arwen added after lifting her arms for the Elves to fix the sleeves of her gown. They stood in a tent drawn up for this single purpose: to prepare Arwen Undómiel for her marriage.

Her eyes sparkled and she gazed down at her attire. A shimmering gown formed over her with flowing sleeves and skirts that also trailed a short distance behind. Glittering white gems were placed in her hair and on her pale brow.

“Here,” said Galadriel lifting a silver phial encrusted with small sapphires. She removed the top and raised it to her nose. “This is a fragrance precious among the Elves. It is worn often in unions.”

Arwen took it to take of its scent. “It is… niphredil blossoms.” She handed it back.

“Yes, their petals crushed and mingled with water. This phial I concocted specially for the water is of the fountain in Lórien where the light of Eärendil rests. Keep it well for it shall be the last of its make in only a short time.”

“Should you not keep it? It is yours,” said Arwen.

Galadriel smiled faintly. “Think of it as my gift to you before our parting.”

“Then I thank you deeply, for not only this, but for everything you have given unto me: your counsel, your friendship, and your love. You have been as a mother to me and have given me guidance when it was needed.”

“As I strove to do,” said Galadriel.

24: Long Awaited Years

The stars bloomed in the heavens, bright and radiant like never before, yet a golden haze lingered on the horizon. The air was fresh and cool stirring with a gentle breeze.

The King Elessar had been brought word that a fair company was approaching from the North of which he had waited as soon as he had found the sapling of the White Tree. He watched now as they arrived at the gates — what was remaining — and his heart was filled to bursting. His joy overwhelmed him as those who saw him could feel his incredible elation spreading all around for this was the moment he had passed through darkness, trials, death, and long years patient to live for. To be crowned King of Gondor and Arnor was his highest goal yet only because it was the last fulfilment to allow his heart’s desire to be made real.

Elladan and Elrohir were first to reach the greeting party standing on the open grass before the gates. They each met Aragorn’s gaze and smiled with the knowledge of who came afore them. Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn were also there with shining faces sitting before a great company of their kindred of Lothlórien.

Aragorn greeted them with fair spoken words, yet his mind was elsewhere as many of them knew. He paused when the mounted Elves, faces glimmering beneath the stars, drew aside as two horses moved past them, one a grey palfrey that he recognised at once. Some of the Elves bowed their heads as the two rode through.

Aragorn felt he could no longer speak or breathe and his heart pounded noisily in his chest. A sight more fair than all the glittering stars above or the lush earth below rendered him silent and unmoving.

Master Elrond had ridden forward with a long object obscured in his hands and face proud for the one who stood before him; yet the KingÂ’s gaze lingered briefly upon the mighty lord for it was his companion, who had also come forward, that drew his gazeÂ… and his breath.

Arwen Undómiel, Evenstar of the Elves and Lady of Rivendell, sat upon her silvery-grey horse shining like a star and more stunning than any that flickered in the sapphire heavens. Clear gems glittered on her brow and she was clothed in brilliant white that formed about her like a mantle of glory.

* * *

Arwen had glimpsed her beloved from the rear of the company standing tall and mighty, but now as she drew up before him she truly saw him as he was. He appeared then as he was when they had come together in Lórien long years ago when he was fully come to manhood; now he again seemed a high Elf-lord among the mortals who stood behind him, face bright in the twilight as the last glow of the sun faded. He wore a circlet of silver on his noble brow but one only needed to look upon his face and his kingly bearing to know what he was.

Those around her thought her even more beautiful for love and joy emitted from her like the rays of the sun. Elrond glanced at his daughter before dismounting. She followed yet realised she was overcome with emotion as never before. Tears of abounding joy glistened in her eyes though none fell.

Aragorn finally turned his gaze upon Elrond in warm greeting. The Elf-lord lifted what he held in his hands to him, all seeing at lat what it was: the sceptre of Annúminas. The King took it aloft as his eyes ran over its length in mingled satisfaction and awe.

“I told you long ago that you alone would bear this if you were crowned King of Gondor,” said Elrond, his grey eyes searching King Elessar’s. “Now it has come to pass and my word has been fulfilled.”

Aragorn was going to thank him but Elrond continued.

“And there is something more I promised to you,” he said more softly. He turned to his daughter still gazing upon the King and grasped her pale hand, drawing her forward. He also took Aragorn’s hand and placed hers in his. “This word I have also fulfilled.”

Arwen could only gaze into her belovedÂ’s bright eyes with love pouring forth from her heart. There were no words to speak. After so many years hoping to catch a glimpse of the other, spend a quiet moment together, or know each was well where they abided though they must be parted it all seemed a dream to be standing side-by-side prepared to never part again. Aragorn squeezed her hand lovingly and she knew everything was well again, for the world had faded away and nothing else could touch her.

Elrond felt as though his daughter was already parted from him, but he smiled softly at the wonder in her eyes. A light seemed to emit from the reunited pair as the large company passed through the gates and up the paths of the levelled city to finally come to the Court of the Fountain where the White Tree glistened in the starlight.

Many were present including all of the fair Elves, the Ringbearer and his companions, Gandalf the White, and other noble people for this was the moment to signal the beginning of a new age for Gondor and a new life for its King.

Aragorn could smell the sweet fragrance of Arwen so close to him and he held to her hand as though he would never release her ever again. She felt a yearning to fall into his arms, to be held close, yet it was not yet the time. Her heart beat quicker when they reached the steps of the Hall of Kings.

As the stars glittered above and the last rays of the sun fell away from the heavens, Aragorn and Arwen spoke their vows and completed the ceremony of union. All were merry and joyous for it was a moment that had been anticipated for years, yet none were more joyful than the King and his new Queen.

Aragorn gently brushed Arwen’s pale cheek as a soft smile appeared on his lips. She was astonished when he drew her to him and bestowed a kiss upon her that she would never forget, so full of rapturous love and joy abundant at the blessed night.

* * *

Arwen Undómiel awoke beside her husband. He was still sleeping after getting to bed quite late the night before. The duties of a king rested heavily on his shoulders in these days for it was his responsibility to restore peace and healing in all the lands of Men. Arwen leaned over to kiss his brow.

Aragorn slowly awakened then and opened his eyes. A slight smile passed over his face when he saw Arwen watching him.

“You never do rest for long,” he murmured.

“Neither do you… in terms of mortals.”

He sat up and leaned forward on his elbows with fist under chin. Arwen laid a hand on his neck, fingering his hair. “We are leaving in nine days after Èomer arrives,” he said. “Do you wish to journey with me the entire length or remain in Edoras till I return?”

“I shall wait for you there.”

Aragorn nodded. He grasped her hand and gently kissed it. “It will be a long day this day.”

She smiled. “Then you had best prepare for it.”

Aragorn rose from the bed to pull on a shirt. The rising sun streamed through the windows after Arwen drew back the drapes.

“Anything particular you must do this day?” she asked.

Aragorn shook his head. “Only guiding and ruling the people. They truly need it. My messengers shall be moving along the roadways of Middle-earth soon. When we return here after escorting Théoden’s body and the dear hobbits… they will go then.” He moved to stand in front of a window and gaze out at the mighty city. The white stone glimmered in the morning light: towers, battlements, and high walls of Minas Tirith. From down below the people could look up to see the White Tower like a “spike of pearl and silver”, as Frodo had described it, shining as it ever did in Gondor.

Arwen clothed herself in garments of pale yellow sheen with a girdle of gold leaves. Aragorn and she left their quarters together arm-in-arm with Arwen leaning against his shoulder. She sighed thinking of all the long years she yearned to feel him near her or to speak with him, yet everything would be well now.

“Estel,” she said.

“Yes?”

“Have I strayed into a dream that I do not wish to wake from?”

Aragorn smiled and they stopped in the halls beneath a lighted window. Golden halos of light crowned their heads. He placed his hands with thumbs on her cheeks and fingers around her pointed ears. “Breathe the fresh air, feel the sunlight’s embrace, and… my eternal love for you. If this is a dream, then all of life is a dream, death being the waking. I am thrilled not to wake from it for all has come to a completion I hoped for the entire length of this dream.”

“Let us hope then that the dream continues on unto eternity,” Arwen said placing her hands over his. She kissed him sweetly as they basked in the golden light.

* * *

They were still awaiting Èomer’s return to Minas Tirith including the four hobbits, Legolas the Elf, Gimli the Dwarf, and Gandalf who often could be found in the presence of the King and his Queen. When Arwen saw Legolas for the first time since she had wed Aragorn, she hastened to him with a shining smile.

“Legolas! It has been long!”

He grinned, his blue eyes glimmering, and he clasped her hands firmly. “Indeed it has, Arwen. Too long.” He searched her eyes. “It makes me glad that all your dreams and wishes have been fulfilled.”

“And what of your dreams, my friend?”

“They have been fulfilled and more. For a time I thought all hope was void as we faced the utter darkness there at the Black Gates. You know… in that moment Aragorn brought to me a realisation: no matter the obstacle, or darkness, hope can bring us courage unforeseen or shine a light in what we believe was indestructible blackness. As he stood beside me, tall and mighty not stirring or quailing before the wicked hoards, I felt a bit of his boldness enter my heart. With him leading us… no amount of shadow could prevail.”

Arwen could not help but smile and grasp her friend’s hand. “Thank you. It grants me great pleasure to hear of my beloved’s deeds while we were parted and to hear of the encouragement he has spread.”

Legolas nodded and was comforted by her gladness. His smile returned. “There are some of my companions you should meet. Aragorn has taken great joy being among them and you have only tasted the merriment of their hearts,” he said.

The elegant Elf led her down the halls of the Tower of Ecthelion into a parlour where the scent of pipeweed wafted through the arched doorway. Curls of silvery smoke floated in the air of the room, and she saw all four Halflings of the Fellowship puffing on their pipes as they conversed casually in their high voices.

“Do you really think so?” Merry mused. “I rather thought…” He cut off abruptly when Pippin’s eyes grew quite large. They all turned to see who had entered and were quite astonished to find the mirthful elvish bowman and the fair Elven Queen standing just inside the parlour.

“Goodness me!” said Merry leaping to his feet with the others. “What a pleasant surprise!”

Arwen felt laughter arise in her until it was quenched at the sight of dear Frodo Baggins standing with a less surprised expression. Aragorn had healed him and brought him back to full health, yet his bright blue eyes were no longer so jovial and innocent. There was pain in their depths from the suffering of his long-born burden of great weight to body and spirit. The lines of his face also bore the troubles of his Quest as he watched with a gentle, quiet demeanour. Their gazes met for an instant, she seeing his scars, he seeing her compassionate understanding.

“My Lady Arwen,” said Frodo with a slight bow.

She nodded to him as well as the other three. “Good day to you all,” she said softly.

Legolas smiled. “My friends! Please sit! We are only here to enjoy your pleasurable company.”

The hobbits did sit, if slowly, and gazed in awe upon the lovely maiden who sat among them with their old friend.

“It’s quite strange being ‘round such noble folk,” said Samwise. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it.”

“Nor with all these grand towers and halls,” said Merry.

Pippin chortled and addressed Arwen. “We’re very honoured to have you visit with us since we’re only humble hobbits who speak of pipeweed and our meals.”

“Such simplicity is comforting to one who has not heard any such conversation in all my years,” said Arwen.

“And to one who has not heard enough!” Legolas smiled.

“Then we are pleased!” said Merry. “I’ve thought of what we might all be doing if none of this had happened. It was rather a strange thought, as I’ve said before. We’d all be a lot shorter on knowledge of the world, I say!” He did not have to explain what he meant by ‘this’.

“Who would’ve thought we’d have done so much?” said Sam. “Seen Elves, fought Orcs, and… well… seen all these great events.”

And saved Middle-earth from multiple enemies and threats, Arwen added in her own thoughts. They never did quite accept the fact that all the lands of Middle-earth would have fallen to shadow if not for their sudden bravery and hobbit endurance.

“You have taken part in the wondrous tale of the War of the Ring,” she said out loud, studying each of them in turn. “Not even the wise could have guessed four Halflings would play such an important role. I am glad to sit among you admirable hobbits who have endured more than most Men.”

Pippin blushed slightly, Sam looked down at his large feet chagrined, Merry cleared his throat as his eyes wandered to anywhere but her eyes, yet Frodo only smiled a soft smile and looked to his companions. He understood but was too humble to mention it or boast of his feats.

Legolas nodded slowly. “It grieves me most sorely to know we shall all be parted, the Fellowship of ours, and never all be together again. I have had much joy in your company.”

They continued to speak together for a time longer of things less weighty. Legolas and Arwen said little for the hobbits were content to tell them of many things of the Shire so far away in the North.

“I cannot imagine what it must be like now,” said Pippin with a thrill of excitement edging his clear voice.

Merry shrugged. “Most likely the same ol’ Shire we left what seems so long ago. I wonder how they’re holding up without us…”

The others laughed and Sam looked thoughtful through his grin. “My ol’ gaffer is got to be worried sick by now; being Outside with Big People and all. I can’t imagine how he’s doing while I’m gone.” He could not help but remember the images he had seen in Galadriel’s mirror some time ago. They still were engraved in his memory as if from a terrible nightmare. “I hope all’s well,” he murmured.

“I am quite sure it is, dear Sam,” said Frodo smiling. “We hobbits don’t give in so easily or get bewildered without good cause.”

Once the discussion had lasted for an hour or so Arwen felt she had to leave them for there was a pull on her heart, so she bid them a good day and was accompanied by Legolas who was going to search for Gimli who had disappeared earlier that day. The two were gone and the hobbits were silent for a long moment.

Pippin puffed thoughtfully on his pipe. “She reminds me of Lady Galadriel somewhat, don’t you think?”

“And Gandalf and Elrond,” said Merry shifting where he sat in the oversized chair.

“To think we’ll be able to tell our children about all the noble folk we’ve met!” Sam said with a new light shining in his brown eyes.

* * *

Arwen entered Merethrond, the Great Hall of Feasts, on the King’s arm. Éomer had arrived with the fairest of his men of the Rohirrim in Minas Tirith and he sat at the King’s left hand that warm evening. His eyes roamed about the great hall with wide-eyed wonder at all the fair guests. The Elves were all present, shining with their elvish countenances, Aragorn and Arwen sat at the table’s head in resplendent glory, and the four hobbits took their places there as well. They caught almost as many stares as the King and Queen of Gondor.

Elrond sat at Arwen’s side while Galadriel sat across from him. Gandalf, Elrohir, Elladan, Éomer, Faramir, Éowyn, Glorfindel, Erestor, Legolas, and Gimli all sat nearest Arwen and Aragorn. There had not been such a gathering for many ages in Middle-earth. The Elves mingled with Men. Mortal and Immortal were allied once again by the union of Aragorn and Arwen.

Before they sat, Arwen was formally introduced to Éomer, son of Éomund, who held her in awe, capturing the memory of her grace and beauty in his heart.

“You are a very fortunate man, Aragorn… ah!… King Elessar,” said Éomer with a bright smile.

Aragorn grinned and they each clasped the otherÂ’s shoulder in warm friendship. The kingdoms of Men were united once again by a bond of love and friendship, not only an oath to serve.