Chapter One

Aragorn exhaled pleasantly as he heard the sound of a waterfall and saw the white stones lining the dirt path. They would reach the valley within the hour. He heard the soft thud of Gandalf’s walking stick against the ground and he smiled. He was excited to be helping his old friend on his journey.

When Gandalf had first come to Aragorn, he had been delighted to see his old friend. Then Gandalf had told him of his intended journey and that he wanted Aragorn as a companion. He told him that he had left The One Ring in the Shire, with a young Hobbit, and was now setting out to find Gollum, the wretched creature who owned It before the legendary Bilbo Baggins, the cousin of the Hobbit who now kept it. Aragorn had accepted the invitation instantly, always willing to help his old friend, as well as the fate of Middle-earth, as it may prove to be.

“We are nearly upon the valley, Aragorn,” he heard Gandalf say, weariness evident in his rough voice. His old grey cloak was dirty from travel, the hem dusty and discolored. Aragorn was ready for a rest as well, his long legs were getting tired. He turned sideways to look at Gandalf.

“You are tired my friend, are you not?”

Gandalf’s eyes twinkled. “That is why we shall rest in Rivendell for a few days, my boy.”

Aragorn frowned slightly, looking skeptically at Gandalf. “That is not the only reason, is it?”

His old companion laughed. “Sometimes we must all sit back quietly and gaze upon what we love. We cannot be out saving the world every minute!”

“I shall not hold back your quest simply because you think I wish to spend time with Elrond’s daughter!” he cried softly, his dark brows furrowing.

Gandalf chuckled. “You need to learn to relax… that is why we are stopping here. Hopefully Imladris will teach you, it usually does with most people.”

“I grew up in Rivendell,” Aragorn replied with an amused smile. “I know its charms. I just don’t want to hinder your purpose.”

Gandalf looked at him with a grateful smile. “You won’t.”

***

They walked through many beautiful paths of Rivendell until finally they reached the Last Homely House, the house of Lord Elrond, ruler of Imladris. Aragorn was happy to be there; it had been too long. They could see a waterfall from where they stood and the fresh green of the trees was soothing for a weary heart. Moss tumbled down the pure white walls of the house and the golden green leaves fell upon the roof.

Gandalf looked at Aragorn. “You’ve missed it, haven’t you?” Aragorn nodded, for he couldn’t speak. He only lacked one more thing to be full of content. He watched the door steadily, waiting for her to come out. Someone else came out instead, someone he did not expect.

An elf woman came out of the house, looking with the excitement of a child upon the travelers. She raced up to them, her pale blue dress flowing behind her. She had a small silver band atop her long dark hair and bright eyes that matched her attire.

She stepped in front of Aragorn, bowing low. “Lord Aragorn, it is wonderful to finally meet you!” she cried, clasping her hands together.

He nodded, puzzled. “Gil sila erin lu e-govaded vin, hiril nin… but what is the meaning of all this?” he asked, looking at Gandalf. Gandalf smiled broadly, opening his arms to the girl.

“Ah, Erthenin, it has been too long,” he said, embracing her, her dark hair falling in vivid contrast to his long grey beard.

“Mithrandir,” she said, smiling sweetly. “It is wonderful to see you! We have been expecting you for days.”

Gandalf looked at Aragorn as the girl stepped out of his embrace. “Aragorn, this is Newra,” he said solemnly.

Aragorn gasped in recognition, bowing quickly. “My lady!” he cried, and she laughed. “I had no idea you were back in Imladris. I thought you dwelt still in Lorien with your grandparents.”

She shook her head, her long dark tresses falling against her blue robe. “Nay, I have returned to the house of my father only a fortnight ago, and I have been anxiously awaiting your return.” She smiled, her bright blue eyes twinkling. “I have heard much about you from my sister.”

Aragorn smiled, but then Newra’s face fell, as if she had just remembered something.

Gandalf put a hand on her shoulder. “What is it, my child?”

She looked up at Aragorn. “My lord, Father wishes to speak with you. He does not have good news,” she added, in a whisper.

Aragorn furrowed his brows. “What, what is wrong?”

She looked back toward the house, and they saw Elrond standing on the steps, his hands hidden within the folds of his dark green robe. His face was deep set with a frown. Newra motioned for Aragorn to go to him and he strode off quickly to the house.

“Newra, what is it?” Gandalf asked quietly.

Newra gave a deep sigh, leaning against him. “Oh Gandalf…she’s gone!”

***

Aragorn raked his hand through his long black hair. His heart was pounding. His breath was short. He had lived in the wild for countless years, defeated many enemies that most would not have the courage to look upon, and he had never felt fear like he felt now.

“Elrond,” he said quietly, straining to keep his voice steady. “I don’t understand. Help me understand, Elrond, I don’t understand what you are telling me.” He looked up at Elrond who was standing on the balcony.

“What is there to understand, Aragorn?” he replied, gripping the iron bars of the balcony ever tighter. His head fell to his chest.

“She is gone. For the last three days I have worried like I never have worried before. If not for Newra then I don’t know what I’d do.”

Aragorn smiled faintly. “When did you decide to bring her back?”

Elrond looked down at the ground. “About two months ago Arwen left to visit her and they decided she would return with her. It had been so long since I had seen her…”

“Why didn’t she live with you, Elrond? She was your child!”

“I know, I know. When she was a baby she did live with us, for a little while.” Elrond laughed grimly. “You have no idea how I felt, Aragorn, when Elladan came racing in here telling me that not only had my wife been tortured by orcs, but that she had given birth to another child on the way home.”

Aragorn smiled. “If I had not heard it from you I should have believed her only a myth.”

“We wanted to keep her out of sight and out of peril, her other three siblings are already in enough danger. But after Celebrian decided to leave…” Elrond blinked a tear from his eye. “I couldn’t look at her anymore. She looked too much like her mother. The same electric blue eyes, the same sweet face. She looks like her now more than ever.” Aragorn smiled sympathetically at the older elf. Not many upon the earth had felt as much sorrow as Lord Elrond had.

“Galadriel and Celeborn were more than willing to raise her,” Elrond continued. “They had loved her from the start. Newra was happy in Lothlorien.”

“I’m sure she missed her father,” Aragorn said softly.

“I visited sometimes. Not as often as I wanted…it was easier for Arwen or her brothers to visit her… they did not rule Imladris! But I am thankful she is here now. She loves her sister and would do anything to get her back.”

Aragorn looked expectantly at Elrond, the mood quietly tensing as the subject was returned to the matter at hand.

“Aragorn, she was not kidnapped, that I know. Rivendell is still the safe haven it has been, no enemy has entered here. And some of her things are missing as well, and her horse.”

“Then she left of her own accord?” Aragorn asked, joining Elrond on the balcony. Elrond nodded. “Hasn’t she sent you any message, any word of where she is?”

“No! She was here one night and the next morning she was gone. Usually my daughter knows exactly what she is doing and I would not worry for her. But I feel there is danger present, though I know not in what sense.”

Aragorn gazed over the balcony railing and saw Gandalf and Newra standing beside their horses. Newra met his glance for an instant, then looked awkwardly away.

“What have you to hide, little girl…” he said softly to himself. She looked at him again. He knew elves well enough to know that she was trying to tell him something. Her blue eyes shone bright into his. Oh, how much she looked like her sister! She bit her lip and turned away, speaking to Gandalf again. Aragorn sucked in his breath as a thought struck him. Perhaps Newra knew where Arwen was. Perhaps she could help him find her.

***

Newra stroked the horse’s mane softly. “What did you say his name was, Mithrandir?” she asked.

Gandalf smiled proudly. “Shadowfax. I received him as a gift from the King of Rohan.”
Newra smiled, fingering the pure white hair of the kingly horse. “I have never seen a more beautiful creature,” she said, her voice trembling a little. Her stomach fluttered nervously as she recalled how intensely Aragorn had looked at her. She had seen him talking with her father on the balcony, presumably about Arwen’s disappearance. She hoped she had communicated to him what she had wanted. She heard him bounding down the stairs, then he walked over to them, which did not take very long as he had very long legs.

After he approached the, he looked over at Gandalf. “Gandalf, will you go take the horses to the stables?”

Gandalf smiled. “Of course, my boy,” he said and took the reigns of the horses.

“Not on my watch,” said a voice behind them. A tall elf with dark hair smiled broadly at Aragorn. “Suilaid, mellon nin. It’s good to see you,” the elf said, grinning.

“Elrohir!” Aragorn cried, giving him a friendly embrace.

Elrohir patted him firmly on the back, then grabbed the reigns from Gandalf. “Allow me to do that, my friend,” he said.

Newra smiled up at him. “Good morning, El,” she said.

He kissed her cheek. “Good morning little sister,” he replied. “Have you seen our newest addition here in Imladris?” he said, looking at Aragorn.

Aragorn nodded. “She’s charming. But no replacement for other one, I’m sorry to say.”

Elrohir frowned. “No, not quite, but she’ll do for now,” he said, squeezing Newra’s shoulder kindly. Aragorn nodded, smiling at her. The elf prince turned to Gandalf. “Mellon nin, Ada has prepared a table in your honor. Tolo, mado a sogo uin mereth. You look weary and in need of rest.”

Gandalf smiled gratefully, shifting his weight onto his walking stick. “I shall, young man. Aragorn?” he asked, looking at him.

Aragorn returned the glance. “I shall be there in a moment. I need to speak with the lady,” he said. Newra looked nervously at him. After Gandalf and Elrohir had gone inside, Aragorn took Newra by the arm and led her around behind the house. She looked fearfully into his eyes. “Don’t be afraid, little one…” he said.

She pulled her arm away. “I am nearly six times your great age, my lord,” she said. “I am no little one. And I am not afraid of you. I…..I am just afraid.” She sat down on a small stone bench. She could see a fountain a few yards ahead of her with trees surrounding it. It was very peaceful, but for the uncomfortable silence.

Aragorn sat down beside her. “Why are you afraid?” he asked softly.

She placed her hands in her lap. “Something bad is going to happen to my sister. She is playing into the hands of evil and she doesn’t even know it.”

“Arwen is a very clever girl, Newra. She would not fall into a trap unaware.”

Newra turned her eyes to his. “Love is blind, so I hear,” she said, softly. Aragorn frowned. Newra stood quickly. “I know you love my sister. I know my sister loves you. She would do anything for you, you must know that.” He nodded. “She is only trying to protect you, hir nin.”

“How do you know all this?” he asked. He looked sternly at her. “You know where she is! Please Newra, boe isto ias e darthol.”

She sat back down, drawing her bare feet underneath the folds of her dress. “The morning she left I went into her room. I found an open letter laying on her desk. It was from an anonymous person saying simply that you had been taken prisoner of the Dark Lord and that you were being held captive near the western border of Lothlorien. It was dated three weeks ago. Only the day before we had received a letter from Gandalf saying that you both would arrive very soon. It was dated only one week ago so I knew her letter must have been false. I can only suppose that someone is trying to trap you, Aragorn.”

“Why would you suppose that?” he asked, still trying to make sense of everything she said.

“Wouldn’t you suppose that whomever wrote that letter would know that eventually you would find out where she was? Her one true love would come to rescue her, don’t you agree? Arwen is being held near Lothlorien, or will be once she arrives, and they will keep her there until you come to save her. Someone knows about you, my lord, and they are worried about what you may become,” she said in a voice barely above a whisper.

He placed his hand to his head for an instant. He was trying to comprehend everything Newra had just told him. He stood up quickly and so did she. “Newra,” he said, taking her small hands in his. “You have been more of a help than you can possibly imagine. You have saved your sister with your words.”

She smiled. “I can only hope to be of more service in helping you find her, my lord. I will not abandon you to seek her out alone. I will come with you.”

Aragorn shook his head. “Gandalf and I will do the rest, Newra. We shall find her. You have done your part.” Her smile died, but he continued. “If Gandalf wishes to remain in Imladris, then I shall seek her out by myself.” He kissed her hand.

She looked up at him. “Aragorn, let me come with you! I can follow a trail and I know many routes used only by Arwen and me. Please, let me help.”

Aragorn looked sternly at her, letting go of her hands. “Even if I thought you could be of some help, do you really think your father would take the chance of losing another daughter?”

“Aragorn, let me come with you!” she persisted.

He didn’t say anything for a while, just looked into her glinting blue eyes. Then he laughed. “I had no idea how much you are like your sister… as beautiful as a sunset over water and as stobborn a child of Lord Elrond could ever be.”

She looked pleadingly into his eyes. “Please, Aragorn. Let me help you. Let me find my sister,” she said softly.

He shook his head, taking her arm in his. “Come, hiril nin. Your father awaits us in the Hall of Fire.” She didn’t look at him until they reached the doors leading to the Hall. He took her hands and looked into her eyes. “My dear, I do not mean to hurt you. But what you fully mean to be a help… well, it may turn out to be a hinder. Do you understand?”

She looked away and sighed. “Henion, hir nin,” she said quietly.

***

Aragorn sat back in his chair, silently observing his surroundings. He had the hood of his cloak pushed back so he could see everyone. The room was filled with laughter and music and fair elven faces were all around him.

The Hall of Fire was large and spacious. There was a huge, bright fire burning on the back wall, but there was little other light, save for a few tall candles here and there. There had been a large table filling of a good portion of the room for eating. Now, the feast being over, it had been taken away, leaving the middle of the room empty. The marble floor glistening and reflected the light of the fire, making the room seem brighter. In a few unseen places Aragorn heard familiar sounding music begin to play from the fair hands of elvish minstrels.

Elrond stood up from his seat and announced that there would be dancing, an event that had not occured in the Hall for many, many years. Elves (for there were none other but Elves there that night, save Aragorn and Gandalf) began to couple up and dance to the lively music, peals of merry laughter coming from all around the room.

Aragorn saw Newra sitting beside Elrond, smiling, but not looking as merry as most of the other elves. He knew it was because he had refused to take her on the journey.

Aragorn walked over to where she sat, holding out his hand to her. “Care to dance, my lady?”

She smiled at him and took his hand. “How can I refuse, my lord?” They walked out to the floor, joining in the other elves in the dancing. Newra bit her lip, looking down at her feet.

Aragorn cleared his throat. “Are you still angry with me, Newra?”

She looked back up at him with a slight smile. “O course not, Aragorn, you are too kind to be angry at. I understand perfectly what I must do for my part, I have accepted it.”

“Good,” he said. Newra laughed, wincing slightly. Aragorn gave an apologetic look. “Forgive me, my lady… I have two left feet.”

“I noticed,” she said, her eyes twinkling. Soon they were both as merry as everyone else in the room. After the song was over Aragorn escorted Newra back to her seat.

“Thank you for the great honor, my lady,” he said, bowing.

She laughed. “The pleasure was all my own.”

Elrond stood up then, annoucing that there would be a few songs especially for Newra, to celebrate her return to Imladris. Glorfindel came up to her almost immediately asking for the first dance. She complied readily, and Aragorn sat down beside Elrond to watch them.

Elrond sighed, nodding toward Aragorn though not taking his eyes away from the couple dancing. “Seeing you with Newra reminded me so much of Arwen,” he said softly. Aragorn closed hs eyes, the words bringing fresh pain to him. His heart ached for Arwen, so much he thought it would break. Elrond continued to speak, his voice tembling slightly. “It is a blessing, yet so much a curse. Newra looks so much like her mother, yet also like her sister. I am always glad when I look upon her, but it brings me unbearable pain.” Aragorn nodded silently.

Newra and Glorfindel danced so gracefully together, he thought. She was having fun dancing, which was what brought the smile to her face. Glorfindel, on the other hand, he could tell, was smiling for an entirely different reason. It was obvious that he was smitten with her, though Aragorn could detect no feelings of the sort in her laughing face. Aragorn leaned over to Elrond. “Have you picked out any suiters for her yet, mellon nin?” he asked. Elrond cleared his throat, looking pointedly at Glorfindel. Aragorn chuckled. “Not a bad choice.”

Then Elrond sighed, the smile leaving his face. “Really, Aragorn, this one will be hard to marry off, though. She seems to have so much life and spirit, I don’t think she’ll ever be ready to settle down.” He gave a sideways glance at Aragorn, a hint of laughter in his grey eyes. “But she’s not so rebellious. At least she won’t go off and plan to marry a human, or anything,” he said. They laughed together. Aragorn was glad to be in this house, talking with his friend that had been so much like a father to him for so many years. Being with Elrond always made him feel better, whatever was his worry.

Aragorn caught a glance of the dance floor, laughing at what he saw. The dance was over and another had begun, this time Newra was spinning and twirling around the floor with Gandalf on her arm. Shouts of laughter were heard all around the room as the grey haired, grey cloaked old man danced with the fair elven maiden. This was the best entertainment of the night. After that dance had ended Newra came up to Elrond and asked him for her final dance. Elrond agreed, smiling proudly upon his youngest daughter.

Gandalf came to sit beside Aragorn, still breathing heavily from the dance. He took off his large grey hat, fanning himself with it. “My, my, my, that little girl can dance,” he remarked, smiling fondly at her.

Aragorn nodded. “Yes indeed, my friend.” He looked curiously at his companion. “Gandalf, how old is she?” he asked.

Gandalf sat for a few moments in silent contemplation. “She must be nearly five hundred, I suppose. Yes, she’ll be five hundred before two decades pass,” he replied, putting his hat back on again. “So old, and yet so young…” he added, obviously speaking in reference to the human lifespan versus the elven lifespan.

After their dance was over Elrond and Newra returned to their seats. Elrond took Newra’s hands, having her stand in front of him. “My daughter, I want you to dance for us,” he said.

“Father,” she said, laughing uncomfortably. “Please, no.”

Elrond smiled at her. “But you are a beautiful dancer, my dear, please, for me.”

She kissed his brow softly. “Na beth le, ada nin. I’ll be right back,” she said, leaving the room. Within a few minutes she returned, adorned in a different outfit. The dress she wore now was of a deep scarlet, the sleeves long and billowy, with a slit for her forearms to come through. The silver band upon her hair was gone, but she now wore a gold anklet.

Elrond took her hands. “What shall you dance to, my daughter?” he asked.

“Tinuviel…” she whispered, smiling softly.

Elrond looked at one of the minstrels. “Celebar, trenaro i narn,” he said, clapping his hands once. Almost immediately many soft voices, led by Celebar, began to sing the tale of Beren and Luthien, accompanied by soft sweet music. The room itself seemed to be nonexistant, as everyone in it was focused only on Newra.

The leaves were long, the grass was green,
The hemlock-umbels tall and fair,
And in the glade a light was seen
Of stars in shadow shimmering
Tinuviel was dancing there
To music of a pipe unseen,
And light of stars was in her hair,
And in her raiment glimmering.

Her bare feet moved it perfect step with the music, her dress flowing about her arms and feet.

There Beren came from mountains cold,
And lost he wandered under leaves,
And where the Elven-river rolled
He walked alone and sorrowing.
He peered between the hemlock-leaves
And saw in wonder flowers of gold
Upon her mantle and her sleeves,
And her hair like shadow following.

Her hair swung around her head, the deep brown splashing against the red of her dress. The beauty and rythmic motions of her slender body put a sort of spell on all who watched her.

Enchantment healed his weary feet
That over hills were doomed to roam;
And forth he hastened, strong and fleet,
And grasped at moonbeams glistening.
Through woven woods in Elvenhome
She lightly fled on dancing feet,
And left him lonely still to roam
In the silent forest listening.

When the song was over she stopped, a smile on her flushed face. All the elves burst into a hearty applause and she curtseyed, laughing.

She came over to where her father was seated and Glorfindel rushed up to her, his golden hair falling against his back. “Ai, hiril nin, a new name you have found tonight. For from now on I shall call you Caranloth,” he said, his eyes sparkling. She laughed and he placed a hand to her cheek. “At least whenever you wear that dress,” he added, in a softer voice. Aragorn smiled to himself, it seemed a fitting name. He saw the light of love sparkling in Glorfindel’s green eyes, whether true or fancy he couldn’t tell. Newra took her seat next to Aragorn, and he saw the enchanting sparkle of life and fun set in her eyes. Elrond was fortunate indeed to have such a sweet and beautiful daughter. He saw Glorfindel return to his own seat, still staring fondly at Newra. Aragorn couldn’t stifle a chuckle.

After a few hours had passed and the dancing was over, the minstrels played soft music while the elves talked together, many meeting Newra for the first time. Aragorn spotted Gandalf over in a corner smoking his pipe. He walked over to him, glad for a moment alone to speak with his friend.

“So, Gandalf,” he said, seating himself beside the old man. “I think we should depart as quickly as possible.”

Gandalf nodded, blowing a smoke smoke ring. “Yes, our quest is urgent.”

Aragorn shook his head. “No, my friend, I don’t mean our quest. I want to go find Arwen, for Newra has told me of her whereabouts.”

Gandalf chuckled, another ring of smoke rising above his head. “That is our quest, my lad, what did you think I meant?”

Aragorn shook his head with a smile. “Well, that’s the last time I’ll think I know more than a wizard,” he said. “Then we’ll depart on the morrow?” he asked.

Gandalf nodded, turning his collection of smoke rings a pale green. “Very well. You are the leader of this quest, my boy. I take over once we find Arwen.”

(Sindarin)
Gil sila erin lu e-ovaden vin, hiril nin- a star shines upon the hour of our meeting, my lady
Erthenin- Newra’s second name, meaning Abiding One
Suilaid, mellon nin- greetings, my friend
Tolo, mado a sogo uin mereth- come, eat and drink of the feast
Boe isto ias e darthol- I must know where she is
Henion, hir nin- I understand, my lord
Na beth le, ada nin- As your word, my father
Trenaro i narn- sing the tale
Caranloth- Red Flower