To The End Of Her Days - A Fanfiction Sequel to The Lord of the Rings

Chapter 4 - A Journey New Begins

Some time later, she was awakened by a gentle hand on her shoulder. At first, she thought it was Sam or Rosie, but she was surprised to see someone she had not seen in years.

"Legolas? Nae naa lle! [1]" she exclaimed with an embrace.

"Nae saian luume [2]," Legolas replied as he picked her up. He held her in a long embrace, both of reunion and of comfort. Arwen was overjoyed, but she knew there had to be something going on.

"I have missed you and it's wonderful to see you, but there must be an important reason for you to be here," Arwen said assuredly. "After all, I haven't seen you since I was twelve."

Legolas laughed as he set her down. "You have always been very observant, Arwen. I do have some important news for you, but I need Samwise here before I talk to you."

"He's probably still at Elanor's and Fastred's reception."

"Why aren't you with them?"

"It's a long story. I'd rather not go into it right now."

"It wouldn't be related to the group Samwise banished from the party, would it?"

"Sam really banished them?"

"They crossed my path in a furious state just before I arrived. I asked Sam's oldest son about it, and he said they seriously insulted you and you ran away in tears."

"It's true, but I've endured many insults before. I'll be fine. How did Frodo respond when you talked to him?"

"He was somewhat bewildered at first."

Arwen laughed. "That's what I figured! He's always wanted to meet an elf! Like father, like son!"

Legolas went to find Samwise. Many of the hobbits were surprised when they saw an Elf asking for Sam, but most of them figured that adventure was stirring in Bag End once again. After Samwise returned to the house and brewed some herbal tea, he sat down with Legolas and Arwen at the table. Then, Legolas proceeded to tell Arwen the important news.

"Arwen," Legolas began, "from your childhood, you have been told of the quest of your Uncle Bilbo that led him to find the Ring of Power, and the quest of your father Frodo to destroy the Ring of Power. I am here to tell you that the time has come for you to have a journey of your own."

"Really?!" she exclaimed, "A journey of my own? What kind of a journey? What will I be doing?"

"I must not tell you yet," Legolas replied, "but there are two things which I must tell you now. First, the journey will be dangerous, for there is evil stirring again in Middle-earth. As to the manifestation of this evil, I do not know, but it will make every attempt to keep you from fulfilling your quest. If you value your life and the lives of those who will join you, you will always be cautious.

"You must also understand the importance of the quest you are soon to begin. What you are about to do will become a greater legend than the journeys of Bilbo and Frodo. There are many reasons I cannot yet explain, but you must trust me and the information I am giving you for now. Do you understand?"

"Yes," she replied with a nod, but her mind was burning with questions she knew would have to wait to have answered.

"Good. Then late tonight, under the cover of darkness, we shall leave. Samwise has already made the necessary arrangements. Wait to pack until everyone is asleep."