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

Chapter 7 - Chosen

Arwen slowly opened her eyes and saw at the starry sky overhead. When she noticed the trees around her, she realized she was in Caras Galadhon. She was in less pain and her ankle was properly mended. She looked over to her side to find Eldarion, watching over her just as he had been at the last moment she remembered. He had always been right by her side when she was injured, even when she was in the House of Healing after she injured her ankles all those years ago. Eldarion even helped her learn to walk, so it was no surprise that he would be by her side now.

Eldarion grabbed her hand. "How do you feel?"

"Much better than I was. Where is the king?"

"He's in Edoras with the queen. Just as we were about to enter the forest, a Rohirrim messenger rode up to us and said that King Eomer requested his presence in Edoras as soon as possible. Belthil and I assured them we could take care of you until you were well."

"I'm glad he did not stay behind on my account. I would not want to hinder the king from important matters of state."

"You have great strength in you, Arwen. You have endured much on this journey, more than I have my whole lifetime."

"I know if you were ever tested in the same way, you would find such strength. Besides, I've endured worse pain than this. The pain of the rejections I've endured is far worse than any physical pain."

"What do you mean?"

"My whole life, I have been rejected by those around me, no matter what place I have called home. I have never lived somewhere I truly belonged."

"Have you honestly felt that way all this time?"

She nodded. "I have always felt out of place, Eldarion. It hurts that no one accepts me for who I am."

"Arwen, no matter what value your kin or men place on you, those of us that are here will never reject you, no matter where life takes you and what task you must complete. The place you belong should be found with those that love you, not with those that do nothing but tear you down. I hope you do not let anyone's reckless words hurt you or define who you are. I will never reject you, and I will always be there for you."

"I know. I've always been able to rely on you and I always will."

~

They stayed in the forest for a week to give Arwen's ankle time to heal, which was difficult since in light of her injuries as a child. She had to walk with crutches at first. After a few days, she learned to walk with a limp. Even though it all, Eldarion helped her every step of the way, just as he had done before.

Despite her difficult recovery, Arwen found peace in these woods, as did everyone else. Another formal dwelling of the Elves, this place, like Rivendell, was filled with their serenity and light, even though it was void of their physical presence. During this time, the young hobbits spent more time learning about the journey of the first fellowship by listening to the stories from their fathers and Arwen. After a week of great fellowship had passed, they decided they would travel up the Andurin River. That afternoon, Legolas asked to speak with Arwen alone.

Legolas said, "Arwen, there is an important decision you must soon make: if we shall stay together, or if you will go fulfill your quest on your own."

Arwen was caught off guard by this revelation.

"What? How am I supposed to do that, Legolas? Everyone in this company is loyal to me and would go with me to death, but I also wish they didn't have to face everything I have to endure. I don't know how to choose!" She buried her face in her hands.

"This decision is entirely your own," Legolas responded, "but I believe that if you seek the right kind of wisdom, the answer will become clear."

Arwen went off alone to think about what to do. She knew Legolas was right, but she could think of only one way to pursue that kind of wisdom. She waited until everyone was asleep that night, then she left in search of what she believed to be the solution to all her problems – the Mirror of Galadriel. However, she was in for quite a shock.