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

Chapter 9 - A Hope Anew

When Eldarion knew she had fallen asleep, he picked her up to put her to bed. When he placed her in the bed, she woke up and grabbed his hand as he tried to walk away. He knelt beside her bed and could she was still upset.

"What is troubling you, Arwen? Please tell me."

"This journey has burdened my heart with much thought of what lies ahead. I don't know how I will overcome everything I must."

"Arwen, I know you will accomplish everything you must. I have faith in you. I hope you don't lose faith in yourself. Do your best to get some rest. Good night, Arwen."

"Good night, Eldarion."

Arwen was grateful to have a friend like Eldarion, as well as a company of loyal friends to stand by her side. However, she was still wondering why she could not anyone about the great burden of her prophesied fate. She tried to sleep, but rest was difficult to find.

~

The next morning, Arwen awoke long after the sun had risen. After she dressed, she went to find Rosie. When she found her, Rosie marched over to Arwen in a huff, which startled Arwen.

"Arwen?" Rosie called out, "Where were you last night? I couldn't find you anywhere and then you didn't come to bed! I didn't know what happened to you until Eldarion told Belthil that he brought you back inside!"

"I was out on one of the watchtowers." Arwen explained, "I have a lot on my mind and needed to be alone."

"That doesn't seem like a reason to stay outside till all hours of the night, Arwen! You should have come back inside!"

"Rosie, what is the matter with you? You are never this cross with anyone else!"

"I'm sorry, Arwen. But I was very worried when I woke up in the middle of the night and you still weren't there! I went to ask Belthil and she realized you never came inside after she talked to you. She then went to Eldarion and told him we were worried about you, so that's when he brought you inside. Before that, I was scared to death something had happened to you!"

"Well, it was quite safe. We are all quite safe within the city, especially in the Golden Hall. Why were you so worried?"

"It was just something Papa said to me."

"What did he say to you?"

"He told me, 'Don't you leave her, Rosie Gamgee!' and I don't mean to! I will stay with you no matter what!"

Arwen smiled, remembering that was the same instruction Gandalf had given Samwise all those years ago. Rosie had a heart as loyal and genuine as her father's, and Arwen was most grateful for her loyalty.

"I know Rosie, but you don't have to be by my side every second. Worrying about me every time I leave your sight will not help anyone."

Rosie grinned and said, "I guess you're right. But you still should have been in bed on time!" She tried to keep a straight face but started laughing.

Arwen joined in Rosie's laughter. They embraced, laughing in a way that greatly raised Arwen's spirits.

~

That same morning, Legolas decided to tell Aragorn that Arwen knew about her prophesied fate.

"When did she find out?" The king asked.

"She saw her fate in the Mirror of Galadriel in Lothlorien, which revealed her capture, rejection, and death."

Aragorn sighed and said, "I'd hoped she wouldn't find out until later. What happened to her last night? I saw Eldarion carry her inside after dawn."