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

Chapter 16 - The End of One Thing

"What?" Her mouth opened but no further words came. She did not know what to say.

"Did you hear that?" Ashtakh called out, "The prince has fallen in love with the halfling!"

Bill and the orcs burst into laughter and the company broke out into panic, but neither of them noticed, for all the sights and sounds seemed to fade away. They were both compelled to confess the feelings that had long been suppressed, and nothing would distract them now.

"You...love me?" Arwen struggled to say it aloud.

"Yes, Arwen, I love you! You mean everything to me and I would not be whole without you. Please tell me your heart is the same as mine!"

"It is!" she declared.

They held each other by the arms, dazed that they returned the other's affections.

"I thought about you every day we were apart," Eldarion continued, "As each day passed, it only made me realize part of me was missing. When I finally saw you again after all those years apart, I felt complete again, and now I know why. Knowing you has made me the man I am today. I now know that I love you with all I am, and with a love that will endure all time."

"But Eldarion," Arwen hesitated, "such love is forbidden to us! Love between a man and a halfling is unheard of!"

"Does any of that matter? I know we have the courage and strength to endure all we must face." He paused, and then asked, "Arwen, you...love me too?"

"Oh Eldarion, of course I do! I also felt complete when we were reunited, but I could not explain it until now. I love you enough that I will face death for your sake. Even though I will now never meet my Ada, I know your love will sustain me." She paused, and then asked, "You really think I'm strong and brave?"

"Yes, you are strong and courageous! Cormlle naa tanya tel'raa. Your strength and courage make you even more beautiful to me, even when the rest of the world has not been able to see it."

"You honestly think I'm...beautiful?"

"Oh, Arwen, you are the most beautiful person I have ever known! You are of pure heart and gentle spirit. You have the grace of a thousand Elven princesses, the wisdom of a thousand Elven lords, and the heart of a thousand steadfast soldiers Lle naa vanima Arwen!."

"How can you say that when I look like this?"

"Because I know you, Arwen, better than anyone else. I know your hair is short and you have many scars from all you have endured, but that does not matter to me." Eldarion put his hand on her cheek and said firmly, "I think you are beautiful just the way you are. I always have. Vanimle slia tiri."

"What? How can you say that, Eldarion? You can't mean that! Why would you, the prince and heir of Gondor, think I'm beautiful? I'm a worthless halfling who walks with a limp, looks like a boy, and will never marry! I am not beautiful! I'm not worthy of the love you have for me." Arwen looked down and shook her head. "The world might as well just be rid of me!"

Eldarion's eyes filled with tears as he listened to the way she described herself. She could not see her value because of all the animosity she'd endured over the years. Eldarion searched his heart to find the words to make Arwen understand how precious she was to him. At that moment, he could think of only one way to make her understand.

He turned her head so her eyes would meet his teary gaze. "Arwen," he said softly, "look at me." As she looked into his eyes, she could see that he meant every word he said. Then, he brought her face to his and kissed her tenderly. He then returned to gazing into her eyes and asked, "Do you believe me now?"