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

Chapter 19 - A Dream Now Known

"My brothers," the King began his speech to the people of the White City from the second story of the palace the next morning, "Three days ago, a great tragedy occurred in this city. But, miracles have happened in the ashes of this tragedy. One of these miracles you have already seen with your own eyes. The ancient land of Mordor and all the evil that lies within were completely destroyed. But today, you are about to witness another miracle, one that you will need to see to believe."

The people standing in the Court of the White Tree whispered to each other in disbelief that anything greater than the destruction of Mordor could ever be possible. But then, Eldarion and Arwen opened the main doors to the palace. The crowd went totally silent, for they did not know what to believe. They walked toward the crowd, but the people backed away, afraid that they were ghosts or spirits. Everyone continued to stare at them, until a little girl from the crowd came forward to look closer. They both knelt in front of the child so she could see for herself. She touched Eldarion's face and hands first. Then she touched Arwen's face and hands.

"Last time I saw you, you were only as tall as me!" The little girl observed, "Did you really...die?"

"You tell me," Arwen told her. First, Arwen pulled her hair away from her back to reveal some of her scars on the back of her neck. Then, she took the little girl's hand and placed it on the wound in her side. As she was feeling the wound, the little girl gasped when she noticed the ring on Arwen's finger. She grabbed Arwen's hand to look closer.

"Wait, are you the one meant to bring us peace? Are you the one that destroyed Mordor?"

Arwen was a slight bit surprised by the child's knowledge, but she answered, "I am."

The crowd gasped. As Arwen rose to her feet, everyone fell face down in reverence and fear. She was taken back for a moment by their sudden respect of her. Then she realized they were scared that she would use her power against them after all they did to her.

"Please, don't be afraid," she told them, "I do not hold any offenses against you. I can see in your eyes the same fear that seized my heart before the orcs decided my fate. Your former views of me shall be forever pardoned, for I know they served a greater purpose. What happened to us was meant to bring beauty out of the ashes, bring hope out of despair, light where there was once darkness. I hope you will now see that I have always been a part of your people. I wish to now be known as a one of your own, if you will have me be a part of you."

The crowd burst into applause as the little girl embraced both Arwen and Eldarion. After they set her down, Eldarion swung Arwen around and kissed her.

Eldarion turned and told the people, "In 30 days, we shall marry, and we hope all of you shall share in our joy on that day."

The crowd yet again cheered. Eldarion looked toward his father and Belethor on the balcony, both of whom were smiling.

~

About a week before the wedding, Gilraen and Silmarien found Arwen in her chamber, sorting through some of her childhood toys that had until recently been left undisturbed. It was the same truck where she found her mother's diary.

"Belthil told us how funny you looked when you tried to use that bow for the first time!" Gilraen said laughing. "You could barely hold it, much less fire it!" Silmarien laughed along with her sister.

Arwen joined in their laughter. "I did look pretty ridiculous," she confessed, "until Eldarion helped me with my archery. He was such a patient teacher."