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 the next morning, "Three days ago, a great tragedy occurred in this city, but many 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 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 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. She touched Eldarion's face and hands first. Then she touched Arwen's face.

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

"What's your name?"

"Lothwen, daughter of Baranor."

"See for yourself, Lothwen." Arwen pulled her hair away from her back to reveal some of her scars on the back of her neck. Then, she took Lothwen's hand and placed it on the wound in her side. As she was feeling the wound, Lothwen 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 surprised by the child's knowledge, but she answered, "I am."

The crowd gasped and fell face down in reverence and fear. Arwen realized they were afraid that she would use her power against them after everything they did to her.

"Please, don't be afraid," she told them, "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 be one of you if you will have me."

At first, just a few people began to clap, since some of them were still stunned by what they just witnessed. But it didn't take long for the crowd to burst into applause as Lothwen embraced both Arwen and Eldarion. After they set her down, Eldarion swung Arwen around and kissed her.

Eldarion told the people, "In thirty days, we shall be married, and we hope all of you will share in our joy on that day." The crowd again cheered.

~

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 is such a patient teacher."

"Anyway, our mother sent for you," Gilraen said, "She has a surprise for you."

"And we are to be sure you aren't looking!" Silmarien added.

"Very well then," Arwen replied. She put the toys back into the truck. She stood up as she closed her eyes and extended her arms in front of her, and told them, "I'm ready."