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

Chapter 21 - A Beauty Mosaic

Arwen and Eldarion were so happy to be married. She became beloved to all men, especially those in the White City. She proved herself to be wise in counsel and fair in judgment, for she offered sound advice to the king on many occasions. It seemed that everything she said was true and just. As the peace she was prophesied to bring began to unfold, it was almost impossible to tell that such a great tragedy as the death of a prince had ever occurred. It seemed as though a beautiful mosaic was coming forth from the ashes of former grief and bitterness. Arwen was grateful to finally feel at home with the people she loved enough to ransom with her life. Although no one fully comprehended the extent of the sacrifice she made, the people were forever in awe of the love, patience, and wisdom she would show them for many Ages to come.

About three months after the wedding, Arwen and Eldarion had a bittersweet parting with the company. The hobbits were all quite happy to be returning home, but also sad that Arwen would not be returning with them. Goldilocks was particularly upset as they prepared to leave.

On the morning of their departure, Faramir Took was walking toward the throne room when he thought he heard something. He looked in the nearby room and heard crying, but it was muffled. Faramir realized it was coming from inside a large wardrobe. He opened it up to find Goldie crying and holding her knees. At first, he was a bit startled, but then his heart filled with compassion for his friend.

"What is the matter, Goldie?" Faramir said very caringly, "We are going home today and we will see the Shire again. Why are you so sad?"

"Arwen won't be coming with us!" Goldie cried, "I feel like I'm losing a sister!"

Faramir sat down next to her. "But you aren't losing a friend, Goldie. Arwen still loves you, and will not forget all you have done for her by joining her on this journey."

"But who will I turn to for advice? Who will be there to listen when I need them? Will I ever find someone else that will always be there for me like Arwen?"

Faramir replied, "Goldilocks Gamgee, I promise that I will always be there for you, to listen to you, and to give the best advice I can. No matter where life takes us, we will be the best of friends."

Goldie smiled and threw her arms around Faramir's neck. "You promise?"

Faramir returned the embrace. "I promise."

Arwen smiled as she overheard this conversation outside the door. She knew this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship that would eventually become a fine marriage. They would become dearly loved by all that knew them. But above all, Arwen knew Faramir would keep his promise to Goldie all the days of his life. This warmed Arwen's heart.

After the company was given proper provisions, Arwen and Eldarion bid their loyal friends farewell. Arwen's farewell to Rosie was particularly hard. They embraced long and hard, sad to part from each other, but knowing they would see each other again. After this embrace, they both smiled about something, but not even Eldarion knew the reason. Goldie was not as upset as Arwen thought she would be, for it seemed that Faramir's promise had lifted her spirit. The one who was the most emotional at this parting was Sam, for he was in tears when Arwen finally bid him farewell.

"Why are you so sad, Samwise?"

"We will miss you very much, Miss Arwen."

"I will miss you and your family as well, but that's not all, is it?"

Sam sighed. "I wish your father were here to see you all grown up."

"He will see me, soon enough."

Sam was startled. "You're leaving to join him?"