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

Chapter 22 - The Long Road Ahead

Arwen and Eldarion could not have been happier, but they knew as well as anyone that all good things have their season. About a year after they had become parents and adopted Esmerelda, the time finally came when Arwen begin to prepare to leave Middle-earth forever. She was overjoyed to finally have so many of her lifelong dreams come true, but she was also grieved to leave behind everything she had known. She also dreaded the thought of bidding farewell to all of her loved ones, for she knew every parting would be bittersweet. The night before she left Minas Tirith, she bid Belethor farewell.

"You are going to at long last fulfill the prophecy of old," he said to her, "but even yet you seem dismayed. What troubles you, child?"

"I will miss you and everyone else so much," she replied, "and I don't know how I will bear the sorrow of all the partings I will soon face."

"Take heart, my child. You must remember that you will see your father at long last. You have dreamed of running into your father's embrace ever since the king told you that he was waiting for you over Sea. When you finally do, such joy shall fill your heart that the pain and fear from this world shall leave you and be no more than a distant memory. Be strong, and remember the greater days that await you."

"Thank you, Belethor," she said as she embraced him for the last time, "bless you for your wise counsel and kind heart. May the rest of your days be blessed and peaceful."

On June 22, 1454, King Elessar, Queen Arwen, Legolas, Gimli, Belthil, Eldarion, and Arwen with their children set out from Minas Tirith, for what would be Arwen's last journey in Middle-earth. By June 29, they had arrived at Edoras and fellowshipped with King Eomer, as well as Lord Faramir, Lady Eowyn, and their children Ararion and Gleowyn.

During this visit, it was discovered that Eomer's son Eored had fallen in love with Arwen's young friend Elfwyn. This was quite entertaining because they were only ten years old. But Arwen knew their love was true and they would someday be married. Elfwyn would make a wonderful queen, full of grace, beauty, and wisdom. She and Eored would rule Rohan well all the days of their lives.

On Mid-Summer's Eve, they set out from Edoras. They arrived in Rivendell on July 27, where they stayed for a week. During this time, Legolas and Gimli had an amusing dispute about Arwen's children.

"Do you think that Paladin will look like his uncle Gimli, Legolas?" the conversation began as Gimli was holding Paladin.

"I think he will look like his father," Legolas replied, who was holding Hanna May.

"His father?" Gimli disputed, "Look at his face! This face is clearly the face of a dwarf!"

"He is not physically related to a dwarf in the first place!" Legolas reasoned.

"Then I suppose you think that he will look like you?" Gimli said in frustration.

"I think they will both look like their parents." Legolas tried to finish the argument.

"I cannot believe my ears!' Gimli shouted, "Hanna May will look like her grandmother Palin!"

This argument went on for a few hours before it was resolved, but it amused everyone else greatly. It made Esmerelda laugh so hard she almost couldn't stop. Beyond this incident, their stay in Rivendell was a very pleasant and peaceful one.

~

Three weeks later, they were reunited with their hobbit companions in Bree. They were all overjoyed to see Arwen and meet her children. While they were staying at the Prancing Pony, Arwen showed Butterbur the journal he had given Mira and explained Mira's untimely end and the story of her own journey. Mira's death saddened him, but he was very gracious and welcoming to Arwen in honor of her mother. He did not even charge anyone in her company for their room and board in those few weeks they stayed in Bree.