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

Chapter 23 - A Fond Farewell

The next day, the company set out for Grey Havens and arrived shortly after. Finding the ship the king had sent to the harbor, Arwen knew she could no longer prolong her final farewells. She stood on the boarding dock, looked out at her beloved family and friends, and said to them:

"My dearest friends, here is where my fellowship with you in this world must end. Some of you, I shall see again, but some of us shall not have that pleasure. No matter where life takes us, you may be assured of this: Your names shall never be forgotten, by me or in all of Middle-earth. You have earned yourself a place of honor among the great of all Middle-earth. Although this parting may be filled with tears, may we also have peace and joy in our hearts this day as we remember the better days that await us. Aa'menealle nauva calen ar' malta ar' Aa'i' salnoralanne'lle. Namaarie."

Tears were already filling her eyes as she said farewell to each of them. She embraced the king first. They had quiet tears in a long embrace. She was grieved by this parting because he had been the first father she had ever known and she knew she would not look upon his face again in this world.

"Farewell, my beloved daughter." He kissed her on the forehead and said, "I love you, my child."

She told him, "I love you too, my king. Thank you for everything, Elessar."

Then Queen Arwen and her daughters came to her and embraced her one by one. The queen said, "You will never be forgotten in our house, dear one."

Then her Uncle Merry, Uncle Pippin, and her dear Samwise came to her. As she knelt before them, she could see in their eyes the memories of their painful parting from her Ada.

"You will always be remembered among the great of Middle-earth. May your lives be lived to the fullest, my dear friends."

They all kissed her and Merry asked her, "Give our best wishes to Frodo, won't you?" She agreed.

Then Faramir, Frodo, and Goldie all embraced her at once, as Frodo told her, "You are going to be a great and mighty ruler. We will never forget you."

She told them, "Nor shall I forget any of you."

Then Legolas and Gimli came to her. Her uncle bid her farewell, saying, "I love you, my little Lassie."

"I love you too, my beloved uncle."

Legolas helped her to her feet and said, "May your ways be filled with joy, not the sorrow you feel now."

"Diola lle, Legolas."

Rosie jumped up into Arwen's arms and they embraced a long time. With tears in her eyes, Rosie handed her a handkerchief with beautiful designs sown in the corners. There was one corner that read "Faithful Friends Forever Be." Rosie held out her other hand to show that she had made another for herself. They knew they would cherish this last token of their friendship until they were reunited. They held each other tightly once more and Arwen whispered, "I've been forever changed because I knew you."

"Me too, Arwen. Me too. I love you, my friend."

"And I you, Rosie."

Then Arwen kissed the twins goodbye. This was very hard for her to do, knowing she would not get to see them grow up. She tried to take comfort in knowing they would be well-raised by Eldarion and his sisters.

Esmerelda ran to embrace her mother. She cried as Arwen picked her up.

"I will miss you so much, Mama!"

"We will be together again, my child, and I love you with all my heart, no matter how far apart we are. I hope you never forget that. Promise me you won't forget."