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

Chapter 25 - As the Years Passed

Many happy years passed during Arwen's reign, but on Mid-year's day in the year 1482 of the Fourth Age (in Shire Reckoning), Arwen came home for afternoon tea to tell Frodo some very sad news.

"Rose Gamgee passed away?" Frodo asked.

"I'm afraid so," Arwen replied.

"Sam must be heart-broken," Frodo said softly.

"She lived a long, full life. Sam had been expecting it for quite some time and has his children and grandchildren to comfort him. He is beginning to make his plans to come over Sea with Rosie. They are also bringing Esmerelda, Paladin, and Hanna May."

"My grandchildren!" Frodo exclaimed, "I remember when I thought I would never have children of my own. This is most wonderful! Is Eldarion coming?"

"I'm afraid not. At least not yet. According to the prophecy, he must wait until his father's death, be crowned King of Gondor, and reign over his people for ten years before he will pass over Sea."

"Strider? Die?" he exclaimed in disbelief, "When?"

"Not for many more years." She paused and looked out the window of their house, then continued, "If I had a choice, King Elessar would have no end, but I cannot change what has already been written."

"Does it bother you to do everything by the prophecy?"

Arwen looked back at her Ada, came over to his armchair, and knelt next to him.

"I know if I follow this prophecy to the letter, there shall come a day when all suffering shall forever cease and all shall share in the hope and peace we now know. That alone was something worth dying for. And yet again, I cannot change what has already been written. Your destiny was also governed by this same prophecy; you just did not know it."

Frodo smiled at his daughter, grabbed her hand, and told her, "There could not be a father more proud of his daughter than I am of you. You never give a second thought to your desires when it comes to someone else. You even faced death itself, all for the sake of others."

"I learned it from you, Ada."

"How did you learn that from me?"

"Sam said you once told him, 'It must often be so when things are in danger. Someone must give them up and lose them so that others may keep them.' It was when I understood what that meant that I was able to lay down my life."

Frodo smiled and said, "You have a great memory and a beautiful heart. I could not be more proud of you, Arwen. I love you, my child." They embraced as Frodo kissed his daughter.

"I love you too Ada."

"And I want you to know that Mama would have been proud of you too. You remind me more of my Mira every day."

Arwen's smile grew bigger and brighter.

~

On September 29th of that year, Samwise, Rosie, Esmerelda, Paladin, and Hanna May set out from the Grey Havens and passed over Sea. The next day, Arwen and Frodo went together to meet them at the harbor. They saw the sails on the horizon and all those aboard the ship were filled with excitement.

Arwen heard, "Mama! It's you!" from the girls on the deck. The children ran to embrace their mother at long last. Arwen embraced and kissed them like she had wanted to do for years. The children embraced and kissed their mother in a way that contained the love they had cherished for her in their hearts over the years.

They turned out to be fully-distinguished people and very handsome. Her son Paladin had grown up to look much like his father and had a personality to match it. Hanna May looked much like her mother, with her mother's determination and loyalty to those she loved. Esmerelda had grown to be quiet beautiful as well, with her eyes as bright and green as ever, and a fiery personality to go with her fiery red hair. Arwen was so overjoyed to be with them in person.