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

Chapter 26 - Now and Forevermore

After he reigned over his people for ten years, King Eldarion knew the time had come for him to leave Middle-earth. On June 20 of the year 1551, after giving the job of caring for the throne to Belthil and Aldamir (and their descendants), he set out for the Grey Havens, having not seen his bride for almost a hundred years. On September 15, Eldarion sailed from the Grey Havens, taking with him all the hope he had in his heart of being reunited with his queen and his family.

His arrival was greatly anticipated. A great number gathered at the Bay of Eldamar to greet him. As the sails appeared in the distance, everyone was overjoyed. The ship bearing the lone passenger pulled up to the dock and as he stepped off the ship, all went still. Even the winds of the sea quieted at that moment.

Queen Arwen and King Eldarion finally met each other's gaze. When their eyes finally met, a gleam began to shine that never died. They ran a great distance to embrace each other. She jumped into his arms with great joy in her heart. He picked her up and spun her around, and they both laughed joyously. When they did, all those present began to cheer thunderously. They looked at each other to see they had not changed in their time apart and their love endured the great distance and the great length of time they were separated. Eldarion now knew the hope and peace they had died for, and they were now more precious to each other than they had ever been before. They were overjoyed beyond words to be in each other's embrace.

"Nae saian lumme, A'maelamin'" he said, as he continued to embraced his wife.

"Cormamin lindua ele lle," she replied, "Elen sila lumen omentilmo."

Eldarion brought her forehead to his and it seemed everything around them faded away for a moment. Then, Paladin and Hanna May joined them in the embrace, so happy to be together. Esmerelda shortly followed. They were so overjoyed to be together as a family after all these long years. Eldarion and Arwen wrapped their arms around their beautiful children, knowing they were a family united in love.

Then Frodo tapped Eldarion on the shoulder and they laughed as they embraced each other, knowing they shared a great love for Arwen and their children. Eventually, all the royal family along with all their companions shared their great embrace of joy, knowing they would be in this great fellowship much longer than they had been in any other. They felt the presence of those that had passed on, knowing they shared in their love as well and that even in their eternal rest, they also knew this peace.

In the middle of this great embrace, the king kissed his queen for the first time in years, with unexplainable joy in their hearts. The applause continued as this moment unfolded before the presence of many witnesses who shared their joy. The day the king reclaimed his bride was unforgettable for their family, and to all those who were present to witness it.

~

Eldarion moved into the house with his wife, adjourned to the house of their children and grandchildren, becoming a part of the great fellowship that was now complete. They now all looked forward to an eternity of peace and unity with each other, one that was possible because of the great sacrifice of King Eldarion and his queen, Arwen Belthil.

A few days later, Arwen took Eldarion back to the Bay at Eldamar to spend some time alone together. They walked along the white shores of the bay, with sand much more beautiful than the sand in Middle-earth could ever be. It was not hot to touch, nor was it cold. Neither was the water hot or cold as it splashed on their feet. They walked up and down the shoreline all day, hand in hand, enjoying each other's company. They laughed in a way they had not laughed since they had last been together. It was wonderful to have such joy return to their souls.

After many hours, close to evening, they sat in the sand and Eldarion told Arwen about the events surrounding the deaths of their beloved companions.

"Merry and Pippin were full of energy and humor even until their last days. They lived with us in the White City for the last two years of their lives, having left their families to be with their beloved king once more. After about two years, Merry fell ill and declined in health very quickly. Pippin was the last one with him when he passed on. He told me Merry's last words to him were, 'I knew you would look after me.'