Arien, Lady of Rivendell

A grand birthday

500 years to the day had passed since the birth of the fourth child of Rivendell. Arien awoke to the sound of birds twittering outside her room. Her long wavy brown hair splayed out on the pillow around her. She smiled widely as she realised the day. It was her birthday, and her green eyes gleamed with excitement as she leapt out of bed and dressed. She donned a beautiful velvet green dress to match her eyes and braided her hair up away from her face. She threaded it with freshly picked flowers a maid had placed in her room and she turned to a knock at the door.
"Who is it?" She called and the familiar voice of Lindir replied.
"It is Lindir my lady." Arien grinned. She had grown good friends with the elf Lord over the years and her heart and even begun to desire more of his attention. She swung it open and leapt into his arms for a hug. Lindir chuckled and put her down.
"Happy birthday Arien." He said laughing and from behind his back produced a small black box.
"You shouldn't have." She said shocked and gently took it from him.
"It is your 500th year, it cannot be passed uncelebrated." He replied and she slowly opened it. Inside lay a beautiful golden brooch. Its golden vines were twisted encircling a flower of green gems.
"I love it." She replied excitedly and attached it to her dress.
"Your father wishes to see you." He said and together they walked to elronds study chattering to one another along the way. The door opened and Lindir bid her farewell. She felt a slight pang as he left but she headed through the door.

"Arien." Called her father as she walked towards him. He smiled at her approach and hugged her briefly.
"I do believe it is your birthday." He said and she nodded.
"Perhaps now you will permit me to explore the world alone, for I have grown tired of being emprisoned in these walls no matter how beautiful they are." She pressed eagerly.
Elrond sighed and shook his head.
"I am well aware that it has been your wish for many years to explore the lands beyond our borders. I will admit there is little more I can teach you from within my study. The rest you must find out for yourself." He turned and walked over to a table and from within a draw pulled out a parcel wrapped in cloth.
"Though if you wish to see the world for yourself I believe you will require protection." He continued and handed it to her. She slowly unfolded the cloth and gasped as within lay two identical daggers of pure gold. She drew one and raised it up into the light. Upon it was the engravings of leafy vines winding up from the hilt.
"They are beautiful." She said in awe and her father smiled.
"They were forged in Menegroth by your ancestors, they were the weapons of the great queen. One of the maiar. I thought they would be fitting for the daughter of the earth." He informed Arien as she twisted them gazing at the emerald studded hilt.

Soft footsteps echoed through the space as Celebrían gracefully made her way down the staircase at the other end of the room.
"I see you have gotten your fathers gift." She said and Arien turned to smile at her mother. Her smile faltered slightly as she saw what she was wearing.
"Where are you headed mother?" She asked as she gazed at the elf queens attire. Celebrían was dressed in her travelling outfit, a cloak draped over her shoulders and her boots fit for riding. Celebrían put a hand on her daughters shoulder as she arrived beside them.
"Do not fear, for I will be back before the evenings celebration. I cannot tell you why I go, but know only that it shall be a surprise." Arien frowned curious of her mothers words but said no more. The queen then quickly departed as they both gazed after her.
"Go, enjoy your day and prepared for the feast tonight. Your mother will return have no fear." Elrond comforted and Arien took her new blades and decided to get some practice.