For The Love Of An Elf

Welcome all, to my first Lord of The Rings fanfic. There will be some inconsistencies to the book/film, but please dont hesistate to point things out to me. Read, review, and as always, enjoy!!

Chapter 1

“Aragorn, the hall is filling, guests from wall to wall, you really should go and greet your people.” The soothing voice washed over him but he didn’t respond.

“What troubles you?” She asked as he looked up at her, eyes filled with apprehension.

“Am I a worthy King?” He whispered. Arwen looked stunned.

“How could you every question that? You are the most worthy King, Gondor has ever seen. Your people will follow you to the ends of the Earth, they have done.” She knelt down and lifted his chin, staring deep into his eyes.

“But how can they, how could the word of one man lead so many people to death?”

“The men that fought in the great war of the ring fought for their freedom, they fought for their homes, families, for their lives. You didn’t lead anyone to his or her deaths. Sauron did that. You saved Middle Earth, you, and the Fellowship did, and that my love is what makes you a King of people.” Seeing his eyes still heavy Arwen pulled him near her.

“I do not know where this worry and strain has come from but let me assure you, Aragorn, you possess courage, strength, wisdom, pride, you have the will and nature to lead people, you have a good heart and a strong mind. You are the very definition of King. Make no mistake. And there are hundreds of people in the great hall who are waiting to celebrate.” As she spoke, Aragorns eyes lightened. He himself didn’t know where this sudden need to question him came from, but it ebbed away as his true love spoke to him so gently.

“You know I’m not one for big parties.”

“Yes you are, you just pretend your not. And there are some Hobbits waiting for you who would love to show you how much fun parties can be.” Aragorn grinned. Arwen made to stand up but Aragorn caught her arms and eased her back down.

“You are incredible. I’ll never cease to be amazed by you, your beauty, your knowledge, your ability to appease any worry I have. I don’t kwhatwhat I have done to deserve you.” He kissed her softly.

“That’s another long story, and I really think we could end up missing the party if we open that book. But I hope I can gain your forgivenessr I r I have a confession.” She looked down at her feet and Aragorn immediately became worried.

“What is it?”

Tentatively Arwen told him, “I have been doing some searching. I found that there was someone living very close that you knew a long time ago. They were right here the whole time, and you never knew. Please, do not be angry, but I have invited them to the celebration.”

“Who is it?”

“Arathea” Aragorn looked at her in awe.

“Arathea died.”

“No, no she didn’t.”

“Yes she did. My father informed me before I left and became a ranger. Arathea was displaced too, for refusing to marry a suitor my father picked for her. She left two years before I did and I never saw her again. My father told me she had been killed.”

“She hadn’t. It was a lie. I am sorry I shouldn’t have got involved. But I was curious, and I searched the death registers for her name, and it wasn't there. She never died. She has lived in Gondor since her displacement. I have met her Aragorn.”

He stood up.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I feared that if she was a hoax then it would be cruel to present her to you. She has remained anonymous for dread that you would reject her, believing her dead. It is your sister there is no doubt. If you wish me to send her away then I will, but she wants to see you.”

“No, don’t send her. I will meet her.”

“The man she married fought in the great war. Fought and died. She now lives with her children. Are you angry with me?”

“No. I’m just so stunned, I’ve believed for so long that Arathea died. And now she is here, alive, and well. This is unbelievable.”

“The unbelievable part is the resemblance that she bears to you. I never thought I would meet anyone with such beautiful, piercing green eyes but she has them. I couldn’t help but weep when I met her.”

#####

When they reached the great hall the noise washed over them like a tidal wave. The noise, the atmosphere, the smell of merriment and excitement that protruded from the room. Hand in hand they walked around the room, greeting people, watching the festivities.

In one corner of the room were stacks of barrels, filled with the finest ale. Long tables were dressed with the most scrumptious of foods from every corner of the Earth. Men, Elves, Dwarves, Hobbits, all manner of life came together to celebrate a victory they all shared. For it had been exactly one year since the final battle, since Frodo had rid the world of the ring of power, since good had finally triumphed over evil. So many had died, men, women and children, so many of them that should now be celebrating. But it w fac fact that everyone had come to terms with.

As he gazed around the room Aragorn could see many familiar faces. He saw Eomer, and his fellow horse masters. He could see Eowyn and Faramir who had recently been married in the Rohan kingdom. His heart jolted for Boromir, who had fallen two years ago. Everyone looked so happy and carefree that he didn’t dwell for long, and sought out some even more familiar faces.

His heart throbbing with anticipation Aragorn spotted the long blond mane of perhaps his closest companion. He was surrounded by his kin but instantly recognisable.

“Legolas” He tapped his shoulder and the Elf turned. Blue eyes met green and they embraced in a brotherly hug.

“Aragorn, brother, decided to show your face? I was expecting to see you hiding away in a corner somewhere.”

“Give it time.” Aragorn greeted the company of elves surrounding Legolas and spotted some sort of ruckus just to their left. Brow furrowing he and Legolas went to see what was happening. Arwen nodded to them encouragingly and continued her conversation with a female Elf.

The ruckus was Merry and Pippin, who had shoved all the food from one part of the long table up towards the wall, clearing a small space, and were performing some sort of Hobbit folk dance. Samwise sat perched on the corner of the table, playing a long, wind instrument, tapping his big, hairy feet to create a beat. Other Hobbits and Men stood crowded round, some clapping and encouraging the hobbits, some looking embarrassed and frankly quite ashamed that these two devils were causing a scene in the king of Gondors own home. Aragorn caught Legolas’ eye and winked. They leaned forward and in a flurry of waving arms and legs had hoisted the two Hobbits over their shoulders. Merry was thrashing around as Aragorn tickled him mercilessly, Pippin actually pulled Legolas’ hair in an attempt to unsettle him.

“That was uncalled for little one!” Legolas shouted.

“Haha, I’ll pull your back hair if you don’t drop me Elf” He dangled Pippin over his back and then dropped him to the floor in a muddled heap, Merry joined him soon after. Samwise was stood on the table, holding his stomach and crying with laughter.

“I do not have back hair Pippin.” Legolas chided. Aragorn burst into laughter at them and stood the Hobbits up by their shoulders. The both straightened themselves out, and began dusting themselves off with fake disdain.

“So uncivilised, these creatures, don’t you agree Merry” Pippin said.

“Hobbits would know about that wouldn’t they” Came a gruff voice from behind the hobbits.

“Gandalf!!” Everyone greeted and hugged the Wizard who smiled and took the attention with gracious dignity. A small figure next to him kept quiet and wasn't noticed at first.

“Frodo!” The Hobbits threw themselves at him while the rest of the group crowded around and greeted their saviour in a more dignified fashion, which suited the hobbit fine. He was no longer the spirited childlike Hobbit he had been; he had aged in his heart, quite understandably.

They were joined by Gimli soon after, which prompted more hellos and Dwarf belittling jokes from Legolas. All of which came back thick and fast from Gimli. This was of course all in good humour and the two embraced soon after. Aragorn felt Arwen behind him, her eyes on him and turned to acknowledge her. She nodded to him and he came to her.

“She is waiting in the entrance hall. Would you like me to come?”

“No, I will be fine.” He was definitely not as confident as he tried to sound.

#####

“Harathor, don’t wander.” The young boy scuttled back to his mother.

“Mother this painting, it is the Fellowship is it not?”

“Yes, I believe it is.” The woman moved and stood next to her daughter who was enraptured by the enormous painting that hung in the entrance hall. Aragorn stepped lightly down the stairs and waited at the bottom. He was too afraid to even speak. The young boy noticed him however and wasn't so shy.

“Hello sir, do you know if that is the painting of the Fellowship?” Arathea spun round, her eyes locked onto Aragorn and filled with tears immediately. Aragorn smiled,

“Yes indeed it is young man.”

Arathea approached him and he stepped ever so slightly closer. She came right up close and he took her face into his hands. Suspension clung in the air as neither moved for what seemed like an eternity. Then finally, as a tear rolled down his cheek, Aragorn threw his arms around his sister. Harathor looked at his sister, who just shook her head.

“I thought you were dead Arathea. Why haven’t you come to me?”

“Forgive me, I was too afraid. I know how cowardly I was, but I couldn’t bear to become a burden to you.” He shook his head at her.

“There is nothing to forgive, and you are not cowardly…. I can’t believe it is you. And you have children.” Arathea let go of her brother and turned to beckon to her children. They both came forward, still very confused and nervous.

“Children, this is Aragorn.”

“I know mother. This is the King.” Harathor piped up, bowing deeply. The girl looked from Aragorn to her mother, silently speculating. Her mother looked at her and confirmed what she was suspecting.

“Aragorn is my brother. Your uncle.” Harathor grunted in shock. His sister just gazed at her uncle, then to her mother again.

“You have the same eyes.”

“Yes apparently we do. May I ask your name young lady?” The girl suddenly remembered herself and curtseyed.

“Theo.”

“I wonder if you are aware that you also have the same eyes as your mother and I.”

She smiled a small reserved smile. Harathor shifted on the spot hoping to garner some attention.

“And you sir, what am I to call you?”

“Harathor sir, after my father. His name was Harathor too you see.”

“Really? A strapping name for a strapping lad.”

The family looked at each other awe still present in all eyes. Aragorn looked at his family, the only blood relations he had. His sister was shorter than him, she was five years older, but always had been smaller. Her brown hair was speckled with grey and hung long down her back, fastened in a plait. Her dress was deep bottle green and matched her eyes. Harathor was small and also brunette; Aragorn guessed he was probably about 10 years old. He had his father eyes presumably, large and grey. He looked like a small prince, his clothes were very regal, and he had clearly made an effort and enjoyed being dressed so fancy. The same couldn’t be said for his sister though. Around 20 years old, she carried herself confidently and had some sort of athletic air about her. Her hair tumbled across her small shoulders and down her back in ringlets and a coronet on the top of her head was adorned with white flowers that complimented her blue dress. However the way she constantly tugged at the dress and threw dirty looks at it screamed that she would rather be wearing a potato sack than a dress.

“Harathor is 11 years old, and Theo is three months from 20. My husband Harathor passed away in the Great War. He fought for Gondor and was killed at Minas Tirith.”

“I am very sorry.” Aragorn took hold of his sister’s hands, seeing her become emotional. She smiled sadly and shook her head.

“He died for a good cause, do not be sorry.” Aragorn nodded, feeling guilty again for another precious life lost.

“Well, brother, where is this big celebration?”
“I will show you. We need to get reacquainted. I want to show Gondor my sister.” He laughed. He noticed Theo glancing at the painting. Winking, he said,

“The fellowship is here Theo, fortunately more life like than the painting, unfortunately much more difficult to control.” He thought about the Hobbits.

#####

Aragorn stayed close to Arathea, introducing her to everyone. She and Arwen embraced and Arwen complimented her on making Theo wear a dress. Apparently this had been one of Arathea’s biggest worries when Arwen invited her to the celebration. Theo herself drank in the sights around her. Everyone was so different, so colourful, everyone was happy. Her mother was especially happy, something she hadn’t been since her father had died. Someone tapped her hand and she looked down.

“Miss, would you like to dance?” Merry asked. Pippin budged him out of the way.

“Or you could dance with me?”

“She was going to dance with me, wait your turn Pippin!” Theo smiled at them; in the middle of the floor the guests were dancing in small circles, spinning each other around. Theo took hold of their hands.

“We can all dance.” She led them to the middle of the room. Much laughter and dancing later and she felt quite dizzy. As she pleaded with the Hobbits to slow down a little, from the corner of her eyes she saw someone watching her. His eyes burned into her, the intensity of his presence making her skin prickle, even as she span past him. She recognised him straight away he was from the painting. Slowly she and the Hobbits worked their way to the other side of the room. Pippin poured large goblets of mead and passed one to Theo. She sipped at it delicately.

“Who is the Elf in the painting?”

“What painting?” Merry asked.

“The painting in the entrance hall, of the Fellowship. You two are in it aren’t you?”

“Oh that. Yes we are. Don’t you think Pippin looks cross eyed in it?” Merry laughed and did an impression. Pippin tried to hit him but missed.

“I do not Merry, and your nose is bigger so I shouldn’t laugh if I was you. Miss, the Elf is Legolas, he’s just over there.” Legolas was close by, getting nearer. Theo had been laughing at Merrys impression she hadn’t noticed.

#####

He had noticed her as soon as she entered. Her beauty, her presence. He could feel the way her spirit danced from where he stood. His senses tingled as she glanced in his direction. When Merry and Pippin hauled her off to dance, he followed. Legolas had been struck dumb by the way she smiled and laughed as they span her round. Her hair flew out from her head in the draught. He surprised himself at the way he stared. Finally coming out of his reverie he decided to speak to her. He saw the way her eyes lit up as he approached.

“Pippin, Merry, I believe you are wanted over there for some sort of pint a minute contest.” Merry and Pippin dashed off. Theo stood up and began to bow.

“No need for that.” He held out his hand and she took it. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it softly. Theo found herself at a loss for words. She stared at the creature in front of her breathlessly. A fact that didn’t go unnoticed by Legolas.

“I am Legolas. May I have the pleasure of your name?”

Theo stuttered but finally managed to say her name,

“Theo. Its nice to meet you Legolas”

“The pleasure is mine Lady Theo” An awkward moment descended. Theo had looked down and noticed that Legolas hadn’t let go of her hand; she wasn't sure what to say, so she broke the silence with something irrelevant.

“I saw you in the painting, of the Fellowship, you are dressed very differently, but still instantly recognisable.” As she spoke she coolly slipped her hand from his and placed it down at her side.

“As you can imagine, Aragorn had quite a job getting everyone to stand still, the Hobbits in particular.”

“That doesn’t surprise me at all, I don’t think I’ve ever met such comical characters as Merry and Pippin. Its hard to believe that they were so involved in the war of the ring, its humbling to think of them, and the rest of you as being responsible for our freedom.”

“Humbling isn’t quite the effect I hoped to have.” Legolas smiled, Theo raised an eyebrow but didn’t succumb to his flirting.

“And we are supposed to be celebrating, are we not, my cup is worryingly empty. You can tell me about yourself”

“I will, if you tell me why you keep pulling at your dress, you’ve done it about three time in the last minute.”

Theo looked dumbstruck, and then a small smile crept across her face.

“I don’t like wearing dresses.” She half mumbled, Legolas laughed. It was a spirited laugh that made the hairs on the back of Theo’s neck arise.

“Understandable. What would you prefer to wear? And by the way, Elves have excellent hearing.”

Theo scrunched up her nose at him,

“I prefer something less fussy and restrictive than a dress, like my riding clothes. I don’t find dresses comfortable.” Legolas nodded in comprehension.

“To be honest neither do I” He gestured down at himself. What he was wearing wasn't strictly a dress. It was a long pale blue tunic, which reached his knees, his trousers were just visible underneath, tucked into long boots. She wasn't ready to tell him, but he looked breathtaking. Someone tapped her on the shoulder; it was Aragorn.

“I hope I’m not interrupting, Theo, May I have this dance?”

“Of course uncle,” She smiled and let herself be lead away. Legolas stood and contemplated this girl he had just met. Aragorns niece?

He continued to watch her as she danced, her ringlets bounced up and down as she turned. The smile on her face as Aragorn stepped on her foot accidentally made him smile himself.

Every now and then she would catch his eye, and smile at him, he would do it back until another Elf came over to him and engaged in a conversation. By this time, a lot more guests had joined in the dance and his sightline was blocked.

When the dance ended Aragorn and Theo bowed to each other, and he led her to where her mother and Arwen were standing and clapping. Arathea had a look of surprise on her face.

“That is more grace than I am used to Theo, Aragorn we counted four times that you stood on your partners foot.” She and Arwen laughed hysterically, Aragorn winked at Theo.

Soon after she was frogmarched back to the middle of the floor by Merry, who was adamant that he was going to get another dance from her, then later Pippin came along and she danced with him too. Afterwards she couldn’t see Legolas so she decided to mill around. This became tedious, and she decided she wanted to go wandering. Discreetly she slipped out of the large door and started roaming around the building. Unbeknownst to her she was followed.